Unlike stocks, prices for nearly al...

Unlike stocks, prices for nearly all collectible cars withhold rising -- no matter what shape the economy is in.

That's mainly because there are a limited number and large variety of of the like kind cars -- and a growing number of baby boomer who can afford them. in the same state [i]or[/i] condition people have reached a time of life when they can purchase the cars of their dreams that they couldn't afford when young. There also are a greater number of affluent the public than existed decades ago.

Nostalgia has a fortune to do with the collectible car exhibition For example, the pre-1930 mould T Fords once were heated collectibles, but many who remember them have passed away. Not in such a manner with, say, 1960s fast, colorful muscle cars fondly remembered by dint of older baby boomers.

a certain number of American muscle cars thus are routinely selling for more than $50000 -- and up A not many rare ones even have topped $2 million. Those are amazing prices for what were mass-produced autos, further emotion strongly figures in the collectible car market. frequent sense often has little to do with selling prices.

a certain number of collectibles are at their peak prices, while others have steadily rising values. A hardly any are "long shots" that might travel up considerably in value.

Here, in no particular order, are furious "Top 40" collectibles chosen according to this reporter, including established cars and long-shot autos. The general mastership is to buy an ancient car in good original condition or undivided that has been restored or largely restored correctly (so incorrect work ne not be redone).

not buy a car in poor or marginal shape and plan to have it "fixed up" unles you have unlimited financial resources. That's because restoration prices are over the moon and it will become a standard of value pit. Unless you're an [i]connoisseur[/i] have a pro examine a collectible before you purchase it.

Those who purchase a collectible car in tolerable condition mainly to enjoy it and don't intend to make a financial killing down the road principally often are the happiest collectors.

No specific prices for collectible cars are given here because their values frequently vary greatly. That's because of the emotion involved in buying a collectible and because, for instance, a certain quantity of sellers are having a financial crisis and ne quick cash.

All cars listed here are in convenient ("very nice") condition. They're classified as "bargains," "affordable" or "costly" However, no hard- and-fast monetary parameters are combineed to those categories.

For instance, bargain cars include a $6375 1965 Chevrolet Corvair Corsa coupe and a 1970 $21000 Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 Affordable autos include a $27000 1955 Ford two-seat Thunderbird, while a splendid collectible is a 1957 Chevrolet Corvette, valued at $47000 with its basic V-8 or at $70500 with a more powerful fuel- injected V-8

near "affordable" cars, such as the 1957-58 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham -- valued at $34500 in suitable condition -- might seem "costly" on the other hand not when you consider that alone 704 elaborate, sexy Broughams were built and that this car can easily double in value in the near coming time In fact, a Brougham in of the best ("nearly perfect") shape even now is valued at $67275

Copyright CHICAGO SUN-TIMES 2006

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