See inflation calculator at http://www.westegg.com/inflation/).
Chip -
This is really a great website to show the ravishes of inflation over the
past 50 years or so. I bookmarked it. In general, I agree with you, Laurie,
and the others on the value of a TC not equal to its restoration cost. I
know this from experience. However, any desirable collectable has a
supply/demand factor as well as the desirability of the item. I think TC
values have held quite well, but will never soar into the stratosphere like
the Grand Classics. They were cheap cars when new, and are "relatively"
cheap now, compared to say, Pebble Beach cars which have greatly
appreciated. On inflation alone, the TC is worth only half its current value
based on an $1850 or so, new selling price. The rest of the value is true
appreciation due to relative scarcity and desirability.
However, anything is "worth" what someone is willing to pay. This went nutty
in the late 80s when cars were bid into the millions, that can now be bought
for a few hundred thousand. It's all relative.
Bill Harkins
Fallbrook, CA
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