How Many Where Original Yenkos??

[JoeC]

Of course it is better to have THE original engine but if the car has a restored engine with correct date code and casting number and a restamped deck that looks correct, I don't think it effects the value very much. The only way to know it really has an original block is to have all the previous owners in agreement that it was never blown up or replaced. Deck restamping has improved to the point that it is difficult if not impossible to tell. Some of the old restamp jobs were poorly done and were obvious.

[copolocater]

Theres nothing ignorant about it .You speak of mad money no such thing .Your dollar is somebody elses ten thousand.This market could be considered an out or and investment for some of these people.Where are you going to to invest and get a return such as this one.As soon as I hear somebody says that car isn't worth that much somebody buys it.Some people are PO'd because they feel they don't have access to the SUPERCARS B.S..I've moved a couple of restorable cars from $17,000 to $25,000.Those crybabys had an opportunity but didn't take it because they didn't want one to begin with.I've seen a few people on this site want one and when I had one for sale they never called.You want one of these cars you better get out and start beating the bushes because they're not falling on anybodys lap. Now you could consider that ignorant, I consider it fact. By the way it's not my money ,none of my buisness what they spend it on.

[JoeC]

It is difficult to predict any market. If you bought a SuperCar in 1990 and sold in mid 90s you could have lost money. If you held it until 2002 you should have made a profit. If you think the Chevy stuff is high don't look at the Shelby stuff. The top dog Daytona Coupe (unrestored) sold for $4M.

[NWYENKO]

This is just my opinion so be gentle!! I think the significance of "Originality" is somewhat greater in the COPO cars than in the '67 and '68 cars since they came from the factory with "Number Matching " components. I also think that "Originality" does deserve a premium of (my guess) 25%-35%. I agree with Marlin that we have not seen a lot of movement in these cars. An example is the unrestored Blue Deuce that I think has sold a couple of times for a price that is justified by its originality not by its cosmetic appearance. [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/smile.gif[/img] Jim

[JoeC]

One low mile original Yenko Camaro just changed hands.

[NWYENKO]

I think this theory is also reinforced by the reception I rec'd when trying to sell the "CE" block Deuce. The general concensus was that with that motor the car was worth less than with number matching, which I agree (again the 25% or so). Jim

[copolocater]

Jim you are correct.What I am saying is these are some of the opinions of some of these people in the market!!(1) Dave will never get $42,000 for an original duece when you can get a ground off resto for the same price.Sold-twice.(2) No duece is worth $50,000-$60,000.Sold (3)Nobody's going to pay that for a rebodied camaro.Sold (4)Nobody's going to pay that for Brians car.Sold !!(5) that copo basket case isn't worth that. Sold. On and on I have more.I've had a couple of original cars and for the same price most people lean to a fresh resto because of the way judging is set up at most shows.And the reaction they get from most spectators.Sorry some people might get upset but if you condemed a copo for not having the correct drivetrain you have quite a few people PO'd at you. I personally think it doesn't dominish the value of the car,but others do.I would hate to think that somebody turns up their nose at my car because of a non original block,trans or rear!Toms show is appreciated because of the non judging aspect. When I attended or attend a show like Toms,Super Chevy, Carlise etc. I look at the car as to what it is not to if its correct.I get just as much as a thrill seeing them original the way they use to be. [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif[/img] P.S. Forgot Garys red duece

I will concede that each post has some merit, but there is one thing that is being overlooked. That is namely that the cars that are changing hands at the upper limits (or at "todays" prices) are being purchased mainly by folks that were teenagers during the heyday of these cars. It is only realistic to assume that younger (like myself early '30's) folks are not investing in a commodity such as classic cars. We might pick up 1 or 2 cars (in my case a LS6), but we are willing to look for the "realistic" priced cars (as evidence by the recent prices on some of the solid lifter cars (not COPOS) that the prices have dropped drastically when offered for sale). Automobiles as investments are great, but only if the market is constantly watched, and most younger investers would much rather invest long term in blue chip stocks than a very narrow commodity such as Yenkos. IMHO what will eventually happen is the folks that appreciate these cars (or any of the hi-po '60's early '70's) AND have the income to support the current prices will die off or loose interest in owning the cars.
Look at the model "T", the 40th Fords, and the '57 Chevy. All were big at one point, but the current prices are no where near record levels. Sure Yenkos/COPO's are rarer overall than these, but the same applies. The cars that are documented original cars, will loose less of the "inflated," value than others, but still they will drop.

[copolocater]

I 100% agree with you but the world has gotten to the point live for today and worry about tomorrow later. Any time a conversation comes up about success or financial success one word always pops up.(chance)Some are willing some arn't.Some people are paying huge amounts of money for these cars but its only because someones asking.

[shor]

Supply and demand.
Alot of the late 80's sales were from speculators. The speculators of day's past created a false demand and an artificial rally that could not sustain itself.
There is a big difference in what is going on now. Most if not all of todays sales are between enthusiasts. The seller often takes that money and puts it back into the car market with another purchase. Trading up, if you will. Today's prices are more indicitive of fair market value. The Stock market has been doing horrible and you don't see any panicked sales of these cars. and you won't. The people that own these cars want them for what they are. They really are special cars. A new Chevy duramax diesel LT stickers for almost 50 k today.
Is 80k for a copo out of line? You decide. If you are holding out for prices to retrace like they did years ago I don't see it happening.