9 unexpected options that make a big difference in value

[Hagerty]

When a car comes up for auction, we've observed time and time again that the right options can tip the scales from a ho-hum, run-of-the-mill example to a record-setting sale that puts collectors on notice. Some cars get better results when painted a flashy color (Mopar muscle cars, we're looking at you), but it's most often the performance options that garner the biggest upcharge.
https://www.hagerty.com/media/lists/9-unexpected-options-that-make-a-big-difference-in-value/

[DUB6]

Let's see: $60K for a luggage rack, $75K for factory-correct wheels, and a six-figure bounce for A/C. According to my number-crunching, that makes my 2008 Jeep worth 5.6 times what I paid for it. Nice!
Seriously, what it really means is that I will NEVER own any of the cars Brandan has cited. But looking at the pictures was enjoyable... 🙂

[Bertone780]

Fitted luggage not luggage rack. Feel better?

[DUB6]

Rats!  Simply by not reading carefully, I just lost $60K on the value of that darned Jeep!  Words matter, as they say.  Guess I'll stop construction of the special, temp/humidity controlled garage I was building for it and just park it back in the driveway.  Thanks a LOT, @Bertone780!  😁

[Studenorton]

You Jeep guys, I swear.
The good news? Almost ANY luggage is "fitted" to a Jeep.
Couple of steamer trunks, no prob.

[DUB6]

Hmmm - y'know, you're right @Studenorton - that makes sense.  I became famous with one of our daughters-in-law for being able to pack enormous amounts of stuff (acquired from antique shops, 2nd-hand stores, and beachcombing while visiting them on the left coast) into that rig.  I'm feeling better about the $60K loss.  Question remains, though - do I start back on the climate-controlled garage?  🙄

[JGeske]

I think that depends on the Jeep. If you have a 1960-1970's Wagoneer (particularly the 63-65s with independent front suspension) or a 1940's Willys MB, I say get that garage built. If you have a Jeep Liberty, I would save the money to buy a better vehicle! LOL.

Joking aside, I find your comments here quite entertaining, as I agree that it is humorous how commonplace options (hell, expected base model options) on modern cars are so desirable on these classics due to rarity in their day.

[DUB6]

I've been looking for a decent '70s Grand Wagoneer in my price range for quite some time without much luck.  Probably because my price range is more Liberty-like... 😆

[Maestro1]

John, some of the upcharges are simply absurd, but air conditioning in some of the above mentioned is really a good idea but it's questionable that A/C adds that much more.
Confession: In my Urraco S I put Air in it after I drove it for a while but it certainly isn't a factory installation, but when the Buyer saw the installation (I can't remember whose Air it is) he was very excited. I added the price of the Air to the selling price and he was glad to pay it.

[Diggory]

Am surprised that so many of these cars' values are increased by air conditioning systems. As a collector and owner of old American cars especially Cadillacs I find their air conditioning the most difficult parts to deal with - other than the suspension self-levelling systems...

[Reatta]

Can you please just admit you don't care one bit about American cars? Your articles seem to be stuck in Europe. You should hire someone who can find the United States of America on a map.

[70cuda]

So true

[Inline8OD]

Amen, both of you. Hard to believe, at this late date, with 120 years of automotive history to draw from, that some folks still bow to that if it's European, it must be better nonsense.

[Brandan]

How did you get that from this article?

[DUB6]

It's pretty clear that what was actually printed in the article is of very little importance here, @Brandan.  The responses left the reality/relevance sphere long ago and despite some attempts by a few of us, they continue to spin out of control off into the vastness of deep opinion space, and thus ultimately to who-knows-where...

[firebreather]

My 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am was Proudly Built in Norwood Ohio in May 1977.

I special ordered this car with every option GM offered including an engine block

heater. Most people thought that was strange  because I lived in the desert. I had the order form and I filled it out myself in March 1977.   To my best recollection,

1977  was the Only Year the Illuminated visor vanity mirror was offered, factory installed, on the RH visor, in all of Firebird production, 1967 through 2002.

Extra acoustical insulation was another option available along with the very 

rare rear seat console that could be ordered on any Firebird factory installed.

Together, with A/C, super cool radiator, all power opts. AM/FM 8 track, Posi,

The Hurst T Tops put the frosting on the cake, so to speak, on this 2W87Z7N.  Black and Gold Trans Am Special Edition 4 Speed 200 HP Pontiac 400 V8. 

There were two large window price stickers on the door glass. Some people

save the stickers. I saved them too. . . On the original door glass which is still

safely in my bedroom closet. I purchased a new door glass right after I bought

this car.  And Yes, I still own this Trans Am with only 14,800 original miles,

Never driven in rain or snow and the original Starlight Black acrylic lacquer

paint is always covered when the car is in the sun. Additionally, this Pontiac

after almost 45 years, still has the original new car smell.

[Duramaxriley]

My one owner 1980 Z28 has 7100 miles and factory installed AM/FM CB radio. Less than a hundred cars came with it in the whole Camaro line.

[firebreather]

It is really great to hear about American cars that have been taken care of and are miraculously still with us. I forgot to mention
that a separate 23 channel CB radio was available to order on
all 1977 Firebirds with a console. Installed in the map pocket
area at the front of the console. Same Location for the 8 track player on all Firebirds from 1970 and a half through 1977. This CB was on hold at the Norwood GM plant and could not be ordered in March 1977 when I ordered my car. I was able to
get this unit from GM in November 1977 and put it in my car
in place of the 8 track player. Self contained unit. Had its own
speaker in the bottom of the radio. Antenna is a whip design
attached to the front lip of the trunk lid. Just plugged it into 12v
and talked to all the CB crazies during this great time in history.

[Zbubba]

DIMINISHED VALUE !
It does not have original window........

I cannot imagine 14,000 mi. !
'77 the same year as my 2nd marriage (& last)

[firebreather]

Sounds like 1977 was a Great Year for you, and for me as well.
Great music. Great movies. Good cruising Good times.
I put lots of miles on a '65 Lemans that I bought in 1975 for $100.00 And lots of miles on a '69 GTO that I bought in '77
for $600.00. And, lots of fun with these cars into the 80s.

[DUB6]

Man, sounds like really a lot of fun.  All 14,800 miles of it.  Me?  I tend to put more miles than that on most of my vehicles in every year I own them.  Of course, I do regularly service my illuminated vanity visor mirror, 'cause I don't want people thinking I just buy cars to, you know, drive...

[akarma]

My thoughts exactly. I have neither the desire or the funds to own anything made in Europe
or any other foreign country.

[Wildturkey]

Thats ironic to hear, when the majority of Americans can't point out any other countries on a map besides the USA

[Oldimpala]

Fair.

Realize many of us, though, like both...

My toy garage currently has two German, four American, and a French car. Best engineering, ironically, I'd give the nod to the French car. It's OK to collect a '63 Impala SS ragtop (409/4-sp car) and park it next to a '86 Mercedes SL.

You can even enjoy both interpretations of "sporty" open air motoring, and how each country views a "family" and "sports" car.

If you don't like European sportscars (I'm seeking a 328, before a C1 Corvette, to keep my '69 C3 ragtop company), you don't have to click on the article and complain. Promise nobody is forcing you.

[TRAGAR]

Very interesting article, but I took umbrage when you called the Series I e-type a "grand tourer." I owned a series III for a while and would accept that it could be called a grand tourer rather than a true sportscar, but I now have a series II and it is a blast to drive. Skinny tires limits cornering, but boy is it fun to make them squeal. It only wants to go one speed: faster. I can't imagine the series I is any less of a sportscar than my series II, so perhaps you meant to say that A/C could make a series I more useable as a grand tourer (if you added an automatic transmission while you are at it)?

[Padgett]

I beg to differ. With the right tires (tyres ?) an E-type is right at home in an autocross. Before the Sunbird I had a '61 E-type that would walk away from a chase car (e.g. Corvettes at IRP) while going through the pylons. True, I would not consider it a tourer (luggage space) but a superb form factor for going flat out through a Peterson box and mine had a limited slip that really helped (not sure if came on later ones). 205/60x15s were all that could fit but racing tires worked and in those days a drift was just natural. Will say have had a number of cars that got me A Lot of trophies.
Since took the cure but all of my cars have a oil pressure gauge.

[Padgett]

I agree, factory units often include much more than just the AC. Heavy duty radiator, clutched 7 blade fan, 55A instead of 37A alternators, and every one I saw had a better heater. Even living in Michigan I looked for AC cars & had several Vegas (GT 4 speed), an Astre, and a V8 Sunbird. All had AC but was NA for the Sunbird so I ticked every HD box on the order form and added one.

[Zbubba]

UMBRAGE

"Been such a VERY time span since hearing this word used I had to look it up"
(been a LONG time since college class too!)

umbrage
Also found in: Thesaurus, Idioms, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia.
Related to umbrage: take umbrage
umbrage noun
take umbrage take offence, be hurt, be angry, be offended, be upset, be wounded, be put out, be annoyed, bridle, be insulted, take exception, be miffed (informal), be indignant, be resentful, be disgruntled, be aggrieved, be affronted, get the hump (Brit. informal), be piqued, be riled (informal), get huffy, go in a huff, take something personally, have your nose put out of joint (informal), take something amiss, get your hackles up

THX for a trip back in time, by the way - I agree with you, E types had quite the personality! (even from 1 car to another..)

[Phoenician]

Wow, someone is a little daffy. Talk about a costly mistake for most! Before anyone spends money on an A/C unit on a pre 68, XKE(E-Type) which was built for temps in the 40-to-80-degree range, there are a few things to consider. Most 55 + year old, not rebuilt engine, alloy head, XKE's have some type of water passage issues. They were not built for A/C. IF you are enjoying your car in plus 95 degree temps on the road, the only a/c is 2/65+H. 2 windows down, 65+ mph, Plus a hat. If you are driving in downtown in 95+ temps, think twice and if you turn on aftermarket A/C, over heating is a very good possibility.

[farna]

That's especially true if you're adding an aftermarket system. A larger capacity radiator will be a must! I would think the article is referring to factory A/C systems, but I'm sure some of these cars didn't have such a factory option. Factory systems almost always have a greater capacity cooling system to handle the added cooling load. I had to increase the size of the radiator and cooling fan to reliably use the A/C in my 63 Rambler Classic in temps over 90 degrees -- when you really want/need the A/C!

[Inline8OD]

Thank you, sir!

[Padgett]

AC is common in Florida, all of my cars including the Judge have it, two with manual trans. Rest have automagics including the Mercs but no two or three speeds. Two have hardtops but both are difficult for one person. All but one have two doors, tow/GT car has four (but usually seats two).
BTW left off the Gullwing aluminum body. E-type: don't forget the special key to open the external latches on the early ones.

[Padgett]

ps one of the signs of something really interesting in a GM muscle car was "not available with C60" (AC). Often the hp rating was less than one intended for the public (290 vs 295, 430 vs 435) but the price and "no AC" were giveaways.

[JSD13]

Has any one thought of your basic Toyota Supra/ Lexus SC? Not only is the car capable of handling an A/C, I don't think you could buy one without it.?

Simple fact, we no longer are willing to sweat to death in out touring cars. Sad truth, an inappropriate after market A/C might lower the value. Final question, are you willing to travel without A?C?

[Racko]

The ‘Flachbau’ slant nose option wasn’t offered by Porsche until 1986. Kremer Racing offered a conversion kit as early as 1981 based on their 935 racing model. Surprised this article is that poorly researched.

[VictorK]

HOLD ON THERE Racko, are you sure about that? The author is only adding "The values for Porsche 930s can exceed $200,000" as a note, there is no indication of 930 exclusivity, right?

These are ALL listed as TURBO models at: https://www.911flachbau.com/generations

""911 Slantnose Versions - Porsche produced three generations of 911 Turbo S with flachbau or slantnose bodywork. The first 'Generation 1' cars were manufactured in 1982 and 1983, the second 'Generation 2' cars were manufactured from 1983 to 1987, and the last of the 'G-series' 930 slantnose cars ('Generation 3') were manufactured between 1987 and 1989. 948 Porsche 930 Flachbau cars were built.""

Perhaps you owe the author an apology.

[Daddy0]

Well said Victor....Not sure why folks come here to look for reasons to complain. It is always informative and I enjoy hearing about reader's rides. To Quote the trusted sources:
"Imitation, the sincerest form of flattery

Porsche offered a slantnose or flachbau ("flat construction") version of the 911 Turbo from 1982 following the build of a handful of prototype cars during 1980 and 1981. Early versions of this factory-built special were produced on a 'special request' basis. The model originates from a time when wealthy customers wanted road-going 911 models that imitated the look of the successful Porsche 935 race cars. Kremer Racing and DP Motorsport had already started supplying converted 'slantnose' specials, and in 1981 the factory was commissioned to produce a '935 Street' for Mansour Ojjeh, the head of TAG. This car became the first official product of the new 'Special Wishes' program (Sonderwunsch Programm), and was the project that gave momentum to the 930 flachbau or slantnose conversions built by Porsche from 1982 to 1989."

[930Flachbau]

Flachbau's were offered by Porsche starting in 1982 through 1985 through their Sonderwunsch Programme (Special Wishes Program). The cars were taken off the production line and taken over to the Zuffenhausen Plant ( Werk I ) which was their custom body work and race car facility. There are about 360 Sonderwunsch 1982-1985 models in existence from what's been gathered over the years from Zuffenhausen.
The official factory option for the Flachbau began in 1986 with the option codes 505 or 506. These cars were modified BEFORE paint and then resumed on the production line with the rest of the 911's. In 1986 the Porsche Marketing group revised the Sonderwunsch Programme to the Exclusive Programme and had remained in effect until in recent weeks, has changed back to Sonderwunsch........go figure.

[VictorK]

Interesting. To clarify, the name "Flachbau" is not referred to anywhere in the original piece.

[930Flachbau]

But "slantnose" was. Porsche Marketing referred to their product as "flachbau". Slantnose term gained popularity when model was offered in U.S.

[Solosolo]

I can't understand you Americans and your pre occupation with airconditioning in your cars. I spent 60 years in Durban, South Africa, which is a port city on the Indian Ocean seaboard. The temperature regularly tops 34 deg. C and the humiture often over 105 so I know all about heat, however, if a car had aircon that was a bonus and if it didn't, roll down the windows!

[TonyT]

I understand that deodorant was a seldom-used option in that part of the world as well...

[Solosolo]

How would you know?

[DaveA]

If you don’t have to suffer through heat, why would you?

[Zbubba]

EXACTLY!!!
During my days in the mid 60's as factory rep for Leyland Triumph I had A/C fitted to TR4's, Heralds & enjoyed every road in Texas as well as anyone.
BUT, then I moved to VW & fitted A/C to a bug & almost had rear tires skid when compressor engaged!
During later as the "original" factory marketing rep for Toyota I remember the HOT days of Apr Ma., Jun in N.C. & S.C. in the Corona with automatic! (NO A/C available even aftermarket @ that time)

[ToyotaCorona]

I am the original owner of a 1968 Toyota Corona which came with factory air. It has a 4 speed and AM/FM radio. Toyota called it a "Phase II" and the same car was also sold as a 1969. Phase I were the 66-67, and phase III started in 1970. As far as I know, only the Phase I did not offer factory AC. When I restored the car, I was unable to rebuild the compressor as there are no kits available with new rubber. No one would guarantee a rebuild. To get it to fit, I had to use a compressor for a Ferrari as it was the only one small enough to fit. Car is so well built that even now it does not rattle or squeak.

[Wildturkey]

Corona or Corolla?

[D_Nelson]

In the southwest of the US 34 C is not hot. It was 1-2 degrees warmer than that yesterday on March 25th. In the summer 34 C is the low temperature. 50 C is the high temperature. It can be 46 C to 48 C for days and days.

[Dad_jokes]

Of course an aluminum body adds value to a standard, steel-bodied car
The near $7m paid for an aluminum skinned 300SL in January is many multiples of a “run of the mill” steel bodied coupe. Figure you can get one for $1.5m. That’s over 460% more.
News flash: a Hemi and a 4-speed in a convertible ‘Cuda are more valuable than a 318/auto.
Did someone get paid to write this?

[RP]

I put AC in my '83 Celica for summer daytime driving. In the evening, opening the sunroof and windows is much more enjoyable.