Just a old man thinking

[Roy B.]

I feel I'm from another time warp (OLD) because when I got into Corvettes in the mid 60's I started Vintage Corvettes of Southern Ca. (which is still going) but us guys bought Corvettes as used CARS , also finding them in alleys ,back yards , I was even given a few by owners to get them out of their garage .Many members never paid over $700.00 for one.
I had over 12 Corvettes back then and paid no more then $300.00 each 53 to 60 even found a 57 FI running for $150.00 .
Now to day I see spark plug holder, air cleaner wing nuts,bolts,air cleaners sell for more.
Even now I give away small parts to friends needing them because I still cant see the value in them. But again I've listed a small part thinking I would get $10.00 and some nuts bid it up to $100.00 .
Sorry I must have a need to express my shock at what has happened to a HOBBY I thought was fun .
Along the way over the years when I bought my 55 and restored it, by selling parts and a few Corvettes I don't think I have a nickle of my own money invested in it.

[Michael W.]

Re: Just a old man thinking

So you'll sell me your '55 for a few hundred bucks then?

[Steven G.]

Re: Just a old man thinking

If We Only Knew Then What We Know Now !!

[Steven B.]

Re: Just a old man thinking

Roy, I know what you mean. I first started "loving" these things as a young kid in the late 50's buying every Corvette model I could, reading every magazine with a Corvette in it, and finally getting mine in '64. Cars and parts were cheap because there was little value to a "used" car, even a Corvette. You wanted a part you went to the junk yard. That was great because so many of us could get into them for very little. Since it became a business, even an investment, it has changed the market somewhat. Many new buyers are not enthusiasts as we think of them. I have a friend who learns about the latest model, and drives one, but is not interested in the history or the older cars. Both good and bad. If the high values were not given to the older cars and parts they would have been disposed of long ago and there certainly would not be reproduction parts today. It is likely your beautiful bubble top would have long been destroyed by a previous owner.

Like many, I am concerned about passing this enthusiasm and interest on. Many members were born in the Roosevelt to Kennedy administrations, and later. It does not seem as if we have enough younger enthusiasts, by our definition, to carry on our great, enthusiastic, anal, I can't think of anything else, attitude we have. Maybe we just need to give more young kids rides in our Corvettes to get the bon fires burning.

Thanks to people like you the spirit is returning, starting with this TDB.

Thanks!

Steve

[Roy B.]

Re: Just a old man thinking

Steven! When I'm dead the ride is over , it's a sad fact these used cars cost so much for younger kids to experience, when ever I see some younger guy show interest I let them sit in it and some times take them around the block . I'm afraid most of our Corvettes will be sent over seas or put in some ones collection never to be seen again.
That's why I drive my 55 when ever I can keeping it original as I can and nice.I suspect most will be turn into mods by younger people as many are now being done.

[Steven B.]

Re: Just a old man thinking

My wife has instructions when I die, either of "natural causes" or her beating me to death while I sleep (for snoring or just p---ing her off)I am to be cremated and my ashes mixed with my dogs (they love me). She will probably sell the Corvettes (look for the ad in the Driveline), but hopefully I can take them with me.

You are correct, most younger people won't, and don't, have the money to buy them and it doesn't look like they will be able to get a car loan any time soon. There will always be a few "deals" but not like in the past. Too bad. Yep, I think I WILL take them with me!

[Jack H.]

Re: Just a old man thinking

I guess I have to be SHOCKED at your thinking Roy! In 1965 the DJIA ran in the 800-900 range. Today, despite the recession, the market's at 8500. That's an inflation factor of almost 10X.

It explains PERFECTLY to me why that $10 part you sell goes for $100. I hope you view your investments in a different light than you view Corvettes and their parts prices because if you don't expect investments to at least keep pace with inflation, retirement is NOT going to be fun...

[Roy B.]

Re: Just a old man thinking

I guess I have to be SHOCKED at your thinking Roy! In 1965 the DJIA ran in the 800-900 range. Today, despite the recession, the market's at 8500. That's an inflation factor of almost 10X.

It explains PERFECTLY to me why that $10 part you sell goes for $100. I hope you view your investments in a different light than you view Corvettes and their parts prices because if you don't expect investments to at least keep pace with inflation, retirement is NOT going to be fun...

Your right , it's just hard to believe, I've been retired for a long time and having no problems .