Brands/builds most likely to hold value

[Tim7139]

Originally Posted by Large Arbor

I think the market tends to go up and down on these. Several factors tend to drive costs up including Kirkham, ERA, Superformance hold values well. Big blocks seem to be more expensive than the small block stroker motors.

The one thing for sure is they are getting more and more expensive to build as parts, engines and labor are all pushing higher. It would take close to $90k to build what I bought for much less today. I don't necessarily agree you can find big block 427's that are low mileage in the $40k range. I watch Cobra Country and just don't see them anywhere close to that. Educate if I am wrong on that, but it's just my opninion.

Phil

Well at the end of the day I suspect your second paragraph is likely as big if not the biggest driver of quality used prices over time.
I followed these prices from the beginning and over many years came close to buliding Contemporary, ERA, and Kirkham, as well as early GT40. I had a shot at Oem Nascar side oilers, new halibrand wheels to aid, assist, drive possible projects which never got off the ground, usually do to other car projects or restorations, or investment considerations(real or percieved) in the hobby. Actually, I ended up with what I have as much as anything a case of right situation/ right time as well a a reminder of time and energy researching the whole cobra thing that never got off the ground 25 years ago.
One thing has run true and accurate over the span the of time is that while the supply of options has never been finite although somewhat limited, quality componants and cost of building , especially accurate replicas is going only one way, dragging well preserved, low milage, used examples along with them.