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Ask Rick: Are Today’s Specialty Muscle Cars Tomorrow’s Blue-Chip Collectibles?
Back in the heyday of the muscle car wars, a handful of dealerships became legends in their own right. Names like Yenko Chevrolet, Nickey Chevrolet, and Mr. Norm’s Grand Spaulding Dodge weren’t just places to buy a car. They were destinations for enthusiasts looking to own something faster, rarer, and more exclusive than anything sitting on the average dealer lot.
While some of those iconic locations have faded into history, including the original Mr. Norm’s dealership that was demolished earlier this year, others continue to carry the performance torch. Companies like Nickey Performance and Ames Ford Performance still specialize in factory-backed performance vehicles, offering everything from Shelby, Roush, and RTR Mustangs to Hennessey and Black Widow trucks.
History has shown that many of those dealer-built performance cars from the 1960s became far more valuable than their standard production counterparts. A Yenko Camaro or Mr. Norm’s Mopar commands a premium today because of its documented history and limited production.
That raises an interesting question. Will today’s specialty performance vehicles follow the same path?
Rick pointed out that the biggest difference between yesterday’s muscle cars and today’s halo cars may not be horsepower, but technology. Modern performance vehicles rely heavily on proprietary electronics, complex control modules, and software that may eventually become obsolete. If manufacturers stop producing critical electronic components, future restorers could find themselves with cars that are mechanically sound but impossible to repair or return to original condition. Could today’s limited-production specialty cars become tomorrow’s prized collectibles… or will advancing technology turn some of them into expensive garage art?
Has the Muscle Car Market Cooled Off?
Muscle Cars are bought and sold all of the time but at times certain models sell better than others. Wouldn’t you like to know if the market is going down or up in advance so you can get the best deal or get the highest price? While researching today’s auction car challenge I stumbled upon a video from Guys With Rides where the host has done extensive research on Bring A Trailer looking at sales data to show recurring trends on model to like model listings. Rick said that sales at NPD doesn’t normally tank in June and believes some things may fluctuate based on time of year or supply and demand, overall sales remain steady and strong in the muscle and performance markets.
Classic Truck Challenge: Which Truck Would You Buy Up To $35,000
Let’s kick things off with a little investment game. Imagine you have up to $35,000 to spend on one classic truck. Your goal isn’t just to buy something cool, it’s to identify the one that’s most undervalued today with the greatest potential upside in the future. Which one are you bringing home?
1970 Chevrolet El Camino – (SOLD for $58,000)
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1970-chevrolet-el-camino-99/
1972 Chevrolet C10 Pickup – (SOLD for $42,000)
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1972-chevrolet-c10-pickup-285/
1967 Jeep Jeepster Commando – (SOLD for $40,000)
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1967-jeep-jeepster-commando-9/
1986 Toyota Pickup – (SOLD for $23,000)
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1986-toyota-pickup-77/
Which Car Would You Buy?
Same challenge, different garage. This time we’re looking at cars, and there’s no budget limit. The mission is still the same: identify the one that’s currently at its most undervalued point and has the best chance of appreciating over time.
1967 Pontiac GTO – (SOLD for $121,000)
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1967-pontiac-gto-234/
1992 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 – (SOLD for $31,750)
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1992-chevrolet-corvette-zr-1-24/
1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 – (SOLD for $67,000)
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1970-ford-mustang-boss-302-128/
1972 Datsun 240Z – (BID to for $23,500)
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1972-datsun-240z-398/
Bonus Pick
1992 Mercedes-Benz 300SL – (SOLD for $22,250)
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1992-mercedes-benz-300sl-26/
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This interview sponsored by our pals at National Parts Depot – your premier source for muscle car restoration parts!
