Hagerty, "Ten emerging collector vehicles" article

Pete Kaczmarski

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Could C Bodies be next? 71-76 Cadillac Coupe de Ville is part of the article

5 August2015[h=1]Ten Emerging Collector Vehicles[/h]By: HagertySome short-sighted prognosticators in the classic car world have gone on record as saying that nothing built post-1972 will ever be collectible, but the unmistakable popularity of 1980s and 1990s cars in the market has illustrated the fallacy of that statement. Here are five up-and-comers to consider:

  1. 1984-89 Toyota 4Runner: Legend has it that the first-generation Toyota 4Runner came about as a way to avoid the infamous “chicken tax” that levied a 25 percent duty on all imported goods, from brandy to light trucks. Put a shell over the bed of a Toyota light pickup, install some seats in the bed and voila — a passenger vehicle. These days, the quirky 4Runner seems to be the off-road Toyota of choice for entry-level collectors now that they’re priced out of the FJ40 Land Cruiser market.
  2. 1990-96 Nissan 300ZX: Trolls will continuously spout the nonsense that the rot irretrievably set in for Nissan sports cars the day the last S30 (280/260/280Z) rolled off the line. And while Z-cars did get progressively more luxurious as time went on and Turbo models of the 280ZX and Z31 300ZX had some merit, the Z32 model that was introduced in the U.S. in 1990 was a brilliant car. Two-seater, 2+2 or convertible, they were all gorgeous and handled well. They’re still a great deal, but likely not for long.
  3. 1992-95 Porsche 968: Those looking for up-and-comers in the air-cooled Porsche world will find little. The train has left the station for the 911, 912 and 914, so it’s the water-cooled cars that savvy buyers are looking hard at now. The 968 is the much more scarce successor to the 944. With a massive 3.0-liter four-cylinder engine and variable valve timing, the 968 was no slouch in a straight line and one of the best balanced and sweetest handling Porsches of all time. Fewer than 13,000 were built with just under 4,700 coming to the U.S.
  4. 1992-2001 Mercedes SL600: The R129 SL had the unenviable task of replacing the much-loved R107 series, which ran from 1971-89. At least Mercedes didn’t bring a knife to a gunfight. The 6.0-liter V-12 model was added to the range in its third model year. With just shy of 400 hp, it was light years ahead of any previous SL performance-wise. R129 SLs are now showing up at auctions, a sure sign that they’re hitting the radar of collectors.
  5. 1995-99 BMW M3: The E36 M3 spelled the end for the edgy four-cylinder M3. The smooth BMW straight-six in the new M3 put out just shy of 250 hp in U.S. spec and was a wonderfully balanced handler. E36 M3s were offered in coupe, sedan and convertible body styles. Bright throwback colors like Techno Violet, Dakar Yellow and Estoril Blue are particularly sought-after but prices have yet to skyrocket for any but the rare 1995 lightweight model.
  6. 1981-93 Ferrari Mondial: The Mondial has been the perennial underdog Ferrari along with the V-12 400i/412. Both are having the last laugh, but Mondial prices in particular have been climbing. Offered in 2+2 coupe and convertible body styles, the Mondial shares the revvy 308/328 flat-plane crank V-8 with all of the visceral thrills that entails. Striking Pininfarina looks, decent reliability, Ferrari sounds and room in back for the kids? What’s not to like?
  7. 1992-95 Volkswagen Corrado VR6: Looking a bit like a grown-up MK I Scirocco, the Corrado VR6 was regarded as a legitimate cult classic before it even left production. While a front-driver, its handling can’t be faulted and the narrow-angle V-6 addresses the shortcomings of every sporting VW that came before it. Good ones are rare indeed and worth keeping.
  8. 1998-2006 Audi TT MKI: The first-generation TT is a sure-fire emerging classic. With unmistakable styling courtesy of Freeman Thomas, it’s reminiscent of a 1950s Porsche 356 in some ways. The Bauhaus-like interior is a design freak’s dream as is the optional baseball glove interior. Now is the time to snap up a V-6 Quattro coupe.
  9. 1971-76 Cadillac Coupe de Ville: Chalk this one up to the perennial favorite status of Martin Scorsese films, but the full-size Cadillac de Ville of the early to mid-1970s is gaining in popularity with Gen-Xers in both the U.S. and of all places, Sweden.
  10. 1982-92 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: “Smokey and the Bandit”-era T/As are now sought-after collectibles. Waiting in the wings are the “Knight Rider”-era third-generation cars. With the generation who grew up glued to the TV to see what the Hoff and KITT were up to now coming in to some disposable income, it’s only a matter of time before these cars see a serious increase in value.


 
C bodies have made a lot of lists over the years for being the next big hit. . . I'm still waiting
 
The notable detail about that list is most of those cars are just transitioning out of daily driver status. They are in that borderline grey area between being mothballed for collectible status or sold off as an old junky car. Most of them could still be in decent condition and parts/service would be supported at dealerships.

C bodies aren't fresh in people's minds any more and they sure aren't fresh in their garages. They would need something to bring specific attention to them like a tv show or a movie.
 
It all can be deduced from demographics, former sales statistics, and former desirability. If the item was desirable when new, those who were kids then & admired it, will want it when nostalgia comes rushing in. It may happen when you are in your '30's, or '40, but most of us can really afford it only when we are in our '50's, or older. That is why the desirable new cars of the 1960's and early 1970's are most in vogue now, and that is why the early '70's big block Cudas change hands for obscene sums of money.

Forty years ago the most desirable vehicles were made in the 1930's: the Duesenberg, Auburn, Cord, etc. That phenomenon repeats itself: guys and gals want the hot machines they admired as kids. It's a deeply human thing, and therefore it won't be going away. Only the objects of desire change, with every preceding generation. Next come the 1980's vehicles, then the 1990's, and so on.

The C-bodies were never very popular back in the day. More like a niche product even then (I'm thinking of Chrysler here more than Plymouth or Dodge). Therefore it is never going to become a popular collector's item. Good for most of us hobbywise, bad for the (very few) investment hungry among us.
 
"C bodies aren't fresh in people's minds any more and they sure aren't fresh in their garages. They would need something to bring specific attention to them like a tv show or a movie."

perhaps Jay Leno needs to own one???????
 
like this one

 
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The winner everytime and always #1 on the "Are C-bodies Next?" lists are... well, you know....
The first "Are C-bodies the next [fill in the blank]?" question was first asked in August of 1964, I believe...
 
The winner everytime and always #1 on the "Are C-bodies Next?" lists are... well, you know....

You mean that 1965 300 L Convertible? The one in red on red? Not bad. My guess for a runner up would be a 1970 Imperial Crown Coupe. Or any 1970 300 vert with a console. A console shifter is obligatory. As well as a tilt wheel with a functioning rimblow.
 
I have a 92 Miata. I bought it to do a monster conversion but after driving it changed my mind. I still like the monster idea but in factory form, it is a 100 HP go cart. After almost getting killed twice in the car, I'm wondering about my ideas. 1st attempt on my life was on a secondary street where it was 2 lane. The car in front of me was stopped trying to turn left and I was stopped behind it. Terrible screeching startled me to look in the mirror in time to see a startled 20 something male with a phone in his hand. The gas tank is behind the drivers seat in that car. 2nd time was a mail truck merging on I45. Squeeze job deluxe with nowhere to go but timing it LOL.
 
The Corrado and 300zx would interest me. I'd also look at a Boxster or Crossfire.
Those are good choices. A MR2 turbo and a 944 Turbo are decent as well. Mitsubishi Conquest is another favorite. Boxsters are really cheap now. The Honda S2000 should be on the list. The twin turbo 300zx was a monster. Most of these cars are hard to find in decent shape now. The Chrysler Shelby cars are still cheap and a blast. I drove one with the Lotus engine and it was a quick car.
 
You mean that 1965 300 L Convertible? The one in red on red? Not bad. My guess for a runner up would be a 1970 Imperial Crown Coupe. Or any 1970 300 vert with a console. A console shifter is obligatory. As well as a tilt wheel with a functioning rimblow.

It's not an L.
 
I think the 1978 Chrysler NYB will be the first C-Body on the list......all 4 doors!

The last 4 door full size hardtop made on the planet....
 
I think the 1978 Chrysler NYB will be the first C-Body on the list......all 4 doors!

The last 4 door full size hardtop made on the planet....
That's why my heart was set on a Salon.
When my '76 popped up, I said "Close enough". lol
 
Those are good choices. A MR2 turbo and a 944 Turbo are decent as well. Mitsubishi Conquest is another favorite. Boxsters are really cheap now. The Honda S2000 should be on the list. The twin turbo 300zx was a monster. Most of these cars are hard to find in decent shape now. The Chrysler Shelby cars are still cheap and a blast. I drove one with the Lotus engine and it was a quick car.

I've got two with Lotus engines...but they're in Lotus's HEHE
 
It's not an L.

"Close enough" though? - That'd be the one model from '65-'68 Chryslers on my list. A '65 Monaco 500 is there too. Full length console, and buckets in the back seat too. Now that was the way to go.
 
The Corrado and 300zx would interest me. I'd also look at a Boxster or Crossfire.
I like crossfires but I really don't go Past 73 For cars I am pretty old school...Although I do have a real soft spot Sebring convertibles, Late 90s early 00s.

1998_chrysler_sebring_2dr_convertible_jxi_7540055421803850146.jpg

1998_chrysler_sebring_2dr_convertible_jxi_7540055421803850146.jpg
 
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