Collectability and Value
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Jacksonville FL
Collectability and Value
Please help me out with the collectability/long term value issue I have. Am I right to consider production numbers as being a factor in evaluating C5's, i.e. one car (package or color) being rarer or one being more common? Or is this not a factor?
What about the importance of mileage as far as intermediate to longer term value?
Maybe these factors were more significant back in the day when they didn't make a quarter million of a certain body style???
Thanks!
Jax
What about the importance of mileage as far as intermediate to longer term value?
Maybe these factors were more significant back in the day when they didn't make a quarter million of a certain body style???
Thanks!
Jax
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At least for the forseeable future, I do not think any C5 produced will have a significant collectible value. Of course limited mileage will play a factor in any value a car may have - most value resources (KBB, NADA, etc) put a premium on low mileage cars.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Allentown PA & Elk Twp NJ HPDE Addict
If you're in your 20s, and plan on keeping the car until your my age, 50+, then you have a shot at seeing some considerable appreciation in the areas you mention.
In other words, don't hold your breath
In other words, don't hold your breath
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
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From: Midland TX
Collectability is based upon one of three things:
• Ability to find an emotional basket-case with more money than brains.
• Ability to locate an alcoholic with more money than brains (auctions are a great source to find these, they will even get them drunk for you since they get a commission).
• Ability to get approached by American Pickers - in which case the older and crappier the condition, the more it is worth.
As far as "color" it could go either way... a logical collector will buy based on rarity, the emotional buyer will buy based upon what his dead Daddy drove in 1932.
But don't be discouraged, there appears to be an almost limitless supply of people in the first two categories mentioned, but like Al Bundy said "Yard Sale success is based upon the "Bigger Idiot" Theory, the downside is that you eventually work your way down to the biggest idiot" - just make sure if you a buying collectibles that you can eventually locate a bigger idiot before you die!
• Ability to find an emotional basket-case with more money than brains.
• Ability to locate an alcoholic with more money than brains (auctions are a great source to find these, they will even get them drunk for you since they get a commission).
• Ability to get approached by American Pickers - in which case the older and crappier the condition, the more it is worth.
As far as "color" it could go either way... a logical collector will buy based on rarity, the emotional buyer will buy based upon what his dead Daddy drove in 1932.
But don't be discouraged, there appears to be an almost limitless supply of people in the first two categories mentioned, but like Al Bundy said "Yard Sale success is based upon the "Bigger Idiot" Theory, the downside is that you eventually work your way down to the biggest idiot" - just make sure if you a buying collectibles that you can eventually locate a bigger idiot before you die!
Safety Car
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From: The Voice of Reason!
St. Jude Donor '14
If you are planning on driving the car much, buy what you like. Your concerns may come into play 30 or 40 years from now and it's hard to predict what will be perceived as the most collectable at that time. I would guess you could take any Corvette with very few miles on it, keep it like new for 40 years and sell it for a pretty good chunk. I doubt given the upkeep and inflation you would come out ahead, but you never know.
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Melting Slicks
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From: Severn Maryland
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Just pick a color and model that you like and drive the car.!! If you select a low production model and/or color (Pace Car's, Milestone Edition's, and Commemorative Edition Z06's) you may be hesitant when it comes to modding the car and really enjoying it!!!
Last edited by 68ragtop69; Dec 8, 2011 at 07:37 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Bowling Green KY
My thoughts on "Collectability & Value" are this...You buy a C5 and store it, baby it, clean on it, take care of it, don't drive it for fear of putting miles on it, and etc.....Then one day 50 years from now, you die, the car is sold for what ever price, and some other guy drives the crap out of it, and really enjoys the car, even mod's it up!!!
So my question is this....What did all those years of "Collecting" get ya?
I say drive the wheels off it...then buy another one!!!
That's just my opinion....
So my question is this....What did all those years of "Collecting" get ya?
I say drive the wheels off it...then buy another one!!!
That's just my opinion....
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,454
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From: Pittsburgh PA
What I see with later model collector type cars, is the only ones bringing significantly more are really low mile or some special edition built in small numbers. Just check ebay to get an idea. C4 and C5s with say a few thousand miles get bid up considerably more. The downside to this (as far as I'm concerned) is what do you do with such a car? If you drive it and start adding miles, your "investment" just took a dump.
A friend of mine's son has a Firebird Formula he bought new. Not sure the year but I'd have to say late 90s cause it has the LT1. It was in the winter and he trailered it home from the dealership. He only starts it and runs it up and down the highway enough that the gas doesn't varnish. He kept all the documentation, plastic seat and carpet covers ect. He told the dealer not to touch it, he wanted it just as it came off the truck. Now there are people out there that get some sort of enjoyment from this sort of thing....a feel good cause I have it I suppose. Not me, I got to drive it!!
A friend of mine's son has a Firebird Formula he bought new. Not sure the year but I'd have to say late 90s cause it has the LT1. It was in the winter and he trailered it home from the dealership. He only starts it and runs it up and down the highway enough that the gas doesn't varnish. He kept all the documentation, plastic seat and carpet covers ect. He told the dealer not to touch it, he wanted it just as it came off the truck. Now there are people out there that get some sort of enjoyment from this sort of thing....a feel good cause I have it I suppose. Not me, I got to drive it!!
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Somewhere in Mo
St. Jude Donor '09-'10, '14
Collectability of cars has really decreased since they started making the same car over and over every year. So in the future a 97 won't be worth anymore than a 04.
Some will bring a few more dollars such as the FRC and Z06, but not for years to come. Color may have some to do with it.
I also think a car like the Trans Am will be popular because they don't make them anymore. That has more to do with collectability than anything. Something you can no longer buy.
But really, none of us know. It's all guesses and opinions.
Some will bring a few more dollars such as the FRC and Z06, but not for years to come. Color may have some to do with it.
I also think a car like the Trans Am will be popular because they don't make them anymore. That has more to do with collectability than anything. Something you can no longer buy.
But really, none of us know. It's all guesses and opinions.
Last edited by RetiredSFC 97; Dec 8, 2011 at 09:26 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,258
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From: Appleton WI
IMHO most modern cars are not a wise investment choice. You buy them to drive. If you're looking to buy a C5 Corvette and park it in the garage, you'd be better off taking the money and putting it in a bank account making 1% interest. Just think about how much money would be wasted keeping it insured.
I drive mine any chance I get and have a smile a mile long while doing it. My investment into a Corvette is for enjoyment and driving one is a blast!
I drive mine any chance I get and have a smile a mile long while doing it. My investment into a Corvette is for enjoyment and driving one is a blast!
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 73,568
Likes: 33
From: Somewhere in Mo
St. Jude Donor '09-'10, '14
IMHO most modern cars are not a wise investment choice. You buy them to drive. If you're looking to buy a C5 Corvette and park it in the garage, you'd be better off taking the money and putting it in a bank account making 1% interest. Just think about how much money would be wasted keeping it insured.
I drive mine any chance I get and have a smile a mile long while doing it. My investment into a Corvette is for enjoyment and driving one is a blast!
I drive mine any chance I get and have a smile a mile long while doing it. My investment into a Corvette is for enjoyment and driving one is a blast!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,789
Likes: 3
From: Jacksonville FL
Simple, thanks!!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,789
Likes: 3
From: Jacksonville FL
My thoughts on "Collectability & Value" are this...You buy a C5 and store it, baby it, clean on it, take care of it, don't drive it for fear of putting miles on it, and etc.....Then one day 50 years from now, you die, the car is sold for what ever price, and some other guy drives the crap out of it, and really enjoys the car, even mod's it up!!!
So my question is this....What did all those years of "Collecting" get ya?
I say drive the wheels off it...then buy another one!!!
That's just my opinion....
So my question is this....What did all those years of "Collecting" get ya?
I say drive the wheels off it...then buy another one!!!
That's just my opinion....
Pro
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 691
Likes: 19
From: Los Angeles
One thing to keep in mind is your audience. It will be todays young 20-35 age group buying your C5 as a collector piece in 20-30 years. Being 25 myself, I can say I was raised in a disposable world, people dont rebuild things anymore, something is bought, used, and thrown away with no sentimental value. Land that has been in families for generations is being sold as soon as parents die. It's sad but true.
When I am 50, I may have my C5 because it has been with me for so many years but if i was in the market for a classic Corvette, I'm going back to the 53-62 vette.
When I am 50, I may have my C5 because it has been with me for so many years but if i was in the market for a classic Corvette, I'm going back to the 53-62 vette.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Taildragers rule! USA1
Right now, the Corvette with the highest potential for collectibility is the 1990-1995 ZR1.
They are priced next to nothing right now and have low production numbers and a history shaking engine.
They are priced next to nothing right now and have low production numbers and a history shaking engine.