Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS
The Ask Rick Episode, with Rick Schmidt
It’s the month of love and football! Happy Valentine’s Day—and hurrah for the Super Bowl this weekend. Between the thrill of the game, the spectacle of the commercials, and the glitz of the halftime show, it’s one of those rare events that truly has something for everyone.
That makes it the perfect time to check in with Rick Schmidt for another round of Ask Rick, where we dive into the current state—and future direction—of the automotive world.
Rick’s Take On…
Fords Future Sedan Market
Recently, Ford CEO Jim Farley made a noteworthy comment: sedans shouldn’t be written off so quickly. Rick agreed, pointing out that American manufacturers are currently absent from a large portion of the sedan market—a space that has steadily been filled by foreign automakers offering affordable, practical cars.
Over the past decade, Detroit has largely shifted its focus toward higher-margin trucks and SUVs, leaving the low-end and entry-level sedan market behind. That decision created an opening, and overseas manufacturers—particularly Korean brands—have quietly and consistently stepped in. Rick noted that these companies have dominated the lower-end sedan segment for years and are now being taken very seriously by the global automotive industry.
Looking ahead, there are early signs that low-cost electric sedans could bring this segment back into focus. If executed correctly, these vehicles could provide affordable transportation for a wide range of consumers while giving American automakers a chance to re-enter a market they once ruled. Rick believes the future could hold some genuinely exciting sedans coming out of Detroit once again.
Rick’s Take On…
January Auction Results
Major January auctions have always been a strong barometer for the muscle car and collector vehicle market—and this year did not disappoint. Rick described the results as a market that “blew the doors off,” with several unexpected standouts.
Cars that traditionally wouldn’t draw major attention were suddenly commanding six-figure prices, with some crossing the $100,000 mark. That caught a lot of people by surprise.
Even more interesting, classic vehicles from the 1950s held their value remarkably well, despite ongoing speculation that older collectors are exiting the hobby. Meanwhile, certain sporty classics—like the Thunderbird—remain stuck in a soft market. Rick noted that beautifully restored examples can still be found at prices far below what it likely cost to restore them, making them tempting buys for enthusiasts who value enjoyment over profit.
Overall, January proved there are still excellent opportunities to be found at auction, and the strength of the market was clearly on display—especially at Kissimmee.
Rick’s Take On…
Cars To Buy And Sell At Auction
Rick wrapped things up with a real-world challenge:
“We just went to Mecum and bought three cars under $60,000. Which one did we do well enough on to enjoy for a year, do nothing to, and sell at Mecum January 2027?”
That question led into a breakdown of the contenders—starting with:
Car #1: 1984 Dodge Daytona Turbo Hatchback
https://www.mecum.com/lots/
Car #2: 2017 Chevrolet SS Sedan
https://www.mecum.com/lots/
Car #3: 1986 Mercury Capri ASC McLaren Convertible
https://www.mecum.com/lots/
Same question as above, but the $60K upfront has been lifted. The sky’s the limit…..but we must slip the car and make a profit later!
Car #1: 1963 Ford Galaxie 500
https://www.mecum.com/lots/
(this is the first car sold this year over $100K)
Car #2: 1987 Chevrolet Silverado Pickup
https://www.mecum.com/lots/
Car #3: 1971 Oldsmobile 442 W-30
https://www.mecum.com/lots/
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
This interview sponsored by our pals at National Parts Depot –
your premier source for muscle car restoration parts!
