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SAAC Forum => SAAC Forum Discussion Area => Topic started by: Steve Z on July 30, 2021, 06:51:57 PM

Title: Shelby Prices Today?
Post by: Steve Z on July 30, 2021, 06:51:57 PM
    I have been sitting back for the right car to come along for about 4 years now. As most of you I have had a few cross in front of me and think , there is a better car or deal out there? These prices have shot up since this Pandemic. When  does everyone think this will stop and things will level off ? Or will they ? Just looking for some opinions from the more experience people on the Forum. Thanks Steve
Title: Re: Shelby Prices Today?
Post by: 557 on July 30, 2021, 07:35:22 PM
No time like the present IMHO….doubt if we will see any kind of “serious “price drop soon…Good Luck!
Title: Re: Shelby Prices Today?
Post by: SFM6S087 on July 30, 2021, 07:47:02 PM
Very difficult to predict prices on these cars. My two cents is that if you buy a car because you love it, and keep it at least 5 or 10 years, then you shouldn't lose money. And you'll have the pleasure of ownership during that time. But my crystal ball is a little hazy today so I can't guarantee that.

Steve
Title: Re: Shelby Prices Today?
Post by: Greg on July 30, 2021, 08:56:29 PM
I am a firm believer in this.... When a person looks for "the deal" they miss many opportunities to purchase really great cars.  People that own a Shelby knows what they are worth and they aren't going down in value. 

Good cars will always hold their value. 
Title: Re: Shelby Prices Today?
Post by: TOBKOB on July 30, 2021, 09:11:16 PM
Also you have to consider how many smiles per mile you have missed... :)

TOB
Title: Re: Shelby Prices Today?
Post by: Kent on July 31, 2021, 02:47:14 AM
In 10-20 years we all will say again "If I knewed that this will happen, I had done this or that"    ;D
Title: Re: Shelby Prices Today?
Post by: shelbydoug on July 31, 2021, 07:23:53 AM
I realize that you are talking Shelby prices rather then Cobra prices and they are two different animals BUT I go back further then most here do these days.

I remember the $5,000 289's and $8,000 427's.

When CSX 3121 sold for $23,000, everyone went WOW, unbelievable. Now we are talking around a million.

What's a $5,000 R Model sell for now?

The point is, the trend is up, not down.

How high is up? Who knows but don't expect prices to crash anytime soon.
Title: Re: Shelby Prices Today?
Post by: Stillakid54 on July 31, 2021, 08:01:53 AM
If I can echo all the opinions expressed. If you try and "time the market" you may never be happy, and will not had the enjoyment of your purchase over all of that time. Unless you are buying it for pure investment reasons, when a car comes along that ticks the boxes for you, and the price is reasonable for the active market, jump on it. In the long run you will be glad you did.
Title: Re: Shelby Prices Today?
Post by: NC TRACKRAT on July 31, 2021, 08:39:22 AM
 My take:  1) The "pandemic" has caused many to re-assess their priorities and their mortality.  The thinking is "If not now, when", so they buy their "Holy Grail" car at the market. 2) Inflation. Today's Dollar is worth less than yesterday's and is worth more than tomorrow's so buy now or it will take more of those Dollars later on.  3) There were not a lot of our cars made. Desireability and low numbers will always make a good investment. Good examples are less expensive than having to purchase a car that requires restoration unless you do it all or most of it yourself.
Title: Re: Shelby Prices Today?
Post by: shelbyhertz66 on July 31, 2021, 11:14:01 AM
In My view with a limited number of these cars for sale at any one time
and with the prices asked, it pays to be somewhat patient and particular but
having said that you can't predict the market and if you find a good car that is
90% of what you want buy it because you probably won't find 100%
Title: Re: Shelby Prices Today?
Post by: A-Snake on July 31, 2021, 12:10:22 PM
    I have been sitting back for the right car to come along for about 4 years now. As most of you I have had a few cross in front of me and think , there is a better car or deal out there? These prices have shot up since this Pandemic. When  does everyone think this will stop and things will level off ? Or will they ? Just looking for some opinions from the more experience people on the Forum. Thanks Steve

Which model Shelby are you interested in?  I assume you are talking about vintage Shelbys? As more of these vintage cars get restored, their price goes up because of the investment made in the car. If they are truly original cars, their price goes up because they are more scarce. Kind of a catch 22. ;) Whichever car you find, buy the highest quality one you can possible afford. You will certainly be better off in the long run. Oh, and if you want one only because you think it's an investment, forget it. Buy it because you like it.
Title: Re: Shelby Prices Today?
Post by: Bill on July 31, 2021, 12:14:46 PM
    I have been sitting back for the right car to come along for about 4 years now. As most of you I have had a few cross in front of me and think , there is a better car or deal out there? These prices have shot up since this Pandemic. When  does everyone think this will stop and things will level off ? Or will they ? Just looking for some opinions from the more experience people on the Forum. Thanks Steve

Steve,

    Yours is an interesting question, I have to ask, why are you really asking it? Are you thinking about buying a Shelby strictly from an investment standpoint? Are you thinking about buying a Shelby as something to get behind the wheel to enjoy the experience of driving it? Are you looking for a specific model, body style, and color combination? All of these need to be answered before I can realistically respond to your initial post in this thread. Why, simple, it's a matter of wants and needs, that, and your budget which will dictate my next response.

Bill
Title: Re: Shelby Prices Today?
Post by: chris NOS on July 31, 2021, 12:16:58 PM
In My view with a limited number of these cars for sale at any one time
and with the prices asked, it pays to be somewhat patient and particular but
having said that you can't predict the market and if you find a good car that is
90% of what you want buy it because you probably won't find 100%

that's right , the perfect 100% at the good time ( when you have money) and when prices are not high will not materialized , but you can sometime be lucky , i know 2 GT350 that  65 sold in 2020 for lot less than 300 usd , where there perfect ? no , but owners have them in garage and they won't loose money if the want to sale it ...
i now somebody waiting already 12 years for a  owner to sale a 66 to him , last time he told him , when he die he will be the first that his wife will call for the car ....who knows when and my friend his allready 62 years old !!!!
if you have the money , and find a good honest car buy it , time is flying and we have only one life and we never know when god will call us !!!!

Title: Re: Shelby Prices Today?
Post by: roddster on July 31, 2021, 12:40:02 PM
Don't buy into all this CNN crap about how little classic car value will drop to with these wok millenials. How electric cars are going to "take over" (ain't gonna happen).   Buy and keep what you like....and enjoy the ride!
Title: Re: Shelby Prices Today?
Post by: Steve Z on July 31, 2021, 01:27:14 PM
      Bill, In response to the question of what I  am looking for is a 68 GT 500 or KR 500 Convertible. I have seen the prices range from $150 - $ 250. Which is my my price range for the right car. My disappointment comes when a car comes up on an auction and sells for $ 20 - $30 more than it should in my honest opinion. I currently own a 67 GT 500, Superformance,  B 9 and a couple Chevys. ( Don't hold the last few against me) 
       I would just like to clarify , are prices moving up because of the Pandemic or should they be flattening out . Keep in mind I think the B9 's have taken a hit in the past couple years IMHO. I am just looking for the right car with good documentation and needs some work. No trailer Queens this time around . Anyone have one for they would part with? Thanks Steve
Title: Re: Shelby Prices Today?
Post by: Bill on July 31, 2021, 01:46:16 PM
      Bill, In response to the question of what I  am looking for is a 68 GT 500 or KR 500 Convertible. I have seen the prices range from $150 - $ 250. Which is my my price range for the right car. My disappointment comes when a car comes up on an auction and sells for $ 20 - $30 more than it should in my honest opinion. I currently own a 67 GT 500, Superformance,  B 9 and a couple Chevys. ( Don't hold the last few against me) 
       I would just like to clarify , are prices moving up because of the Pandemic or should they be flattening out . Keep in mind I think the B9 's have taken a hit in the past couple years IMHO. I am just looking for the right car with good documentation and needs some work. No trailer Queens this time around . Anyone have one for they would part with? Thanks Steve

Steve,

    Ok, so you have an idea of what you want, and a realistic price range. However, you are viewing auction pricing as "the market", when in fact, it is not. Sure an auction price can affect the market is a small way, but just because two people wanted the same car at a specific auction (did the car actual change hands, strange, but on point question for some auction results), and potentially let their ego(s) get in the way with the help of a little extra libations, does not dictate what the private sector can sell their cars for. Without being on site, without seeing the cars in question up close and in person, it's difficult to say what the car could have, or would have sold for in a private sale. The wants and needs of the two bidders (again, if there were two actual legit bidders) could have been that of rivals, or good friends, just trying to one up themselves, or it could have been that need for a specific car, in a specific color, yes, again, it can be that simple. As far as private sales goes, the wants of the seller vs the needs of the buyer will drive the price that is paid. As an example, recently I made a purchase that was a little higher than I expected to pay, but the car, and the broker/sellers reputation checked off all of my wants and needs on my list. Not yet in hand, but it will be soon, and is teased about in my sig line below. Again, my personal choice was to grab that brass ring while I had the opportunity, my motivation slightly skewed by the loss of several family members, and the near future loss of another.. I'm not getting any younger, so why not enjoy my time on this earth with another Shelby. Personally, I bought it for me, not with what the future of the marketplace might be, but that is my personal choice, with my hard earned money. Your ultimate decision to buy or not is again, yours, as it is your money, and not anyone elses you are playing with. Hope in a round about way you get where I am coming from, and it assists you in where you are going.

Either way, enjoy the hunt, for sometimes that is half the fun.

Bill
Title: Re: Shelby Prices Today?
Post by: Hotrod Hillbilly on August 01, 2021, 02:02:31 PM
 I don't know about most people, but I buy my cars strictly for an investment!.............an investment in my Soul! not for monetary purpose. I love the way they make me feel when I drive them. Fun, excitement and nostalgia!
Title: Re: Shelby Prices Today?
Post by: QuickSilverShelby on August 01, 2021, 09:27:59 PM
      Bill, In response to the question of what I  am looking for is a 68 GT 500 or KR 500 Convertible. I have seen the prices range from $150 - $ 250. Which is my my price range for the right car. My disappointment comes when a car comes up on an auction and sells for $ 20 - $30 more than it should in my honest opinion. I currently own a 67 GT 500, Superformance,  B 9 and a couple Chevys. ( Don't hold the last few against me) 
       I would just like to clarify , are prices moving up because of the Pandemic or should they be flattening out . Keep in mind I think the B9 's have taken a hit in the past couple years IMHO. I am just looking for the right car with good documentation and needs some work. No trailer Queens this time around . Anyone have one for they would part with? Thanks Steve
This sounds so familiar.  I remember back in 2009 I was looking at a car and I made the same sort of post to his forum.  I made the statement that a particular car I was very interested in was, in my opinion, 10% to 20% higher then it should be.  A well know forum member here (Bill Collins) chimed in and proceeded to voice his "humble" opinion and he even went so far as to make the statement "if your gonna let a car get away from you that you've been after, over your perception that it's 10 to 20% too much, then your an idiot". 

Now I'm not calling you an idiot, like Bill called me that fateful day, but I gotta admit, that little kick in the ass by Bill convinced me to buy that car.  I still have that car 12 years on and I couldn't be happier and I gotta thank Bill for his soft spoken words and gentle nudge in the right direction. ;D

Thanks Bill.

QSS
Title: Re: Shelby Prices Today?
Post by: GT350Lad on August 01, 2021, 09:41:28 PM
      Bill, In response to the question of what I  am looking for is a 68 GT 500 or KR 500 Convertible. I have seen the prices range from $150 - $ 250. Which is my my price range for the right car. My disappointment comes when a car comes up on an auction and sells for $ 20 - $30 more than it should in my honest opinion. I currently own a 67 GT 500, Superformance,  B 9 and a couple Chevys. ( Don't hold the last few against me) 
       I would just like to clarify , are prices moving up because of the Pandemic or should they be flattening out . Keep in mind I think the B9 's have taken a hit in the past couple years IMHO. I am just looking for the right car with good documentation and needs some work. No trailer Queens this time around . Anyone have one for they would part with? Thanks Steve
This sounds so familiar.  I remember back in 2009 I was looking at a car and I made the same sort of post to his forum.  I made the statement that a particular car I was very interested in was, in my opinion, 10% to 20% higher then it should be.  A well know forum member here (Bill Collins) chimed in and proceeded to voice his "humble" opinion and he even went so far as to make the statement "if your gonna let a car get away from you that you've been after, over your perception that it's 10 to 20% too much, then your an idiot". 

Now I'm not calling you an idiot, like Bill called me that fateful day, but I gotta admit, that little kick in the ass by Bill convinced me to buy that car.  I still have that car 12 years on and I couldn't be happier and I gotta thank Bill for his soft spoken words and gentle nudge in the right direction. ;D

Thanks Bill.

QSS

Well said!
Title: Re: Shelby Prices Today?
Post by: mgreene on August 02, 2021, 09:12:30 AM
Written several years ago, but still kind of relevant:

http://gt350h.com/documents/grail1.html (http://gt350h.com/documents/grail1.html)
Title: Re: Shelby Prices Today?
Post by: 427hunter on August 02, 2021, 11:15:53 AM
Since you are a deal seeker you should concentrate on a 66 Hertz car, they trade often and for a lot less at the moment. They are the same car (as you know) for 20k-70k less then the same gt350, it is one a matter of time before the prices catch up to there non Hertz family members. 
Title: Re: Shelby Prices Today?
Post by: FL SAAC on August 02, 2021, 11:24:27 AM
Since you are a deal seeker you should concentrate on a 66 Hertz car, they trade often and for a lot less at the moment. They are the same car (as you know) for 20k-70k less then the same gt350, it is one a matter of time before the prices catch up to there non Hertz family members.


+1
+1
+1
Title: Re: Shelby Prices Today?
Post by: FL SAAC on August 02, 2021, 11:25:01 AM
And to add watch the ecomy closely.....
Title: Re: Shelby Prices Today?
Post by: Bigfoot on August 02, 2021, 08:15:54 PM
Steve
B9 prices are not down btw. I’ve have seen (in person) several nice examples bring over 300k.
They just have not moved up 30-40 percent like we have seen with some other Ford and Shelby vehicles.
If I were you I would buy the KR you are looking for.
I’m glad I paid top dollar for mine 13-14 years ago after having it inspected by one of our SAAC Concours judges.
I was happy with it then and I’m thrilled now…..
Good luck in your quest.
Title: Re: Shelby Prices Today?
Post by: Steve Z on August 02, 2021, 08:45:21 PM
   Bigfoot , I don't disagree with you one bit. It still remains , it a lot of money ? I have passed on a couple cars that didn" t  have the Documentation. Which  would bring up another topic of how much documentation do you need ? I am not trying to be difficult , just want to find the right car that will hold its value. Too many Cons in the picture that want to make a buck on someone else's dime. I am sorry if I hurt anyone 's feelings on  that last comment. Just saying ? Thanks Steve
Title: Re: Shelby Prices Today?
Post by: PrettyMuchAShelbyGuy on August 02, 2021, 11:27:13 PM
Written several years ago, but still kind of relevant:

http://gt350h.com/documents/grail1.html (http://gt350h.com/documents/grail1.html)

Great story. I could write a similar one about a search for my 67 GT350 that started in 1976, and finally found one in the mid 90s. Originally when I was looking the price was ~$2,500.00 for a decent car. But, when I bought mine I paid ~$25,000.00. Frustrating to have to pay that much for a nice car and I understand your feelings and concerns - share them as well.  I’m all for making a buck or two on a car, God knows I’ve lost my fair share on cars as well.  My dad used to call them "upside down gold mines". I can assure you I’ve lost more on car deals than I’ve ever made. But I’ve had the memories and experiences to boot. I just feel bad about all the dads that can’t do this hobby with their kids because the market is stratospheric. Hell, even Yugo prices are high now...
Title: Re: Shelby Prices Today?
Post by: CharlesTurner on August 03, 2021, 12:33:45 AM
I just feel bad about all the dads that can’t do this hobby with their kids because the market is stratospheric.

Not intending to derail the conversation here, but that is a bit of a strange comment.  I have 2 sons and the most important thing is spending time together, it doesn't really matter what kind of car it is.  There are 100's of others out there that can fulfill that requirement.  And if we are being perfectly honest, a well executed clone can come extremely close, if not exactly duplicate the ride/feel of a 60's Shelby, the only thing missing is that tag in the engine bay.
Title: Re: Shelby Prices Today?
Post by: PrettyMuchAShelbyGuy on August 03, 2021, 12:46:44 AM
I just feel bad about all the dads that can’t do this hobby with their kids because the market is stratospheric.

Not intending to derail the conversation here, but that is a bit of a strange comment.  I have 2 sons and the most important thing is spending time together, it doesn't really matter what kind of car it is.  There are 100's of others out there that can fulfill that requirement.  And if we are being perfectly honest, a well executed clone can come extremely close, if not exactly duplicate the ride/feel of a 60's Shelby, the only thing missing is that tag in the engine bay.

Charles, you are right... In the late 90's I dropped over 60K on a super accurate 66 carry over replica.  It ran & drove very well.  Would like to have that one back.  It may seem a strange comment, but as a dad in the 90's I was able to pull it all off.  I am not sure there are many average Joe dads nowadays who could hack an original 60's Shelby.  Same for the Boss cars, Tigers, Panera's, late 60's Z28's, Original Trans Am's, much less the MOPAR 440 or Hemi cars.  I see a lot of nice older stuff on Bring a Trailer, but having something you can actually buy for 5-15K on would leave a lot to be desired IMO anyways.  Just does not have the same impact...  Maybe a K-car?  It's just gotten expensive for a guy making 40K trying top raise a couple of kids and support a wife.  Am I missing something?
Title: Re: Shelby Prices Today?
Post by: J_Speegle on August 03, 2021, 01:18:17 AM
................Same for the Boss cars, Tigers, Panera's, late 60's Z28's, Original Trans Am's, much less the MOPAR 440 or Hemi cars.  I see a lot of nice older stuff on Bring a Trailer, but having something you can actually buy for 5-15K on would leave a lot to be desired IMO anyways.  Just does not have the same impact...  Maybe a K-car?  It's just gotten expensive for a guy making 40K trying top raise a couple of kids and support a wife.  Am I missing something?

"...does not have the same impact.."

Your again possibly focusing on value and impact for others. I would suggest that for a dad-kid project that means little. As long as they are enthused and excited that is all that cares. Most of the time this equals shinny flashy paint job and loud pipes. Unfortunately (in some ways) I pushed my kids toward study and education rather than out in the garage as I was sort of required doing as  kid.  Likely would make a different choice today or at least a better balance.

My youngest has his choice of a number of my cars. He choose a beater somewhat rusty C10 truck. Is it going to be worth anything if he gets it done - likely no. Time and money would be better spent on one of the cars I would give him but his choice and his dream. Just happy when he does work on it. Just lucky he's mechanically minded.

Just some personal experiences I thought I would offer.
Title: Re: Shelby Prices Today?
Post by: GT350Lad on August 03, 2021, 04:54:35 AM
................Same for the Boss cars, Tigers, Panera's, late 60's Z28's, Original Trans Am's, much less the MOPAR 440 or Hemi cars.  I see a lot of nice older stuff on Bring a Trailer, but having something you can actually buy for 5-15K on would leave a lot to be desired IMO anyways.  Just does not have the same impact...  Maybe a K-car?  It's just gotten expensive for a guy making 40K trying top raise a couple of kids and support a wife.  Am I missing something?

"...does not have the same impact.."

Your again possibly focusing on value and impact for others. I would suggest that for a dad-kid project that means little. As long as they are enthused and excited that is all that cares. Most of the time this equals shinny flashy paint job and loud pipes. Unfortunately (in some ways) I pushed my kids toward study and education rather than out in the garage as I was sort of required doing as  kid.  Likely would make a different choice today or at least a better balance.

My youngest has his choice of a number of my cars. He choose a beater somewhat rusty C10 truck. Is it going to be worth anything if he gets it done - likely no. Time and money would be better spent on one of the cars I would give him but his choice and his dream. Just happy when he does work on it. Just lucky he's mechanically minded.

Just some personal experiences I thought I would offer.

Good thoughts Jeff. I feel the same.
Title: Re: Shelby Prices Today?
Post by: pmustang on August 03, 2021, 05:47:04 AM
I sell regular Mustangs in Europe. I buy 90% of them from the states

Prices are crazy. In eighteen months the price of my target cars has went up $10-15k. Also selling prices here have jumped an equal amount. I’m not making any more margin.  Just the cost of doing business has went up

I do think Covid has caused prices to rise tremendously. Folks had a lot of free time and extra money whilst not going on holiday or work in some cases

I would love it to continue but have seen roses nearly
Every month. Now is that when a guy tries to price his car he looks on the net and sees an $80k 68 C code Fastback so he asks 80?  I think there is a lot of that

I used to try to buy cars as soon as they were listed but lately have bought them after not selling for a few weeks at a higher price than I paid

I also recently sold my 66 GT350 driver quality car

I probably paid over the odds when I bought it but loved the body integrity, color and trans it had. I had what I felt was a lot in it and advertised it for exactly that amount. Someone saw the value in it. I sent them a bus load of photos and videos. They sent the money and sent her back to the US

We are not on this earth for a long time. Also I think our freedom to use these cars may be curtailed at some point. Who cares if a car appears ten percent over the odds. Buy it snd enjoy it. Future generations will be starting at them on display wishing they could do what we take forever granted
 
Title: Re: Shelby Prices Today?
Post by: shelbymann1970 on August 03, 2021, 09:21:07 AM
Written several years ago, but still kind of relevant:

http://gt350h.com/documents/grail1.html (http://gt350h.com/documents/grail1.html)
What a great story you wrote many years ago. It reminds me of when I went and looked at my 70 GT350 vert at the end of June 1985. Having a 70 GT500 drag pack FB torn apart in my garage my vert was advertised in the Detroit News. I always wanted a vert and missed out on a 69 GT500 vert  months earlier by a few hours advertised for 9900(a friend Kurt Fredrickson and SAAC-MCR member  bought it and still owns it to this day). Now at the same time/day I was interviewing for a job at GM and my wife was pregnant with my first son. A lot going on for a 25 year old. So I drove to Ann Arbor mi to look at the car. Came home and drove to Warren Mi to interview for a job(took a vacation day from my current job at the time). That evening I went back to see the Shelby and to drive it with my wife. Now the car had its share of warts and the price to me was high at 14K. Money I didn't have just hanging in my bank account. So after our test drive I was going to pass and asked my wife what she thought. She said BUY IT. so I negotiated it down a little and could have had it for 500 less if I let the owner drive it to Chicago for the weekend to visit friends(he took AMTRAK). Owner lived in Sarasota Florida and drove the car up to Mi for the Detroit GP and was staying at a rental house he owned up here. Showed me 2 speeding tickets in Ky for over 90MPH and mentioned this new radar feature called instant on as his radar detector couldn't protect him from that!. I paid 500 more to have it that Friday and started my new job on Monday. The only problem was getting the French title transferred in Mi.
  Thanks to Tony Branda telling me what he paid for a fully restored 70 GT350 vert(mid to high 20s) recently at the time  and how rare they were and  Rick Kopec's advice in his book  on you never pay too much for a Shelby you just buy it before it's time and my wife's opinion I wouldn't own my vert today or have 36 years of memories with it. I added another set of seat belts in it as I ended up having 3 kids and they have fond memories driving in the car with the top down. Gary
Title: Re: Shelby Prices Today?
Post by: SFM5S159 on August 03, 2021, 12:28:29 PM
I've been attending collector car auctions for about 30 years (not as long as a lot of you I know...) and for maybe 25 of those years I walked away thinking "people are crazy, always over paying".
The it occurred to me that maybe I was looking at things incorrectly.  How was it that I was right about prices (they were always too high) and all of those buyers were wrong? 
The market is what it is.  If after a long time period you think everything you look at is overpriced, it may be time to adjust your thinking. 

If you are looking at spending $250k on a car just because you like it, you likely can afford another $20k.  Just spend the money and don't look back.

I use it to motivate myself to earn a little more.  I figure I can always make a little more money!

Just find one you like and buy it.
Title: Re: Shelby Prices Today?
Post by: wcampbell on August 03, 2021, 03:21:06 PM
Steve...sent you a PM.