Is this the right time to buy a Model T?

[Sarikatime]

Right now, model T cars, a lot of them in beautiful condition, rebuilt motor and transmission, new tires, new radiator, new upholstery, new top, ruckstell and Rockies, going for UNDER $ 10,000.
What is going on? I am talking about the highly desired brass models. In the last few years, the 1925 and 1926 models have been hot, but the in between 1920 to 1925 models so so and the brass models have been dropping in price like lead ballon’s. All years of TT models have come up in popularity also. Are the brass and pre starter models more of an antique and bothersome since no starters and large drum rear axles are available on those cars? It seems now that the early brass models, 1912 and earlier, are coming out of the woodworks but at a very low affordable price.
I realize that too many guys are going to the happy model T place up above but I can’t comprehend the hobby going down the tubes this fast as it has been going since Covid.
Will someone give me some edumication on the subject, please. Frank

[John kuehn]

The people that grew up and had family either have passed on or their family members are now in their 60s-70’s and up. I grew up around my Grandfathers 24 Coupe and later restored it around 25 years later. Along the way I restored a my 1919 Roadster and a 21 Touring. I’m 77 and don’t drive them as much as I use too. T’s are still the most desirable old or antique car because of the availability of cars and parts.

BUT nowdays people want a older or classic car they can get out and drive that they grew up with when they were kids and that’s the cars like the early V-8 Fords and cars in the 50’s thru 70’s. And remember these folks are usually 50 years old and up.
Remember cars in the 1970’s are now pushing FIFTY YEARS OLD and the good part of those cars is that they have real brakes and you can get out on main or interstate roads and drive them at least 60 MPH. Times have changed and folks are starting to realize it.
Popularity is the name of the game when it comes to cars and is the driver as far as buying and selling old cars.

[George Mills]

Frank,

I'm not sure yet but am beginning to believe that your observation is fairly correct.

I learned of a recent auction while at Hershey...took a Quick Look at the auction site, knew who restored the car maybe 20 years ago, knew how many miles since...and decided not to look at the auction site again because it just might have been one of those 'mine' events...lol.

I understand that it sold barely into 5 figures. Sure it needed a full repaint, but it was a decent and proper '11. That same guy (now deceased and why his stuff was at auction) and I 'debated' when he had a complete '10 running chassis for $11,500 some 20 years ago-willing to take 10 for it and I told him he was crazy...it sold at Hershey that year-go figure...is it the sign of the times? I dunno, but I've never bought anything as an 'investment' consideration...lol...my eyes get in my way. Then again I also own a fancy powerboat rapidly approaching antique status, less than 400 hours on it, keep it in absolute near new shape, since I run it in salt water the headers and riser are replaced routinely and just done new again...the transom plate redone to prevent fatigue due to age...and yet that puppy drops like a rock value wise each and every year...lol.

[TXGOAT2]

A good number of people with money are moving to rural areas these days. Many of them buy pickup trucks, horses, old tractors, and old cars. These same people probably would not have bought an antique car, boat, old tractor, etc. when living in an urban or suburban environment, but once freed of that, not a few will indulge themselves.

[love2T's]

Well well well...a while back I sung the same song of concern and got shot down like I was saying the sky is falling. Well folks, IT IS. The way things are going we aint seen nuthin yet.

[TXGOAT2]

If they're actually "cheap", it's time to buy. I don't see "correct" brass era cars going cheap. A black era car has to be exceptional to bring big money, which isn't anything new. The universe of really nice, highly correct brass era cars is pretty small, and it doesn't take many buyers, or sellers, or casualty losses to fires, hurricanes, etc, to impact projected prices. Negative suggestions won't support the market. What will support the hobby and its commercial supporters is to buy and drive a Model T, if you are interested in doing so and are in a position to do so.

[Norman Kling]

If you really want a T or TT any time is the right time to buy if you don't already have one. However If you expect them to go up in value that is just a speculation. There are very few of who remember when they were manufactured. Some, like me can remember many of them around town. They were driven daily for many years because of the great depression followed by WW 2 when new vehicles for civilian use were not being manufactured and then a few more years because there was such a demand for a new car that they had waiting lists.
Many people today want the speed cars from the 50's through 70's.
Anyway, if you really want a T, buy one or more, but do not expect them to be a good speculation, very unlikely. If you just like to work on them and go on tours with the club or to car shows. Buy at soon.
Norm

[John kuehn]

I think Norman K. makes a good point. Just this morning we went out to lunch and I noticed there was the local car show that was advertised. Most if not all were 50’s 80’s cars.
Several had grey haired owners in their 60’s. Tinkering on old cars and Model T’s is a hobby and not a money making game. If you intending to buy several complete and correct Model T Brass cars don’t expect to make a lot of profit these days.
In 1964 Bob Dylan wrote a simple song with a simple Title. The Times They-Are-A-Changing.

This is that time. The value of nostalgia is in the eye of the beholder and what’s changing is the eye of the beholder these days.

[TXGOAT2]

I have a T and a 1930s Packard. They both create a stir every time I take them out on the road. If a conversation takes place, which it often does, I make it a point to mention that Model Ts in good running order can still be bought at reasonable prices most any day of the week, and that most parts are readily available.

[1925 Touring]

Any time is a good time to buy a T! In all seriousness, times are changing. I have only been in the hobby for a little under 5 years now, but looking back on what T's used to go for, and the amount of large and small auctions and sales lately with T's on them, all seem to prove that early cars, especially, seem to be loosing a lot of their value. Unfortunately, time only goes in one direction, and a lot of the old hands are aging out of the hobby and their vehicles and collections are getting sold off in droves. Just look at the classified section now. You will find a lot of auction listings, one that was right before Hershey, and one coming up soon both have a LOT of early T stuff. It is sad that there is not more interest in the hobby. I've rambled on before on why I think that is. If it is of any reassurance, we are not alone! There are many, many other clubs and hobbies that are experiencing the same decline. Many people just don't have the time or the resources, even if they want to, to get into a hobby - be it the T or something else. I know multiple people who have bought some nice cars for way under $10,000. As for the early brass cars, personally, I do not see why they are dropping so much more than the black era cars. Yes, the 26 27s have better brakes, more improved parts, etc, etc, but they are still a T, and way different than even a Model A! The black era cars are very prevalent, and can be had for under $7000 or $8000 for a very nice, running example. I don't think the T's will disappear altogether, but I suspect that with the way it is going, clubs are going to get smaller and parts harder to find before it gets better. With that said, I know firsthand, there is a lot of interest with the T's in public when they're out, and they get a LOT of attention on the road. ( *cough cough Unless you are unlucky to get rear ended by a distracted kid on his phone *cough cough ) Everyone has seen a 57 Chevy or a 68 mustang, as every car show under the sun is filled with them. (However, those clubs are having trouble finding new blood too!) People seem to be fascinated with the early cars, because they are so unique and different. I enjoy driving my T a lot, and still would be if it wasn't for my accident, but everyone seemed to enjoy seeing it around. I let people sit in it and gave some a ride, and they all had a blast doing so. T's are prevalent, more than ANY other car that is 100 years old. It's amazing how much really is still out there, but a lot never see the light of day. It may not be the 50's and 60's anymore, where you could find 3 cars in every barn, but they're out there. So much so that there are way more cars than there are people to buy and drive them it seems, which is one of the reasons, I think, that the market is the way it is.
Just my 2 cents worth, probably less

[varmint]

Like I said years ago, it depends on what your purpose is.
Today, after nine years of resurrection (I won't call it a restoration), my wife finally got to drive the Model T. She was the one who originally wanted the car. It did not matter how hard it was to work on. Fulfilled.
If you are considering this for financial gain, who knows what the future market will be, but maybe it's still better than cash or a saving account.
Maybe you want to start a Model T driving school. Eventually, some student will want to buy one of yours.

[TXGOAT2]

Cash has been depreciating for a very long time. As for interest, many banks and creditors are not at all shy about charging interest, but it's rare to see them to pay any meaningful interest.

[Original Smith]

I recently sold an unrestored 1914 touring for less than I paid for it.

[TXGOAT2]

I have a 1993 Dodge 4X4 pickup. It's about a #3. I'm amazed by the number and variety of people who comment on it. But the earlier cars attract more attention. Americans love cars, just as they have for 125 years. Look at the amazing variety of new and late model vehicles that are available today, most of which would give Joan Claybrook and Ralph Nader the shrieking fits. A new Honda Civic with 200 HP? Yep. (250 HP available) Toyota Camry... 225 HP, all wheel drive... Dodge Ram pickup, 395 HP Hemi....OR a 420 HP six cylinder.... with 540 HP available in the six, if you want it .... ///// The performance of the American economy, and the often distorted PERCEPTION of that performance, has a big effect on all types of vehicle prices, as it always has.

[TXGOAT2]

Did you enjoy owning the vehicle, Larry? Others may have different experiences, but darn near everything I buy fails to provide a net monetary return. There are hobbies, and there are businesses. A very few people manage to successfully combine the two. To the best of my knowledge, automobiles are a depreciating asset in well over 95% of cases. If all costs of ownership are considered, virtually none of them actually provide a net financial return.

[TXGOAT2]

Some time ago, during one of the contrived gas price run-ups, you could buy a fine late model Cadillac or full size pickup truck dirt cheap.... while people rushed to dispose of their "gas hogs" and flocked to buy grim little econoboxes at prices well over list. The steep price crash on the bigger vehicles allowed one to buy and drive one for quite a while for the same or less cash outlay than buying one of the overpriced econoboxes.

[Sarikatime]

Gentleman, I really appreciate all the comments and opinions. I have two model T’s and would like to buy a nother but Mother Nature has some silly ideas about my age and health. I have always had old cars, a 19 and a 21 Star in high school and several others throughout my life and as some stated, they were never a money maker but a hobby. ( money pit ).
I will continue to be a loyal embassador to the hobby and continue energizing the interested folks but as I read and also know, it is a dying ordeal.
Please continue to vent your frustrations regarding old cars but the bottom line is, if you enjoy the hobby, keep on driving, promote interest and help others enjoy it with you.
Just my .02 cents. Frank

[Sarikatime]

Gentleman, I really appreciate all the comments and opinions. I have two model T’s and would like to buy a nother but Mother Nature has some silly ideas about my age and health. I have always had old cars, a 19 and a 21 Star in high school and several others throughout my life and as some stated, they were never a money maker but a hobby. ( money pit ).
I will continue to be a loyal embassador to the hobby and continue energizing the interested folks but as I read and also know, it is a dying ordeal.
Please continue to vent your frustrations regarding old cars but the bottom line is, if you enjoy the hobby, keep on driving, promote interest and help others enjoy it with you.
Just my .02 cents. Frank

[TXGOAT2]

Buy, drive, and enjoy.

[TheSaintDiscJockey]

Now!

Great comments from other forum members. Ours is a passionate hobby. Once you lock in on a T you want and can afford, go for it!

[NorthSouth]

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There are several instances this year here in Southern California where those who can no longer enjoy their Model T simply “give” their car to a younger or more able member in the Club. I expect more of these hassle free transfers to happen as our dedicated elders continue to “age out” of the hobby.
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[Maineiac]

Honestly, I'm a new T guy, and I feel like the overall cost barrier on getting started is ridiculously low compared to other classic cars.

I bought my project chassis for $1,500, and have probably spent $2,000 on additional parts getting it to the point where it'll be ready to start up.

Some tires, and woodwork remain, but still... They seem like incredibly forgiving vehicles for handy amateurs to work on.

[TXGOAT2]

You are correct on all counts, Maineiac.

[NorthSouth]

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Frank,
Did you sell your 1915 Touring and/or your Towncar?
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Frank's 15 Touring.jpeg (94.88 KiB) Viewed 265 times

Frank's Towncar.jpeg (95.7 KiB) Viewed 258 times

[Daisy Mae]

Some time ago, during one of the contrived gas price run-ups, you could buy a fine late model Cadillac or full size pickup truck dirt cheap.... while people rushed to dispose of their "gas hogs" and flocked to buy grim little econoboxes at prices well over list. The steep price crash on the bigger vehicles allowed one to buy and drive one for quite a while for the same or less cash outlay than buying one of the overpriced econoboxes.

This was exactly the same reason why those of my generation in their teens/20's in the early/mid 70's were able to snatch up all the 60's muscle for a dime after the oil embargo. Oh to still have my 69 Mach, I shake my head at the pittance I bought & sold it for compared to their value today. My high school parking lot looked like a classic/hotrod show of today.

[TXGOAT2]

Some of those panicked people had plenty of income... and probably drove less than 500 miles in a year. Ever see a family of four stuffed into a Vega? But that 4 door, paid for '68 Olds 88 four door just had to go!!!

[Daisy Mae]

Some of those panicked people had plenty of income... and probably drove less than 500 miles in a year. Ever see a family of four stuffed into a Vega? But that 4 door, paid for '68 Olds 88 four door just had to go!!!

Why I drive my vehicles into the ground! Never understood people's skewed sense of economy.
I have an '88 Jeep Grand Wagoneer. That tank gets at best 12mpg going down hill. People ask me all the time how I can justify continuing to drive it with such bad mpg and not buy a new SUV instead. My response is simply you know how much gas I can buy for $70,000????? More than I'd ever burn in my entire fleet of vehicles!!

Circling back to T's, same argument. When one considers the production/energy/environmental cost amortized over 100 years, why, our T's have to be the #1 most economical lowest cost across the board vehicle ever produced!!
Drive them with pride!!!!

[Will_Vanderburg]

I hope to have my Centerdoor done by the time I hit 60. That’s two years away.