Discussion about the actual resale value of a Pro-touring car

[Vince@Meanstreets]

If it were a 69 Camaro it would have been gone along time ago. Have to move what sells and is in demand.

[Rick D]

Im with Vince on this one, even if it was a 70-73 it would most likely bring the number your asking. Not trying to offened you but it is a "78 Camaro". Theres a ton out there for nothing, yes their junk so thats why people think yours is only worth 8K because it's nice.

I get what you are saying about the parts and I agree most dont get what it cost to build these cars just in parts. They look a ebay and see an LS with 6sp for
4-5K and dont have a clue that you need a couple more grand to make it run in an old car.

I do agree that trying to build "Pro-Touring" cars to make money is not the best idea, i think building more main stream Hot Rods would go over much better? First Gen Camaros for sure but more restomods or just hotrod then our stuff??



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Originally Posted by badazz81z28

You simply can't make money building PT cars and selling them. The labor and parts always exceeds the cars value. The uneducated always see the outside and don't consider what these cars actually cost.

I'm trying to sell my 1978 Camaro, Highly modded LS engine, Modded TKO, Moser rear, Hotchkis suspension etc..etc. Basically everything short of a new frame and a 4 link. I would say with parts and labor over the years, easy exceeds $25K with me doing most of the work. I have been asking $18K and someone offered me $8K stating "its just a 78 Camaro" they are not worth much.

I can yank the engine the transmission out right now and get close to $8K for it. The uneducated doesn't see a $10K drivetrain, a $2000 rear end, $2000 suspension, $1500 FI fuel tank, and the $1500 new interior. Your buying the parts and basically getting a free car! I really think that's how most people see these cars and that's what makes them tough to sell at reasonable prices.

Try finding a 11 sec Camaro that gets 20mpg with an interior and handles the corner for $8K

Originally Posted by Vince@MSperfab

If it were a 69 Camaro it would have been gone along time ago. Have to move what sells and is in demand.

[rustomatic]

This is an interesting topic. The reality is that nobody, informed or not, even wants to look under a car, regardless of what they pretend to find "interesting."

As an example, while I avoid car shows like the plague (they piss me off, as they're potential, not kinetic), the occasional one I do attend will almost never include someone other than myself who looks under cars. Same goes for the autocrosses and track days I've been to. You've got tons of great performing cars (most of which also look pretty cool), and people who think they're great, but does their curiosity ever extend to seeing what the hell is making it work? Nope.

What sells is paint. Open the hood and show somebody a fuel injection; it does not matter if it's an LS or a TPI from an IROC. Put some PT-style wheels on, and you're golden.

[badazz81z28]

Originally Posted by Vince@MSperfab

If it were a 69 Camaro it would have been gone along time ago. Have to move what sells and is in demand.

That's mostly the reason why the LS is going in my 70, and the rest will be parted out. I can make some reasonable money that way. A 1970-73 Camaro in the condition of my 78 I feel could sell easily for $30K, but I guess in another 20 years, it might be there.


BTW, I really like the 1st gens, but I will never own one because they are just so common.

[Build-It-Break-it]

BTW, I really like the 1st gens, but I will never own one because they are just so common.

I don't think most people don't fix up a 1st Gen because they're "common" I think it's more there price. It's an iconic car just like an early mustang. To buy a first Gen camaro in poor condition is still going to eat up a lot of most people's budget. It's easier to find a less desirable car and fix up and put money into go fast parts.

But the downside to that is you have a less desirable car with expensive parts that's less likely to sell,case in point the 78 camaro with 18k in parts in post 32.

For 18-25k I'd rather find my own 78 Camaro if that's what I really wanted and put my own twist on it and not buy someone else vision. Less desirable build/car = loose money on the build or keep it.

[badazz81z28]

Originally Posted by Build-It-Break-it

I don't think most people don't fix up a 1st Gen because they're "common" I think it's more there price. It's an iconic car just like an early mustang. To buy a first Gen camaro in poor condition is still going to eat up a lot of most people's budget. It's easier to find a less desirable car and fix up and put money into go fast parts.

But the downside to that is you have a less desirable car with expensive parts that's less likely to sell,case in point the 78 camaro with 18k in parts in post 32.

For 18-25k I'd rather find my own 78 Camaro if that's what I really wanted and put my own twist on it and not buy someone else vision. Less desirable build/car = loose money on the build or keep it.

No, that's why I don't want one. People like certain cars for their own reasons.

A car built with my vision is no different than any other car. That's why I bought my '70 totally stock versus one already done.

[CamaroMike]

Originally Posted by badazz81z28

BTW, I really like the 1st gens, but I will never own one because they are just so common.

I have only seen one on the street in the past year

[CamaroMike]

When I was in the market for my 69 and 78 I just wanted something that didnt need paint work or extensive metal. They need metal here and there but its in places that I wont have to repaint the exterior and I can do myself. Pretty much start with a solid stock car, I can spend my time and money doing fun stuff like engine, suspension, brakes.

In the long run it might cost a little more doing it my way but I can use the exact parts I want instead of buying someone else's car.

Its all about what someone is willing to pay. I have seen amazing deals sit for months because they were a weird color or something.

[badazz81z28]

Originally Posted by CamaroMike

I have only seen one on the street in the past year

Mike, When was the last time you saw a 1978 Camaro on the road (that wasn't yours). I live in So Cal, and I have only seen a couple in 3 years I have been there. BUT, when I go to the car shows in particular recently Hot August nights, tons and tons of 67-69 Camaros. Literally ZERO 1974-81 Camaros and only 5 or so 70-73s and I was there all week.

[Tom.A]

In my opinion 45-60K first gen Camaro would be a good seller. Most people don't understand 14" rotors or adjustable shocks much less ever drive the car to that level. Some at this site here understand the value but if they are here chances are they are building something already. Many of us can buy the $1500 part here or there over years..others here can just write a check.
You want the 50 something guy returning to his glory days with extra who needs instant gratification.

1) Decent paint,
2) Nice wheels with correct stance
3) mini tub is worth it imo. They just look way cooler. Sorry but a 275 on a Camaro in back just is not as cool as a 315/335 set up.
4) Nice thumping cam is likely a good choice also.

I still think many would sell in the above range even with old school SBC with EFI.

Badazz28, I am in Southern Ca. also and I think the smog laws are why you don't see that era of Camaro on the road. It is just a hassle and no one wants to stick with 170 HP V8 came with.

Rodger,

I agree I have also seen some good deals out there but we must remember many are slapped together turn and burn cars.

One thing I know is that if I would have put the same amount of time/money that I put into my chevelle into a first gen Camaro I could sell it for far more $$. Building a PT car will pigeon hole you. My car is fully caged no a/c or heater. No radio and frankly not ideal cruiser for those reasons. It is LS3 powered and I could drive it anywhere and trust it but it is not relaxing. I could change it back but why don't you buy it and work your quick magic since I have little time for it.
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