By all accounts Monterey was a success; collectors once again proved that no-nonsense cars still bring big money.  The collector car market is alive and well.  There were 14 cars alone that sold for more than $1,000,000.00 during RM’s Saturday night sale in Monterey.  Similarly other auctions around the peninsula reported big numbers and record bidders.

So, what lies ahead?  The fall is packed with great auctions which plan to offer something for everyone.   Here is a sampling:

• September 2^nd through 5^th, 2010 – Auburn Collector Car Auction – Auctions America by RM
• September 16^th through 19^th, 2010 – Mecum’s St. Charles Illinois sale
• September 23^rd through 25^th, 2010 – Barrett Jackson – Las Vegas
• September 30th through October 1st, 2010 – Carlisle, Pennsyvlanaia – Carlisle Auctions held in conjuctionw ith Fall Carlisle Swap Meet
• October 7^th through 8^th, 2010 – RM Auctions – Vintage Motorcars of Hershey
• November 5^th through 6^th, 2010 – The Bob McDorman Collection (featuring one of the world’s most complete collection of Corvettes) – Mecum Auctions

Attorney Bryan W. Shook is a devoted automotive enthusiast, but is also an experience litigator who devotes a large portion of his law practice to helping other collectors and hobbyists understand today’s market.  Attorney Bryan Shook is available throughout the United States for consultation, advice, and information. If you’d like more information about this topic or would like to speak with Attorney Bryan W. Shook please email him at BShook@dcdlaw.net

Bid with Knowledge; Buy with Confidence – Vintage Automotive, LLC 

By: Bryan W. Shook, Esquire

Email: bshook@dcdlaw.net

May 4, 2010 – At the persuasion of the SEMA Action network with assistance from automotive restoration manufacturers association (ARMO), the United States Senate approved Senate Resolution 213 on May 4, 2010.   The Resolution sets National Collector Car Appreciation Day as July 9, 2010.  Local, regional and national events to celebrate the newly enacted appreciation day are being developed across the country.  This marks a large step forward in collector car hobby. 

The resolution, which can be viewed online at http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:S.RES.513: states that:

Designating July 9, 2010, as `Collector Car Appreciation Day’ and recognizing that the collection and restoration of historic and classic cars is an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States.

Whereas many people in the United States maintain classic automobiles as a pastime and do so with great passion and as a means of individual expression;

Whereas the Senate recognizes the effect that the more than 100-year history of the automobile has had on the economic progress of the Nation and supports wholeheartedly all activities involved in the restoration and exhibition of classic automobiles;

Whereas collection, restoration, and preservation of automobiles is an activity shared across generations and across all segments of society;

Whereas thousands of local car clubs and related businesses have been instrumental in preserving a historic part of the heritage of this Nation by encouraging the restoration and exhibition of such vintage works of art;

Whereas automotive restoration provides well-paying, high-skilled jobs for people in all 50 States; and

Whereas automobiles have provided the inspiration for music, photography, cinema, fashion, and other artistic pursuits that have become part of the popular culture of the United States: Now therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate–

(1) designates July 9, 2010, as `Collector Car Appreciation Day’;

(2) recognizes that the collection and restoration of historic and classic cars is an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States;

(3) encourages the Department of Education, the Department of Transportation, and other Federal agencies to support events and commemorations of `Collector Car Appreciation Day’, including exhibitions and educational and cultural activities for young people; and

(4) encourages the people of the United States to engage in events and commemorations of `Collector Car Appreciation Day’ that create opportunities for collector car owners to educate young people on the importance of preserving the cultural heritage of the United States, including through the collection and restoration of collector cars.

Attorney Bryan W. Shook is not only a devoted automotive enthusiast, but is also an experience litigator who devotes a large portion of his law practice to helping collectors and hobbyists understand today’s market. Attorney Bryan Shook is available throughout the United States for consultation, advice, and information. If you’d like more information about this topic or would like to speak with Attorney Bryan W. Shook please email him at BShook@dcdlaw.net

Bid with Knowledge; Buy with Confidence – Vintage Automotive, LLC

By: Bryan W. Shook, Esquire

Email: bshook@dcdlaw.net

Call all Corvette enthusiasts, after a long winter’s wait, the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the National Corvette Restorers Society is hosting the Gettysburg Regional NCRS Meet on May 6-8, 2010.  This is a can’t miss event for East Coast Corvette Enthusiasts.

Several special vehicles are scheduled to be on display including a low mileage, all original, Polo Green, 1994 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 formerly of the Chip Miller Collection.  The car’s current owner, Andrew Saft of Harrisburg, is proud to offer this important ZR1 for flight judging.  Corvettes released from the prized Chip Miller Collection have been known throughout the hobby for years for their quality, provenance and pedigree.  This NCRS appearance represents a coming out of sorts for the current Saft Collection ZR1.  While ANY ZR1 is exciting both to see and drive, this particular all original ZR1 is sure to please the spectators and enthusiasts that get an opportunity to view it at the 2010 Mid-Atlantic Regional Meet next week.

 The NCRS flight process is not a process to be taken lightly, only the best cars are awarded flight awards and any owner who leaves Gettysburg with such an award has surely added much deserved province to his or her beloved Corvette.  Best of Luck!

Attorney Bryan W. Shook is not only a devoted automotive enthusiast, but is also an experience litigator who devotes a large portion of his law practice to helping other collectors and hobbyists understand today’s market.  Attorney Bryan Shook is available throughout the United States for consultation, advice, and information. If you’d like more information about this topic or would like to speak with Attorney Bryan W. Shook please email him at BShook@dcdlaw.net.

NCRS # 51181

Bid with knowledge. Buy with confidence. – Vintage Automotive

By: Bryan W. Shook, Esquire

Email: bshook@dcdlaw.net

Estate Sale – Allen Shaffer, Esquire

April 24, 2010 – Millersburg, Pennsylvania

Allen Shaffer, a well respected local attorney recently passed away and this past Saturday the majority of his car collection came to sale.  Over thirty lots were offered with no reserve, no bidder registration charges and with no buyers premium.

By the mid afternoon, all of the vehicles had been sold and the proceeds realized were just about $500,000.00 from the sale of the vehicles.

Here are the results along with the comments of Bryan W. Shook who personally attended the sale.

                                                                                                                                Total Sales:         $494,400.00                                                                                                      

As one can surmise from the results listed above, the sales prices were fairly reflective of the market today.   While the auction was largely under promoted, collectors, brokers and dealers showed up from several states including, Ohio, New York, Connecticut, Maryland and New Jersey to bid on and buy cars and automobilia from this great collection.

Most of the cars in the collection were operational and nearly all of them presented very well.  The cars purchased from this collection are sure to be coveted pieces in future collections.  While higher prices may have been realized had an auction house such as Carlisle Auctions, RM Auctions, Bonhams or Goodling offered the vehicles, this sale proves that not all collections must be sold through a large auction venue to achieve market value results.

Attorney Bryan W. Shook is not only a devoted automotive enthusiast, but is also an experience litigator who devotes a large portion of his law practice to helping other collectors and hobbyists understand today’s market.  Attorney Bryan Shook is available throughout the United States for consultation, advice, and information. If you’d like more information or would like to speak with Attorney Bryan W. Shook please email him at BShook@dcdlaw.net.

Bid with knowledge. Buy with confidence. – Vintage Automotive

By: Bryan W. Shook, Esquire

Email: bshook@dcdlaw.net

Special Event Productions, Inc. presents Cruising Ocean City 2009 on May 14 through May 17, 2009 in beautiful Ocean City, Maryland.  The event is SOLD OUT with more than 3,000 pre-1977 hot rods, customs, street machines, classics and antiques.  The epicenter of the event can either be considered the inlet parking area or the Ocean City Convention Center at 40^th Street.  There will be manufacturers and venders of specialty automotive parts and supplies at both locations.   Additionally, there will be approximately 30 shows throughout Ocean City that are sure to attract some of the best cars around.

 On Friday at 12:00pm Express Auctioneers will hold their 2^nd Collector Car Auction during Cruisin’ Ocean City.  Back by popular demand, the Auction is chocked full of great cars that anyone would enjoy cruisin’ up and down Coastal Highway in during the weekend.  Anyone having an interest in selling their car or buying a car should contact Bernie at 443-807-8883 or email him at cholhaus@expressauction.com. For more information on the Auction, be sure to visit http://occollectorcars.com/. The auction is free to attend for all Cruisin’ participants and spectators.

Attorney Bryan Shook, has been chosen to present his seminar, Car Collecting 101 prior to the Auction at 1pm.  Car Collecting 101 -  How to Avoid the Most Common Pitfalls & What you Need to Know plus Questions & Answers

Discussion Topics include: Collecting Basics, How to determine what to spend, Importance of papers/history, Protecting yourself, Pre-purchase inspections, Appraisals, Proper Insurance, Collection management, What’s Hot & What’s Not, and the Latest Trends in the collecting hobby

 Remember a well prepared buyer is usually a happy buyer!

Attorney Bryan W. Shook is a devoted automotive enthusiast, but is also an experience litigator who devotes a large portion of his law practice to helping other collectors and hobbyists understand today’s market.  Attorney Bryan Shook is available throughout the United States for consultation, advice, and information. If you’d like more information about this topic or would like to speak with Attorney Bryan W. Shook please email him at BShook@dcdlaw.net

Bid with Knowledge; Buy with Confidence – Vintage Automotive, LLC

By: Bryan W. Shook, Esquire

Email: bshook@dcdlaw.net

The 32nd annual Spring Carlisle Swap Meet & Car Corral are about to get underway.  Officially the event runs from April 21 through April 26, 2009, but large vendors are starting to arrive today.   Carlisle’s swap meet offers what might be the best selection of automotive treasurers of any swap meet in the world.  For the automotive faithful that make their annual trek to Mecca, the weather for this year’s Spring Carlisle looks to be better than most years, with forecasted highs in the low to mid 70s and clear skies!  I know, the diehards will be depressed … “What no rain, how can it be Carlisle without rain???”

A change for this year’s event is that the Collector Car Auction will be held on Thursday and Friday nights, April 23 & 24, 2009 at the Carlisle Expo Center.  Also new for Spring Carlisle is a cruise-in to be held on Sunday at the grandstands.  This follows last fall’s successful Sunday cruise-in.  I look for several hundred cars to attend.

As for the auction, there are several very appealing lots.  With more than 250 vehicles scheduled to cross the auction block, there is certain to be something that appeals to everyone!  See you in Carlisle! Http://www.carlisleevents.com.

Attorney Bryan W. Shook is a devoted automotive enthusiast, but is also an experience litigator who devotes a large portion of his law practice to helping other collectors and hobbyists understand today’s market.  Attorney Bryan Shook is available throughout the United States for consultation, advice, and information. If you’d like more information about this topic or would like to speak with Attorney Bryan W. Shook please email him at BShook@dcdlaw.net.

Bid with knowledge. Buy with confidence. – Vintage Automotive

Barrett-Jackson – Palm Beach 2009

By: Bryan W. Shook, Esquire

Email: bshook@dcdlaw.net

Well, it’s hard to believe but the 7^th Annual Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Collector Car Auction is behind us. 

How did the stars of the auction do?

The top seller of the weekend was Lot Number 369.1 the Super Chevy Magazine feature custom 1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS titled “Project American Heroes”.  The Camaro, which included parts supplied by over twenty five major speed parts producers and a legendary LS-series GM 427cu GMMG supplied powerplant, hammered sold for $500,000.00!  The proceeds from the sale of the Camaro will go to benefit the Armed Forces Foundation, a truly worthy cause.

Two other stars of the auction with their proceeds going to charity were Lots Nos. 655 and 655.1 the 2004 Ford Mustang GT Convertible concept car and the 2004 Ford Mustang GT Coupe concept car, respectively.  These cars debuted in January 2003 at the North American Auto Show and arguably started the current muscle car frenzy amongst the big three.  Many people believe that these two concept Mustangs are what raised the ante for General Motors and Chrysler to go all in again and give the public what they want, FUN muscle or muscle-type cars.  Ford let these two ponies out of their livery for Charity.  Both concepts sold individually for $175,000.00, each, a bargain, any way you slice it.  The proceeds from the sale of these two pieces of current American automotive history went straight to the benefit of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).  After the bidding for the coupe stalled around $150,000.00, Barrett-Jackson, CEO, Craig Jackson and Barrett-Jackson, President, Steve Davis, big against each other with Mr. Davis eventually taking home the concept car for the very reasonable price of $175,000.00. 

The third historic Mustang that Ford auctioned off, was lot number 665, a 2010 Shelby GT500 coupe, the very first available for public sale.  The hammer price was $150,000.00 and the proceeds above MSRP for the car went straight to the Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation. 

So, how did my “sleeper” predictions go?  Pretty well, but judge for yourselves.

1920 Chevrolet Model T – 1 Ton (open cab) chassis truck (Lot # 678) – Sold $37,400.00

1964 ½ Ford Mustang convertible (Lot #347) – Sold $51,700.00

1972 Chevrolet C10 Cheyenne Short Bed pickup (Lot #32) – Sold $35,200.00

1976 Chevrolet C10 Silverado Long Bed pickup (Lot #330.1) – Sold $29,150.00

1994 Pontiac Trans Am 25^th Anniversary Edition Convertible (Lot #58) – Sold $37,950.00

1999 Pontiac Trans Am 30^th Anniversary Coupe – Daytona 500 Pace Car (Lot #616.1) – Sold $39,600.00

I think my sleepers performed very well considering that the lack of national publicity that other auction cars enjoyed and the current economic situation but they all sold at the high end of their respective value ranges, proving that good quality cars (and trucks) will always command higher prices. 

Closing Thought – I believe GM has sold over 200 or so of its Heritage Collection and I hope that this “garage sale” is over soon.  On the bright side, I hope that the new owners of these GM refugees allow the cars to see the light of day again and hopefully we can all enjoy them at an upcoming automotive event or car show.

Attorney Bryan W. Shook is a devoted automotive enthusiast, but is also an experience litigator who devotes a large portion of his law practice to helping other collectors and hobbyists understand today’s market.  Attorney Bryan W. Shook is a seasoned automotive collector and restorer and as such brings real world experience and firsthand knowledge to the table for his clients.  Attorney Bryan Shook is available throughout the United States for consultation, advice, and information. If you’d like more information about this topic or would like to speak with Attorney Bryan W. Shook please email him at BShook@dcdlaw.net.

Bid with knowledge. Buy with confidence – Vintage Automotive

By: Bryan W. Shook, Esquire

Email: bshook@dcdlaw.net

BREAKING NEWS – The 1992 Pontiac Firebird Formula just released from the GM Heritage Collection has just sold for an outstanding $38,500.00!  The ‘bird sold as lot #11 today, Thursday, April 09, 2009 at the 7^th Annual Barrett-Jackson West Palm Beach Collector Car Auction. 

While I cannot confirm that this pale yellow Firebird was a 1LE version, I can state that it featured the highly coveted WS6 performance suspension option, 1LE style brake calipers, no air conditioning and a 305cu tuned port injected small block with a 5spd manual transmission.  The car also appeared to have the engine oil cooling package.  The VIN of this car was 1G2FS23F0N1200001 confirming that this was in fact the very first 1992 Pontiac Firebird Formula produced.

Although strong money was spent to purchase this car, the buyer can rest assured that he/she has purchased one of the most historically significant 3^rd Generation F-Bodies directly from GM!  This car was breath-taking in every way and presented as an outstanding, original, vehicle, as close to a brand new one as anyone has gotten in the nearly two decades since production of the third generation F-Bodies ceased.

For more information regarding my views on the up-ward trend of the 3rd and 4th Generation F-Bodies be sure to read my article   – “GM F-Bodies – 1982-2002 Can’t Miss Investments, Even in this Economy“

Attorney Bryan W. Shook is a devoted automotive enthusiast, but is also an experience litigator who devotes a large portion of his law practice to helping other collectors and hobbyists understand today’s market.  Attorney Bryan Shook is available throughout the United States for consultation, advice, and information. If you’d like more information about this topic or would like to speak with Attorney Bryan W. Shook please email him at BShook@dcdlaw.net.

Bid with knowledge. Buy with confidence. – Vintage Automotive

By: Bryan W. Shook, Esquire

Email: bshook@dcdlaw.net

It’s that time again in sunny south Florida.The trucks are arriving as I type this delivering one gorgeous car after another. All told, over 700 cars will be sold this week at the “lifestyle” event that is Barrett-Jackson’s 7^th annual Palm Beach collector car auction. As has been the norm for Barrett-Jackson auctions over the past five years or so, this will be a “No-Reserve” auction which means all cars will sell to the highest bidder regardless of price

Speed TV will be broadcasting 22hrs of live high-definition coverage of the event.

Although we are technically in a recession, I look for several of the auction lots to sell for strong money.  Plenty has been written about the feature cars of the auction so I have chosen to focus this article on what I believe will be the best buys of the auction.

On Tuesday, April 07, 2009, I was fortunate enough to be able to spend some time “kicking the tires” and here is my list of vehicles to watch.

·         1920 Chevrolet Model T – 1 Ton (open cab) chassis truck (Lot # 678)

o   This truck is coming out of the GM Heritage Collection and is in very nice shape.  The truck shows some slight deterioration from sitting and appears to have been restored a number of years ago.  Although it’s only sold on a Bill-of-Sale, I believe this will be a great buy.  Where else are you going to find one?

·         1964 ½ Ford Mustang convertible (Lot #347)

o   This car is extremely well presented and appears to be over restored.  If you are looking for a rare color (Skylight Blue) and color keyed blue convertible top car this is the car for you.  Although this is an original D-Code (289cu 4bbl) car with 4spd manual transmission, the engine has supposedly been replaced with a circa 1965 Ford 289cu engine.  Bottom line is that this is a striking color combination on an extremely significant model year Mustang.

·         1972 Chevrolet C10 Cheyenne Short Bed pickup (Lot #32)

o   This truck is as clean as ANY you’ll find.  It supposedly features its original number’s matching 402cu big block engine and air conditioning.  To say this truck is restored to a high level is an understatement.  It is evident that true love went into this restoration and either this was an excellent original when the restoration was started or someone spend A LOT of money, not to mention time, during the restoration seeking out good quality original pieces.

·         1976 Chevrolet C10 Silverado Long Bed pickup (Lot #330.1)

o   This is allegedly a 17,000 mile truck.  The truck features a 454cu engine, air conditioning, power steering, power brakes and the optional gauge package. The cons on this particular truck are that it is a long bed model and it is painted, assumedly original, light saddle over neutral.

·         1994 Pontiac Trans Am 25^th Anniversary Edition Convertible (Lot #58)

o   This is an extremely rare 1 of 250 convertible 25^th Anniversary Edition Trans Ams that is in very good, original condition.  This car is officially 15 years old and looks great.  The TA is powered by the corporate 5.7 liter (350cu) 275hp small block Chevrolet engine which is backed by a very fun 6spd manual transmission.  The car is extremely clean with only minor road spray on the undercarriage and rear axle assembly.  Overall, this vehicle represents an amazing opportunity to purchase a historical vehicle directly from GM.  For more support please refer to my article below “‘Can’t Miss Investments, Even in this Economy’ 1982-1992 GM F-Bodys”

·         1999 Pontiac Trans Am 30^th Anniversary Coupe – Daytona 500 Pace Car (Lot #616.1)

o   This vehicle has it all, the LS1 engine, the signature blue anodized wheels, the white leather seats, removable roof panels (i.e. T-tops) … not to mention provenance directly from GM as an officially 1999 Daytona 500 Pace Car.  Again, as stated above, this vehicle represents an amazing opportunity to purchase a historical vehicle directly from GM.  For more support please refer to my article below “‘Can’t Miss Investments, Even in this Economy’ 1982-1992 GM F-Bodys”  Did I mention this car is a WS6 optioned vehicle with the aggressively styled Ram Air hood and induction system?

The above list represents just a sampling of the vehicles offered at this year’s Barrett-Jackson, West Palm Beach, Florida Auction.  For more information, be sure to visit their website at http://www.barrett-jackson.com. 

Bid with knowledge. Buy with confidence.

Attorney Bryan W. Shook is a devoted automotive enthusiast, but is also an experience litigator who devotes a large portion of his law practice to helping other collectors and hobbyists understand today’s market.  Attorney Bryan W. Shook is a seasoned automotive collector and restorer and as such brings real world experience and firsthand knowledge to the table for his clients.  Attorney Bryan Shook is available throughout the United States for consultation, advice, and information. If you’d like more information about this topic or would like to speak with Attorney Bryan W. Shook please email him at BShook@dcdlaw.net.

GM F-Bodies 1982-2002

As I recently stated during a seminar, and I continue to stress, we are in a buyer’s market. Given the market conditions, there are several cars that I forecast as “can’t miss investments.” These are vehicles which have hit their rock bottom price and have a tremendous opportunity to appreciate.  In this article I have chosen to look at the 3^rd and 4^th generation GM F-Bodies, better known as Camaros and Firebirds.

1982-1992 Chevrolet Camaro & Pontiac Firebird/Trans Am (a/k/a 3^rd Generation F-Bodies)

These cars reached their bargain basement price structure during the first part of this century, good solid, low-mileage, well kept, examples trade anywhere from $3,000.00 to $8,000.00, with exceptional cars trading for much more.  While the 350cu optioned vehicles are always popular, the only way to get a 5spd manual transmission with a V8 engine was to order one of the 305cu engine offerings. 

·         Camaros poised to appreciate:

o   1982 Camaro Indianapolis 500 Pace Car replica

o   1983-1986 RPO L69 High Output 305cu 4bbl 190hp (especially rare, at least in decent condition is the 1983 variety, considering its late introduction)

o   1985-1990 IROC Camaros

o   1987-1992 convertibles

o   1989-1992 1LE Camaros (basically showroom ready SCCA prepared racers usually very sparsely equipped)

§  Of particular desirability is a 1992 1LE Camaro optioned with luxury or appearance options, such as a deluxe leather interior or the RPO Z03 Heritage Package – Extremely Rare

o   1991-1992 B4C Camaros (similar to the 1LE option but titled “service special” developed especially as pursuit vehicles for law enforcement.)

·         Firebirds poised to appreciate:

o   1982-1992 Trans Am (in general)

o   1982-1984 Recaro Edition Trans Am

o   1983 Trans Am Daytona 500 pace car replica

o   1984 15^th Anniversary Edition Trans Am

o   1983-1986 RPL L69 High Output 305cu 4bbl 190hp

o   1989 Turbo Trans Am 20^th Anniversary Edition – Indianapolis 500 pace car replica

§  Hardtop cars are especially desirable given their rarity

o   1989-1992 1LE Trans Am (no 1LE GTAs were produced)

o   1991-1992 Firebird/Trans Am/GTA Convertibles

§  Especially desirable when equipped with 5spd manual transmission

o   1991-1992 Firebird Firehawk

A detractor from the collection of these vehicles is an adequate supply of good quality examples are quickly disappearing.  With the recent spike in scrap prices, many of these cars failed to survive the high scrap prices. (Note: I witnessed scrap prices as high as $15.00 per every 100 pounds – read $300/ton.)  Another detractor is that GM has all but cut off this generation from its service parts support and has therefore shifted the burden of parts supplying to the aftermarket industry, although good New Old Stock (NOS) parts can still be found.  The viability of the automotive restoration parts suppliers in today’s economy remains to be seen.

Solid, well kept examples of the above referenced Camaros/Firebirds, will enjoy a marked appreciation, much like we are currently seeing with the second generation (1970-1981) Camaros and what we have already seen in the first generation Camaros (1967-1969) Camaros.

 1993-2002 Chevrolet Camaro & Pontiac Firebird/Trans Am (a/k/a 4^th Generation F-Bodies)

 The 4^th Generation of the General Motor’s F-body has been holding its own since the demise of the F-body in 2002.  As I type this article the first 5^th generation Camaros are hitting the dealerships.  This changes everything, the demand of the 1993-2002 F-Bodies will shrink as potential buyers will be able to quench their thirst with the purchase of a new, more powerful 2010 model.  While it may seem that we are about to see a decline in the value of the 4^th generation F-Bodies, the reality is that this generation has been out of production for nearly a decade, but from a performance standpoint, remains nearly as powerful and agile as its modern peers and successor.  Furthermore, from a nostalgic standpoint, with the discontinuance of the Pontiac motor division, the last rear wheel drive Pontiacs (1993-2002 Firebird/Trans Am) will be sought after by collectors.  

Convertibles are always a good buy (no convertibles for 1993), but look for the 1998-2002 Camaro SS and Trans Ams to lead the appreciation charge.  New for 1998 was the introduction of the LS1 all aluminum 5.7L engine that was introduced a year earlier in the Corvette C5.  Some late 2002 LS1 powered Camaros and Trans Ams were actually built with the stronger LS6 engine blocks, watch for these as they are a desirable oddity.  The V8 models will of course always be more desirable than the V6 models however, some appearance packages and the RS package was only available on V6 models.

·         Camaros poised to appreciate:

o   1993 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car

o   1993-1999 1LE Camaros & 2001-2002 SLP 1LE Camaros (1LE option was no longer offered by General Motors after 1999 but in 2001 SLP stepped up and offered a modification to bring the 1LE package back)

o   1993-2002 B4C Camaros (similar to the 1LE option but titled “service special” developed especially as pursuit vehicles for law enforcement.)

o   1994-2002 convertibles especially with V8 engines

o   1996-2002 SLP modified vehicles

o   1996-2002 Camaro SS

o   1997 30^th Anniversary Edition Camaro (white with Hugger orange stripes & orange hounds tooth interior – reminiscent of the 1969 Indianapolis 500 pace car replica)

o   1997 Chevrolet Camaro SLP Modified with Corvette LT4 engine

o   2002 35^th Anniversary Edition Camaro

o   Dealer Modified Camaros such as:

§  Berger, Tom Henry, etc.

o   2002 GMMG, Inc. modified ZL1 Camaros – only 69 produced in commemoration of the 1969 Camaro ZL1

·         Firebird/Trans Ams poised to appreciate:

o   1993-1999 1LE Firebirds

o   1993-2002 Firebird Firehawk

o   1994 25^th Anniversary Edition Trans Am

o   1994-2002 convertibles especially with V8 engines

§  Especially desirable are the 1997-2002 WS6 “Ram Air” convertibles

o   1999 30^th Anniversary Edition Trans Am

o   2002 35^th Anniversary “Collector’s Edition” Trans Am

o   1996-2000 Formula with “Ram Air” cold air induction system (RPO WS6)

o   1996-2002 Trans Am with “Ram Air” cold air induction system (RPO WS6)

As the aforementioned cars come to market over the next several years, I believe you will see several great buys at auction and throughout car corrals.  Look for the cars that are listed above, but don’t limit your search to just those cars.  A clean V8, otherwise standard issue Camaro/Firebird is a good investment, but look for the cars listed above to appreciate at a higher rate than the standard issue V8 examples.  Nonetheless, investment in a 1982-2002 General Motors F-Body will provide you with a drivable interest-bearing savings account.

Bid with knowledge. Buy with confidence.

This article was written by Bryan W. Shook, Esquire the founder of Vintage Automotive. Attorney Bryan W. Shook is a devoted automotive enthusiast, but is also an experience litigator who devotes a large portion of his law practice to helping other collectors and hobbyists understand today’s market.  Attorney Bryan Shook is available throughout the United States for consultation, advice, and information. If you’d like more information about this topic or would like to speak with Attorney Bryan W. Shook please email him at BShook@dcdlaw.net.