Long term value of early thirdgens

[ron83TA]

Hello all early thirdgen fans! ;D

I wanted to now do you think earlybirds will someday be valuable,or collectible like the 2nd gen is right now.

I remember 12years ago they could be buy for cheap and now their value is very interesting!Is the same thing will happens to 3rd gens?

And what about that "nightrider"mania from Europe?I eared that their is some interest in some clean 82-85 to built replica outthere.Anybody knows something about that?

I was wondering too why is there so little interest in these vehicules?(In Canada,usa i donno)People keep bringing these classic to scrap yard without any consern.I look everywhere i can't see a model like mine anywhere around,and in my local internet car club, i'm the only one who has a early model.à

I read somewhere that they sold around only 10000 cars because they where underpowered,and because of the gas crisis back then. Every single person who seen or eard about my car told me to give up,it will never be a real classic,you will lose all your money,bring it to the yard you will be lucky if you get 200$.

I don't care what they say,i would just like to now why this car is not well considered(in my area)

Thank!

[wildjeff]

I here people say the same thing. Don’t waste your time. But I do anyway

There where around 2.2 million thirdgens made, that is 82 to 92 Firebird and Camaros. I don’t know what the future hold the thirdgen but I double they will go down any but I don’t really care, I’m in this hobby because I like it. I’m restoring a 83 T/A now and I suspected I’ll end up spending 2-3 times what its value will be when I’m done.

[TAdan]

Good points Ron and Jeff.

1982 and 1984 were very high production years. Some of the highest ever for the Firebird. I like to compare them with 1979's. The highest production year. For plenty of years the value of the 79's was in the tank. The only ones that were bringing good $ were the 10th anniv. Cars.

As with most F-bodies I think the limited edition cars will be worth the most in the long run. The 83 DT500, 15th, Recaro's...

I would expect the values of thirdgens to rise over the long run. Look at most Muscle cars. IMO The price and demand of cars goes up as the people who grew up watching them can finally afford to buy one. Baby Boomers that grew up lusting after Muscle cars finally have the disposable income to buy them now.

Take a look at the 2nd gens. I think the thirdgens will follow their lead. A few years back 2nd gens were dirt cheap. Now that they are more in demand, their prices are steadily climbing. (The exceptions being the 75 and 76...they are still low. But as the other 2nd gens get bought up, they'll rise too.)

My dad owns a 71 Boss Mustang. Several years ago the car was not worth much at all, as the 65-70's all got bought up the demand for the 71-73 style rose and the value went up too.

I dont think the Knight Rider fans will have a huge impact on the overall thirdgen market. There are enough Firebirds out there that a KR fan can easily find and convert one of those. IMO it is always sad to see a nice 82-84 turned into a KITT. While I loved the show...I also love preserved thirdgens.

[ron83TA]

Thanks a lot for the info!It is very usefull ;D