That's just the way it goes. Guys spend a small fortune paying someone else to build a car for them, then have to give it away to pay down the debt from that build.
I went and looked closely at that Lincoln. It was a neat old car showing wear -no air, needed paint, needed detailing under the hood-and really needed to be restored. It looked better on TV than when up close and personal. Don't know if it was a stock color but it was a dark green, which didn't help it.
I think BOB DRAKE's goal is to eventually manufacture all the 40 Ford coupe interior and interior sheet metal including garnish moldings, tack strips, etc. I don't think it will effect the value of a Henry Ford 40, but it will make it possible for those who want one to build one without having to find or restore a rusted out hulk.
I saw it last night. It really looked like a great car. I noticed the last auctions that ive' seen Hot Rodded cars were bringing more money than the Stockers.
RJP. GOOD POINT. I just got off the phone with a guy who is very familiar with what really happens behind the scenes at these auctions and he told me sellers frequently buy back their own cars when they see it's going to sell at a loss. So really it's not "SOLD" to a new buyer. This also includes "shills" who bump up the price.
X2. If you're able to do all the work yourself, in almost every facet of the build, it's possible to come out ahead or break even. But if you need to pay for labor, it's probably almost impossible to come out ahead. But who cares? Having fun for me costs money regardless of what I'm going; paying for ice time with my hockey team, greens fees at the golf course, dinner with a special gal, or just sitting at the bar and shooting pool. So why should paying for parts to build and gas to cruise around be any different. Old cars are a fun hobby and recreation for me. I'll never come out ahead of the game cash-wise on my car, but I'm waaaaaayyyy ahead of the game on value for fun, great memories and wonderful people I've met participating in this hobby
I feel very fortunate to have recently sold my 47 convert in todays market at a really good price. I have been actively looking for a new project or complete car. Most of the cars I have called on have been for sale for quite awhile (months to yrs). Not a total surprise but most guys I have talked to with cars for sale are 66-75. It does seem like a lot of stuff is going to be for sale in the next 5 years. Now that I have sold it I am in a Conundrum. There are a few nice traditional cars out there below build cost, but would need some personalization, or I have found a few builders (like a nice 39 Deluxe coupe) that would take three years and I would have probably end up with too much in it just based on todays cost to build.
The Jalopy Journal
