Future Collectibles

Over the years, I’ve had many of my friends ask me what late model cars I thought might be the future collectibles. I tell them that there are several factors that go into such a determination.

First of all, a car doesn’t necessarily have to have been a popular car in its day to be a collectible…look at the Edsel.

Almost any car will appreciate in value as time goes on, if it’s well cared for. However, vehicles like early Thunderbirds and Corvettes, appreciated faster because of their popularity and the mystique surrounding them.

Production numbers and the passage of time, also have a hand in a collectible car’s value. A general rule of thumb dictates that, like anything else, the fewer there are…the more they’re worth. After all, when was the last time you saw an AMC Pacer ??

As is the case with all collectible cars, the ones that look their best, have the most options, are as original as possible and have low miles, will appreciate faster.

If I had the money and the garage space, these are some cars I would seriously consider purchasing right now:

2002 – 2005 Thunderbird - Production numbers were low for all years of this model with only 9,548 vehicles being sold in 2005.

1988 Pontiac Fiero GT - The 1988 Fiero is considered by many to be the best model produced. Earlier models were plagued with mechanical issues and were underpowered. I also feel this was the best looking version of Fiero's 4 year run.

1962 Cadillac Eldorado – IMHO…the best looking of the ’61 to ‘64 year model run. Although these cars are already fetching high prices in mint condition, there are still some bargains to be found.

1960 - 1967 Ford Country Squire - This is a good looking and reliable vehicle that’s appreciating as the collectible station wagon market grows. The 1960 model is very rare and in mint condition, commands the highest prices of any year.

In a future installment I will give tips on how to purchase a collectible car.