Re: Why the poor resale value on TRs?
I think the reason is that Triumphs (and other British cars of the era) are
now the cars of Old Men. The TR4 is now 40+ years old. In the 1970s, a
similar reach-back would be to cars of the 1930s. I heard that the cars we
covet in our 40s are the cars we dreamed of as teens. I'm in my 40s, so was
a teen in the 70s, when Triumphs were a common site on the roads. I wanted
one in high school, then bought my TR4A in the 80s, whilst in college, and
of course still have it today. I'm sure that is not a unique experience.
How many kids of today do you think covet a British sports car? Not as
many, surely...because they don't have the dreams from earlier years to fuel
their desires. Here is a contentious thought: I believe that Triumphs, MGs,
et alteri, have already peaked in value. Because they are worth most to
people who had owned them or dreamed of them in years gone by, which is a
limited and decreasing group. Today's motor enthusiasts in their 30's
(teens in the 80s), probably do not covet a Triumph as much as past
generations. Young adults in their 20s have even less connection to them.
While the American muscle car will always have fans of any generation due to
its promotion in film and music, the English sports car does not. Still,
the British Sports Car lives on in great numbers thanks to enthusiasts like
all of us. The bad news for values is that with so many running examples
and decreasing demand...prices will remain flat or actually decrease.
We are perhaps the last of our kind, the keepers of the British Sports Car.
Do not buy one for investment. Instead, drive it for the pure enjoyment and
try to pass on the love.
Contrary opinions welcome!
--Chris
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