What is a “collectible” car? What is it that makes one car desirable to today’s collector, while a seemingly similar one languishes for lack of interest? Which automobiles are considered true Classics, and which have been accorded Milestone status? Which cars are hot in the marketplace—and which are not? Which ones will have the greatest investment potential over the next decade? And which ones have peaked or are "cooling off” as investments?
These are the questions most often asked by the million people who are actively involved in the old-car hobby today. The answers can be found in this newly revised and completely updated edition of Complete Book of Collectible Cars: 60 Years of Blue- Chip Auto Investments. Here you’ll find concise and authoritative profiles of more than 940 domestic and foreign models encompassing 1930- 1990—the period of primary interest to today’s collectors.
Presented here are the cars that enthusiasts remember, seek out, and restore. They are the automobiles that those in the know revere for their unique styling and engineering (good and bad), and for other factors such as quality, performance, and innovativeness. Included also are the more obscure makes and models, as well as recent-vintage cars that may still be depreciating, but that the editors foresee as collectible in the not-too- distant future.
Of course, not every old car merits recognition as a bona fide collectible. But many do, and noted automotive historian Richard M. Langworth and the award-winning Auto Editors of CONSUMER GUIDE® explain not only why some cars are worthy of collectible status, but how much return an investor can reasonably expect to make over time.
Complete Book of Collectible Cars contains a wealth of information on a wide variety of models—both domestic and import—representing every size, type, and price class. Some can still be had for a song, while others can run well into six figures—and a rare few even into seven figures! Here you’ll find economy models and muscle machines, family sedans and sports cars, sensational successes and fabulous flops...and everything in between. In fact, the book’s selections form the most comprehensive portfolio of automotive investments ever assembled, starting with the 1953-63 AC Ace and ending with the 1955 Willys Bermuda.
Each entry in Complete Book of Collectible Cars begins with original production figures, followed by a lively thumbnail history and a summary of factors that weigh “For” and “Against" each car as a collectible. Pertinent technical data—including dimensions and other specifications, available engines, and original prices—are provided. Rounding out each profile is the “Prices” section, which lists realistic price ranges in three condition classes—Fair, Good, and Fine. Also provided is an exclusive "Fine Example Price History," which quotes 1982, 1987, and 1990 values, 1982- 94 investment history in percentage return, and a projected 1995-2005 return.
Complete Book of Collectible Cars makes it easy to select a wise old-car investment. But whether your interest relates to fun, profit, or both, this book is also a valuable, pleasurable reference work, with well over 1000 photos plus 64 pages of memorable automobiles in fabulous full color. Complete Book of Collectible Cars: 60 Years of Blue-Chip Auto Investments is a “must” for every enthusiast’s bookshelf!