Classic doesn't just mean old

Every now and then I taunt myself with the idea of selling my '69 Mustang and '67 Cougar and buying a brand new Detroit muscle car (the new Mustang, Challenger and Camaro are fantastic). The performance, usability and reliability of the new car is really appealing. I would love to have goodies like climate control, heated seats, air conditioning, anti-lock brakes, and even airbags. When I consider the over 30k price tag my little mental exercise abruptly ends....not because its something I can't afford, but because I view it as a waste.....let me explain.

You have 25 grand burning a hole in your pocket today (currently 2013) and there are two cars for sale:

Option one is a 1969 Boss 302 Mustang...

Option two is a 2000 Mustang GT with zero miles on it...

Which do you buy?

Looking at these two options today the choice is a no-brainer. One is a iconic classic and the other is just a used car (even with zero miles).

Yet, when faced with the same choice back in 2000 I chose the other way around! To add insult to injury, now 13 years later, the 2000 GT is worth a whole lot less and well, just not that cool. Meanwhile, the Boss has actually appreciated in value and is still as distinctive and iconic as ever. One factor is that that back in 2000 I actually didn't have $25k in hand so the ability to finance the new Ford played into the equation......but the fact that I still hear this suggestion debated among car guys shows that we don't learn from history. As beautifully executed the new Mustang, Challenger, and Camaro are, in a few years (especially once the big three evolve the body styles) they will be considered used cars....NOT classics!

The phenomenon of an "instant classic" does exist, but its a very rare thing. There is an old notion among collectors that says as soon as something is made to be collectable, it is no longer collectable. For example, have you ever seen how many varieties of baseball cards are available today? They have every sort of special edition, limited edition, foil wrapped, hermetically sealed, holographic gimmick you can think of. They are bought by collectors (not kids) and are immediately stashed into secure collections. Will any of these new cards ever sell for the 2.8 Million that the 1909 Honus Wagner sold for? NO! Because those old cards were bought by kids (even though they were in cigarette packs) who enjoyed them (i.e. ruined them) eventually making the rare item even rarer.

So in summary, love your classic. Not because of its potential monetary value (I'll actually lambaste the notion of cars as investments at a later date) , but because it has already stood the test of time and it takes a special kind of person to own and appreciate it.

Something about old Ford trucks - Part II

My posts have definitely been slowing down. Basically, I've really just been posting about past exploits with hopes to make it through the winter so that I can start a more 'real time' blog in the spring.  The problem is that it won't stop freakin' snowing here in Connecticut. Temperatures are still hovering around freezing and last year at this time spring had sprung and we were in the 70's.

So for now, here's another story about something dumb I did. Just a couple years back I came across a beat up old 64 Ford F-100 locally.  The truck was a mess, but relatively complete.  As I already posted, I have s weak spot for old Ford trucks.  So I made the deal. Rented a trailer and took the family SUV to drag the project home....did I mention I forget to tell my wife? Ultimately, to make a long story short, she went nuts when I brought it home.  I think a part of the reaction what based on the fact that the truck was heinous.   Anyways, I spent some time going down the 'rat rod' theme with the project just using rattle cans and junk already in my garage.  I think it started to shape up but then I received an offer on it and sold it......a very happy day for my wife. So here it is....

Before

After

Engine Before

Engine After

I'm sure there is a Something about old Ford trucks - Part III coming some day.

Something about old Ford trucks

I like old trucks.  Maybe it stems from my brother's old truck that got us started wrenching on stuff? So when a friend of mine wanted to get rid of his 67 F100 in a hurry I was more than happy to oblige.  I just purchased a piece of land in which I was going to build a house on....the perfect justification for a tough old truck. The problem was at the time I was living in a condo complex. 

Eventually, my wife's embarrassment of having it sit in the condo parking area for everyone to see reached a level in which she gave me enough hell to prompt me to unload it.....I should have never sold it.  It was very solid, someone already re-did the body at some point. The interior was mint. The engine ran smooth and the cab was really tight.

The only silver lining is that the guy who bought it was a really interesting car guy. He actually hosts a automotive themed radio show. He had a collection of old fords including a Torino, Ranchero, Falcon wagon, and Cougar.

So basically, I finagled into the 'deal' that I would personally deliver an extra windshield I had for the truck to his house....provided he showed me his other rides.  I spent a while at his house and he traded car stories for a bit. His pride and joy was his Torino (white with blue C-stripes if I remember correctly) and he was active in the Torino enthusiasts community. He bought the Torino on the west coast and attempted to drive it back to Connecticut via Route 66.....I think he said he ran into issues midway and let AAA take care of the rest of the trip.  

Anyways, I miss that truck and what could have been.  And since then (to my wife's dismay) I have dabbled in old ford trucks again...so stay tuned for "Something about old Ford trucks - Part 2"