Dragging another one home

[Micah Pohlman]

I just picked up a 77 Charger, not that I needed another one and certainly not because it helps pay off my debt any faster but... 400(locked up), pwr windows, rear defrost, dual painted mirrors, possibly a good rear bumper and a few other goodies that I can make a good home for.

I have noticed something lately when it comes to buying these cars, that's the price. I paid 1250 for it and 15/20 years ago that would have bought a running driving car (maybe more than a decent daily). So is just that the dollar isn't worth as much? Or is it that these are going up in value that much? I do know that the lost B-Bodys are getting much harder to find for several reasons (scrap prices, traditional muscle projects are all gone, getting parted out of other stuff, just plain wearing out, etc.) or is there something else at play here?

 

[Michael_]

1250$ 20 years ago equals to 1889$ in todays money.
So its not just inflation.

 

[Kern Dog]

I used to be able to buy Plymouth Dusters and Dodge Darts like THESE for $500:

These are $1500-2000 project cars now.

 

[OKDart]

I think you did OK at $1250.

I bought a '79 Magnum GT (360, T-tops, GT wheels, console, factory fender flares) off craigslist for $400 about 5 years ago, and I was completely shocked that I got it for that little. It's the cheapest car I've ever bought. The ad didn't list a price, I had to call to find out. Body wasn't too bad, it had been sitting for about 10 years and just needed a new battery, tank cleaned out, and the carb cleaned.

Once I got it running, found out it didn't have any oil pressure at idle. There was a very faint muffled knock at idle, but if you increased RPM a little, it went away. Still a very good buy in my opinion.

As far as current prices, I had a 1968 Chrysler 300 (paid $1200 in 2013) that was very rusty (a big enough bump might've done in the torsion bar support), but ran and drove like a dream. I pulled the 440/727 and put in a '68 318/904, I used the 440 in another project. After installing the 318, it still ran great, just with slightly less power. Last year I put it on eBay with no reserve. That running/driving car sold for about $575.

 

[Hilljack68]

I think it's mainly because affordable, buildable Mopars from 64-74 are drying up... so naturally, people start buying the next gens. We're probably not done watching prices go up for Dobas, Magnums, 4th-gen Chargers, etc.
I've actually caught myself looking at Daytonas and Shelby Chargers from the 80s!

 

[Darter6]

The old saying, "They don't make 'um anymore".
Like Kern Dog stated A body cars were cheap. Not anymore.
The 75-79 B Body cars are going up slightly but repop parts are non existent as of yet.
5 years ago I had a hard time getting $4000 for my 79 300 that was a complete,drive anywhere car.
Today I would give $6000 to have it back.But I sure don't need anymore cars.

 

[Darter6]

Forgot to say. You can recoop you cash by parting her out. Just with what you stated and make money.
Hell the rally wheel with trim ring and center could easily bring $100-$150 or more to the right person.
400 engine/727rebuildable combo, $500 to $750 or more.Lots of good parts for sure.It may even have the big brakes that most guys want.

 

[Micah Pohlman]

I think it's mainly because affordable, buildable Mopars from 64-74 are drying up... so naturally, people start buying the next gens. We're probably not done watching prices go up for Dobas, Magnums, 4th-gen Chargers, etc.
I've actually caught myself looking at Daytonas and Shelby Chargers from the 80s!

I have more than a few L-bodies (specifically Shelbys) and I love them. A car that can get 35 MPG and do well over 135 MPH (not at the same time) is an amazing thing, especially for 80's technology!

 

[Darter6]

I had a Shelby Lancer back in 88.Loaded with every option,I loved it.
MY niece rolled it over

 

[Micah Pohlman]

Forgot to say. You can recoop you cash by parting her out. Just with what you stated and make money.
Hell the rally wheel with trim ring and center could easily bring $100-$150 or more to the right person.
400 engine/727rebuildable combo, $500 to $750 or more.Lots of good parts for sure.It may even have the big brakes that most guys want.

I have had real good luck parting these out and I know I'll probably brake even, depending on what I keep for myself. I can use some of the stuff for my 77 Daytona (header and the full set of 15" rallyes), drive train for one of my 78 GTs. The front suspension assembly (11" brakes and should have pin-style calipers) will bring almost half of what I paid for it. Maybe it's my age that makes me say these things but... I remember when (fill in the blank). One of my first was a 78 Cordoba 400HP T-top, buckets, leather, 9.25 S/G rear, etc. nice driver for $400. But 25 years ago that was just an old car, now they've moved a lot closer to classic status. Maybe I can retire off of what sits on my fence line!

 

[Darter6]

You never know. Bought a 75 Charger SE new.Was about $5200. Sold it in 88 for $800.The car was pristine!
Who knows what the next few years will bring.

 

[moparnutcase]

A rising tide lifts all boats. With completely ridiculous asking prices for rust pile muscle cars, it only makes sense that these cars will increase in value, the average working man does not have that kind of money to enter or get back into the hobby.