I hate to repeat this subject. I recently read an article calling the crossfire an instant classic. They named some other cars too that I find questionable. I guess anything can become a classic after 25-30 years. Forget about the value--- you can never tell what will become really valuable. Just wondering if the Crossfire will ever become one of those rare cars that you see and say "Wow... look at that". If it will ever become one of those cars that people dream about owning.... (kind of like the Delorean--- I love it and droole everytime I see it. I could buy one but never do).

Something to consider. It is a piece of history already. It is a symbol of the Mercedes/Chrysler merger.... the first project they worked on together and probably the only Chrysler that is more Mercedes (I guess other than the pacifica). It was also built in the famous Karmann plant. There is no doubt this car has a unique history behind it.

I am guessing they will become more rare as the years go on. They only made less than 80K to start with. These cars seem to crumble when crashed.

Forget about the future value... the question is if it will ever become a rare car that grabs attention everywhere it goes. I am just thinking out loud.....

 

I believe the crossfire will become a "Classic." Money and value will have little to do with it.

The Delorean is a perfect example. You can buy one today in the mid teens or lower. It was not a remarkable performer but decent. Cobbled together from other car parts (it is mostly a SAAB underneath) it had made no major breakthroughs other than it's very unique styling.

And an instant cult following.

Don't look to get rich off your Crossfire's "Classic" status. While a few very smart entreprenuers may make a buck or two, most of us will just profit with a smile.

Pride of ownership of a truly special car.

roadster with a stick

 

You answered your own question when you wrote that you could buy a Delorean but never do. It's going to be the same thing with the Crossfire. Lots of people will say it's nice to look at but not worth owning.

 

It would be fun to see my car worth $40,000 or $100,000 someday.

But I don't expect that, and it is not why I bought it or own it.

I really enjoy telling people about "the illegitimate love child of the Daimler/Chrysler marriage".
Those old enough to know what "Karmin" means usually perk their eyes up when I mention where the car
was built, and by who.

One guy on the Spaceport snipped, "I'd never own a Chrysle.". Told him I STILL didn't own one. I explained that the car was mostly Mercedes with some Karmin thrown in. He said, "It was still built by the same people who brought us the K car".

Again, I had to disagree and explain (with a picture of the door sticker) that the car was built in Germany.

His tone has softened greatly, his last comment, "A Chrysler built in Germany would be the only Chrysler I'd own."

Got yet another comment just down the street from home yesterday - had the top down. A teenaged guy who is always out on his bicycle - and has seen the car with the top up before - yelled out, "Nice Car" as I drove by at 15 mph. I smiled and waved a "thanks" back.

It IS quite a car - and the comparison with the DeLorean works somewhat well.

 

Well, it will never be Duesenburg classic or priced, but it will become rarer through normal attrition. I believe roadsters have a special place in the American mind and I'm glad I have the roadster, but also love the looks of the coupes. If I came across a graphite gray SRT6 roadster, my bank acct would be in danger (as would my marriiage).

As far as crumbling, other than the horrendous crashes on U-tube, most owners who reported accidents on this forum were unhurt, which points out that although small this is a safe vehicle.

Ask this question again in 20 years.

 

Well, I DO get a lot of "if only..." comments when I tell them that my car can be had for under 18K. The two-seater/little trunk/only good for fun aspect keeps a LOT of people away. Even I would not have ever considered one until VERY recently. Deb Walker and her car nut friends came along almost at EXACTLY the right time. Had I not bumped into her, I'd have a big-*** Harley today!



^^^^^^If I tire of my Roadster, I'll find a Red one of these.^^^^^^

 

Well put my friend....

 

I really want a Delorean. They are not expensive. A really nice trouble free Delorean could be 30K (one that went through the restoration of DMC here in Houston). The problem is right now I have other things to spend my money on. I want one and wish I could buy one.

As for the Crossfire... I see the Fire and Delorean as very similar stories. Both are cars made from parts of different motor companies. Both have a very unique style. Both have a very unique story behind them. Both were limited in production (the Delorean has much less made).

I have loved driving my Crossfire for the past 4+ years. So far I have 55K miles but I am slowing it down so I can enjoy it more for years to come.

 

Hi everyone! I'm new to this forum and thought this would be a perfect thread to post my first post. A few years ago, I owned a De lorean (DMC12). IMHO, I would say that the Crossfire drives better, handles better and is quicker then the DMC12. It is also a much safer vehicle due to all the modern day safety features it has. I can say that the Crossfire gets just as much attention as my De Lorean did. The De Lorean was a nightmare to keep clean as a result of fingerprints all over the stainless steel! I couldn't think of a better car to replace my DMC12 then the Crossfire! Thanks for all of your postings on this forum. I log on everyday and always find something of interest.

 

I constantly get the "always wanted one" or "OMG thats a beautiful car" comments. That's something Ive never experienced with any other car Ive owned. So many ppl talk about always wanting one, something I hear alot when Im on my Harley as well. The someday people will eventually get it that now is the time to have one; they are missing out. Its funny to tell someone its built by Karman for MB for chrysler. BTW. I was reading an old automobile magazine where it talked about the percentage of todays cars built in USA. The XF was listed as zero percent US.

 

The term classic is quite broad, It doesn't necessarily imply worth nor a specific year, but rather a vintage that is no longer produced. When I think of the term classic I think of a unique automobile that in some way set itself apart from the auto masses, or perhaps a vehicle that inspired others in the industry.

A couple examples:

Delorian - I agree with the previous posts, except that it is not saab underneath, but rather leftover volvo bits Definately a classic with a cult following. Performance arguably mediocre and styling was/is love it or hate it. Much like the xf.

Saab 900 first gen - also known as a "C900" the "c" implies classic which actually ranged from 1986 to 1994. The last of the preGM models. While this car has not been around for too long most auto communities refer to it as a classic. I find this interesting as our xf's arguably have similar traits such as build quality, craftsmanship, and a certain uniqueness that only other owners understand. Is it a classic, definately, would it have been a wise investment opportunity...no way. My 94 was almost $40,000 new and it is one of the best examples around today and I would be hard pressed to get $10,000 for it,

DSC00287.jpg?t=1256087262

Chrysler Conquest/Starion STI

I thought I would include this also because I always thought there were many similarities between our modern day Chrysler. This car also didn't fair as well in the market as it probobly should have and today it is quite hard to find one in good condition. If you are lucky enough to find an unmolested example they are still very affordable.

PICT0157.jpg?t=1256088360PICT0154.jpg?t=1256088388

Now if your talking to a slightly different generation you could also argue the following are classics:
68camaro3.jpg?t=1256088631
1969 camaro, went from a 455 big block olds hurst drivetrain to a more managable built small block. (no more lightening sticks)
DSC00268.jpg?t=1256088671
1951 chevrolet coupe, big block olds 455, factory rear and front, drums all the way around still...scary
DSC00264.jpg?t=1256088693
Arguably a 1927 model a vintage hotrod built in the 50's ford flathead V* merc rear 4 on the floor.
DSC00272.jpg?t=1256088714
1937 chevrolet master deluxe mustang II fron 8in rear 455 buick big block.

All in all I would say the crossfire will likely "become" a classic at least in book. I would argue that its worth is not likely to increase (or stop declining) for at least 10 years...but who knows what we will be driving on the roads then.

 

The Crossfire is a classic as it sit!
I can't tell you how many times I get comments on this car.
Just a quick note: If you wait for it to be a classic (and I do stuggle with this!) you will be dead when it is! Thank you Grandpa!
I Want a pristine SRT Roadster!

 

I dont know why, but I have always loved the first gen. SAAB 900. Something about it..dont know.

As far as the Crossfire goes, I think there is no doubt that it will be a classic to many people. However, It will just be very valuable to those who appreciate them. They will never give the value of a Duesenberg a run for its money, but I dont think any of us care about that. I know I dont.

 

People talking about the Delorean made me think about another oddity from the past. I was 16 when I got to drive one of these. Fun little car. No rear visibility. Anyone remember this baby?

 

That's a Brickin. A very nice one at that! The man responsible for this car is Macolm Bricklin. He also brought Subaru to the USA.

 

Wow.... all of 7 minutes from post to answer. I think that there are only 900+ original survivors left left in the US.

 

The Bricklin really was genius for its time. My favorite feature is the energy absorbing nose.

 

The Crossfire may not be a"Classic" car for quite some time, but I assure you that it will be a "Classy" car forever.

 

Indeed, my friend.

 

Actually, I'm pretty sure the Delorian had a V6 engine that was once used by Volvo, Saab, and Renault at one time or another.