Is it a proper question to ask...

[BBBluey]

How much did you pay for it?

I love going to car shows. I don't believe I have ever asked someone how much they paid for their car or how much they have in it, I can usually ball park it or the owner will openly just talk about it. In either case, I know it's something I can't afford, Lol. I have asked how much they paid for a certain part or labor and where they got it, but never flat out how much they paid for a car...unless there is a for sale sign on it, and the conversation goes from there.

I understand the question coming from spectators in the sense that they're not owners of a classic, they just enjoy walking around and looking and they're simply curious. But when it comes from participants and just other car guys who have a lifetime/years in this hobby, I'm not sure what to think about it. It's not something I would do. When I get asked questions about the car, I make clear that I bought the car done and I did not build it. When I hear the same from other owners, I just congratulate them on a beauty of a car.

I have a pretty nice 70 Nova that gets lot's of attention and I hear tons of stories but nobody has ever asked me how much I paid for it, they just talk about the car.

I also have a 71 Firebird. The car draws people in...it just won a car show. Every time I take it out, I get hit with the question "How much did you pay for it?" I don't mind when people ask if I'm willing to sell it, that actually makes me smile a bit cuz it lets me know they like it.

So, am I giving it too much attention, is that actually a common question the prettier the car is, or is it kind of rude?