Each year there are fewer and fewer Model A's offered for sale. Those that are offered, are often rodded or offered as rod projects. Hopefully the original and well-restored A's are in the hands of owners who enjoy their cars and share that enjoyment with their family.
It seems that the older cars are not changing hands as often. When they are sold the price is not as high as some of the newer cars on the collector market. A younger generation is now driving the hobby and the Muscle Cars of the 60's and 70's are the hot items. Even Pebble Beach has a Hot Rod Class for 1950/60 Hot Rods.
This brings up the question of what will happen to the Model A prices over the next few years? Will there be a market for a well restored, good running A? Although most of us put considerable time and money into our cars for the love of it, it would be nice if they retained their value. Can you afford to put $20,000 into a $12,000 car?
Some body styles are more desirable and therefore bring higher prices. The cost of most good restorations is much the same regardless of body style. Paying a little more for one of the more desirable body styles could give a much better return when the car is sold. We all have our reasons for choosing the cars we buy. If a good return on the time and money invested is a consideration then choose a body style carefully. Open cars, Roadsters or Tourings usually command higher prices. Coupes are often the favorite of hot rodders. For them the body shell is all that is important. Hopefully the chassis will be resold to a restorer at a fair price. Extremes do exist. The chassis may be resold at the same price paid for the whole car or the chassis scrapped as “old junk”.
If you do sell a car to a rodder, please let that person know that there is a market for any unwanted parts. Give the Club address as a contact if the want to sell any parts. Remember ads on the website and newsletter are free and it will keep much needed parts in the hobby.
Sid
