I see the best ones still holding high prices, but the second tier trading for less. I think there is a large generational impact on classic car prices. It appears to me that late 2nd and 3rd gen Camaros are on their way up, as well as some 90's imports. This may be a reflection of the generation that wanted those cars when new, moving to a point in their life with some discretionary income. Additionally, some buyer may be priced out of the traditional muscle car market so are moving to less desired years, driving those prices up. I have seen some really nice '78-'80 Camaros and Trans Ams go for much more than expected lately.

go to Bonneville speed week in august and you will see whats happening to the car hobby in general real quick.at 68 i have not 1 car guy buddy left,they either dont care about old cars anymore or they have passed on.the younger guys around here have very little interest in cars other than a few honda guys or late model type performance cars.

Of the online valuation tools, I've found Hagerty to have the best pulse on what's actually happening in our hobby. My understanding is Hagerty tracks purchase & sale prices of vehicles they insure. I understand they miss a whole segment of the market that insures elsewhere, but I like that their values are based on real numbers. Just my thoughts...

Jeff

I feel pretty confident that first gen z28s arent going to be 30 40K anytime soon, seeing as that amount wont even buy you a nice 74 z28 or a 77 to 80 TA

The times will always change. Look at cars of the 30s that are in stock condition. Some you can buy cheap, i.e. Model A & Model T. As the years continue you'll see the same of cars from different times. I bought my first Camaro in 1976 & my last one in 1981. I still have them both & never cared what the market was doing then or now. I own them because I like them. Sheri will probably be stuck selling them after I pass....Joe

When you think its an investment and not a hobby you're not going to enjoy it and that's what its about enjoying old cars!

I have always maintained that it is all about the cars of our youth. We have seen the 30s and 40s cars interest come and go as has the Tri fives and now the early 60s. Yes they all still bring a fair price but the generations drive the popularity. The only first gen cameras I have seen drop off is the copo and dealer performance cars. Frankly they were overpriced at the peak and I own them but I enjoyed them a lot more when I didn't have to pay house money for them. My opinion is still that the first get Camaros are presently overpriced and they will always be popular but when the generation that was 15 to 30 when they were new passes they will drop. I firmly believe that if you are only in it for the investment then the stock market is a much better risk and you don't have to worry about flat tires and a dead battery.

The same cars are listed for sale month after month and prices have definitely softened for many cars. Not as many young people are interested and many that are, can’t afford $50k plus for a fun car. You want to gauge the strength of the hobby...just look at all the grey hair you see at your next cruise night or car show!

exactly!

IMHO if there is a softening of prices, it's at the top end of the market only and reflects the mood amongst buyers who previously spent up at the big auctions. When you consider a car sold at one of those attracts both a seller's fee and a buyer's fee, often around 10% of the hammer price to each party, that's only benefitting the auction houses. Don't see that as sustainable forever, but real-world prices elsewhere for good restorations, drivers and even projects seem to be staying pretty steady.