Will newer muscle cars appreciate?

Question

Will the new Challenger and Camaro appreciate like the past generations from the sixties? What about the the second generation of GM muscle cars (i.e. 70-81 camaro/firebird, 68-82 corvette? (I say this as I own an 81 vette and wondering if I should hold on to it).

Answer 1

I don't see anything special in the newer muscle cars.  Your '81 vette might be worth hanging on to, though.

Answer 2

Not for a LONG time. If you get one wanting it to appreciate, plan on keeping it for about 20 years.

If you bought one, kept it in a climate-controlled garage, drove it 10 miles a year, etc., it would probably hold value to collectors, but would still depreciate some.

The second generation GM muscle cars (mid-to-late 70's examples, mind you, as early 70s examples are bringing good money) are just now starting to come up in value (nice examples, of course). I bought a '79 Trans Am for $2500 about 3 years ago, and could get $5,000 for it now. I won't be taking it to any auctions anytime soon, but they are indeed starting to creep up.

Answer 3

A lot will depend on manufacturing numbers.  If they crank out Challengers and Camaros they way they did Mustangs, then probably not.  Part of the appeal of the old muscle is that it was not made in the numbers we see today.  Plus, when the FIRST gas 'crunch' hit in the mid 70s, many of those cars went to the scrap yard or were dismantled.  I know of stories where dealership managers begged people to take a Superbird or Hemi cuda back in the day.  Now they are 6-figure cars.

70-73 F-Body (Camaro/Firebird) are already up there.  74 and up are the ones that still have not caught fire, but might.  81 Corvette?  If its in superb condition, it may get back to its original MSRP in about 15 more years..

Maybe if the production numbers are kept low, these cars will appreciate in value.  However, just as the first post said, it will take a very long time.

Answer 4

Hard to say, with the way manufacturers are switching over to alt fuel vehicles, I would imagine that this could happen, but not for a long time. I would hold on to the Vette as long as you are not hurting financially. If it needs work slowly do it over time then continue to follow the market so you don't lose/miss an opportunity to sell.

Answer 5

The new Challenger and Camaro were brainchild's of a generation before the gas crisis. All manufacturers are retooling for much smaller more gas efficient vehicles. The muscle cars will always have a huge following and with the direction of the marketplace, these vehicles should hold there own and depreciate very little over the next five years.