[blak5lame]

i just want to know , how much i can expect to sell my car brought back to factory or modified when the economy goes back up.

[tripleblack]

These cars are starting to show some signs of interest in the collector category - I like them myself. In general terms, those that are restored to original condition with no modifications will fare the best in price - this is NOT a style that benefits price-wise from resto-modding or customization.

Even so, they are far down on the pecking order compared to some of the peak year Muscle and Shelbies.

Its unlikely that the cost of a professional rotisserie restoration would be something that would be a good investment - the cars simply won't bring that much. You'd be upside down at anything much over $30k total investment.

I'd just keep running internet searches for your car and keep an eye on what the market is asking for those cars in similar condition.

Nice low level #2 drivers are the best ones to watch, for any sudden upward push in prices will be seen there and apply to a good driver #3's as well.

Museum pieces might bring a higher price, but that will take years to develop yet.

Best of luck with your car - if you keep your expenses sane and actually drive and enjoy the car, you will never go wrong, but its not necessarily going to make you rich.

[rotorr22]

The tough part from an investment standpoint is leaving the 138 HP 302 wheezer and 13" wheels alone when these cars can readily benefit from today's technology. Had the Cobra II sported a 300 RWHP 5 liter with a gear and some larger wheels and tires in 1977, I doubt we would be hearing the constant Pinto rant from the Fairmont and Falcon based group.

[tripleblack]

Originally Posted by rotorr22

The tough part from an investment standpoint is leaving the 138 HP 302 wheezer and 13" wheels alone when these cars can readily benefit from today's technology. Had the Cobra II sported a 300 RWHP 5 liter with a gear and some larger wheels and tires in 1977, I doubt we would be hearing the constant Pinto rant from the Fairmont and Falcon based group.

If I had one as a daily driver, I would do a mild resto-mod treatment. Modernized 302 and drivetrain, upgraded suspension, etc. Keep all the OE parts in the boxes, but make it more fun to drive.

If I had a really low miles museum piece, I'd STILL drive it, but ocassionally, and I'd keep it original, warts and all.

Part of the problem with resale values is the same thing shared with the same vintake ponchos and chebies - low power, low performance, lots of decalomania, and high maintenance. They weren't joys to own back when, and they can be relatively tough to deal with today, too.

A 350 cubic inch cheby with 180hp is no quicker than the II.

[rotorr22]

[quote=tripleblack;1119518]If I had one as a daily driver, I would do a mild resto-mod treatment. Modernized 302 and drivetrain, upgraded suspension, etc. Keep all the OE parts in the boxes, but make it more fun to drive."

I agree wholeheartedly. This is the route I chose to go with my cherry 1977. Seventeen second ET's were about as fun as going through a car wash.