I'm always surprised how how the vlaues are for the hardtops even compared to their purchase price new. Adjusted for inflation (1955 models):
Clipper Deluxe (+ Ultramatic & Radio): $31,100
Patrician (+ Radio): $44,400
Caribbean: $64,000
Then "high retail" prices on NADA:
Clipper Deluxe: $20,100
Patrician: $21,800
Caribbean: $109,600
And "Average retail" is roughly 1/2 of that on all of those.
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I also believe the market dictates their value. But, in this case, the market is people. I venture to say car enthusiasts mostly. If in the years ahead, the new up-and-coming auto aficionados turn their attention toward what they came up with, will Packard prices remain up or go down? Will I get my shot when those folks with disposable income turn toward their age-of-dominate-influence-automobiles such as Honda V-TECs, Hyundai Tiburons, Tesla Model 3s, or even a Toyota Prius?
I don't even know what point I'm trying to make other than as time continues to move along, these beautiful cars (and the make’s rich history) continue to lose their admirers. Is it possible we get to the point where Packard gets lost to history? Selfishly, will I get an opportunity to own and operate one or will they become so exclusive that my opportunity has likely already passed?
To me it seemed like 15 years ago 50's-60's cars were in vogue, and no one cared about 80's cars. Now it seems like 60's-80's. Tastes are cyclical and I don't doubt that 50's cars will gain a reasonable amount of value in the next decade or two.
Historically, cars have never been a better financial investment than normal index funds or such. That being said, if you want one I think now would be a good time to pick one up compared to a decade from now or some other classics, as the 50's market (at least for Packards) seems depressed right now.
Not even getting started on the pre-war cars... they also seem to be losing popularity overall, yet great examples sell for 6 figures. It's a little strange.
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