Value increases, was: <VV> Greenbrier and corvair values (long)

[NicolCS at aol.com]

<snip>(Norm said) One of the things I like about Corvairs is  the relatively 
low snob factor.  While this results mostly from the  relatively low dollars 
these cars command and their besmirched reputation, it  benefits those who have 
the depth of character to see through these superficial  things. Another 
corollary of rising car prices is rising PARTS prices.  If  the cars
go up in value, parts suppliers will certainly raise their prices as  
well.<unsnip>
 
I agree about the benefits of a "low snob factor", but I don't think  the 
relative position of Corvairs will change a bit as the whole market adjusts  
upward.  I always compare the price of a new basic car, say a Corolla, to  the 
price of a nice, desirable, restored vehicle.  They seem to track  pretty well 
and at the moment, that puts the probable price bracket into the  mid-teens and 
that seems to be where we are headed.  This movement will  permit the 
restoration of marginal cars by people who care about where their  money goes.  
(Highly compensated barristers and technical writers may not  be so concerned <ggg>) 
 I'd definitely feel worse if Corvairs stayed  in the dungeon when everything 
else drifts up, wouldn't you?
 
As far as the parts are concerned, I don't see any price  differences on 
reproduction parts from Year One vs. our  suppliers. Things seem to be pretty 
even, cost-wise. (leading  to identical restoration costs).  The Taiwanese parts 
makers  don't care if the molding is for a Camaro or a Corvair.  I imagine 
certain  rare original pieces might find themselves in higher demand (leading to 
higher  prices) as the marginal cars become restoration candidates, but this is 
 natural when the number of enthusiasts (and cars) grows.  Don't you want  
the Corvair hobby to remain vital or even (gasp) grow?
 
I for one have had enough suffering from the high restoration costs of low  
value vehicles and I don't think there are that many nice, unrestored cars out  
there that are candidates for the "ultra" approach anymore.  I'm really  
happy that Corvair values are drifting up. I know it makes it easier with my  wife 
when she sees the $10k here and the $8K there and I can tell here that they  
are worth the investment of time and money...
Craig Nicol
65 Corsa 'vert
66 Monza coupe
67 Monza sedan