Future of our "hobby"

[Marc70challenger]

Some interesting stuff.

http://www.caranddriver.com/features/baby-boomers-created-the-classic-car-marketand-could-crash-it-feature-car-collecting-wont-fade-away-page-2 

[ec_co]

"A declining number of drivers can even operate a manual, which brings up another likely change for the hobby: automatics getting the price premium over manuals."

I've been saying this one for a few years. manuals these days are also security devices as a lot of younger drivers can't even fathom how to drive one

[Marc70challenger]

"A declining number of drivers can even operate a manual, which brings up another likely change for the hobby: automatics getting the price premium over manuals."

I've been saying this one for a few years. manuals these days are also security devices as a lot of younger drivers can't even fathom how to drive one

Yup.

I'd like to watch em try to drive a 3-on-the-tree. 

[Cuda Cody]

I love automatics in daily drivers, but when it comes to a fun car I want to row through the gears. 

As for the internet making it easy to find hard parts and increasing supply of cars, I would like to disagree with that.  The hard to find parts now cost way more because of the internet and there's less cars available then there was 10 years ago.  It might seem like there are more cars because you can look them up easier online, but they are not making anymore E-Bodies and each year there is less and less.  And the market will change, but with modern laws and rules they can never make cars as cool looking as they did in the past.  I see more people doing the crate engines and getting the best from both worlds.

[71GranCoupe]

 

Well said!

[A.Gramz]

I'm just waiting for the market the baby boomers created and took to the point the next generations can't afford to get into drops out on them and I Get some dream car at reasonable prices

Well I can dream can't I. 

[blown motor]

I love automatics in daily drivers, but when it comes to a fun car I want to row through the gears. 

As for the internet making it easy to find hard parts and increasing supply of cars, I would like to disagree with that.  The hard to find parts now cost way more because of the internet and there's less cars available then there was 10 years ago.  It might seem like there are more cars because you can look them up easier online, but they are not making anymore E-Bodies and each year there is less and less.  And the market will change, but with modern laws and rules they can never make cars as cool looking as they did in the past.  I see more people doing the crate engines and getting the best from both worlds.

I can't agree that every year there's less and less. Every year there are more cars brought back from the dead because somebody restored them. The supply of good cars should be increasing.

I agree with what the article says which is why I'm not going to buy another car, I'm going to win one. 

[anlauto]

If our hobby is in the tank, then why is every single restoration shop, speed shop, vendor, etc... I talk to, busy as hell ?

I just signed on two more full restorations last week.....

[screamindriver]

You know the old saying "don't take life too seriously nobody gets out alive"..   I've seen the older crowd go through the cycle...They hang on to their cars because nobody want's to pay "the price" that was spiked years before... Then they pass on nobody in the family is interested and they let the car go for peanuts compared to the retirement account they thought was in the bag...

     We're all next...It's at the point now where if you're building it "stock" to sell it and make a huge profit you might want to rethink your strategy...Seems the restomods and customs are now higher than the original cars...Yeah, the top shelf cars will always have their place but the next tier down has fallen to a big gap compared to a few short years ago...

    So yes the "hobby" is evolving and thinning out...But you'll still see me out there at the car shows and cruizing showing everyone what a Cuda is...Qtip head and all...
   

[ec_co]

    So yes the "hobby" is evolving and thinning out...But you'll still see me out there at the car shows and cruizing showing everyone what a Cuda is...Qtip head and all...
   

I think there are certain cars that will always be sought after and e-bodies are on that list. Cudas, Challengers, 1st gen Camaros, 1st gen Mustangs, 2nd gen Chargers .... all iconic in print/movies/advertising

[SteveG]

Even if the old mopars become almost worthless, I would not care because I love having them, driving them, and working on them.

[Cudakiller70]

     We're all next...It's at the point now where if you're building it "stock" to sell it and make a huge profit you might want to rethink your strategy...Seems the restomods and customs are now higher than the original cars...Yeah, the top shelf cars will always have their place but the next tier down has fallen to a big gap compared to a few short years ago...

    So yes the "hobby" is evolving and thinning out...But you'll still see me out there at the car shows and cruizing showing everyone what a Cuda is...Qtip head and all...
   

Watched this happen with tri five Chevys, 55, 56, 57's. Restorations where getting top dollar. That flipped to restomods getting  top dollar. I'm guessing early 2K.
I do think ebodys have a little something extra going for them.

[HP_Cuda]

Alan

I believe this to be an artifact of the amount of folks retiring and finally getting to that life long project they always wanted.

It's really about demographics and when that wave ends you will see demand drop off.

B

If our hobby is in the tank, then why is every single restoration shop, speed shop, vendor, etc... I talk to, busy as hell ?

I just signed on two more full restorations last week.....

[Marc70challenger]

Alan

I believe this to be an artifact of the amount of folks retiring and finally getting to that life long project they always wanted.

It's really about demographics and when that wave ends you will see demand drop off.

B

If our hobby is in the tank, then why is every single restoration shop, speed shop, vendor, etc... I talk to, busy as hell ?

I just signed on two more full restorations last week.....

What HP said. 

[RUNCHARGER]

I see more projects coming up for sale as some of the older owners die or realize it is never going to happen. The downside is these cars will be advertised on the net so finding good deals on projects will be less likely than 20 years ago. I hope there is enough of a market to keep all the good repro parts in production. It's never been this easy to restore an E-body. I had to drive 650 miles one way to buy my first shaker setup and it was a rusty, bent mess but back in the 80's there were no options.

Sheldon