<VV> Mother Earth News

[Padgett]

>Prices are up not, but not all that much considering this article is 11 
>years-old.

Not really since that was during the ramp up to the dot com bubble. Since 
then we have been, if not in a recession, then a stagnant period (any time 
the GNP is increasing less than 5% per year is considered stagnation) and 
the dollar is at record lows against the euro.

Just about all costs are up but salaries are staying pretty flat so while 
exceptional/rare (and talking double digit production at most) cars are 
bring record prices, the gap between "show car" and "decent" is increasing 
rapidly. Add that the "average car" 11 years ago (with the exception of 
those that have been garaged the entire time) has deteriorated some.

Further, while Corvairs are prized and a few special examples are doing 
well, there are just too many out there and available for the prices to 
move much. Finally there are copious quantties of #2/#3 Firebirds/Camaros 
(even convertibles), Grand Prix GTPs, Fieros, Buick Reattas, and Cad 
Allantes available for under $10k that act a lid on prices even for GM 
collectors.

The only thing we can say about the future is that it is going to be 
different than anything we guess. However and for now, a car, any car, is a 
terrible investment unless inherited so might as well be enjoyed.

Padgett