Used cars > Muscle Cars, Like Dinosaurs, Once Ruled The Earth

Muscle Cars, Like Dinosaurs, Once Ruled The Earth

by: Brian Edwards

Detroit, or the world, has never produced an automobile that rivals the muscle cars of the 1960?s and early 1970?s. They were big, powerful and wonderfully unrefined. No one would call them sports car in the traditional sense. They were not nimble and curves were dangerous at most any speed. However, what they lacked in sophistication they made up for in brut force. In many ways the GTO?s, Mustangs, Road Runners and their brethren represented the American character better than any vehicle past or present. Simplicity, dependability, strength and singularity of purpose were their calling cards. No one could confuse the purpose of these beasts. It was plain for all, and it was straight-line performance for one quarter of a mile. Nothing else mattered.

Contrast that with today and the lore of days past becomes even more apparent. A new Corvette will defeat even the most powerful Corvette of old in every category. The current generation of performance cars thumps the muscle car in safety, comfort, reliability and, yes, performance. But, that does not tell the whole story and it doesn?t explain the current interest in and corresponding sky rocketing values of classic muscle cars. The clarity of purpose these super cars exuberated just feels good. It awakens the cave man in each of us! These automobiles have a particular hold on the generation that came of age in the late 1960?s. Many feel that this is their last chance to re-live their youth and they are willing to pay for the opportunity.

For example, a 1970 Dodge Hemi ?Cuda sold for $4,035 new and well-preserved models are routinely offered and $150,000 today. That represents and 10.6% annual return. Not a bad return considering the stock market has returned 7.4% annual over the same period.
Similarly, and 1970 Chevy Chevelle SS convertible with a 454ci engine sold for $4,200 new and to will cost around $115,000 or a 9.7% annual return. Finally, a 1969 Boss Mustang with a 429ci Engine originally cost $4,150 and today trades for $115,000. That is a 9.6% return over the same period.

Granted these are examples of the rarest and most sought after muscle cars. However, even ?common? muscle cars have experienced notable gains. The 1970 Plymouth Road Runner with a 440ci engine sold for $3,500 and today trades at $55,000. A 1967 Pontiac GTO cost $3,750 and now goes for $45,000. That?s a 6.8% compounded rate of return.

The investor in muscle cars must consider a few very important points. First, all investments have risks. This market, like real estate or technology stocks, could fall as fast as it has risen. Second, unlike stocks and money market investments, muscle cars do not pay dividends or interest. Indeed, they cost money to maintain, store and restore.
Third, rarity matters. As the numbers above show, the rarest muscle cars have preformed the best. Finally, get a second opinion when considering a classic muscle car. Mechanics are a good choice and a mechanic that has actually restored a few cars is the best choice. Nothing beats experience.

Obviously, one of the most important variables to consider when considering muscle cars as an investment is the condition. Only the most original and accurately restored examples fetch these prices. More common versions or cars in lower conditions will sell for significantly less. For the collector that actually wants to drive their cars regularly these more common versions may actually be a better value.

The choice of a rare collector muscle car or a common daily driver depends on the budget and the purpose of the collector. Both offer unique benefits to the owner and much enjoyment. The chance to re-live their youth is always a pleasant experience. Visit Muscle Car Facts at http://www.musclecarfacts.com/mcf/index.asp for tons of information about great American Muscle Cars.

About The Author

Brian Edwards

Muscle Car Facts at http://www.musclecarfacts.com/mcf/index.asp is dedicated to the providing information on the classic muscle cars of the 1960?s and 1970?s.

2006 Ford Focus: Never Better!

2006 Ford Focus: Never Better!

by: Matthew C. Keegan

Back in 2000, the year that the Ford Focus was introduced, Ford Motor Company was hoping that the model would be well received and exceed the sales totals of its previous small car, the Escort. Unfortunately, the new Focus was plagued by various minor quality problems and the car soon became the joke of the industry. Step forward to 2006, and the current Focus is vastly improved on earlier models. Let?s explore what is helping the Focus become a proven challenger in the crowded small vehicle sector:

1. Aggressive Price. Yes, the number of cars available under US$15,000 continues to drop each year. However, the Focus takes it one step further as it retails just below $14,000. Comparably equipped Chevys, Kias and Hyundais sell for nearly the same amount, so the consumer has a good choice when buying the Ford Focus.

2. Sufficient Power. The 2.0L I4 engine paired to a five speed manual transmission...

2006 Ford Focus: Never Better!

Used cars > 2006 Ford Focus: Never Better!

Tips For Selecting New Cars

Tips For Selecting New Cars

by: Ferat Verkau

Purchasing A New Cars

When people buy new car, keep abreast of the newest

selections, makes and models.
Bringing home a new car can

provide happiness and joy. However, at the same time it can

be very expensive if you are not financially well off. All

sorts of new cars are being sold in the market, cars for the

middle class, business class and sports car. Whenever you

plan to buy any of the new cars available these days make

sure that you are well aware of the facts and figures

related to cars. Learn about the things and parts that you

must look for before making a deal. Browse the net, read

books or seek your friends help. Keep yourself abreast of

the following tips that can make your selection and purchase

of any of the new cars easy.

- Be leery of advertising. Never get carried away by the

advertisements that might be enticing. Always...

Tips For Selecting New Cars

Used cars > Tips For Selecting New Cars

Things To Avoid When Buying Used Cars

Things To Avoid When Buying Used Cars

by: Gregory Ashton

Nowadays, life can be pretty hard. Everything is increasing with prices escalating out of site! This makes us all targets of potential scams and frauds.

With all these swindlers and scammers lurking just about anywhere, it is best to always be on guard and to know the things to be avoided in order to prevent the probability of being a victim of frauds and swindles.

Consequently, people who are buying used cars should also be aware of the different fraudulent activities being employed by unscrupulous people in order to have the best buy of used cars.

Moreover, people who are aware that the cars they have bought are stolen, chances are, they will be held liable.

Here are some things to avoid when buying used cars:

1. Used car buyers should avoid any transactions that are ?too good to be true.? This will only make the matter worst if the buyer will believe that the...

Things To Avoid When Buying Used Cars

Used cars > Things To Avoid When Buying Used Cars

Cheap Insurance - Ten Tips

by: Steve Gillman

Cheap insurance? Auto insurance, life insurance, health insurance, liability insurance - whatever type of insurance you need, you can buy it for less. Try the following:

1. Raise you deductible. Why have a $100 deductible if a $1000 deductible won't break you? It may hurt to pay the first thousand someday, but what if meanwhile you saved several thousand? High deductibles mean lower rates. Of course, get quotes...

Cheap Insurance - Ten Tips

Used cars > Cheap Insurance - Ten Tips

Facts About Colored Contact Lenses

by: Martin Smith

Colored Contact Lenses are the fashion statement of the day. They are available in shades of green, blue, and sometimes lavender. Colored contacts need to be matched to your skin tone for best results.

There are four main types of colored contacts, although there is little difference them. Visibility tint lenses have a slight tint that will help you locate the lens when it is in your eye easily. This...

Facts About Colored Contact Lenses contact lenses

Used cars > Facts About Colored Contact Lenses

Shopping Throughout Asia: Find Hidden Treasures Among the World's Finest Clothing and Jewelry

by: John Riggin

In between climbing pagodas and snapping pictures of golden goddesses, most travelers to Asia take time to visit the shopping districts. The quality and selection of designer clothing and extravagant items found in shops across Asia will not disappoint those with a penchant for luxury goods. From China to India, great buys are available for those who...

watches Muscle Cars, Like Dinosaurs, Once Ruled The Earth Used cars Shopping Throughout Asia: Find Hidden Treasures Among the World's Finest Clothing and Jewelry

Used cars > Shopping Throughout Asia: Find Hidden Treasures Among the World's Finest Clothing and Jewelry

Muscle Cars, Like Dinosaurs, Once Ruled The Earth Used cars

Little Giant Ladders ? a Guide To Choosing The Best Model

by: John Dell

Everyone needs a good, stable ladder. It is always best to invest in a ladder that will fulfill any challenge you take on. Little Giant ladder is the only answer if you are looking for the best ladder. But do you know which little giant ladder is most suitable for you?

Here are the top 8 tips before purchasing the giant little ladder:

1. Stability. Look for the little giant ladder...

ladders Muscle Cars, Like Dinosaurs, Once Ruled The Earth Used cars

Used cars > Little Giant Ladders ? a Guide To Choosing The Best Model

What Does Breast Augmentation Cost? This is the Only Painful Bit!

by: Karen Beaumont

There is no getting away from it - new bodies do not come cheap! However, looking at this in a positive way, I am pleased about that, because I am a great believer that ?You gets what you pays for? in life! If it was cheap, then I would worry about the level of qualifications of the surgeon, and would they still be around if problems developed, or had they moved on without leaving...

Muscle Cars, Like Dinosaurs, Once Ruled The Earth

Used cars > What Does Breast Augmentation Cost? This is the Only Painful Bit!