I think that this statement illustrates the crux of what you two (JConn and Gordon) are arguing about. And I think that the surprising thing is that you may actually may agree on most things (frighteningly enough). The issue seems to be the definition of what constitutes a "Collector Car".

On one hand, we have the "Barrett-Jackson" (B-J) example - usually a very old (50+ years) or exotic car. Old Mercedes and Bugatti. Anything with Ferrari on it. The classics. What I like to call "automotive jewellery".

The other end of the spectrum is what I call the "Jay Leno" (J-L) example - interesting and unique cars that are purchased and restored because of their history. IMHO they are as much "Collector Cars" as the first group.

These two sets certainly overlap a great deal. For example, we have the case of the Porsche collector who in addition to having a Carrera GT and a LeMans car from the 60s, also has a few 924 and 914 in his stable. The latter are hardly collectors in the B-J sense. But they are "collected" by enthusiasts (the J-L group).

Jay Leno has a McLauren F1 as well as a Mazda Cosmos.

American muscle cars are actually a recent addition to the B-J catalog - they have soared in value since the early 90's. In fact, I saw a "fake" Shelby up for auction on B-J the other day. Someone had taken a run of the mill 60's Mustang and put all the replica parts on it to make it look like a rare model. And it sold for a nice chunk of money. Another case of jewellery.

Like I stated in an earlier post - I believe that the RX-7 is/will be collectable. As it gets rarer and harder to find, you will have enthusiasts who restore them and appreciate them. A good, well restored example will appreciate in value, but probably not anywhere near what it took to restore it. After all, a "collector" is often motivated by things other than market price.

But who knows? If the classic car marketplace has shown one thing to us, it is the fickleness of what is considered "rare" and what people will pay for things. If you had asked me in the mid 80's if a late 60's stock model Mustang would ever go on the auction block for 6-figures, I would have laughed in your face and called you an idiot.

Last point - the FD is only 6-7 years out of its final production run. It is still a relatively new car. I don't think that we can accurately judge its potential as a collector for at least another 15-20 years.

So, in closing I think you both have good points but I think the problem lies in what you use as the definition of a car collector.


-b

 

wrankin,

great post.



Anyway I revisited this thread because: Just yesterday while the girl and I were at borders reading magazines, I had a clear view of my car in the parking lot. These 3 young guys (early 20's late teen's) walk straight to my car, encircle it and then start taking pictures of each other standing next to it... My girl and I look at each other with a look about us. "really???" we say to each other. To be honest it was rather humorous because it looked rather ridiculous as 3 grown men are taking pictures of themselves with my car. But hey I take it as a compliment... Keep in mind that I live in Southern California where there are quite a few FD's around.

Then I started to think about what I thought was an aggressive reaction to my car that was just sitting in a parking lot, about how much they loved it, and how they most likely never driven one (and that is the bonus with this car). Then about how I love it, how no car has ever IMO compared on how it drives and looks (I've haven't driven ferraris nor lambos but I got a chance to drive/abuse a 2004 porsche turbo and I was not impressed, never mind the countless other cars that I've driven). I mean I had always loved how the FD looked and then I test drove one. I was SOLD instantly and never looked back, I had been on the market for a car and was unsure about what to get but after driving the Rx that decision was real easy.

There is no doubt in my mind that the FD will be a collectible car. Those of you that disagree well you are entittled to your opinion, but I believe that one day you will say "I used to own one of those cars, look how much they go for now...should had kept it". I can't tell you how many times I've heard older dudes say that exact phrase about camaros, mustangs, GTOs... BTW when you say it you can think of me

 

I have no idea if I'll still be driving the FD in 10 years. It all depends on what happens in my life and if I can let myself move on to something else. I love this car and it has sentimental value to me. I'm going to take pictures and enjoy the time I have with it.
As of now I know I'll own it for at least 2 more years.
I hope it doesn't end up in a junkyard.

 

Very well said my man. I think I would also have my FD by then and running like a champ like CARX7 said I have to many nice parts that I have been gathering for some time now and can't waite to put them on and paint my FD .

 

Most people don't own their RX7's for 10 years regardless of what engine powers the car. These cars will exchange hands many times(as is the case with most vehicles). So I'm not sure how valid your argument is.

As for the RX7 not being an Rx7 anymore with a different engine, I think that's your opinion only, and it's not a very good one. The engine does not make the car. The overall package does.

 

worst case scenario i turn it into a sweet car bed, but i plan on having the buried with to me

 

Hahaha awesome idea.

 

I think I'll have mine in 10 years and certainly hope to be able to.

Mainly I say this because I just still think it is one of the most beautiful cars ever made, and when I remove the cover and take it for a spin once every couple months It just reminds me that I love it.

As far as driving - I plan to start driving mine a LITTLE more often because I have owned it for 5 years and have only put about 2,xxx miles on it. I won't mod it at all because it is probably one of the very few left that is completely BONE stock - another reason I won't sell it is just because I can't stand the thought of it being molested.

It's nice to own something different as opposed to the standard ho-hum stuff that so many people go for.

 

lol @ clarifying what makes a car to Gordon...

I doubt you know his history but I'll tell you this, there's a reason why he is so respected around these parts. If I value anyone's opinions/perspective on 7's it's his.

 

I can see my self sitting in my front porch drinking ice tea with my rx7 watching our RX3 running around in our front lawn...........


...........wait that came out wrong............ i ment ill be keeping it till i go to university, and from then on still have it because it is a gift that both my parents gave to me

 

I plan on keeping mine for some time to come. If i get over it i will just store it in the garage and let it sit there collecting dust until i get the inspiration to drive it again.

I have a million and 1 things i still want to do to mine, so it no doubt will be an ongoing project.

 

All old sports cars has its problems.

If you own an FD and it has literally one problem after another rolling in, then yeah thats the time to ditch the car. There is no reason and its pointless to keep a car like that and blow all your hard earned money.

My suggestion is take your time, find the right car to start with, if you're going to get an FD for a project. If you want a running FD already, do your homework, go over the car you're looking at so it wont be a headache in the future.

I know i already posted in this thread already but i dont see my mentality changing ever. I dont plan on selling this car ever unless i seriously fall into debt or life or death situation.

Although almost everyday i encounter negative criticism about me and my cars. About how i hardly use the FD, why keep it? The car is too sophiscated, get rid of it. It breaks more than you use it etc etc.

Anytime my dad finds out i added something to my car, he shakes his head and goes, "all that money wasted for nothing, you hardly use the car". Im like, well im never selling the car, not like im gonna lose money when i sell it, cause i wont ever sell it.

He also repeats how i shoulda gotten an NSX or a supra instead, they hold more value, more reliable etc etc.

Those cars are good but the FD is also good as well. I wouldnt mind owning an FD and a supra.

 

In then years i will probably be living in a card board box if i keep my rx7.

 

10 years from now?
1. Decide if I go to law school or investment banking (that decision is coming relatively soon)
2. Sell Rx7
3. Buy Aston Martin Vanquish/DB9
4. Never look back?

It is always nice to dream big I can guarantee, I will not have my FD in 10 years. Dont get me wrong, I love my FD, and for under $15,000 it is hard to beat. Once the money starts coming in, its time to upgrade. Might be going to a viper gts in the next year or two. I am just tired of fixing one thing, and two more things break nor should I be scared to go WOT. Maybe it is time for a lsx swap.

 

True brian, upgrading is always good. But our cars do carry some sedimental value. Whether its the first sports car you owned, whether its the first car you built yourself etc etc.

Its hard to replace that. Our cars are getting cheaper, i personally dont feel a reason to ditch it just cause its getting even older. Ill just add to the collection.

You're gonna be making ALOT of money soon, why not just add to the collection? GTS's are CHEAP now. I saw a 97 GTS for like 42k with 11k miles. Blue with white stripes.

I love alot of cars and i do want to buy another toy but right now i have other priorities. S2000's are REALLY cheap, like average of 10k cheap so i might actually scoop that up right now

 

True that.some of my friends think i totally lost my mind when i bought a non running FD for $7500. They can`t understand why i would pay that much for a 16 year old car.

 

I think the attraction for me is more under the hood than the body. Don't get me wrong, I love the car, but the rotary engine fascinates me. My first car was a VW bug purchased in 1987 which was converted to a 13b in 1991. From that time I have always owned a rotary. My FD may come and go, a new RX7 or RX9 may replace it but my car of choice will be powered by a rotary. I just hope that King Obama's new emission/fuel standards wont keep the rotary's future at bay.

 

in 10 years, I'll, import a nice 2002 FD from japan

 

Since its now the new year and 2010... I figured I'd bump this and see if anyone's mindset has changed and what not

 

hahah same plans as i had a year ago. im pulling the seats to get covered this week. saving up for new wheels, coilovers and my motor choice. a 20B with an aggressive street port and a big single while keeping A/C and power steering, this is the plan.

 

I've owned my for a long time as well and at certain times I have thought of selling it but never could pull the trigger on doing so. I enjoy the car's look still and the smile it still puts on my face even after 15 years. I think I'll still own it in 10 years but I do plan on adding to the stable with something newer and more comfortable. For some reason the 370Z track model with the rev matching abilities doing away with my terribly unused heel/toe ability seems like a plus or maybe the g37 coupe, something a little more refined than the open exhaust FD.

 

God willing, I will still have her. The FD has always been the car for me and she's not going anywhere. Like a fine wine, somethings get better with age.

 

Well said, for me, the FD will be the last thing I sell if I am ever forced to.

 

Yup.

My mentality hasnt changed for this car. I still feel excited about it when i drive just like it was the 1st day i got it.

Its my lifetime project. Little by little im doing the things i need/want to do to it.

I dont think i'll ever sell it. Of course going by my own will. I dont know what the future may bring. I could all of a sudden lose my job and then i may need to. I could all of a sudden wake up one morning and not have an interest for this car or this type of hobby anymore and just be a regular joe lol.

But so far my plans are to never sell it, just add on to it. Eventually when i move into my second house, it will have a garage and i wanna start a supra project. lol But the 7 will always be there to watch my everyday routine til i grow old.

 

Well, I'd be considered one of the few who have owned their FD longer than 11yrs. I wish I could've owned it since brand new, but unfortunately I had to pick it up after the lease was done on it. Still, the previous owner was very careful with her, and now, after years of modifications, she's officially done.
Nothing to do to her other than routine maintenance. And some fine tunning of the PowerFC for driveability.

I for one can honestly say I will never sell the FD. She has become a part of the family. Getting rid of her would feel like getting rid of your Father or Mother. It will never happen!