Will these cars EVER be worth any money?

[madison]

When all the headaches are over or we are waiting on a new one to challange our tenacity for getting it right. We can say we have finally won at some point but what was the cost and will we ever come close to at least breaking even on parts lnvestment vs. the value our families can get for them after we have won the battle of the bird.

[garsc]

I hope they will eventually be worth something. I have invested a ton of money in mine not to mention the time and the blood,sweat and tears. Its a hobby my wife doesnt mind [she says I have the bird flu]. Just keep the faith brother and remember that everyone you see parted out helps our cause.:D Mine just rests comfortably in the garage awaiting more mods and money all the wile increasing in value.:cool:

[DamonSlowpokeBaumann]

Any good condition SC is worth something..Good condition being key

[Mike Puckett]

If mid-60's TBirds can be worth some money then so can SC's. We've got 7 to 13 years till we're legal antiques at 25 years old. Since I'll be 60 in a couple of weeks, I'm already an antique.:D

[ThunderDave]

she says I have the bird flu.:cool:

It's like an epidemic around here. :cool:

[txsc]

When all the headaches are over or we are waiting on a new one to challange our tenacity for getting it right. We can say we have finally won at some point but what was the cost and will we ever come close to at least breaking even on parts lnvestment vs. the value our families can get for them after we have won the battle of the bird.

Yes, they will. As stated above, it will take some time; these cars aren't "old" yet.

As we speak, I'm working with the officers of the VTCI (Vintage Thunderbird Club International) to coordinate the creation of the judging standards and OFS (Official Factory Specifications) manual for the MN12 'Birds. These are the documents that they use in the certification and concours judging of cars. They already have these manuals for 'Birds from 55 up through the early 70's. VTCI recognizes the siginficance of the MN12 Bird's, and the Super Coupe in particular, in the overall Thunderbird history. That they are taking a proactive interest in these cars is a good sign for the future value of the Super Coupe (and all MN12 'Birds). The VTCI is a serious group, and the international president contacted ME about this project. They want the SC well represented and documented.

But, originality = value. If you're concerned about the future value and legitimate collector status of YOUR car, don't irreversibly modify it. And if you do decide to modify (it's your car, afterall), keep your original parts, and do the modifications in a way that will be easily reversable in the future. Basically, if the modification requires a saw, knife or drill, don't do it. In judging, the MN12 'Birds will be treated just like the '55-and-up cars, where points will be deducted for deviation from original. A trophy/certificate from VTCI for winning a class will carry weight, and add value to your car.

Obviously, not everyone or even most, cares about this sort of thing. But for those who do, it's something to bear in mind as you preserve and restore your car. With a proactive stance, we can drive up the value and status of the Super Coupe.

JD

PS: It's just a hobby. Cars in general (with a few exceptions) are a lousy investment. You have to be in it because you love it; there are myriad better ways to invest your money purely for return-on-investment.

[garsc]

JD has the right idea......But, originality = value. If you're concerned about the future value and legitimate collector status of YOUR car, don't irreversibly modify it. And if you do decide to modify (it's your car, afterall), keep your original parts, and do the modifications in a way that will be easily reversable in the future. Basically, if the modification requires a saw, knife or drill, don't do it. Thats exactly what I am doing everytime I do a modification I save the old parts and store them wheels and all. The only thing I cant reverse is the rear spoiler because of the holes in the trunk. I plan on picking up a good used one ond painting it when the rest of the car is painted. :D

[txsc]

JD has the right idea......But, originality = value. If you're concerned about the future value and legitimate collector status of YOUR car, don't irreversibly modify it. And if you do decide to modify (it's your car, afterall), keep your original parts, and do the modifications in a way that will be easily reversable in the future. Basically, if the modification requires a saw, knife or drill, don't do it. Thats exactly what I am doing everytime I do a modification I save the old parts and store them wheels and all. The only thing I cant reverse is the rear spoiler because of the holes in the trunk. I plan on picking up a good used one ond painting it when the rest of the car is painted. :D

I would recommend doing the modification to the used deck lid, and storing away your original. All the body parts have a code decal that is correct for your car. A replacement body panel won't KILL your car in judging (allowances are made for repairs, etc.), but a car with all-original panels will always score higher in that category. If you have all your original panels intact to begin with, try and keep them that way. Use salvage yard parts for spoilers, etc.

JD

[Smutty]

What Super coupe will have an origional Ford harmonic balancer or motor mounts after 25 years. In 30 years every sc will have a bhj balancer(if it still runs)

[neverfastenough]

What Super coupe will have an origional Ford harmonic balancer or motor mounts after 25 years. In 30 years every sc will have a bhj balancer(if it still runs)

They sell ford reman balancers:p

[Mike Puckett]

Believe it or not there are SC's out there that have less than 10,000 mi on them and probably many more with less than 50,000 mi. I saw a 35th at Carlisle a few years ago whose gray suede was pristine, almost like fleece it was so fluffy and soft. I couldn't bear to sit on it. This is what restorations will have to compete against. I'd rather have a race car than a show car is why I'm selling my 35th, hopefully to a good home that appreciates what it is.

[txsc]

That's what's great about this hobby - everyone can find a niche that interests them. I think the modified cars are very cool, and would like to have one to play with. But, completely opposite of others, I'd rather have an original than a race car, considering that you can own/build a REALLY nice original/restored car for what many spend on modifications. I'm just taking advantage of the depressed market right now to get into really nice cars economically.

And as far as balancers, motor mounts, etc... That's why I have, and am adding to, an NOS parts inventory. I'm targeting the known weak/rare parts now, and picking up others as they come along. It's an investment, but cheaper to do it now than in 10-15 years.

Believe it or not, the percentage of even pristine, original cars will continue to drop for a few more years, before the values begin to swing upward. Attrition will continue to absorb nice cars. That's what will make the "hold-outs" more rare/valuable. There will always be "time capsule" cars around, but it will give others a benchmark for restoration. That's why I'm keeping mine as-is.

JD