[TR] Collector Car Values

[William Brewer]

     I follow collector car values and dream of finding the next big thing. In
the distant past I looked at driving XKE roadsters for under $3K, mint 356
Porsches for $4K, a clean 911T for $2200, an Aston DB6 for under $10K and a
Maserati 3500 Touring for $6,000. Lots of cars seem to have exceeded their
useful values and are just languishing in the hands of dealers, speculators
and flippers. No sense in even looking at early 911's or 356 Porsche's
anymore. Same with Jag XK's or early Aston DB's or V8's. Our TR's seem to have
headed up quite a bit recently, but I think they are still bargains.
     Some
recent cars that seem to have shot up include Porsche 912's, Ferrari 308's and
Lotus Elises. About 5 years ago $10K would have bought the best 912, $25K for
a great 308 and low 20's for a good Elise. No more. In 2007 I looked at a red
1988 Lotus Turbo Esprit with low miles for $9,300. No more like that again
says I.
     I have always thought the TR8's would shoot up, but it has proven
not to be. Same with Porsche 914's, Jensen Healeys and Triumph Stags, although
Stags appear to be creeping up as time goes on. I have a friend that just
bought a really clean Jensen Healey for $4400. Amazing.
     Are there any
deals out there? Here is a list of some cars I think are still comparative
bargains. I would enjoy knowing what other listers notice.

     1. Ferrari
Testarossas - I see them for sale as low as $40K in SoCal. The kids that had
posters of them on their walls in the 90's will want them in the future.

   
 2. Gen 1 Mazda RX7's - I see mint low mile examples for 4 and 5K.

     3.
MGBGT's.

     4. Midgets - lots of cheap ones at bargain prices.

     5.
GT6's.

     6. Lagonda - I was tempted by a 50's Lagonda that was listed for
$19,900. Aston powered.

     7. Jag Marks VII through X, Mk II's, 3.8S - Lots
of good ones for around 20K.

     8. Porsche 914's

     9. Post 2002 Jag
XK8's

     10. Porsche 944 Turbo's and 944S.

     11. Alfa Romeo 2600
Touring - I was watching a good driver for $19,900. Straight 6 DOHC powered
with 5 speed. Some flipper/dealers want a small fortune for theirs.

     12.
Alfa Romeo 2000 Spiders - I recently help a friend pick up an 80,000 mile 1989
Alfa for $7000 that looked and drove like brand new.

     Any others?

   
 Bill Brewer - in Tehachapi, CA on a snowy day