I’m making this up as I go along but I’m sure with the contributions of others we can nail it. Here’s the first pass at the life cycle of a collector car, let’s say a Porsche.
New phase
Much enthusiasm on the part of the new owner, “I own a Porsche!”,
Used, nice condition phase
Still some enthusiasm, “I bought a Porsche at a great price!”.
Used, getting old, condition deteriorating phase
“It was cheap and it gets me around.”
Total beater phase
Goes to crusher or to a somewhat oddball Porsche fanatic or sits forgotten in a barn or a field.
Fixing up phase
Interest growing a bit and shade tree mechanics start buying them.
Starting to get fashionable, entering collector phase
“Porsches really are cool. Super fun to drive. Can you believe what we could have bought these for a few years ago? This is worth spending some time and money on and it’s a blast to drive.”
Solid collector phase
“You know, they didn’t make many of these. And they’re one of the finest sports cars ever made. Fun to drive and fun to be seen in. I never work on it of course and I’m almost afraid to drive it!”
Manic collector phase (the one we have recently departed)
“You can buy too early, but you can’t pay too much. It’s expensive to have work done but it’s worth it with its exploding value. I’m afraid to drive it also but it sure looks great sitting in the garage.”
Fading manic phase
To be determined....
Cheers,
John
