Question on Values Options

[BPic]

I have been stalking in here for months and I'm amazed by the information exchange here. I just purchased a 72 1.7 that I will be rebuilding. The discussion I would open is this: In looking at a full rebuild of the car above will the car be more valuable brought back to factory spec 100% original or set up with a bigger engine, say a 2.0 and slightly modified.
Not that I'm rebuilding this to sell right away. But, I always have an exit strategy with an investment like this and would like to get an idea of which route to go.
I'm sure I'll be posting a lot of questions here and I've already cataloged several posts with tips and pics of some of my questions thus far.

Any input will be greatly appreciated!

[iankarr]

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Ah, the age old question. Second only maybe to "what tires are best?" and "what oil should I use?" (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

If your exit strategy is about time as well as money, I believe the closer a car is to stock, the easier it will be to sell. There are probably more buyers for a nice 1.8 restored to factory spec than there are for V8 outlaws. Putting a period-correct 2.0 in there, or modding to 2056 is a nice upgrade that most people like, provided it's done correctly and you don't break the bank doing it.

SO much of the exit strategy depends on the entry. You can easily put 10-15K into these cars in rust repair and paint alone. The very top end of the (realistically driveable) market currently appears to be about 25K...so back out your restoration costs from there and figure out the "enjoyment lease payment" you're comfortable with. That is, the annual money you wouldn't mind "losing" because you've got a great car and a fun hobby. I know some guys who spend 25K a year on playing golf (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif).

Regardless, welcome to the addiction! Great bunch of guys here who know so much about these cars its scary. Enjoy!