Not Just for Fun: Classic Cars are Good Investments

While the Nasdaq has been languishing for six years, collections of everything from rare coins to baseball cards and muscle cars have enjoyed better increases in value, reported USA Today, May 5:

Stop calling them greaseballs or gear heads. Car enthusiasts have made more money than many stock investors, and probably had more fun in the process.

Anyone with the foresight to predict the craze over gas-sucking 1970s muscle cars scored the automotive equivalent of getting in on a hot dot-com initial public offering.

Back in 1998, for instance, the 1971 four-speed version of the Plymouth Hemi Cuda Hardtop could have been had for $60,000. The price now: a cool $600,000, or a 900% profit, Comer says.

But it's not just about "shaker" hoods and spoilers. Had you spent $137,000 buying five benchmark cars in 1998, including the 1957 Chevy Bel Air and 1981 Porsche Targa, your collection would be worth $293,000 today, says Hagerty Insurance, a collector car insurance company that values vintage wheels.

Car collectors "are not just investors," Comer says. "These are people who are enjoying the return on their investment, but enjoying the cars even more."

From "Cars, 'Star Wars' figures flex more muscle than stocks" By Matt Krantz, USA TODAY
Thursday, May 5

'66 Mustang takes National Gold

Custom Classics helped the owner completely restore Red Pony a.k.a. Sally in the late '90s by doing all the body and paint work. In Summer '04, this beauty took gold at the Mustang Grand Nationals held in Springfield, Illinois, making it among the best '66 Mustangs in the country. While Sally always wins something at local and national shows, this is her most prestigious award. For more about this top-class restoration, see Red Pony.

Make Your Factory-Ordered Car a One-of-a-Kind

Custom Classics customized this 2004 Magnum RT Hemi wagon with new wheels and a flamed front. While economical, these touches make this Magnum look like a million dollars! See our Custom Work page for custom painting and suspension installs.

Recommended Vendors and Services
 

Classic Auto Storage 330 E. Main St.,/Rt. 22, Lake Zurich, IL 60047
847-736-5858 or 847-774-6529
Clean, Safe, Dry, Short or Long-Term for Cars, Boats, RVs, Cycles -- Any Vehicle