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The Collector Car Market

Part 2: Geographics and Demographics

By Jeremy Wilson

Geographics

“I have a diesel truck and a closed trailer with Jim’s Street Rods on the side, and drive cross country buying ‘32s. I’ve been to New York and Chicago, and Pennsylvania and Florida twice last year. I bring the cars back to Oregon, clean them up, do what needs doing, and then sell them. I deliver most of them personally.”

Over the years Jim has noticed the geographic price differentials within the United States.

“Cars are cheaper down in Florida, it’s the least expensive market we have right now. Sometimes I buy them in Florida and sell them in California.”

Part of the reason the Florida market is low because people move there to retire. When they pass away or end up with health problems their cars go up for sale, resulting in a saturated market.

Jim sells his cars on CraigsList.com and HotRodHotLine.com. He has shipped them to Japan, Australia, Belgium, and New Zealand.

Shifting Demographics

1932 Ford roadsters were popular hot rods long before being immortalized by the Beach Boys classic “Little Deuce Coupe” over four decades ago. The generation for which they hold the most interest is either nearing or in retirement.

“I haven’t sold a car yet to a guy under 50 years old,” said Gravitt. “They’re usually 65 plus with a healthy 401K, or equity in their house. “When a house goes up 400% you borrow a $100,000 or $200,000 against it and buy two or three of these cars. But now that home equities are down, you have a healthy bank account. The market is slower now--I sold seven 32s last year and three this year. Prices have gone down as well, about 20 percent.”

Jim’s latest offering is a pro-built black and blue 1932 Ford Roadster. It has a steel-reinforced glass body, a crate 350 engine with a 350 transmission and an 8” Ford rear end, powder coated black as is the frame.

Also, coil-over shocks, a chrome dropped axle, and disc brakes. Price: $29,900. Jim can be reached at oneflamed32@yahoo.com.

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