Bloomberg: Vintage Pickup Trucks Are The Next Hot Segment

[Gary Lewis]

Thought y'all might like this article: https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/classic-cars/bloomberg-vintage-pickup-trucks-are-the-next-hot-segment/ar-AA1cdopS?ocid=winp2fptaskbarhover&cvid=6bbc45f4cc8647419b4787fa363ec0de&ei=33

[BigBrother-84]

«Owning a vintage pickup truck is more than just owning a vehicle—it's a lifestyle statement.»

I agree.


Could change some words, and it still describes my reality:
«Owning a horse is more than just owning an animal—it's a lifestyle statement.»


In all cases, take good care of them and the rewards will be yours.

[ratdude747]

A lifestyle statement all right... "why do you drive them everywhere???"

Then again, I am a certafilable nutcase, and my ownership isn't what the article describes. I never bought my bullnose as a monetary investment in that sense... and any appreciation in value (other than everything working and it being a useful vehicle that happens to be classic) is just dumb luck as far as I'm concerned. Then again, it's got enough "shopping cart patina" that to make it anything "show worthy" would a lot more work than just a paint job. Which means it is well suited as a daily driving classic?

[BigBrother-84]

Larry, maybe I didn't use the right terms.

Reading at the article, I forgot that a "hot segment" is necessarily a money question for Bloomberg.  I'm probably too "enthusiastic" about ol'trucks.


I'll try to clarify my thoughts:

Personally, I think that restoring a vehicle can rarely be profitable.  It is really hard to get back his money.
For some specialists it could be true, but in most cases you have to find elsewhere than in money for the "rewards" I'm talking about.

If the main goal is money making, I think buying antique vehicles is usually a mistake.  Sorry for Bloomberg.

In my opinion, the «rewards» of owning an ol'pickup can be much more valuable than money.  As my wife with her horses, it's more a question of proudness, pleasure, funny hobby and, most of all, good time with people sharing the same interests.

[85lebaront2]

In my case, first, I have owned Darth since April 1994. I have updated a number of things (converted to MAF/SEFI from carbureted, gone from a C6 to an E4OD, upgraded the rear brakes to 12X3 1/2" wide, installed a later dash and steering column, installed a 1996 HVAC system, Lincoln Continental 10 way power seats, 4 door power windows and locks, rear limited slip installed).

I have left most of the original factory exhaust as it is quite low restriction, retained the 3.55 gear, mounted my tires to a set of the 4 1994-97 dually Alcoa rims, replaced the vacuum cruise control with the later electronic one, installed the later worm gear wiper motor and controls. Installed a later day/night auto dimming rear view mirror with compass, installed a remote keyless entry with number pad and one touch down driver's window (same module).

I have most of the newer conveniences without the "nanny state" stuff.

[Gary Lewis]

I agree with what y'all are saying.  In my experience you get about half of what you invest in the restoration of a vehicle.  But there appear to be "big boys" that do that for a living and must have figured out how to make money doing it.

Bloomberg says a lot of things about owning these trucks, but here's what they say about investment potential:

As interest in vintage pickups grows, so does their investment potential. Prices for well-preserved and rare models have been steadily increasing, with some fetching significant sums at auctions. According to experts, the value of vintage trucks is expected to rise further as their scarcity and desirability continue to drive demand. Investing in a carefully selected vintage pickup truck may not only bring joy to the owner but also offer the possibility of a profitable return in the future.

I think the key here may be the "investing in a carefully selected vintage pickup truck" bit.  Not a restoration, meaning making one showroom fresh, nor a reformation, meaning adding functionality the truck didn't have originally like what Bill did.

If you buy one that is in great condition and keep it that way or improve on that slightly then it can be a good investment.  But if you pull one out of a field and have to rebuild the engine, transmission, suspension, etc and also have to repair rust and paint it you are likely to lose money.

As for me, I'm doing to & with them what I want to do and having fun doing it.  I'm not going to make any money, but that wasn't the objective.  And hopefully my family can appreciate them when I'm gone.