I wanted to post this under "MARKETPLACE" but it says I don't have privileges to post there.

I AM NO FINANCIAL GENIUS, but (like many of you!) I have been on this earth long enough that few things surprise me anymore. Thus when something truly does I know I am dealing with forces out of the ordinary. As a matter of pleasure I peruse new listings on "Bring a Trailer", which is without a doubt where the finest examples of many cars get listed for sale.

In the last week, coinciding with the weight of articles appearing in the press (literally DOZENS of articles) pertaining to "Massive government spending will result in runaway inflation", I've seen car prices across the board on BAT increase by almost a third. Never, NEVER have I seen car prices universally spike that way before. Can it last, or is it a short-term aberration? We will see, but it is unusual enough that I felt it worth mentioning. Sorry to interrupt.

 

Thanks for the heads-up WD40. I think the higher prices at dealerships has to do with fewer new cars being manufactured due to a lack of silicon chip availability. Other factors as well, but that is the big now I keep hearing about. The higher prices on BAT might just have to do with the general feeling that inflation is on the way which will impact everything....not just collectable cars. And while I happened to agree that inflation will be the result of all this new government spending, I have a few friends on Wall Street who are major money managers and FAR more intelligent than I...and they don't see it coming. The one thing they do agree on is to stay invested for the long term...DON'T try to time the market and be sure you're diversified. And....get out and stay out of debt.

Unless of course it's the low milage Crossfire in the exact color and interior you've spent the last ten years looking for. Mine would be Machine Grey.

 

Used car market is spiking due to rising tide of inflation. Electronic shortage in some areas contributes. Mercedes products are rock solid investment with great reputation.

younger market sees what is being offered and understands older values and quality. Perception is key.

 

Here's a typical example, these are all the BAT sales of 1974 VW Karmann Ghia Coupes listed chronologically starting with the most recent. $25,000 for a F'ing KG Coupe??? People have gone insane!

Date Sold Sold for
05/06/21 $25,000
10/07/20 $13,500
01/27/20 $10,600
08/14/19 $13,999
01/16/19 $14,250
08/18/16 $15,750 - This is easily the finest car of them all, just 26K miles and 1 of only 2 of these with functional A/C, and VW FACTORY A/C to boot!!! It's as close to a 'new' KG as you'll likely find.