I was watching the auction (maybe a repeat) last night and saw hundreds of vehicles go down through the line. The typical corvettes, muscle cars and classics with a sprinkling of exotics, imports, hot rods and resto-mods. One thing was very much in common with all of them: somebody lost a lot of money on both sides of the deal.

I saw Butt-Ugly 1954, '57 and early '60's PICK-UP TRUCKS going for $25-30K that I wouldn't want to be seen in driving to home depot. Some of them had frame-off restoration, premier paint jobs and heavy bread in the power plants along with all the chrome bling and still only got $25K. And because they are "tricked out" that means it wouldn't be a DD, it sure wouldn't be capable of a long and comfortable trip, especially at 80-100 mph and most importantly, there are not too many people that have lusted after a 1956 International Harvester 1/2 ton truck.

So what do I have? Yup, after 15 years of ownership I have $25-30K of money invested in updates and restoration/mod work that I'll never, ever, get back in my 928. But the difference is I have a sleek, comfortable, one-time super-car that will keep up with most current automobiles with ease and do it with distinction. An automobile that was an epic part of multiple movies, is/was a bucket-list item for many and still gets admiring "thumbs-up" and/or compliments wherever it might be driven or parked. I also won't see one every time I'm at a corner intersection.

At the end of the day, it's a care issue and I don't care. I don't care what they say about the potential increase in value might be if my 928 was bone stock instead of the mods I've done. I don't care if someone sells theirs for $10K more or $10K less. I don't care if someone else has 540 RWHP and mine is only 300. And I really, really don't care if someone uses Mobile 1 or Amsoil.

So unless I win the super lotto (then all bets are off) I'm a happy camper until my old *** can no longer fall in or climb out of my 928. It sure beats a pick-em-up truck all day. Just sayin'.

Note: I did a quick review of some records I have and there is $20K spent just in the past year (full re-spray, all rubber seals, wheel liners, leather interior, carpet, lighting mods, etc.). General maintenance costs (typical TB,WP, intake refresh, suspension, brakes, etc.) average $1500-$2000 per year before that actually puts it at over $45K, not counting the original vehicle purchase of $20K 15 years ago.

 

Paul,

You are a true enthusiast and Bone Fide member of the $25k+ club!

Rgds

Fred

 

That's right Paul, it's a hobby and one you can drive and go places and get together w/ others that have that same Automotive passion, and make long lasting friendships too

Now where did I put that Burn Barrel, I just found more $$$ to throw in

 

One of the finest rants I've ever read. Well done.

 

You sound bitter. I imagine some of those guys with the resto mods and classic trucks wouldn't want to be seen in one of our 928s. Of course, I'm sure some of those people own both...it's nice to have variety.

 

Cotton, nothing bitter at all. I have an extremely close friend who has 30 or 40 hot rods in his multi-million $ collection, some of which are top national award winners. Another friend who has a premier restoration Corvette shop developing a widened (to fit today's body size) resto-mod '57 vette body and frame that will go to market later this year. We share adult beverages and break bread at least once a week and a common conversation is about the money spent and the general usability, as well as poor cost recapture of most automobile mods.

My rant was substantially about the long term use, comfort and value/affordability of the 928 vs the aforementioned genres of vehicles at the auction as well as some of the RL comments about future 928 values. One mans steak is another mans poison and I harbor no ill will to those who like ugly trucks. BTW, my 25 year old 928 has been mildly resto-modded and there are those that consider what I've done as a sacrilege to the purity of the original design. As stated, I don't care. Best Regards!

 

Nailed it!!

 

Watching Mecum/Kissimmee this past week and agree. 1957 Ford junker p-up sold for 25k. Next up was a stunning 2006 BMW 650i V-12, etc that sold for $ 9,000. Go figure. T

 

Tony, you are epic when it comes to resto-modding a 928 and also a perfect example of what I was saying. You made beautiful automobiles more beautifuller, and uh, how much did you make on "Just Beachy"?

 

Loved the observation. Everytime I get into my car, I never worry about how much I put into it vs. how much it is worth. It just puts a smile on my face.


I am always surprised at a) what is offered at these auctions and
b) what they go for.

 

Thank you Paul. Had the 94 GTS for approx seven years and did lose some $. Think I would have lost much more on any new car sports car over that same time period so it's all good. Do like what you have done with yours and would like to see more pics, etc. T

 

Agreed... sometimes we are our own worst critics. I say to each his own and like my Great White 928 mods, I'll be doing up the next one to my liking! Wait till the purists get a load of my 84 Euro with rear seat & console / rub strips / rear wiper / duckbill spoiler / bumperettes / headlight washers / side markers DELETES and the addition of custom platinum paint, all black interior, S4 front seats, modern P Car steering wheel, silver Cup 4 wheels, 1500 Watt Alpine/Kicker Stereo, GTS mirrors and the WING FROM HELL reaching across from one side of the hatch to the other... Some of the guys are trying to talk me out of the wing, but I say it goes with the 1500 Watt BOOM BOX blasting out Billy Idol... "More, More, MOOOOORE!!!!"

 

Apologize for being a noodge but the 650i never came with a V12. Unless it was transplanted(possible but unlikely). The M6 came with a V-10 but wasn't called a 650i. The 850i from the 90s came with a V-12, and is one of the best looking bodies every made. The 650i is remarkable only for it's plummeting value once it leaves the dealer floor.

 

Not well versed on BMW's models/specs, etc. Just copied & pasted this from the past weeks Mecum/Kissammee website.
Lot K29
6.0/438 HP Trans
Automatic Color
Blue Interior
Tan
HIGHLIGHTS

- 6.0/438 HP V-12 engine
- 6-speed steptronic automatic transmission
- Power moonroof
- Leather interior
- 19 inch alloy wheels with Pirelli tries
- Tilt telescopic steering wheel with controls
- Automatic temperature control
- Reverse sensing system front and rear
- Genuine wood dash and inserts
- Power heated and ventilated seats
- Auto leveling suspension

Stock photo below

 

Doubt it was a transplant, but anything is possible. It originally came with a V8, the V12 came in the 760i sedan. Few were made, and few made it to the US. Oops, someone screwed up at Mecum. Not really a surprise.