Future Collectible?
#1
Advanced
Thread Starter
Future Collectible?
Will C4's be collectible in the next 10 years? The C4's were the contemporary Vettes when gen x was in high school. I'm 42 and decided that I have the time desire and money to drive the car I wanted then. If other people my age feel the same way does this mean these cars will become popular? Are stock examples in good repair becoming rare as more of these are scrapped or heavily modified? Isn't this how muscle cars grew to six figures when baby boomers arrived at middle age?
I don't think they can get cheaper and I think they are desirable. There's is a healthy restoration market and C4's will only become fewer as time goes on. To throw out a figure to start us off: 10 years from now I think a number 3 car will be 20k.
Thoughts?
I don't think they can get cheaper and I think they are desirable. There's is a healthy restoration market and C4's will only become fewer as time goes on. To throw out a figure to start us off: 10 years from now I think a number 3 car will be 20k.
Thoughts?
#2
Le Mans Master
someday maybe, but not in 10 years. Lots and lots of C-4 vettes made. Not that many tro power GTOs, Hemi chargers, 442s, ect. 30 thousand dollars for a 55 chevy makes me think people are nuts.
#3
Drifting
Collectability and value are two different things. C4 Corvettes are already collectable. In most states, 1984 to 1990 qualify for antique or collector plates. No more inspections to deal with and cheap to insure. In six years all years of C4 will qualify. Just looking at the number of threads started here by new members fixing up beaters and cars ready for the junkyard should give a good indication of collectability. With some exceptions new parts are available in the aftermarket which shows that the demand is there.
As for the numbers produced, millions of Mustangs were produced in the Sixties- they're all collectable but the values vary greatly between a six cylinder stripper model and a Boss 302. What will the future values of C4s be? IDK but I'm not really interested in trying to figure that out. One color, interior, engine, rear end, etc. may prove to be more popular. I'll leave that to others more intelligent than me to figure/argue/debate about.
So if you like C4s collect 'em.
As for the numbers produced, millions of Mustangs were produced in the Sixties- they're all collectable but the values vary greatly between a six cylinder stripper model and a Boss 302. What will the future values of C4s be? IDK but I'm not really interested in trying to figure that out. One color, interior, engine, rear end, etc. may prove to be more popular. I'll leave that to others more intelligent than me to figure/argue/debate about.
So if you like C4s collect 'em.
#5
Will C4's be collectible in the next 10 years? The C4's were the contemporary Vettes when gen x was in high school. I'm 42 and decided that I have the time desire and money to drive the car I wanted then. If other people my age feel the same way does this mean these cars will become popular? Are stock examples in good repair becoming rare as more of these are scrapped or heavily modified? Isn't this how muscle cars grew to six figures when baby boomers arrived at middle age?
I don't think they can get cheaper and I think they are desirable. There's is a healthy restoration market and C4's will only become fewer as time goes on. To throw out a figure to start us off: 10 years from now I think a number 3 car will be 20k.
Thoughts?
I don't think they can get cheaper and I think they are desirable. There's is a healthy restoration market and C4's will only become fewer as time goes on. To throw out a figure to start us off: 10 years from now I think a number 3 car will be 20k.
Thoughts?
The C4s have a different history. They were the progenitors of cars that improved functionally generation after generation. The C4 ZR-1s a fantastic car. but the C5 Z06 improved on that functionality. The C6 Z06, then the C6 ZR-1, and now the C7 Z06 have all increased the performance envelope leaving performance enthusiasts many options.
The C4 will have its day, but the only C4s that will have any value (from a collector standpoint) are the ZR-1s, the Callaways, and the LT4 variants (in order of the GS, the CE, and then the base). Sure low mileage original L83/L98/LT1 will capture an audience, but by and large these will be the drivers from that generation.
#6
Melting Slicks
To me its the age of the average buyer.
In the 50's the vette wasn't anything to "collect" just a car.
In the 60's the 50's were interesting somewhat but that was about it.
In the 70's the 50's were classic and the 60's were interesting somewhat but not that much.
In the 80's the 50's were collector cars. The 60's were pretty much there. The 70's were "old", everywhere to be found and nothing special.
In the 90's the 50's and 60's were collector cars. The 70's were kind of interesting. The 80's and 90's were just todays cars but a little older.
Today?
The 50's and 60's are collector heaven. The early 70's are full on collectors. The mid to late 70s are getting there but not quite.
The 80's and 90's are just the old cars and the new ones to me have identity issues as in anything from c5 on up to john q public is a new corvette.
So by 2020 or 2030 the 80's and 90's should be sliding in the collector area some but I doubt they will get to the c3 and olders point ever because from the c4 on up to most people its just a vette. I kind of blame chevy on this one as they lose the unique body styles that set them all apart. I love my c4 and all but I doubt it will ever make it to the collect point or any of the ones after that.
In the 50's the vette wasn't anything to "collect" just a car.
In the 60's the 50's were interesting somewhat but that was about it.
In the 70's the 50's were classic and the 60's were interesting somewhat but not that much.
In the 80's the 50's were collector cars. The 60's were pretty much there. The 70's were "old", everywhere to be found and nothing special.
In the 90's the 50's and 60's were collector cars. The 70's were kind of interesting. The 80's and 90's were just todays cars but a little older.
Today?
The 50's and 60's are collector heaven. The early 70's are full on collectors. The mid to late 70s are getting there but not quite.
The 80's and 90's are just the old cars and the new ones to me have identity issues as in anything from c5 on up to john q public is a new corvette.
So by 2020 or 2030 the 80's and 90's should be sliding in the collector area some but I doubt they will get to the c3 and olders point ever because from the c4 on up to most people its just a vette. I kind of blame chevy on this one as they lose the unique body styles that set them all apart. I love my c4 and all but I doubt it will ever make it to the collect point or any of the ones after that.
#7
Burning Brakes
I don't think so. The new Corvettes when I has in high school was the C5s and 2005 C6, but I don't like the C5 or the C6. However if someone gives me one for free I'll drive it
#9
Racer
The C4 will have its day, but the only C4s that will have any value (from a collector standpoint) are the ZR-1s, the Callaways, and the LT4 variants (in order of the GS, the CE, and then the base). Sure low mileage original L83/L98/LT1 will capture an audience, but by and large these will be the drivers from that generation.
Our 96' LT4 is a base, but from a pure production numbers standpoint it's more "rare" than the CE or GS. Sitting at 97k miles now, it's already been modified by the previous owner, but was well maintained (aside from the crappy re-paint). Since I intend to strip it and have it repainted in its original arctic white color, it'll be a borderline "driver".
I was taught to take care of my vehicles - on time maintenance, replace failing components etc, thus they tend to last longer. I think that even with regular use, maintenance and care, the LT4 "driver" cars will someday see a value increase and since mine will still be taken care of and well maintained, my family may get something monetary back out of it. I most certainly wont because I won't part with it while I am alive
#10
Team Owner
Member Since: Aug 2005
Location: Riverside County Southern California
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Co-winner 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
2017 C4 of Year
2016 C7 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20
Another low mileage 1978 Pace Car sold for the same price it sold in 2007.
Buy a rare car, garage queen it, never drive it or enjoy it to find out nearly 40 years later it is not a collector item yet.
Got a great Vette? Drive it, enjoy it, show it, wash it, get the front covered with dead bugs, get your windshield chipped, spill a soda inside, drive it on the rain, snow, mud and dirt.
I've done all that, and they still look beautiful
#11
Race Director
IMO, only the ZR-1 and GS will e true collectibles. The CE and LT4 might have some appeal to a smaller number of people, but it won't be a true collector car.
I do think that C4 prices are nearing the lower limit of what they'll be worth. I can't see a clean Corvette of any sort ever being worth less than $7500.
I do think that C4 prices are nearing the lower limit of what they'll be worth. I can't see a clean Corvette of any sort ever being worth less than $7500.
#12
im 38. i bought one.
im 38, i bought one, my friends (same agegroup) are ASTOUNDED when i tell them i paid 4 k for the supercar of our teenage years that hung on our wall. i now have 4 friends searching for a c4.
your logic and reasoning are correct. buy loow. these are at the bottom of the depreciation curve as demand by our gen picks up and supply of good ones dies off. same as the c3. trust your gut.
your logic and reasoning are correct. buy loow. these are at the bottom of the depreciation curve as demand by our gen picks up and supply of good ones dies off. same as the c3. trust your gut.
#13
Le Mans Master
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maybe. Right now there so cheap that not many treat them with a lot of respect. many are modified, raced, and beat on the street. Many are tossed in the salvage yard because it costs more to repaint them then there worth. I think 10-20 years from now there isn't going to be many really nice c4s left and those might start to see some real value.
#14
Advanced
Thread Starter
This discussion sounds a lot like the stock market. No one knows but we all agree they are fairly priced now. If we thought they were a good investment the prices would be higher to reflect the expected future value. My feeling is totally a guess but after reading all the replies I feel they will be more valuable in 10 years.
#15
Former Vendor
Member Since: May 2001
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To me its the age of the average buyer.
In the 50's the vette wasn't anything to "collect" just a car.
In the 60's the 50's were interesting somewhat but that was about it.
In the 70's the 50's were classic and the 60's were interesting somewhat but not that much.
In the 80's the 50's were collector cars. The 60's were pretty much there. The 70's were "old", everywhere to be found and nothing special.
In the 90's the 50's and 60's were collector cars. The 70's were kind of interesting. The 80's and 90's were just todays cars but a little older.
Today?
The 50's and 60's are collector heaven. The early 70's are full on collectors. The mid to late 70s are getting there but not quite.
The 80's and 90's are just the old cars and the new ones to me have identity issues as in anything from c5 on up to john q public is a new corvette.
So by 2020 or 2030 the 80's and 90's should be sliding in the collector area some but I doubt they will get to the c3 and olders point ever because from the c4 on up to most people its just a vette. I kind of blame chevy on this one as they lose the unique body styles that set them all apart. I love my c4 and all but I doubt it will ever make it to the collect point or any of the ones after that.
In the 50's the vette wasn't anything to "collect" just a car.
In the 60's the 50's were interesting somewhat but that was about it.
In the 70's the 50's were classic and the 60's were interesting somewhat but not that much.
In the 80's the 50's were collector cars. The 60's were pretty much there. The 70's were "old", everywhere to be found and nothing special.
In the 90's the 50's and 60's were collector cars. The 70's were kind of interesting. The 80's and 90's were just todays cars but a little older.
Today?
The 50's and 60's are collector heaven. The early 70's are full on collectors. The mid to late 70s are getting there but not quite.
The 80's and 90's are just the old cars and the new ones to me have identity issues as in anything from c5 on up to john q public is a new corvette.
So by 2020 or 2030 the 80's and 90's should be sliding in the collector area some but I doubt they will get to the c3 and olders point ever because from the c4 on up to most people its just a vette. I kind of blame chevy on this one as they lose the unique body styles that set them all apart. I love my c4 and all but I doubt it will ever make it to the collect point or any of the ones after that.
I recall the "explosion" of collecting in the 1980s, and how the same changed for the 50s, 60s, and 70s cars. And as those rose - the desirable ones, so did the rest...
Now, with kids of the 70s in their 40s and in many cases looking for their childhood, they are looking at cars of the 80s and even some in the early 90s for "fun" cars. And they can now afford them, too. That's key in all this too, I think.
As for the 80s and 90s Corvettes, I get calls every week asking to authenticate a VIN on a Callaway Corvette. Most of them trade hands privately, or are sold offline.
The Callaway Corvettes will remain at the top of collectability for the simple reasons of Power, Style, and Exclusivity - low production numbers, big power, and unique styling. Drive a Callaway Twin Turbo Corvette and never look back
The fact that we still support the cars 27+ years later, is also a plus, as manufacturers don't have any real obligation beyond 10 years, in actuality.
#16
Racer
What about Kids of the 80's? - I agree about being able to afford them. My wife knows how much I have always loved the C4 and we were able to purchase ours with cash. While I couldn't afford a Callaway car, the LT4 we purchased is a ton of car for the money and will bring many, many years of "fun" to our family.
#17
Former Vendor
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What about Kids of the 80's? - I agree about being able to afford them. My wife knows how much I have always loved the C4 and we were able to purchase ours with cash. While I couldn't afford a Callaway car, the LT4 we purchased is a ton of car for the money and will bring many, many years of "fun" to our family.
I'm sure your Corvette is a ton of fun, as ALL Corvettes should be. Enjoy!
#18
What about Kids of the 80's? - I agree about being able to afford them. My wife knows how much I have always loved the C4 and we were able to purchase ours with cash. While I couldn't afford a Callaway car, the LT4 we purchased is a ton of car for the money and will bring many, many years of "fun" to our family.
just as long as the car is clean is all that matters.
if you love stingrays....do u really care if its a collector stingray or do u want a nice clean one. and you have to py the price now on a clean c3 stingray. its the same for all these type of cars. and yes its all related to agegroup plus income levels. whatever car u and your buds had on your wall as a kid is the one u will always have a special place for and if u have the disposable income u will buy it. some people call it a mid life crisis. really its just treating yourself.
#20
Drifting
my youngest bro was born in 82. He bought one (red 85) within a month of me buying my black 87.
just as long as the car is clean is all that matters.
if you love stingrays....do u really care if its a collector stingray or do u want a nice clean one. and you have to py the price now on a clean c3 stingray. its the same for all these type of cars. and yes its all related to agegroup plus income levels. whatever car u and your buds had on your wall as a kid is the one u will always have a special place for and if u have the disposable income u will buy it. some people call it a mid life crisis. really its just treating yourself.
just as long as the car is clean is all that matters.
if you love stingrays....do u really care if its a collector stingray or do u want a nice clean one. and you have to py the price now on a clean c3 stingray. its the same for all these type of cars. and yes its all related to agegroup plus income levels. whatever car u and your buds had on your wall as a kid is the one u will always have a special place for and if u have the disposable income u will buy it. some people call it a mid life crisis. really its just treating yourself.