I hear lots of people talking about pristine non-modded cars being the ones that will bring money. I may be wrong, but the majority of people that mod the 6 do one or more of the following: CAI, pulley, tune, lowered springs, etc. None of these things are irreversible, and I would assume that the majority of people that mod their 6 keep the original parts for just that purpose. I still have all my original parts (to include the original halogen bulbs), and mine could be put back to stock in a matter of hours...... Well, everything but the springs...... Those blame things would take me the better part of a day. Anyway, my point is, I do not really see people doing mods to the 6 that cannot be easily reversed. I have never been a collector, but I do enjoy my 6 and the mods that I have done to her. Am I correct in assuming that as long as I keep the original parts, that mine would not be worth less than one that had never been modded (in similar condition)?

 

I hope you are right as I have kept all of mine.


roadster with a stick

 

You have no idea what you are talking about. I have been over every inch of this car with my own hands and tools and Here are the Chyrsler parts. A couple of badges and a chrysler VIN number coded into a standard Mercedes ECU. I do believe that when the car was introduced there was a lot of false or misleading information planted out there by both Mercedes and Chrysler. For example they never didn't admit that it was based on a R170 but did say it shared a floor pan with the older C class. what they didn't say is that the SLK was also derived from the same C class. I don't think that Mercedes would ever admit to "badge engineering" but if that doesn't apply to the Crossfire, how do you explain the Dodge Spinter?

 

I think you've pretty much answered your own question.

 

I'm in total agreement as far as any information gather by the internet.

You just can't believe everything you read (althought there is a wealth of info out there that is highly accurate).

Bottom line, I own an Xfire and have a constant permagrin.

If these cars are not your cup of tea, go find something that makes you happy...

 

franc and bmorgan....you think a true collector is gonna know your car wasent tinkered with??? also yes those are bolt on parts but the strain on the rest of the engine will definately make other parts go...just a thought

 

also yous are putting miles on it...a gem with under 50k....compaired to a modded put back to original with 150,000+ miles is a huge difference to caar collectors

 

You're basically talking about the difference between a car that has been driven versus a car that hasn't. Car for car, mile for mile, if it's been put back to original, the value would be the same.

 

yesh but the chances of the condition of a garage kept vs a driven car being the same is slim...not to mention miles will def be a factor like i said i have 50k on my car...someone who drives there modded car everyday for 20 years is gonna have alot more miles and alot of unoriginal parts due to 20 years of maintenence...parts that may not even be able to picked up 20 years down the line...Chrysler isnt the most stable of companies lets remember

 

Nevermind. Someone else explain it to him.
No. Actually, I'll try one more time.
Two cars, same condition, same mileage. One was modded and put back to original. The other was always original.
There will be no difference in value.
Actually, the car that was modded may be worth more because some of its parts will be practically new.

 

How many people 20 yrs from now are going to know what was stock and what wasn't? These aren't '69 Z-28s. With a Chevy following. Chrysler sure isn't going to help out, and Mercedes will turn their head. These are what they are. ******* children. I think the following is right here on this site, and that is it.

 

You are over looking a vital point. The Crossfire is beautiful and the beauty will be timeless. I bought for that reason. Mercedes Benz has nothing close to it for looks. It is the Marilyn Monroe of cars and I enjoy the ride and to handle.Others will want to do the same. Gary

 

I think you are spot on Doc. Even though in contrast to other groups we are small new people will find their way to the forum or the Crossfire I just can't see these cars being in the likes of the ultra rare low production muscle cars.

 

in the late sixties Shelby had a difficult time in selling his Cobra. They were heavily discounted and sitting on the lots. I was there and did not buy. The exact same situation for the Crossfire. as rare but a far more advanced car. This time I bought. THE ONLY DOWNSIDE TO THE crossfire is no racing history. The Cobra was built to race. And you can buy a new one today gary

 

Gary,

That's a BIG BIG downside. That being said, muscle cars are not all that rare, which may be why they're so desirable today. Back in the day, they were plentiful enough where people saw them regularly and lusted after them. Since the Crossfire is rarely seen, who is lusting after them? Even more important, there aren't enough people, even enthusiasts, aware that its derivative SRT even exists. 20 years from now, they may be forgotten about.

Investing in collector cars is a fickle proposition. It's extremely hard to predict correctly what will be valuable in the future. If it made sense, it would be easy and everybody would be doing it. For those who bought their "collector cars" in its value "trough," they may see some return on investment. For those who are enjoying their "collector cars" right now, they're already seeing a return on their investment.

The best advice for buying a "collector car," is to BUY WHAT YOU LIKE. That way, even if you never realize a profit, you still like the car and it doesn't matter if you're left holding the bag. Right now, the idea of Crossfires making the big time is pure speculation, and a risky one at that. The SRT, of course, will be the one that has the best chance. Of course, like "clone muscle cars," the SRT can easily be cloned as well.

In a nutshell, I'm not saying anyone is wrong who says the Crossfire and SRT will be valuable. Rarity by itself has very little to do with value or interest, while hyperbole seems to have more of an impact. I knew personally and worked for the main person responsible for "creating" the market for Cobras and Shelbys back in the late 1970s, when Shelbys were barely 10 years old. He was a master in hype, and so are the folks at Barrett-Jackson and all the other major auction houses. If you have no hype, you have few speculators jumping on the band wagon.

 

I concur.However, I bought at less than half sticker. The bargain of my life times three. I may not make money but I won't lose any and do not have to restore. There goes the fun. Gary

 

I am happy with my purchases, and if anyone gets rich after I am dead, so be it...but, certainly isn't why I bought them....cheap HP, for the $$$$....and they just happen to look good too....like paying for a cheap hooker, who happens to be a playboy bunny...did I just say that....I have got to wake up....

 

You are right about the hype. In a few years if we are still here on the forum it will be time to start promoting these cars ourselves. More car shows, getting articles in some of the classic magazines. Some of the Classic magazines like to run articles on cars that might become collectable. I actually think the cars ******* love child status may one day be a very interesting aspect of the car. The fact that these are two seat, sports cars pretty much guarantee that they will appreciate at some point.

 

All true for sure....I love showing both the cars, and they do get a crowd. People just don't know much about them. Ever muscle car there expects to kick its but, until they look at the time sheets from the track...then it gets really quiet....lol

 

Actually, stock muscle cars probably wouldn't have much of a chance against many of today's mediocre sports cars on the track. I'm saying that out of ignorance, because I'm not a racer, but it only seems logical to me given the fact that cars are lighter, chassis set-ups are much more advanced, and tires (I'm sure a big component) are much more aggressive than those bias-ply slippery tires they had in the 1960s.