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

[ironworks]

Originally Posted by camcojb

I think there's a market for a quality car that's safe, sorted out, and fun to drive that isn't $100K+. The biggest problem is duplicating that price point when all the donor cars will have completely different needs to get them to that point.

Rust and parts availability will be the biggest hurdles.

[camcojb]

Originally Posted by ironworks

Rust and parts availability will be the biggest hurdles.

Exactly. I was thinking of this years ago, but couldn't figure out how to deal with the pricing, when the starting point can (and will) be so different.

[dhutton]

When I used to be on the Corvette forum regularly I noticed that there were guys building and selling high dollar C1 and C2 restomod cars. New frames, LS engines, nice leather interiors and they could sell for quite good money. There seems to be a decent sized pool of buyers for these cars. Might be something worth researching.

Don

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Originally Posted by dhutton

When I used to be on the Corvette forum regularly I noticed that there were guys building and selling high dollar C1 and C2 restomod cars. New frames, LS engines, nice leather interiors and they could sell for quite good money. There seems to be a decent sized pool of buyers for these cars. Might be something worth researching.

Don

Yep, depends on your core clients and demand. The over seas market has been big. But who knows when the big bubble will hit again and demand drops.

Since oil and fuel prices has dropped I have noticed an increase is classic car interest. From 10 calls to 25-30 calls a day since August.

[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

[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??



E

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.

[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.