Archive for the ‘collecting’ Category

Many investors and auto hobbyists alike are understandably still pretty shaky about putting money down on the stock market. But that hesitation hasn't shown any lasting sign of translating to the top of the market for collector cars.

That's the verdict after last weekend's big Monterey auctions, long considered some of the top sales of the year, and strong indicators of what's moving and shaking.

According to the LA Times, this year's Monterey auctions together made more than $116 million; that's down from last year's pre-stock-market-plunge $130 million total, but very respectable all considering.

While those without a personal fleet...

The thought of finding parts for an older vehicle -- much less one that's rare -- is enough to put many people off the idea of restoration altogether. But as Jay Leno demonstrates in his latest "Garage" clip, modern technology can come in very handy in these situations. Using a special scanner (cost: around $3,000), Jay creates a 3D image of the part that's broken; then, using a 3D printer, he makes a resin copy of the part (alternately: send the scan to Shapeways). Finally, a fab shop creates a mold from the model and casts the part in metal. Click "Read More" to watch a video of the process in action. [PopularMechanics via KickingTires]

Even after banks crumbled last fall, interest in top-tier collector cars has remained surprisingly strong into this year. While sales at big-time sales like January's Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction have shown no indication of a downturn, the bottom has already been falling out over the past couple of years, with values of less-than-perfect classics taking a nosedive.

So, experts have predicted for some time, it won't be long before the market as a whole loses its luster, with a sagging general market taking its toll on the crème de la crème.

There are some indications that overall enthusiasm for collector cars is a bit muted this year....