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1)
1965-1970 Chevrolet
Chevelle
We were absolutely floored by
the demand for Chevelles in 2003- it seemed that 1 in 5 cars Automobile
Inspections LLC was asked to look at was a Chevelle! Some years we a little
more sort after than others (typically the later years) but really any
Chevelle from 1965 to 1970 coupe or convertible was in demand. |
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2) 1967-1969 Chevrolet
Camaro
This was the car that topped
he list last year. Demand was still strong in 2003 but the prices these cars
were fetching meant a lot of would be buyers had a rude awakening as the
best big block examples were well out of their reach having gone up nearly
$10,000 in the past twelve months! |
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3) 1958-1967 Chevrolet
Impala
We were pleased to see
the Impala in the top 5. We have long felt there has been a following for
them but last year the interest definitely grew. Interestingly almost ALL
years were attracting buyers. It seems many have been chopped, scrapped or
rodded so excellent unmolested examples are few and far between. |
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4) 1967-1969 Ford Mustang
This was no surprise, as the 1965-66 mustang prices continue
to climb above $25,000 - buyers found themselves short on cash and started
looking at these later models so quell their desire.
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5) 1955-1957 Cherolet 210/Bel
Air
The immortal Chevrolet
210 and Bel Air. The prices of these cars went through the roof two years
ago, then there was a glut on
the market and only the nicest examples were finding buyers. Now the
'reality slap' of life has found it's mark and the prices have come down.
Patient buyers are waiting with cash for this classic of classics. Even the
though the '57 remains the favorite, the '55 & '56's are finding their own
fan base too. |
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6) 1965-1966 Ford Mustang
Still in strong demand, you really can't go wrong with one of
these it's like money in the bank. Just make sure it hasn't been hit and
poorly repaired, and if its' a 289ci all the better - but even the 6
cylinder convertible cars have been finding buyers. Prices have kept these
out of the budget for many buyers (see #4).
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7) 1965-1969 Pontiac GTO
The 'Goat', Pontiacs GTO
was in big demand in 2003. All years from 1965 to 1969 had buyers hunting
them down. Prices are on the rise but they still have a way to go, so if
you've always fancied one, grab one before they get out of reach!
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8) 1968-1970 Dodge Charger
One of two MOPARS that had car buyers reaching for their
wallets last years was the Dodge Charger. Specifically the 1968-1970 year
models and if it's a genuine R/T 440, buyers had to move quickly as none of
them stayed on the market for long.
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9) 1969-1970 Plymouth GTX
New to the list was this
beast, the Plymouth GTX. Buyers flocked to it in the 440, convertible or the
monster 426 Hemi get
up - everyone was a winner. |
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10) 1967-1969 Chevrolet
Corvette
Rounding out the top 10 was the Corvette. It seemed amazing
that the demand last year had eased off, most likely again due to the rising
prices. Excellent correct corvettes are now fetching 'mad-money' especially
form these years. If you want you'd either better be ready with so big
bucks, or be prepared to settle from a less than perfect car.
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Ones
to watch:
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1967-1969
Pontiac Firebird / Trans Am
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1964-1972 Oldsmobile 442
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1959-1964 Cadillac
Convertible |
1958-64 Pontiac
Bonneville
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FOREIGN |
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The foreign car buyers were not so aggressive
in 2003. There were certain cars that shone but for the most part (owing
I'm sure to the poor international exchange rates for most of the year) no
great surprises. Here's the list. |
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1) 1964-1973 Jaguar XKE
The Jaguar XKE continued to
shoot up in price with a few top notch series 1 examples fetching 6
figures!!! This meant a lot of ratty cars found their way to market as many
traders saw a chance for a quick buck. Still the public (for the most part)
aren't stupid and won't pay over the top money for a poor example - that
being said prices were up across the board and although it is still the
series 1 roadster that is most desired, series II and III examples have been
making more at auction also. (See
www.Hi-Bid.com) |
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2) 1964-1967 Austin Healey
3000 BJ8
You know I must admit that I
was shocked when Healeys started to fetch more money that an e-Type, it just
didn't seem right somehow, I mean it is a lovely car and all, but is it
really on a par with the incredible XKE? Clearly folks (in America at least)
believe it is because just when I thought they had reached top money - the
prices continued on rising with several cars selling in the $55 - 65,000
range and one example fetching over $90,000 last year in Monterey! |
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3) 1963-1971 Mercedes 230SL &
280SL
The 'Pagoda roof 'cars may
have finally begun to have come of age. The 190 SL have been enjoying a
revitalized market but last year we found quite a bit of interest not only
in the 280SL but also the 230SL. This is most certainly market driven as
280's have been creeping up in value for some time, it is forcing folks to
take a second look at the (near identical) 230 and 250SL models as the
prices seem to make a LOT more sense. |
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4) 1965-1975 Porsche 911
Last time we created the 'Most
Wanted' list we could see that there was a swell of buyers on the look out
for early 911's and 912's. Well in 2003 that demand continued to grow. The
356 is now over $30,000 so early 911 and 12's are a very attractive option -
but be warned they are getting hard to find. |
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5) 1954-1974 VW Beetle
You know people thought we
were nuts when we reported last year that there was a real movement afoot
buying up old VW beetles, 21 window vans and campers, but guess what they
are still highly sought after. 2003 saw some record prices set for VW's like
beetles selling routinely for $20-$25,000 and a 21-window that sold for
nearly $50,000! |
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6) 1950-1957 Jaguar XK120-140
Jaguar XK120-140's continue to
do well, the roadsters are probably in the most demand but DHC and even FHC
have changed hands for big bucks. |
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7)
1969-1974 Triumph TR6
If you are into British
sports cars this is definitely one car you should consider grabbing before
it gets out of reach. I have a sneaky suspicion that this will go the way of
the AH BJ8 in time. Triumphs TR6 really has it all, it's fast, it looks good
and it's cheap to keep.
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8)
1956-1962 MG A
Many MG A's found new homes in
2003. There seems to be interest in all years from the early 1500's the last
of the MK II. Be careful if this is your cup of tea. There are loads out
there that have been poorly restored. Panel alignment and fit is EVERYTHING
on one of these. Check CAREFULLY before you buy (See
www.AutomobileInspections.com) |
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9) 1954-1963 Triumph TR2 & TR3
Faster that the MG A and (in
my opinion) more stylish. With the cut away doors and big two liter motor,
you'll leave every MG you see in the dust. Early TR's are beautifully made,
and a joy to drive. |
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10) 1950-1955 MG TD & TF
The TD and (to a lesser
degree) the TF is still a popular choice among 'Sunday Drivers', with such a
great club and national parts network they really give you everything you
can want for in the vintage car department. |
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Ones
to watch:
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1970-1973 Datsun 240Z |
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1968-1975 Morgan Plus 8 |
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1961-1967 Jaguar XKE Coupe |
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1986-1989 Mercedes Benz
560SL |
