The new found popularity of 2nd-gen F-Bodies...

[TreySmith]

I love mine, 80 Special Edition for $2500..

[lawbreaker2]

I have a 80 t/a pace car and a Lucy blue 70 t/a and love them both. And I only paid $1,500 for my 70, but that was back in 87'

[NOT A TA]

Originally Posted by CamaroPat

What do you guys think of the explosion in popularity that 2nd-gen (1970-81) Camaros and Firebirds are currently experiencing? Will they become common and run of the mill like 1st-gen Camaros? Will this spike in demand drive the price higher than is justified? Is increased popularity of any car still beneficial for our hobby and this industry in general? What do you guys think?

I think that what occurs to some degree is that the cars highschoolers lusted after become popular cars to restore/restify/hot rod. This happens when those highschoolers get to the age where they have the disposable income and time to play with them. Of course there's always older and younger folks who like the particular body styles and get involved but the majority of the cars are being done by the age group that wanted them (or had them) in high school.

The 2nd gen F body platform was probably the most desireable (realisticly affordable) performance car for highschoolers during the 70's and early 80's because of the shear volume of cars produced and the affordability of used cars. Sure there were 442s, GTO's, Aspen RT's,Turbo Regals etc but there were just soooo many F bodys available they were the common choice.

Now that the age bracket of highschoolers who had or wanted a 2nd gen F body is entering (or in) their time of life where they have the time and disposable income the 2nd gens are becoming popular rebuild platforms. If my theory holds true G bodies 78 and up then fox body Mustangs and 3rd gen F bodies will start to go up in value in a few years as highschoolers that wanted them enters the rebuilder age.

When I was in high school (graduated 76) I had a red 68 Camaro and parked in a parking lot filled with 1st gens. There was also a 2nd gen parking lot filled with them. I now own a red 67 Camaro RS SS Conv. and a 70 Firebird TA clone. I guess I fit right into my theory! AHAHAHA

The increased demand as 2nd gens are rebuilt will no doubt raise the entry fee. Even cars that would have been junked 10 years ago will be sold for parts. The good side is that there's more aftermarket support which is beneficial. Now look at all the cool goodies and reproduction parts for 2nd gens on the market compared with 15 years ago! It's also good for the hobby because it keeps the vendors going otherwise once an age group rebuilt the cars they desired everyone would be done.

[70rs]

I agree with you John. (by the way, how the heck are you?)
My HS parking lot was FULL of second gen camaros and firebirds. As well as early mustangs and pintostangs. Most of the people I still stay in touch with from back then all have a favorite story that involves those cars. (Dukes of Hazzard jumps over rail road tracks in a 79 rally sport, NOT A GOOD IDEA)

The cost to buy back then was dirt and they were everywhere you looked. Now those same people have a little more cash to work with and want to re live those times. Now they can build them how they want, back then they didn't have the money. So as demand goes up and supply goes down the prices start to rise. I could have bought a PERFECT '70 rs with a monster motor back then for what I paid for the "project" I have now.

[BonzoHansen]

Originally Posted by NOT A TA

I think that what occurs to some degree is that the cars highschoolers lusted after become popular cars to restore/restify/hot rod. This happens when those highschoolers get to the age where they have the disposable income and time to play with them. Of course there's always older and younger folks who like the particular body styles and get involved but the majority of the cars are being done by the age group that wanted them (or had them) in high school.

The price of nice 3rd gens is going up and I feel this is exactly why.

I had a 2nd gen & a 3rd gen in HS....

[TreySmith]

I think it is funny because I have a 80, and I am in high school! Soon to be a Junior.

The reason it is funny is because I was getting gas and a guy was like "Hey, I had one of those in high school!" I said "No sh*t, so did I!!!" and he laughed. It was one of those cool moments where I felt proud of my car. I even had a girl start talking to me about one she had exactly like mine. I thought it was cool because it wasn't something you would expect she would have. She was probably early 30's.


These cars are cool because they are cheap, have good support and pull big bucks when done right.


Hopefully it will be painted this month.

[takid455]

Originally Posted by TreySmith

... I even had a girl start talking to me about one she had exactly like mine. I thought it was cool because it wasn't something you would expect she would have. She was and probably early 30's...

And......

did you give her ride?? Surely she has memories of the area behind the driver's seat.

[TreySmith]

She wasn't that bad looking either.

[lawbreaker2]

Originally Posted by 70rs

I agree with you John. (by the way, how the heck are you?)
My HS parking lot was FULL of second gen camaros and firebirds. As well as early mustangs and pintostangs. Most of the people I still stay in touch with from back then all have a favorite story that involves those cars. (Dukes of Hazzard jumps over rail road tracks in a 79 rally sport, NOT A GOOD IDEA)

The cost to buy back then was dirt and they were everywhere you looked. Now those same people have a little more cash to work with and want to re live those times. Now they can build them how they want, back then they didn't have the money. So as demand goes up and supply goes down the prices start to rise. I could have bought a PERFECT '70 rs with a monster motor back then for what I paid for the "project" I have now.

OMG!!!! That is so funny what you said about jumping over R/R We use to have a R/R track on the way to JVS andit was on a hill and you got some good air off those things till they took it out and level the road, But it's funny cuz my buddy that I road home with alot had a 79 rally sport and would jump them at 70mph and he also would jump them with his 3 wheeler oh and I use to live right next to those tracks and would see alot of roll overs to. the good old days. Oh buy the way Class of 87' here. Hair bands forever.

[lawbreaker2]

I'm also re-doing a 81 recaro pace car turbo t/a for the wife. And my 13 year daughter would like to have one now to restore.