Hot or Not? Are backdates becoming Passé?

[matt930s]

I ran across this car on VWSamba and Fleabay, somewhat of a “poor man’s” Singer.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/324811742127

https://vmp.ebay.com/ebay/viewAllPhotos.aspx?smid=46007509

Do y’all think the backdate trend is getting played out? Especially with the meteoric rise of the middies, SC’s and 3.2’s, I’m even seeing love for the c2/4’s with values going through the roof….

I have a chance to pickup a one owner c2 from a longtime friend and personally I would keep it stock.

Is backdating the new forwarddating?

[75 911s]

It's not. Forward dating was a mistake because people were trying to have the latest Porsche 911. It was more about clout and flaunting the latest fashion trend. The parts bolted on, so you could trick people into thinking you had the latest, greatest 911. The Turbo was a big factor with this. How many poorly done turbo look cars are out there?

The longhood is the prettiest of all 911s (not just my opinion, it's a wide majority opinion).

Forward dating is no "played out" in the grand scheme of how many cars are out there and how many cars you see on the road or at a show. I don't see long hoods that often. I see a lot more IB (If I see any air cooled 911s at all.) I welcome all backdates. Think about how many good backdates come on the market per year. Not that many really. There are a few high profile cars that bring big money and some midrange builds that bring solid money too. And a few unfinished projects. This ST backdate you linked is amazing. It's transcended way beyond what a 79 SC could ever be.

I'm biased, but I do think plane jane middies 100% stock and restored will be sought after. Too many were flared and molested. The low production numbers don't help the situation. My 77 targa is headed for a 100% stock restore. Should look like this when done:



It's a low production beautiful car. But it's still not as pretty as any longhood imho.

[Matt Monson]

I don’t think backdates are played out as much as G bodies have come into their own. Those who want an early car look with later performance will continue to do them.

[1979-930]

I think the trend will continue. It's a cheaper option to a restomod.
Someone can have a classic car with modern amenities for half the cost of forward dating an old car.

[Kansas]

Originally Posted by Matt Monson

I don’t think backdates are played out as much as G bodies have come into their own. Those who want an early car look with later performance will continue to do them.

And speaking of G bodies coming into their own, are we at the point where back dating a good original G body car with lower miles could actually devalue them?

[MrBonus]

I don't care for backdates. G Bodies and early cars have their respective pluses and detriments. Both are wonderful cars in their own right. I don't understand why you'd make one pretend to be the other or vice versa.

[911heaven]

Originally Posted by MrBonus

I don't care for backdates. G Bodies and early cars have their respective pluses and detriments. Both are wonderful cars in their own right. I don't understand why you'd make one pretend to be the other or vice versa.

Indeed! They are all now classic in their own right, good, bad or in excellent condition. They are what they are -- vintage cars and desirable as such.

[RarlyL8]

Funny how popularity works. Back in the early '90's I fully restored a '73T with the addition of widebody flares and Weber carbs. Every nut and bolt on that car was new including rebuilt engine and tranny. When it came time to sell it in '95 I could not GIVE that car away. Everyone thought the old style bumpers were ugly and told me so. I sold that car at a loss. Fast forward to today and similar cars go for 10x the money that one sold for. Now these same people think that look is great? Really?

[Matt Monson]

1995 is a generation ago, or two. Boomers and Millennials don’t like the same things.

[911heaven]

Originally Posted by Matt Monson

1995 is a generation ago, or two. Boomers and Millennials don’t like the same things.

I was thinking about it, trying to remember back that far. I didn't post, yet had the same feeling...

We are a long way from mid 1990s. It was only post Lehman bothers meltdown when the 911s went ballistic on price. A lot has happened since, but no one could have predicted that, at least that is my feeling...

[matt930s]

I feel like C2’s were unloved for many years and this was a great opportunity for Singer to get them cheap. They may still buy them, but good c2’s are getting to be far and few… Guess it will drive up the cost of Singers, have any hit $1M?

[Coblue]

New, I think the average Singer is well over a million dollars, has been for a couple of years.

[RarlyL8]

1995 is a generation ago, or two. Boomers and Millennials don’t like the same things.

The guys calling my '73T ugly back in '95 were the same age as I was at that time. Who are the early 911 buyers now? I'm assuming at todays prices many are the same guys 25 years later, hence the head scratcher.

[Kansas]

Originally Posted by RarlyL8

The guys calling my '73T ugly back in '95 were the same age as I was at that time. Who are the early 911 buyers now? I'm assuming at todays prices many are the same guys 25 years later, hence the head scratcher.

I’m an X-gen guy and didn’t get in to 911s until 2010, but I have always found the non-impact bumbers of the early cars far more attractive. But I couldn’t afford an early car back then so I bought a 964 for cheap. I currently have an SC and actually find the impact bumpers “period cool”. That being said, I still prefer the longhood look.

[Matt Monson]

35-50 would be my guess.

[Kansas]

Originally Posted by matt monson

35-50 would be my guess.

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