Over the past year we have been keeping track of exactly which types of Classic, Exotic and Specialty vehicles visitors to BuyClassicCars.com have been looking for. We combined
that with classics purchased through Buyer Services International as well as Pre-purchase
inspections that were carried out on Classic cars by Automobile Inspections Inc. Having collated
all this information, we set about compiling two 'Top 10 lists' The final outcome surprised us,
as we're sure it will you - take a look.
DOMESTIC CARS
The
No. 1 most desirable domestic car was the FORD MUSTANG (1965-70)! Models made
from 1965 to 1970 all had their suitors. Everything, from the '65 289ci
Convertible through Shelby GT's to the big Boss and Mach 1. If you are lucky
enough to own a really clean example from this time period, I'd have to say you
have a pretty good investment!
No. 2 among domestics was the late 60's PONTIAC GTO (1968-69). We had many inquires
about these cars, both Hardtops and Convertibles, but nearly always it was for
the models of 1968 and 1969 that sparked the most interest.
No. 3 was no great surprise. The CHEVROLET CORVETTE (1958-68) although the model
years were worthy of note. It was the decade between 1958 and 1968 that seemed
to be where there was most demand.
Rounding out the Top 10 were these cars - what
blew our minds us was the demand for the big cruisers like Lincoln and Cadillac
convertibles.
4) LINCOLN 4 DOOR CONVERTIBLE (1963-67)
5) CADILLAC CONVERTIBLE (Circa 1960 - 1970's)
6) SHELBY COBRA (289/427)
7) CHEVY IMPALA CONVERTIBLE (1963-64)
8) FORD HOT RODS (esp. 1934 3 Window Coupe / Roadster)
9) PIERCE ARROW (Circa 1930's)
10) FORDS (Circa 1950's) FAIRLANE, T-BIRDS. GALAXIE
FOREIGN CARS
In the Foreign category things changed quite a bit over previous years.
Austin Healeys which were most most definitely 'flavor of the month' in '99 but
with prices of excellent examples stopping $35,000, could only manage 6th place
as people began looking for more reasonable alternatives to invest in.
The
No. 1 most desirable foreign car of 2000 was the PORSCHE 356 CABRIOLET! It didn't
seem to make much difference if it was an 'A' B' or 'C' just as long as the top
went down! The demand for this car also caused the prices of 'Speedsters' to
skyrocket with excellent examples being sold near $60,000! Even VW Karmann Ghia
Convertibles enjoyed a flourish.
No. 2
car was tipped by me last year as 'one to watch' the JAGUAR E-TYPE COUPE. I knew
(as did may others) that the 'coupe' versions of the much-loved XKE were grossly
under priced. Restored or excellent original condition cars could be
bought for mid to high teens. The 6-cylinder versions make wonderful daily
drivers in all but the harshest climates.
No. 3
was another great Jaguar, the JAGUAR MKII. I don't know if the new 'S' type
spurned increased interest, or if US Grand Prix played a part, but prime
examples of the MKII (especially the 3.8 liter Manual versions) were in demand
this year. The funny thing is, every once in a while, if you scoured the papers,
very decent examples of these could be found cheap. By 'cheap' I mean
$12-15,000. Fully restored cars would still fetch $25,000+ but only it seemed in
America. As much as these cars are revered by the Brits, they are not willing to
fork over anywhere near that price for similar examples over there. A word of
caution here, if you do see a MK II cheap in your local paper, check it out
thoroughly - they are VERY expensive to restore.
Here are the rest of the cars that rounded out
the top ten.
4) PORSCHE SPEEDSTER
5) VW KARMANN GHIA CONVERTIBLE
6) AUSTIN HEALEY 3000
7) JAGUAR XK120 ROADSTER
8) ASTON MARTIN DB4/5/6/ CONVERTIBLES
9) TRIUMPH TR 3-6
10) JENSEN INTERCEPTOR CONVERTIBLE
