Going Pro?

[TAO3535]

I'm restoring a '68 Nova and I was thinking I'd make it an SS clone, but I'm being coaxed into going pro-touring instead. I know what it's going to cost me but I don't see Nova's selling for more than $15k. Mine is not numbers matching either. Am I crazy or can I get a decent return on investment? Advice would be great! -Tao.

[Nicks67GTO]

Don't take this the wrong way but if you're looking for R.O.I. you're better off checking into CDs at your local credit union. You're likely to make way more on a 1.5% CD than you will fixing up old cars. 99% of the time the car hobby has a horrible R.O.I. no matter which way you go. I'm building a mild 67' GTO and i'm 100% sure i'm going to have way more in it than it will ever be worth. I also never intend to sell this one so its no big deal to me. If your car isn't a real, super rare SS, numbers matching car then screw it, go PT if funds will allow. You can still have the SS badging if you want to give it the look but that's all up to you. The pro touring type of build seems to be the way everything is shifting. They drive better, are more fun to hammer on and you don't have to have an overly powerful, raucous car to have fun at an auto X like you do at a drag strip. Basically your track car drives better on the street, than it would have stock, because of your mods. The good news for you is your car shares a platform with a first gen Camaro so there's literally a buffet of parts available at good prices. I also think as far as ROI goes you would certainly have a higher dollar Nova if it had a bunch of good suspension mods, brakes, wheels and an injected 383 as opposed to a non numbers matching SS clone that used to be a 6 cylinder car or low hp 327 but it will also cost a bunch to get there....again ROI is horrible in the car hobby.

[andrewb70]

If you want ROI, look into gold and silver. If you want to have fun, build your Nova Pro-Touring style...

Andrew

[Quickboat]

I think if built correctly with the best possible parts combinations and craftmanship, ROI is possible. But this is subjective to available buyers for different given models. Even though PT cars are bringing decent money at BJ (finally), for many of us PT is a hobby which takes passion and planning for the fun factor, not investment considerations. The many businesses staying afloat by building these cars and parts for these cars is proof that ROI can be done.

[srh3trinity]

Even if you get your money back in parts (unlikely), you have to consider your time. Plus, no matter what your budget is, it may double or triple by the time you finish. Unless you are very industrious and capable of doing it all yourself, it is very hard to do a budget build without cutting corners.

[rchaskin]

PT Style.......

[Quickboat]

I would argue that these buckets of bolts hold their value better then if you buy a new performance car...if done right..

[badazz81z28]

I honestly don't think any car is going to be a good investment no matter what. They cost money to maintain! Build a car to have fun...The only way you are going to make money is buying someone else's completed project and flipping it.

Like mentioned...Precious metals and Health care are the only things you know will be around for a long time! Hell, it might illegal in 20 years to have a gas engine...who knows.