The Ford Barn - View Single Post - What a deal!

tubman · 08-30-2025, 05:23 PM

I have a different take on this. After about 1990, cars became too complicated for ordinary people to restore. With plastics that deteriorate and electronics so complicated that they are beyond the skills of even the most experienced folks. Ordinary people are going to find out that trying to restore them is not worth it. Plus, the cars are much less interesting, which is why no one will care about them.

My take on it is that the hobby will morph over the years to a premier pastime with a smaller, more affluent base than it has today. Quality cars will always be in demand by this group, and the really desirable ones will actually gain in value (sorry, guys with sedans and trucks). In the future we will have "car country", which is much the same as "Horse Country" is now. Estates with multiple garages and well-equipped workshops will abound in the outer suburbs. Cars like early Corvettes, high-end muscle cars (no small blocks), full classics, rare exotics, and yes, even certain early Fords will become the coin of the realm and the hobby will see a new renaissance.

Unfortunately, when this finally happens, most of us will be long gone, and it'll be a rough road for the next few years. You real young guys, hang on!

08-30-2025, 05:23 PM	#36
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 12,146	Re: What a deal! - Be concerned... I have a different take on this. After about 1990, cars became too complicated for ordinary people to restore. With plastics that deteriorate and electronics so complicated that they are beyond the skills of even the most experienced folks. Ordinary people are going to find out that trying to restore them is not worth it. Plus, the cars are much less interesting, which is why no one will care about them. My take on it is that the hobby will morph over the years to a premier pastime with a smaller, more affluent base than it has today. Quality cars will always be in demand by this group, and the really desirable ones will actually gain in value (sorry, guys with sedans and trucks). In the future we will have "car country", which is much the same as "Horse Country" is now. Estates with multiple garages and well-equipped workshops will abound in the outer suburbs. Cars like early Corvettes, high-end muscle cars (no small blocks), full classics, rare exotics, and yes, even certain early Fords will become the coin of the realm and the hobby will see a new renaissance. Unfortunately, when this finally happens, most of us will be long gone, and it'll be a rough road for the next few years. You real young guys, hang on!