Will a respray diminish value of low prodcution car?

[jr964]

Does a repaint in the original color diminish the value of a low production special edition model? Regardless of how good the paint job is or whether you have pictures of the before (to prove no accident damage)?

[racer]

To me, yes. If i am a collector looking for a perfect car, I would rather have original paint than an exact color respray. To me its just one more thing that makes the car less original. I would say, the model and vintage will play into this. A 356 Carerra GT, with a repray, won't take as big a "hit" as a 1988 M491 Carerra would, imho. It is a bit more expected for an older car to be refurbished and repainted as the years go by. Then again, for someone who is searching for originality, it would matter. If you want to repaint a car for YOUR enjoyment, go ahead. If you are thinking of it as an investment for future resale value, don't waste your time. Its a car afterall.

[SandyI]

What is the car?

[TerryH]

Of course we would all love deep glossy undamaged original paint, but as the years go by, the chances of 20-30 year old cars have original paint deminishes dramatically.

No one wants faded, chipped, ugly paint. The expectation for original paint is also fading with time.

[GothingNC]

Originally posted by TerryH
Of course we would all love deep glossy undamaged original paint, but as the years go by, the chances of 20-30 year old cars have original paint deminishes dramatically.

No one wants faded, chipped, ugly paint. The expectation for original paint is also fading with time.

I agree.

Paint does not last forever if it's exposed to the elements and humidity.

The values of early air-cooled VW's is actually higher if a decent glass-out paint job is completed.

[GothingNC]

Nice pair Tom

[TerryH]

Originally posted by GothingNC
Nice pair Tom

Ditto! Beauts!

Newer cars with new paint can raise flags regarding hidden body damage or rust. Then there's always the Maaco overspray on all the window trim door seals. I'm not blaming Maaco because when you pay $500 to paint a car, you get what you pay for.

Bad new paint is worse than bad old paint in most instances.

[tfmcmahon]

I have two cars that are original and low mileage except for paint.They are metallic paints to original color and done very well.They look new! I can`t believe that they are worth less as they sit. Metallic paint ages as we all know. I have a 71T and 73E. I have seen original paint on these cars and owned a few and I simply like the newer appearance.I also agree with the comments that you might have to do this on a vintage car,but it does raise questions on a newer one, for a collector who wants an explanation for the repaint.It raises care of the car issues on a 89 911 for example.For the older cars,it is splitting hairs as there are so few in very good original condition, that a paint job,done very well ,becomes a hypothetical issue and not a real one.If you want a rare car,most people will buy it even with new paint.I`m enclosing one picture.I rest my case.Tom

[SandyI]

I'm still wondering what you mean by low production?

[pwd72s]

And I rest my case...in favor of original paint...

[tfmcmahon]

You make a good case.Your "S" is an exception and one of the few that still has original paint plus original everything,but it isn`t metalic and you are lucky in more ways than one, to not to have had the decision to make to repaint faded and crazed metallic paint.Either way we are both in very nice shape.As an Irishman and a gentleman,I will concede to Irish Green.Now go the garage and admire that beautiful car! Tom

[pwd72s]

We are in total agreement regarding metallic paint, Tom. I can't help but wonder if today's water based paints will hold up as well as the old acrylic enamel did. But the environmental gurus have decreed that acrylic enamel was ruining the planet...so, we work with what we can. Your cars are VERY nice. IMHO, when a repaint is needed, it's needed. You did it the right way. But yes, I do feel a non repainted car with still good paint will demand a premium over a repainted car.

[fixnprsh]

Depends on the car, I would rather have a 35 year old 911 with an excellent repaint in the original color than a 35 year old 911 with rock chips, dings, scratches and oxidation, to each his own though

My exception would be something like an orginal Shelby Cobra where the rock chips could have been made on the cork screw at laguna seca instead of the 405

[pwd72s]

You can always restore a car...it's original only once.