"The older I get the faster I was." Darrell Waltrip or was it Mario Andretti?

 

From The Wall Street Journal - Is Investing in Collectibles a Recipe for Disaster?

By George U. "Gus" Sauter, a senior consultant to the Vanguard Group

Collectibles, like art, or stamps or comic books do not have a measurable fundamental value. Certainly, they provide enjoyment to some people who love to examine them . But the only way to make money investing in collectibles is to find someone who is willing to pay more for them than you did. If you have expert insight, it might be rewarding. but, "don't try this at home."

To which I reply:

Gus, I guess you're right, fine art doesn't have a measurable fundamental value if that means it doesn't have a useful purpose. But it does have a use as décor, and for that matter I've seen some other collectibles less prestigious used as décor;  barbed wire collections or stamps as wall decorations.

As for investment purposes Gus, you have to admit the auction houses that specialize in fine art are constantly making the news with new record prices, though there have been weak periods.

My main point here is that COLLECTIBLE CARS are one of the rare cases where there is some useful purpose. You can take a Sunday drive in your Packard. Let's see you do that with your stocks and bonds or CDs.

And right now most antique cars are returning more on your investment than any CD.


What do you think? Let me know and I'll share your thoughts here.

CHANGES AT RADERS RELICS AFTER 35 YEARS

With the loss of Dick Schoppe, Raders Relics is changing it's operating style. We are now open by appointment only. Though you can drop by most mornings and probably catch me here, but if you don't want to gamble please call ahead. I feel a connection with friends and customers who over the years have trusted us with some delightful and fun investorcars. Except for an escape to the mountains, I'll keep on keeping on. - Bob Rader

FUNNY VIDEO:
"Having a bad day at the car show"

 
Our current inventory of classic cars at a glance:
1939 Ford Deluxe convertible sedan in folkstone grey with red piping and carmel interior. To sum it up in a few words--She is a fresh national show quality restoration. Show Me More! >>>> $49,500
1946 Military Jeep. We have had him before, ( he's the one that had his tub replaced some time in his life ) He has had quite a few upgrades since he was here. He now sports a summer top, new correct shovel, axe and jerry can. Drive line has been rebuilt as well as springs. Show Me More! >>>>
$13,500
1948 Chrysler Windsor Convertible with just 42,000 actual miles. Probably one of the most original cars we have seen. He has been owned for many years by a gentleman who replaced things as needed with as near to original things that could be found. The paint is original and still show quality. Dash plastic,gauges and controls are like new. Top is canvas as original and only the leather on the seats has been replaced. There has never been any rust or rust repair to this car. It runs and drives just like a new 1948 Chrysler. It's hard to really describe a car this old and this nice. As nice as it is it is not a 100pt. show car. Show Me More! >>>> $39,500
NEW 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible that is probably the nicest car you can drive daily that looks like it could win a national prize. The ten year old paint is still award winning quality. 265 V8 of course. In this case the photos don't lie. One sharp car, but driven and not a prize winner against trailer queens. Show Me More! >>>> $59,950
1965 Ford Mustang in a beautiful and expensive second coat of ermine white. Never rusted, never hit, original wire wheel covers, underhood dressed. He comes with a warmed 289 V8 and a top loader four speed. (original stick trans is included if you want) Brand new tires. Show Me More! >>>>  
1966 Ford Mustang coupe in one year old excellent silver repaint over an evidently never rusted never damaged original with economic six cylinder and automatic. But the best part here is the 49,000 miles is, by every measure (pedal wear, upholstery, etc) true first time around. Show Me More! >>>> $11,950
1979 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow II with left hand drive and LWB. She has a paint job in the beautiful original two tone blue colors that the owner told us cost him $30,000. Even if he paid too much it is surely the best quality money can buy anywhere. The matching leather and wood interior are lovely and she runs fine. Winston the car is free, just pay for the paint job. Show Me More! >>>>
$30,000
Amanda Reckonwith is a 1983 Buick Riviera convertible is one of only 3898 produced from 1982- 1985. Available in only white or red, with white tops and red leather. The 307 V8 was an option. Base price was $25,702.00, more than the Corvette. Amanda has had over $20,000 spent on restoration (reciepts here) 5600 miles on new Jasper 307 engine, transmission, rear end, a/c, top/motor, tires, hydro booster brake, power steering, power windows and seats, custom paint, disk brakes, gas shocks, Kenwood stereo/CD, ball joints. Show Me More! >>>> $17,500
     
OTHER STUFF FOR SALE
Raders Relics conversion chart to translate old cars ads language. This is a compendium of a quarter century in the business from personal observations and other publications. In red and black on parchment color, 11X17, suitable for framing to hang in the family room, garage, where ever you like. Samples:
If it says: It really means:
Older restoration Can’t tell it’s been restored
Drive it away I live on top of a hill
Lost storage Neighbors getting up a petition
Uses no oil Just throws it out
And fifty more

Yours for a pittance at just $12.50 each. Add $3.50 for the mailing tube and postage, any quantity. Your check is acceptable to us. We aren’t set up to take credit cards.
   

ALSO—
HUMOROUS PLEASE DON’T TOUCH SIGNS, 4 " X 5 " , MADE OUT OF STATIC STICK. CAN BE PUT ON GLASS INSIDE OR OUT AND REMOVED AFTER THE SHOW IF YOU LIKE. JUST $3.00 EACH. ADD $2.00 FOR POSTAGE. UP TO TEN SAME POSTAGE.

Coca Cola cooler, 1950, restored, very good. $950
Murray pedal car, 1950s, actually never used. $1100

Mobile oil dispenser. Circa 1940. Very good original, never restored. Full of bottles. $3500.00

Your check is fine. Sorry no credit cards
   
   

1896 Kentucky Ave. • 1/2 mile from exit #87 at I-4 and fairbanks, • Winter Park, Florida USA 32789.
Tel: (407) 647-1940 Fax: (407) 647-1930 • email: Bob Rader therelic@theraders.net

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