“Restoration Regret? Why Buying a Finished Classic Car Can Save You Thousands”

Re-posted

Written by Muffy Bennett Collector Car Consultant 

 

From a financial perspective, buying a collector car that’s already been restored is usually the smarter move. Restorations almost always cost more than anticipated - between sourcing rare parts, paying skilled labor, and addressing hidden mechanical or structural issues, the expenses typically exceed the car’s final market value. 

In contrast, when you purchase a finished example, you’re essentially letting the previous owner absorb those restoration costs and headaches.  You get to enjoy the car immediately, with a clear understanding of its condition and value, rather than sinking time and money into a project that may take years and still not yield a return on investment.

My restomodded 1959 Thunderbird cost the prior owner approximately $150k to restore/build.  

 (Image:  this weekend, Run to the Pines car show, Pinetop, Arizona.)

I estimate it is worth $50k (at best) in this retracting market.  

I won’t tell you what I paid for it.  Ugh.  🤦‍♀️

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