914 auction values, And the creation of a self fulfilling prophecy Options

[gereed75]

I think at least a part of the market dynamic that we are currently seeing is attributable to the influence of the auction houses.

Three years ago the 914 is the featured car at Amelia. Suddenly a previously overlooked car is thrust into the limelight. The car now appears on the screen of a Whole bunch of qualified collectors that never before thought the cars were worthy of investment and voila, prices rise dramatically.

The auction houses encourage demand for a car that had previously languished. And a car that has plenty of supply that will be filling auction lists for years to come. Grist for the mill.

Are these guys that smart? I think they are. Not saying that is the only reason these cars are appreciating but it is a big factor.

And we, the long time die hard 914 lovers go along for the ride, good or bad depending on your perspective.

[Chi-town]

I'm happy about parts availability

I'm not happy about being caught in the same price bubble with the 911 causing parts prices to get obscene and people asking top dollar for a bucket of rust with a title.

It's why I keep buying parts cars when I can find them for a decent price. As long as there's guys like me and others on the low end of the price spectrum it keeps the high end guys from gouging rampantly.

[bbrock]

I'm happy about parts availability

I'm not happy about being caught in the same price bubble with the 911 causing parts prices to get obscene and people asking top dollar for a bucket of rust with a title.

It's why I keep buying parts cars when I can find them for a decent price. As long as there's guys like me and others on the low end of the price spectrum it keeps the high end guys from gouging rampantly.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) Those of you who have followed my build thread know that I've restored a basket case that a reasonable person would have cut up for parts and then crushed. It needed a LOT of sheet metal and other parts. I've had very little trouble finding the parts I needed at reasonable prices. When buying used parts, members here have been incredibly generous in offering dirt cheap prices and even donating parts outright. As prices for cars escalate, so will the cost of used parts. It's much easier to donate or bargain price a part worth $50 to a brother in need than a part worth $500.

Of course I'm happy the value of these cars is increasing to a point where, should my financial fortunes turn for the worst, I could recover what I have invested. But if the trend continues, it means this will be the last 914 I will own and the prospect of a future project to bring back another basket case will be off the table. It makes me sad to think these wonderful cars may soon be out of reach for the average guy with a few bucks and abundant ambition the same as other models of the marque.