Where Are Our Cars Going

[Gene M.]

[Tom S.]

Re: Where Are Our Cars Going

So true. And everything (almost) is on Visa, American Express etc. We just had our Chapter meet and youngest participant looked like he was in his 40's and so it goes. This weekend is Mecum in Indy, lots of Corvettes going thru, let's see what the numbers say.

[Frank E.]

Re: Where Are Our Cars Going

Well said Gene.... With shop classes being victims of budget cuts in our high schools, fewer are being able to use their heads and work with their hands.... I'm afraid they'd rather play a video game. Too sad...

[William F.]

Re: Where Are Our Cars Going

Well, I don't see too many hot rodded Dusenbergs, Mercedes 300SL's, Early XKE's, or Ferraris. These cars as well as at least some of our Corvettes-C1's . C2's are classics and I feel will continue to be. The cut up corvettes with LS engines will fall out of favor soon enough and the pure ones will only be more sought after.

[John D.]

Re: Where Are Our Cars Going

I have been very excited and impressed lately that my son has taken an interest (big time) in learning how to restore the '57-'65 fuel injections.
He's coming along quite well. He grew up with the old Corvettes and still likes them the best.
I wouldn't cut the younger generation out friends. I think the hobby will survive long after we are gone.

I was always into Model A Fords. Well they seemed to die out for a while and now they are going strong. They must be as there are a ton of repro catalogs out there.
It's our job to plant the seed as my pastor says. Meaning pay attention to the younger crowd and give them some encouragement rather than write them off. John

[Philip A.]

Re: Where Are Our Cars Going

The hobby will shrink, recall it is baby boomers that primarily drove this craze, and the prices will come down.

[Gene M.]

Re: Where Are Our Cars Going

Well, I don't see too many hot rodded Dusenbergs, Mercedes 300SL's, Early XKE's, or Ferraris. These cars as well as at least some of our Corvettes-C1's . C2's are classics and I feel will continue to be. The cut up corvettes with LS engines will fall out of favor soon enough and the pure ones will only be more sought after.

Well Dusenbergs are too expensive to even consider. As for Mercedes, xke and Ferrari’s well who cares the’re not American. As for the cut up, they are bringing big money as restmods. And the classics cars like the tri five Chevy bring more cash modified than stock restored by well over two to one. Just go to the local cruise in most stuff is MODIFIED in some respect. People like to personalize their cars.

[Pancho T.]

Re: Where Are Our Cars Going

Not sure that I agree with you. Since the 1/15/18 I have performed 27 pre purchase inspections for prospective buyers. All of the cars were C1 and C2s. A couple of guys had me look at two cars each. Of the cars that I looked at twenty different buyers purchased cars. Eighteen of which were C2s. Of those twenty buyers fifteen are under 50yrs of age. Better yet ten of the buyers are under 35yrs of age. All of the

younger

buyers said that they wanted the cars because of the styling and ease of repair. Most people buy cars that appeal to their eye. No difference in today's buyers. None were interested project cars.

[Kenneth B.]

Re: Where Are Our Cars Going

Not sure that I agree with you. Since the 1/15/18 I have performed 27 pre purchase inspections for prospective buyers. All of the cars were C1 and C2s. A couple of guys had me look at two cars each. Of the cars that I looked at twenty different buyers purchased cars. Eighteen of which were C2s. Of those twenty buyers fifteen are under 50yrs of age. Better yet ten of the buyers are under 35yrs of age. All of the

younger

buyers said that they wanted the cars because of the styling and ease of repair. Most people buy cars that appeal to their eye. No difference in today's buyers. None were interested project cars.

I agree Pancho. I an 73 & bought a 36 Cord Conv. 20 years ago because of the styling & they were beautiful cars like the C-1 2'S & 3'S. Try 5 Chevy's mid 60's cars & 55/57 Tbirds will always be desirable & classic cars. Don't believe the world is falling in on classic cars. Sky is NOT falling.

[Steve B.]

Re: Where Are Our Cars Going

Well said John and Pancho, to echo Kens statement, the sky is not falling.

[Tom D.]

Re: Where Are Our Cars Going

Gene: Such thoughts have crossed my mind. I try not to dwell on what will happen, but the topic does come up (family members and non-NCRS car guys). I see the NCRS making attempts to attract some younger folks, and that is OK with me. Bottom line: I intend to leave with some stuff in the garage, and expect it is not a burden for my family because it's been discussed.

[William F.]

Re: Where Are Our Cars Going

Gene,
Not necessarily correct about resto trifive Chevy's bringing more than restored. Nice restored to original are going for as much or more than resto rods. Check your figures on auction sales. Same as NICE, REAL DEAL restored Corvettes vs chopped up restorodded ones painted in colors not found in nature. Some of this has to do with taste, something hard to define but exists. Like back in the day when leisure suits were big in some corners ,but at least some bucked the trend.

[William F.]

Re: Where Are Our Cars Going

John,
Your suggestions are an excellent positive way to address passing on interest in restored Corvettes.

[William F.]

Re: Where Are Our Cars Going

Concerning our marketing, maybe that's a class for judging somewhere between "restored as delivered" and the Concours where anything goes that would get more members and involvement. Classic Thunderbird International Club has these type categories.
Maybe, no deductions for modern, safe radial tires, non dulled base/clear coat paint as long as color same as came on car and matches the
original color, electronic switching module in distributor whether 1 or 2 wires. Also, as long as part is appropriate to car, such as original brand and model of a carb, no deducts for date. Maybe allow an am/fm radio in C1's since are few if any am stations anymore. Forget about absolutely correct tire valve stems, wheel weights. Keep emphasis on operations and more emphasis on driving.

[William F.]

Re: Where Are Our Cars Going

And forget about non tar top batteries and quartz clock conversions as deducts.