Cars are NOT investments. That fictional 4 cam speedster would need storage, mechanical and service work, insurance, and more throughout the time it is kept.

The same money placed in a good low load index fund over the same period would have a greater yield. Also..quickly now, tell me which car being sold today will, in 60 years or so, have the same high demand as that fictional 4 cam speedster. Hindsight is crystal clear, the future is cloudy.

Frankly, I left money on the table when I sold my old 911S...with no regrets. I was bored with it, yet wanted it forever out of the hands of some types I couldn't stand being around. I think I accomplished that.

Now I drive a rear wheel drive manual trans car that isn't worth much yet is an okay driver.

Buy a car for fun or for the service it will bring. Just don't kid yourself that it's an investment.

That’s great for today, but what about in 20 years? Will today’s newly graduated from college car guy with his flat brim hat and old WRX be interested in spending $50k on a 911SC in 20 years? Likely not, more than likely it will be the Evo or STi that he lusted after as a teen but he couldn’t afford. You see that’s the problem, the car hobby bubbles are generational. What you love today, nobody will give a rat’s ass about in 20 years. The 1950s were hot, now they are dropping rapidly because most of those collectors are no longer driving or passed away. The muscle cars have definitely plateaued and are starting to return to more reasonable values. Meanwhile the 1980s and 1990s are getting white hot. My grandfather had some really great Model As and two really nice 1936 Ford V8s, when he died they took forever to sell and I don’t think any of them were more than $20k. Why? Nobody cares about that era of car anymore.

Long story short, don’t depend on today’s collector car to have the same value in a generation. The only cars that buck the generational trend are the true collector level cars like the aforementioned 4-cam Speedster, Ferrari GTO, Toyota 2000GT, and others that are traded between the mega rich like artwork. But I doubt many here are playing in that marketplace.

Uh huh... what year did you sell your 72 911S? How much did you get for it?

I bet you left A LOT on the table frankly and no low load index fund has performed as well as the value of your cherry 72 911S has since you sold it.

I’m at the other end of the spectrum. I should have cashed in my 76 930 when they went crazy but I didn’t buy it to make a quick buck. Truth is that I don’t need 2 930s and a 911...

Like you said, no regrets.

Puppy, I agree.

I got my 2003 Corvette now.

One day it may go hot.

Its already too late on some of the hottest tuner cars of the 80's/90's.

There are lots of cars I can enjoy, I just shift based on the market from one to another.

???

That Mazda looks about as bland and non-creative as the grocery getter cars of the past 20+ years of todays. :)

Great points Matt! I couldn't agree anymore.

Couldn’t disagree more. It’s simple, small, tasteful, and designed with purpose. Nothing like today’s huge cars all designed to look like a stealth fighter or the Predator.

I happen to think that the original RX-7 was pretty bland. It might have seemed like a step up if your normal diet was base model Corollas and Civics, but when compared to other sports cars of the era, it was less than exciting.

I've never been a fan of the rotary engine, with all its technical problems. The earsplitting racket they make when raced will never be forgotten by anybody that had to pit next to one of the ****ing things in a 24 hour race. My ears are still ringing.

I saw an average looking 1971 911T at Barrett Jackson that sold for $84k.

The nicer '72 T I had (mfi intact), went for $24k... probably around 2005.

When I replaced my 240z with a GSL-SE in college, it was like I stepped up in the world regarding fit and finish. Imagine my feeling when I replaced the RX with a mint E30...

That’s fair and I don’t disagree, but then and now the RX-7 has never been a competitor to the 308, 911, or other high end sports cars of the era. Today you can get a nice one for under $10k which makes it a genuinely affordable option for a classic car.

As for the rotary it’s definitely love/hate. I’m on my third and really like them, including the angry bees that crescendo to a wail at 9000 RPM. Also the hyper smooth almost frictionless throttle response. As for race cars, I would vote the 787B as being one of the best sounding race cars of all time.

The original RX-7 was similar to the 240Z when it arrived. I remember a friend purchased one of the first RX-7s before the general public laid eyes on it. Lots of people stopped to ask what the car was and paid compliments to the design.

It’s completely opposite of what if offered today. I suppose the FRS/BRZ might come close but that car is a bit adolescent unlike the original RX-7. The Honda Civic Si or Type R or whatever it is is simply grotesque. On the other hand the Jaguar F Type is a beautiful coupe but a different target market ($$).

I think that RX7 is gorgeous. Lovely, classic, lines.

This thread has expanded my vision and I much appreciate that!

Whenever I 'window shop' for my next hobby car, I tend to look at BMW 2002s, 320s, 325s, and Alphas. But then I think, "I've already owned, repaired, and rebuilt those." And then I kinda lose interest. This thread has introduced me to some exciting cars that I never knew existed!

I'd love to get hold of that Mazda GTX if anyone knows where to find one!

Thanks for the education.

Robert

My cousin just restored this incredible green 1971 RX2 and is simply beautiful. I'm with Matt, I love the "rap-rap-rap" at idle from a Peripheral or Bridge Port 12A or 13B and I certainly love a turbo coupled with a rotary.

I feel that the first gen. RX7s have done a full circle and come back around as a car people really appreciate and recognize as being ahead of its time and just great driving cars.

If anyone wants a really cool Mazda 323 GTX, I have a friend who has a really neat one he imported from the UK (pic below) with a one off wide body that is actually tasteful - he wants $9,500 .

https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net...ce&oe=5CF69363

https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net...4e&oe=5CBFF6E9

https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net...4f&oe=5CF7CF74

And just for fun a random 1985 RX7 GSLSE - one of the best! EFI, 4 wheel disk brakes, 15" wheels and LSD all standard. I don't see these cars as bland whatsoever.
https://www.rx7club.com/attachments/...resdefault.jpg

Hey Yasin, have you driven the RX2? I love those things but they are damn near impossible to find in decent condition.

If I ever stumble upon a nice GSL-SE my wife will have to hide the checkbook.

I love the GTX, but really don't want to deal with RHD in the USA. If I did it would be for an R32 Skyline GT-R.

Rat rodding a Grey Poupon car!!
Love it.

The XJS is just a few years before my time for me to fancy it.

I do still remember my first sighting of the XK8. Pacific Blue exterior, Ivory Interior, parked outside in the square of the palace at Monaco.

I'm just a wee bit too tall and big for the car. I have the newer aluminum model.

If/When I have a car barn/hanger and space for more cars I'd love to add a second Jaguar.

I'm glad you haven't let the chance to own a Jaguar slip away forever. Enjoy the XJS!

Like I said before if I ever sell my car and get another for just fun driving, it's going to be a nice 356 (probably), good quality replica.

Matt - I've been a passenger in the RX2, never personally piloted one, although its a car that I have an eternal soft spot for.

I agree on the GSL-SE and also your RHD comment.

That Rolls was built by the same guy who built the Zero ****s Given RX-7 !!

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1979-rolls-royce-silver-shadow/

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