Scot A

It is interesting to observet he car hobby is evolving into a more mature state with the conservaion and resoration idea. My biggest hobby is antique firearms. Even 20 years ago folks were routienly altering firearms that now have consiterable collector value. A the time a rifle in original condition might have been worth more as an "updated" sporter. Now a it is just the opposite. The right original unmollested gun may be worth thousands and the sporter produced from one like it only a couple of hundred. I think we may be looking at a simmilar trend in cars. It will be interesting what the strret rods are worth to the next generation versus original condition vehicles of the same type. I know where I would put my bet.

Thanks guys, you gave me lots to think about. I will respond to everyone in one post. I know it will be a bit of a jumble. Insurance, that is an issue; I have a wife and baby. I need to be responsible. Can't you get insurance through specialty insurance outfits that cater to the antique car crowd? I don't expect the ride to be like a new Toyota luxury car. I only drive a short distance on the back roads of coastal central California. As far as radio, I would enjoy the original tube AM radio. I don't use FM or the CD player in my present car. In fact one of my hobbies is restoring tube radios. Fuel economy is not a factor. In the scheme of driving expenses it is the least of one's worries...IMHO. I don't mind some extra effort as far as driving. My first car was a '62 Bug. I loved that car. It was noisy and did not handle like a modern vehicle. I have only fond memories. I am sure I would become accustomed to what ever I was driving. Years ago I was a truck driver for a farming company. I drove some real junk there. It was pretty fun. As far as ergonomics and family transport, we have a Ford Explorer for that. (By the way, do not buy an Explorer!) "Of course, there are some things you can do to make them more drivable and safer. Add an electric auxiliary fuel pump. Put in seat belts. Maybe consider a 12-volt conversion, electronic ignition, auxiliary electric radiator fan or radial tires if authenticity is not important to you." I probably would so some of that. I would prefer not to do anything that permanently altered the car though. I have enough experience collecting other antiques to know that I could destroy the historical integrity and value of it. I don't mind doing maintenance and repair. I have worked as a mechanic and have all the tools necessary. In fact oil changes are so easy and painless today with the oil change franchise places. I did a little looking around as a result of your responses, I like the looks of the '47 Chrysler Imperial, '50 Caddy Sixty-one, '47 Caddy Series 62, the '48 Chevy Sports master sedan series 2000 looks great. I like the rounded aerodynamic look of that era. This car looks great to me. http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/369399 If it were closer I might buy it. I have been told the straight eights were very reliable. Even so should I be looking at cars with more common engines like the Chevy straight sixes? Which of the cars in this vintage will be easiest to get parts for?

My '90 T-bird is on it's last legs. I am attracted to the idea of getting a pre smog car that I can repair and maintain myself. I am capable of most any repair or refinish that an older car could need. I don't want a project though. I wan't to use it every day. My commute is only 12 miles each way in Central California. Air conditioning and extreme cold are not an issue. Speed is not an issue. I am attracted to Ford, Chevy, Chrysler and Buick sedans of the late '40s to mid '50s. A pickup of the same vintage seems nice. I really could use a pick-up. I need to keep costs as low as possible, that is the goal here. I was thinking of buying a car that is is good shape or restored to original configuration by a hobiest. I have no interest in hot rods or hacked up cars. I was thinking if I ever sold it I would be able to recoupe the investment. I am not afraid of spending some decent money upfront since the maintainance would be low cost and I would have no car payment. One thing that has come up in converations with friends is driveability. Will I have a vehicle that handles poorly, and is unacceptably noisy? I have no issue with manual transmissions or even non-syncro gearboxes. What about safety, is crash survivibility really a big issue? Seems to me that an older car would eat a modern import for lunch in an accident. Am I delusional or do you think I have a good plan? Do you have a reccomendation on cars I should be seeking?