Use and Understanding of 
Our Collector Pricing Data

Collector Car Market Review Online is organized to allow fast and easy access to older vehicle pricing information. Each model listing has the powertrain configuration used in determining the current value. Any changes to this "base" price due to different engines, transmissions, or optional equipment are reflected in the Add and Deduct sections below each model.
Engines are listed by cylinders, displacement and horsepower. Horsepower ratings for domestic cars and trucks are SAE gross up through 1971, after which the industry adopted the more conservative SAE net ratings. Because of the change of rating method, horsepower drops are not quite as drastic as they appear. Imports used different rating methods up through 1971, after which most of them also reported horsepower using the SAE net method.

NOTE:  Pricing on website may not be as current as the printed publication.

IMPORTANT PRICING CONSIDERATIONS
Pricing in CCMR is derived from many different sources in the North American market. Many factors can affect the value of an older vehicle. Some guidelines:

Pricing sources: Auctions, sales reports, Value-Track® database, classifieds and the general market  (contacts, shows, etc.).

Regional factors: There are some minor regional differences in prices, mostly for vehicles under $20,000 in value. Prices tend to be highest in the northeast and on the west coast. Very expensive cars operate in a global market.

Show cars: Perfect cars are becoming more common, but are still fairly rare. These vehicles have been treated to a very expensive concours quality, frame-off, no expensed spared, nut & bolt restoration and do not get driven. They can often command higher prices than CCMR's standard #1 value.

Originality: All pricing assumes original, numbers matching engine. Deductions vary for engine swaps and can (but not always) be substantial -- be careful! Clean, totally original cars usually carry a premium relative to equivalent published prices. Original documentation is a big plus, especially on muscle cars.  Having said that, there is a trend towards "upgrading" collector cars to make them drive and perform better than when they were new while retaining stock appearance.  Depending on the model, these vehicles can suffer no value loss, and in fact we have seen plenty of instances where they can bring more than a pure stock example.  This market condition has weakened in 2007 and 2008, making it difficult recoup restoration expenses.  This likely means you'll see fewer of these "resto-mods" being created.  It also means that the traditional premium for original cars is returning.

High Option Vehicles: Car & trucks that are highly optioned and/or accessorized with items such as visors, continental kits, power seats, tilt wheel, etc. usually command a premium.  Figure an extra 10% or so depending on equipment.

Imports: Pricing for imported cars is for US spec., left-hand drive unless not available in that configuration. Right-hand drive carries a price penalty on most cars, especially later models. Later standard-bodied RHD Rolls-Royce and Bentley models are particularly difficult to sell in the States.

Trucks: Small departures from originality do not affect the value of trucks as it does cars. Engine swaps or upgrades, mild customization in the form of wheels, tires, and accessories can enhance value. Make sure you use the Truck Equipment Table

Street Rods: Due to varying degrees of quality, parts, workmanship, etc., these are extremely difficult to accurately estimate market value. Many rods reflect the specific likes of the owner, and these don't always translate well to potential buyers. Monetarily, it is usually very difficult to recover the amount of money put into it.  While the rod market has distinctly been trending down since 2006, they are are still a strong and vibrant part of the marketplace.

About Auction Results:

GUIDES THAT RELY SOLEY ON AUCTION RESULTS DO NOT REFLECT THE MARKET AS A WHOLE FOR MOST VEHICLES.

Auctions are just one part of the collector car marketplace.  Many collectors get the impression that if they see a 1957 Chevy sell for $70,000 at a major auction, then theirs must be worth that, too.  This is not the case.  Auctions often bring above market prices for very nice cars.  The reasons are many: there's money in the audience, egos come into play, bidders can get caught in the moment, and sometimes the cars that show up to an auction such as Barrett-Jackson or Pebble Beach are just stunning, one-of-a-kind, mega-buck restorations.

Unfortunately, all is not always as it seems at an auction. Sometimes prices are bid up with "phantom" bidders, cars are declared sold that aren't, and even the bidding can be completely fabricated.  In addition, dealers may bid among themselves soley to create the illusion of both interest and high values for specific cars.

This doesn't mean that you should always avoid collector car auctions.  Go to a few and observe what goes on, get a feel for how things work and decide for yourself.  If you do decide to bid, ask the seller a lot of questions.  Sellers with good cars will be more than happy to talk to you.

Finally, our auction editors tend to be conservative in their condition estimates.  Take this into consideration when viewing auction results and the sale or bid price.