Thread: Any of you guys know anything about classic mustangs/chevelles/camaros?

hey guys,

I am contemplating purchasing an old classic but I had some questions to ask on which route I should end up going. Here are some things to keep in mind in regard to what I am looking for:

1) I want a vehicle I can drive. By this, I mean a garage queen is something that is not a top priority.

2) I want something I can keep for the next 30 years. This brings up the argument on whether or not to just buy a restomod or a modern classic. I am leaning towards a modern classic, but take a look at point #3.

3) I want something as a solid investment. Would a modern classic deter from resale value later on in the future? I don't care is numbers match but I just want something that won't plummet in value later on.

I know for a fact that I want to go with a vehicle that has already been restored. A 67-68 fastback was at the tom of my list with the intent to convert it to an eleanor but a chevelle has caught my eye. Thoughts?

Chevrolet : Chevelle Chevrolet : Chevelle | eBay

That Chevelle is beautiful. Looks like a good cruiser, which is what you seem to be after.. you want it to look good, but you wanna drive it.

Regardless, any modifications made to a classic car usually does decrease the value. Thankfully, the Chevelle isn't numbers matching so the wheel/tire combo shouldn't really devalue it that much.

You're wise going for a pre-restored car, it will save you money usually.. BUT be careful, there are people out there who think because a car has been restored, it's worth top dollars.

I have my 68 Camaro for sale right now. Its not a show car and its a great driver. Let me know what you think!

Chevrolet : Camaro Chevrolet : Camaro - eBay (item 260918132326 end time Dec-23-11 21:52:16 PST)

Originally Posted by StancevD

That Chevelle is beautiful. Looks like a good cruiser, which is what you seem to be after.. you want it to look good, but you wanna drive it.

Regardless, any modifications made to a classic car usually does decrease the value. Thankfully, the Chevelle isn't numbers matching so the wheel/tire combo shouldn't really devalue it that much.

You're wise going for a pre-restored car, it will save you money usually.. BUT be careful, there are people out there who think because a car has been restored, it's worth top dollars.

I'm just looking for a good deal to be honest. No matter what the mods are, I feel like any sort of high demand muscle car (cuda, camaro, mustang, chevelle, gto etc....) should always keep it's value over the long haul due to sheer availability. The seller has an original Camaro RS for sale @ $23,000 as well which is apparently a steal according to someone I know. This same person said $31k for that chevelle is a good deal but I am not that knowledgable on old cars.

I emailed the seller and my only gripe is the condition of the interior and the transmission. It has an outdated 4 speed auto and I prefer dropping in a modern 5 or 6 speed.

Originally Posted by Z06Kidd

I have my 68 Camaro for sale right now. Its not a show car and its a great driver. Let me know what you think!

Chevrolet : Camaro Chevrolet : Camaro - eBay (item 260918132326 end time Dec-23-11 21:52:16 PST)

I'm in the Katy area so I will keep this one in mind.

Originally Posted by uracowman

I'm just looking for a good deal to be honest. No matter what the mods are, I feel like any sort of high demand muscle car (cuda, camaro, mustang, chevelle, gto etc....) should always keep it's value over the long haul due to sheer availability. The seller has an original Camaro RS for sale @ $23,000 as well which is apparently a steal according to someone I know. This same person said $31k for that chevelle is a good deal but I am not that knowledgable on old cars.

I emailed the seller and my only gripe is the condition of the interior and the transmission. It has an outdated 4 speed auto and I prefer dropping in a modern 5 or 6 speed.

While the Chevelle isn't *too* bad, I'm almost certain you can find a better deal out there. A Camaro or Firebird/Trans Am will probably be the cheapest, followed by the Mustangs just because there is a ton of them left. Chevelle's and GTO's will be more pricey since they're "in demand" or so they seem to be in my area. Cuda's are usually always the most expensive unless it's one of the undesirable ones. There was a guy here selling a Duster (I think) with a new hemi out of the Charger SRT's for $14,000.

Granted, what it really comes down to is the year of the car, and what modifications it has.

That Camaro that Z06Kidd posted seems to be a pretty nice price considering the stuff into it.

PS: Here's a pic of the Duster. Just wanted to share it.

If you want a solid investment, a matching 69 SS Camaro will do just that. Had one in back in 2002 and it was evaluated at 9,000$. Got offered 46,000$ for it 6 years later. Like a nice person I gave it to my dad, now I'm restoring a 57 Chevy, also a good investment. 454 Chevelle, 69 Mach 1, these are probably the best "drive everyday" classics that maintain their value. I would mention others but these are the best for what you're looking for in my opinion.

So I've read what you wrote in the OP. I would ask the following questions in response: 1) How much are you thinking about driving it in a year and for what purpose;2) How serious is the 30 year comment, because if it is then trying to find a good deal on a car that has already been restored or restomoded may not be as important as find the car that is your idea of perfect; 3) How well informed and knowedgable are you about the collector car market?

What I can tell you is that these priorities don't have to be mutually exclusive they don't always arrive neatly packaged and without tribulation. I would first suggest that you become as informed as you can about the types of cars you are interested in and what it takes to make them into your ideal car. Once that is accomplished, then start investigating cars that fit your parameters.

My stable of investment grade Muscle Cars is not something that is of interrest to you apparently but I have had some of them for 20+ years and I rarely want to do anything different with them that I already do. The value or these cars has changed dramatically while I have owned them. Here is an example. The car I started with was $5K purchase and I spent $30K in parts and materials on it. I did the majority of the restoration work myself. At one time it was valued at $200K+ in better economic times. Now is it valued at @$90K-130K at the present time. The current market will be set in the next few weeks at the upcoming Mecum and Barrett-Jackson auctions. A car nearly identical to mine will be auctioned at Mecum and that will be a gauge for me.

A lot of what I wanted to share, has been mentioned. I will say however, that if you do plan on keeping it 30+ years, and do consider it an investment, I'd rate the priority of matching numbers fairly high. It will definitely retain value much better, and depending on what it is, may even raise in value.

Also, classic muscle cars are dirt cheap compared to what they were 7-9 years ago. I'm confident the market will rise again, eventually. I love chatting about classic muscle cars (specially the search for one) so I'm subscribed, interested to see where you go with this one.

Sounds to me like N360LL is right on the money. I'll only say two things more.

1. If you are going to make this car an investment for 30 years down the road pick a car that is going to be worth something to the age group that are retiring then. Chances are in 20-30 years cars like the Bel Air and Chevelle will be in the same bracket as say, the ford coupes and hot rods. The interest is not the same as it once was in that segment and you can expect interests to change again.

2. If you are going to drive the car get yourself a resto-mod. New suspension, new technology in the old shell. It will never have the same value in a monetary sense then a matching numbers original, or rotisserie restored to original car but it will have value to you, because you will get miles and miles of enjoyment out of it.

Just my 2 cents

If you want a daily driver you may need more modern parts, which will slow down the appreciation of it. The reason for this is that drums on all tires and very soft suspension will only get you so far until the feel gets to you.

If you turn a Mustang into an Eleanor it will definitely be more difficult to sell. Everyone mod put on a car increases it's difficulty to sell and may decrease it's value, although a stock 67 Fastback would be a great investment.

In the end it's up to you and what you like.