Road Runner Nest

The prices of Mopars have gone out of this world since around 2001/2002 to the point where it is becoming strictly a hobby for the rich.

I still believe, even given the current market, that the 1971-74 B-Bodies are really undervalued and a relatively good deal.

The best example is the 71's which still had the Hemi and 440+6 engines with respectable horsepower, lots of performance options such as spoilers, air grabbers, Dana rear ends, orange interiors and still had many high impact colour choices.

When you see a 383 auto 71 Cuda sell for $50,000, the equivilant 71 383 auto Road Runner will sell for only about $20,000.

It still boggles my mind when I see a completely wrecked 318 '69 Charger with rusted quarters, floors, trunk, no engine, no grill and no transmission still fetch $6,000 - $7,000 sight unseen.

How many of these transactions really materialize is another question. I'm sure many are going to be purchased and, upon realizing how much work & money is involved, will just sit & rot further or be parted out.

I bought my car in the Fall of 2001 and thankfully it was a complete running/driving older restoration that doesn't require any immediate attention.

Its nice to have a car valued high but it is a shame that they are now investments instead of good old fashion street machines.

BRIAN

This is the very reason I bought my 73 Satty in December. I bought my 71 Barracuda project in '98 for under $2k. Needless to say it will cost someone a whole lot more to get it now.

Since I bought my car in 2000, its worth about twice what I paid. Parts have gone up to...just this week I saw a used 71/72 lower grille sell for $133! But that is eBay, some people get totally crazy when they bid.

I bought my 71 the summer after I turned 16-had to work so I could get it. I paid $1250. It ran, had fairly new tires, the paint was pretty cool (I should try to scan it on here sometime), and it was awesome. I assumed that for 1250, the car would be a pile, since the boxy cars that don't look as good sold for so much even three years ago. I guess I got my money's worth. Before I even had it painted, I was offered over $10000. Since then, I usually get an offer anytime I stop to get gas! Anyway, try getting a 71 Satellite that runs with all the performance goodies for that price now. Junkers without engines can sell for over 5 grand! I'm just glad I was born when I was, because now, i wouldn't have been able to get it. Making these cars worth so much money discourages muscle car lovers. High school kids usually want the newest import cars, but when they see a muscle car they change their mind, but can't afford one. I always liked muscle cars, but what really got me hooked was going to a radio station's classic car giveaway when I was maybe 10. The guy saw me looking at the car- A 69 Ford Torino that was "Screaming Yellow"- and asked if I wanted to go for a drive.

Wow you got a cuda for less than 2 grand? A project costs what around 10 now?

I hope the prices stay down i wann get aother one someday!!