TMCP #664: Ask Rick’s Thanksgiving Car Challenge—Which Cars Could Pay for Dinner in 2027?
Could your next collector-car purchase pay for next year’s Thanksgiving dinner? Rob Kibbe welcomes Rick Schmidt of National Parts Depot for a Thanksgiving edition of Ask Rick, featuring two car-buying challenges. First, Rick has a $30,000 purchase budget to choose between an early 1965 Mustang project, a 1993 Dodge Viper with a television connection to Pamela Anderson’s V.I.P., and a Beck Speedster replica. Which offers the best chance of turning a year of ownership into turkey money?
Then the budget limit disappears—but restoration work is off the table! A 1959 Cadillac Coupe de Ville, a 1963 Corvette split-window coupe, and a low-mileage 1981 DeLorean compete to fund dinner and dessert. Rick weighs condition, repair costs, buyer appeal, and potential appreciation before making his picks. Rob even throws a used Tesla Cybertruck into the conversation for a bonus round.
Rick also shares the family connection behind his beautifully restored 1960 Pontiac Bonneville and the mechanical rescue of his 1955 Star Chief convertible as he prepares for Pontiac’s centennial celebration at Hilton Head. Along the way, he explains why factory-correct undercarriage details matter and why Mecum Auctions and Bring a Trailer would be among his preferred places to sell a quality classic.
And because it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without a little friendly disagreement, Rob quizzes Rick on the holiday menu—from cranberry sauce to casseroles and the all-important pie selection. Bring your appetite and pick your winner!
