Classic cars always fluctuate in value, but it seems that American muscle cars are finally on the way up again. Back in the early 2000s, the muscle car segment was booming. Unfortunately, the economic downturn hit, and in 2008 vintage car values crashed. Muscle car values fell particularly hard. After posting the most significant gains, I suppose they had the farthest to fall… but as a muscle car owner (1968 Camaro RS hardtop), it seemed like a bit of an over-correction!

Five years on, muscle cars are finally making a comeback, even if a lot of classic car investors are still a little gun shy. Of course, not all buyers are keeping their money on the sidelines. Have you heard about the 1967 Corvette L88 coupe that went for a Corvette auction sale record of $3.5M at last month’s Barrett-Jackson event in Scottsdale? The previous record of $3.2M was set only a few months earlier, in September, at a Mecum event in Dallas, when a similar L88 sold for $3.2M.

So what’s all this mean for you? Well, first, just because a couple of Corvettes have sold for millions of dollars doesn’t mean that there aren’t “affordable” classics out there. But, if you’re searching for a classic muscle car, well, maybe be prepared to pay a premium. On the other hand, if you’ve already got a muscle car in your stable, it may be worth a lot more than it was, even just a year ago. If you need some dough, or if you’re looking to get into a different project, now may be the time to offload that muscle.

Of course, whether you’re buying or selling, always do your homework. Check out pricing guides, like NADA Guides or Hagerty, and different classified ads, like the Pomona Classifieds, to get an idea of what the particular car you’re looking at might be going for on the open market. And remember, a car is only worth what someone is willing to pay.

If you’re ready to buy or sell, or you just want to see a lot full of classic cars, come join us at the next Pomona Swap Meet & Classic Car Show on March 2nd!