I was watchin Barret jackson car auction and noticed how low oldsmobile prices have been. A 70 442 w-30 went for half of what of a base 289 automatic mustang shelby clone went for and a vm microbus for 100,000. Why isnt olds prices goin up like chevys and these foreighn outfits?

 

Count yourself lucky they aren't. It means the cars are still affordable for everyday hobbyists like us.

I personally think it's hilarious when someone pays too much for a car on the "investment" angle and then ends up eating a big loss a few years down the road, when his "investment" didn't pan out. 'Course rollers like that just write it off as a loss on taxes, provided they're paying taxes in the first place.

 

It's hard to make a comment when you don't indicate specifics on these cars. There's so many variables that can make or break a car but we know nothing of the ones you mention.

 

A VW bus for 100k??

 

I think the Oldsmobiles are doing very well. Top cars are bringing top dollar and average cars are affordable which is the way it should be. Since I have a couple convertibles I watch them. An Oldsmobile w-30 convertible like mine went for $222K at a recent BJ 2010 auction. Given the bad economy I was surprised at the high price. Auctions are unpredictable and all the cars look pretty in the pictures. In person that may be different.

Lee

 

It looked to me from what I saw most of the cars were down that 69 ram air 3 gto judge was over priced imo but that buick gsx stage 1 was a steal I think what looked like a very nice cars going in the 30's to low 40's and even some in the 10's

 

Well, THAT'S your first problem. BJ is not the real world.

 

This was the $100k bus. Its ok though the buyer had just sold his Bugatti Veyron for $700k. Thats the one where the buyer reneged after winning the bid.

 

Travelling in a fried-out Kombi.....


It's the luggage that jacked up the price.

 

I am glad they arent going up or on par with Chevelles and GTOs. Prices dont mean jack to me, I am in it for the love of the car and not how much it may bring if I sell. Its not an investment to me, its a lifestyle.

 

Exactly. I buy and build Olds for me, not to make a profit.

 

WELL SAID Fellas! WELL SAID! "The Olds Lifestyle" that's a phrase I like! "Cars & PAYMENTS" Magazine outta change their name too! LOL!

 

I think the basic cars are still middling, and the creme de la creme continue to bring big bucks. So whatever impressions that one infers has to be taken in context because the people with money will spend money on a W-30 ragtop even if the economy is in the crapper.

 

I think it might also have to do with the fact that Oldsmobile has never been the go-to brand when you're looking for a beater. If what the business says is true, these guys are either trying to get back the car they had in high school or the car they WISH they had.

They made a gazillion Mustangs, Chevelles, Camaros, etc., so the likelihood that these guys (and gals) had or wanted one of them vs. an Olds or Buick is much higher.

There will always be a market for the best and rarest muscle cars from ANY brand (yes, even AMC) among those in the know, but when the average dork with piles of unburnt cash comes along, chances are that all he knows is "SS" or "Shelby" or "454", so he figures that's all ANYBODY knows. Therefore if he gets a shiny car with double-overhead stripes and at least one of those words he's heard before on it he'll be ****-of-the-walk wherever he goes.

I say we just humor them. After all, that's one less rare car for them to ball up when they learn that the "authentic" muscle car experience usually comes with HUGE power and weak everything else.

Drew

 

I quit going to Barrett-Jackson a few years back because of the circus that disguises itself as a car auction. That atmosphere is filled with many people who are there to show off for their friends after a few drinks while the TV cameras are rollin'. Also, many people who's ego is only matched by their wallet are present and for the most part the prices reflect just that. Once in a while a true reflection of the market does take place, but it aint often! There are however some real good cars (not all) and every real car guy should go once in their lifetime to see those cars and experience the shenanigans. P.T. Barnum has nothing on that place!. I doubt I'll return any time soon. Don't fall prey to judging the market or value of your car to what happens there----alot of smoke and mirrors. Until next time..... Dave.

 

My buddy has a Chevelle and he calls my oldsmobile a poor mans Chevelle.I tell him he payed to much for 1 of the 10 cars at every car show!!

 

"My buddy has a Chevelle and he calls my oldsmobile a poor mans Chevelle.I tell him he payed to much for 1 of the 10 cars at every car show!!"

Oldsmobile is a "Poor man's Chevelle",.................Absolutely Priceless!!!!!!

 

my opinion but i would take an oldsmobile over a chevelle anyday just because i love oldsmobile and they made quite a few of them 51000 or so in 70 if im not mistaken!

 

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I have no doubt Barrett Jackson / Mecum have their own shill bidders to raise up prices to bring
in more revenue for the auctions. Then they get caught sometimes, and renege on the deal.

As for Chevelle's bringing in more money.....they do because Chevy's from what
I've seen are more popular. Even though they are much more abundant, and so are their
drivetrains too. Weird....

Out of all the A-bodies from 1969 - 1972 I think the Olds 442's dominate in style.
Prior to that, not so much. I'd have to give the 1964-1968 #1 style to the GTO

I think a 1970 442 with the OAI hood and spoiler looks waaaay better then a
1970 Chevelle SS personally. GTO's as well.

 

"I am glad they arent going up or on par with Chevelles and GTOs. Prices dont mean jack to me, I am in it for the love of the car and not how much it may bring if I sell. Its not an investment to me, its a lifestyle."

I couldn't have said this better myself, and am going to check out other auctions this month like the Silver Auction for a different experience.

 

I am with you that if prices go up hobbiests like most of us wont be able to afford are OLDSMOBILES but on the other side of things i don't want to restore a veichal (olds or therwise) and spend 100,000 dollars when its only worth 10,000 and if financial trobles come up then your stuck with a big loss.

 

Ditto!