Dream on: $58,900???

The green coupe is now on eBay with a reserve, it will be fun / interesting to see how it does. Spring has sprung early this year in the Northeast which is always good for sports car sales but money doesn’t really loosen up till after April 15th. ~ John Buchtenkirch
 
LenS said:
"It seems like every other classic car has jumped in value except for our Coupes."

There are plenty of collector cars that suffer from rust, yet they are restored without fear and quite a bit of gusto, and maintain their value. Unfortunately, in terms of public perception, BMWs fall into the aftermarket tuner world category, just like VWs. I believe this perception, along with owner self-denegration in some cases, devalues coupes. How can a car that is consistently cited as a great design remain stagnant in the collector car market?

I'm about to embark on a partial restoration of my '81 911SC—glass out, bare metal respray w/ Glasurit, backdated exhaust, and rebuilt, not upgraded, brakes. I have the opportunity to fundamentally alter this car, but I won't. I could make it a tribute car, I won't. In fact, its a ROW car and I'm going to do my best to return it to a 911SC that rolled off the factory floor and lived its life in Germany. FYI—I'm a museum exhibit designer, used to working with, in many cases, one-of-a-kind unalterable artifacts. I guess I see my coupe as drivable artifact...
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The most wonderful part of all of this is that you have the flexibility of doing modifications with an E9. If you prefer to keep it original, that's great as well. To each, his or her own.......I wouldn't condemn someone for wanting to keep their car completely stock and neither should you if they prefer to modify theirs. I have cars that are true to the original specs and others that are modified. What did the factory do to the cars they wanted to race? They modified them.
I took brand new Lotus cars when I was a dealer and modified them. I offered interior trim and stripes that were not offered by the factory. On a visit to the factory several months later I saw my HRM Edition cars on the project board. They took some of what I was doing for my clients and made them factory offered packages.
The Lotus lent itself and what it was about to being interpreted and developed. I know there is always the possibility of some modifications that are distasteful but such is life. TO EACH HIS OWN........The E9 lends itself to modifications as well. That is if you like modifications.
 
stle9 said:
well guys, i just cannot resist any longer weighing in on the state of the e9 and the discussion surrounding this car. In two days this post has drawn over 1,000 hits and 32 responses.
think for a moment it is 1984 and your dad’s bone stock cs has just been handed down to you. You’ve got a few bucks and some knowhow and you want to make your cs something special. But wait, it’s under powered, plows in the corners like a bread truck, and generally looks a bit tired. So you do a little research and find that a 533 driveline fits, a dinan suspension kit is available and you begin. The finished product looks very original but has a soul and purpose. Mission accomplished.
is this car a frankencoupe as some have suggested? I think not. The car has not been cut up to accommodate a chevy v8 with faux fiberglass csl flares, a jag suspension and an interior from a 7 series. Think it through. This is a period correct car with period correct upgrades. Yes it sits sounds and performs differently. It was intended to. Some will note it does not have the correct screwdrivers. Does that screwdriver make it “the ultimate driving machine”?
as for valuation i continue to be amused by the eyeball assessment through the eyes of a monitor. The market will ultimately decide this car and every car. The person, who actually looks under the hood, turns the key in the ignition, and drives this car outside of cyberspace will decide.
collectable? Who knows the fate of this car or that of the e9 coupe? Yes, the market seems to be on the right trajectory and will continue for good cars. There are those that clamor for early “correct” mustangs and there are those that prefer an eleanor. I happen to like both but for different reasons and both will put a smile on my face every time. If you want “logical” buy a volt.
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perfect! Perfect! Perfect!!!!! :)
 
ny30cs said:
The most wonderful part of all of this is that you have the flexibility of doing modifications with an E9. If you prefer to keep it original, that's great as well. To each, his or her own.......I wouldn't condemn someone for wanting to keep their car completely stock and neither should you if they prefer to modify theirs. I have cars that are true to the original specs and others that are modified. What did the factory do to the cars they wanted to race? They modified them.
I took brand new Lotus cars when I was a dealer and modified them. I offered interior trim and stripes that were not offered by the factory. On a visit to the factory several months later I saw my HRM Edition cars on the project board. They took some of what I was doing for my clients and made them factory offered packages.
The Lotus lent itself and what it was about to being interpreted and developed. I know there is always the possibility of some modifications that are distasteful but such is life. TO EACH HIS OWN........The E9 lends itself to modifications as well. That is if you like modifications.
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Probably approaching the "beating a dead horse stage", but just wanted to clarify something. I'm not condemning anyone, its hard to condemn a nicely-executed restoration on these cars, given the myriad potential issues. I'm just asking a question: Why—as a guiding philosophy—isn't originality and preservation for vintage BMWs appreciated/respected as much as it is with other marques? I've judged at many Ferrari events and typical road rash and dirt do not result in serious point deductions, an incorrect oil filler cap, sound system, or gear shift knob will.
 
My guess is that as more typical car collectors become aware and get interested in e9's, originality will come more into play and prices of matching number coupes will reflect such demand. At least I hope so!


LenS said:
Probably approaching the "beating a dead horse stage", but just wanted to clarify something. I'm not condemning anyone, its hard to condemn a nicely-executed restoration on these cars, given the myriad potential issues. I'm just asking a question: Why—as a guiding philosophy—isn't originality and preservation for vintage BMWs appreciated/respected as much as it is with other marques? I've judged at many Ferrari events and typical road rash and dirt do not result in serious point deductions, an incorrect oil filler cap, sound system, or gear shift knob will.
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coupes

My guess is that as more typical car collectors become aware and get interested in e9's, originality will come more into play and prices of matching number coupes will reflect such demand. At least I hope so!

If this was going to happen, would you think it would have by now?

This has been a good and interesting thread but its slowly turning into a purist vs modded car debate. There is no one right/wrong answer. In the end, the owner can do whatever he/she chooses.

The best thing coupe owners can do is drive their car and get them to the various shows so that they get more exposure. There are plenty of coupes out there, really, really nice ones in all varieties both original and modded, but we're just not getting enough consistent exposure which is what will ultimately drive demand. Increased value should follow after that.

Drive and show 'em as much as possible!
 
Stevehose said:
My guess is that as more typical car collectors become aware and get interested in e9's, originality will come more into play and prices of matching number coupes will reflect such demand. At least I hope so!
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I hope so too. It would be nice to have original cars in places other than museums...
 
"Drive and show 'em as much as possible!"

+1!

Todd, the sad reality is that in seven years of ownership I've never been to a tri-state, BMWCCA event with formal judging, much less heard of one.

Yes, we have Greenwich and Lime Rock, and I've attended New Hope and Buckingham several times, but again, those events are not marque specific...
 
coupes

Yes, we have Greenwich and Lime Rock, and I've attended New Hope and Buckingham several times, but again, those events are not marque specific...

But its the same small bunch of us that go each year. We should have triple those #s at LRP every year. There are no excuses, there are many northeast Coupes ARE out there, they just don't show up.

Saratoga may be another up and coming event. Unfortunately, I have a conflict this year.

Now if Michael brings a food spread to each event like the one he brought to LRP last year, we may just increase our numbers :idea: !
 
Now if Michael brings a food spread to each event like the one he brought to LRP last year, we may just increase our numbers!

So you're saying we need bait? And I'm not referring to a trophy...
 
Bait

...So you're saying we need bait?...

I would have thought just having the opportunity to hang out with us, especially Chuck :cool: , should be all the bait needed...apparently not.

For LRP, I really don't go for the show anymore except to walk through the paddocks. Frankly, the ride there and back is the draw for me. I especially enjoy blowing by the higher priced cars nursing their way along early in the morning on the MA Pike.
 
TodB said:
I especially enjoy blowing by the higher priced cars nursing their way along early in the morning on the MA Pike.
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I've noticed the authorities seem much more forgiving of excess speed when I'm out in the old cars. Yellow 2011 Z-car= "give me a ticket." But an xk120 it's, "my speed gun must be broken.." or "let the old dude have some fun"

I think E9's look a bit too modern to get away with this as much.
 
I did get out of a speeding ticket in the coupe because the NYC officer was a fan of vintage BMWs...
 
I disagree - 2 weeks ago I got pulled over for speeding and bruising a red light by not one but two cop cars (they thought I stole it based on my curve management and ensuing chase - I didn't know they were behind me for a while) and one had hand on gun as they approached me at the curb. After a license and insurance check (I thought I was going downtown) they said "nice car - next time don't get too carried away" and let me go. :oops:

bfeng said:
I think E9's look a bit too modern to get away with this as much.
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tickets

I've noticed the authorities seem much more forgiving of excess speed when I'm out in the old cars. Yellow 2011 Z-car= "give me a ticket." But an xk120 it's, "my speed gun must be broken.." or "let the old dude have some fun"

Not so for me. I got a ticket on the way to LRP three years ago. Even though the rookie lasered the car that was passing me easily going 100, he ticketed me at 80.Contesting did no good.

So all those cars I passed earlier going to LRP went by when I was pulled over :oops:. Lots of horn blowing.

The older cops are usually much more forgiving. The young ones are still on a power trip.
 
rb1971 said:
What's the problem? According to the ad this car was the result of a complete restoration and upgrade. I couldn't find anything that jumped out as looking incorrect or poorly-done in the pics. If that's right then I think this price seems fair. Assuming you started with a base car and did/paid for all of that work yourself, you would have way more than $60k in the car.

I wouldn't pay this much for this car, since I don't love green, but it doesn't seem out of bounds to me.
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That car should come with a free PosTVac
 
Excuse me but ...

Most of you folks are probably really nice, reasonable, E9 enthusiasts in real life. But when it comes to posts in this section most of you seem to step out of character and do a darn good imitation a pack of adolescents dissing a sports car that costs 100x your monthly allowance.

Given that track record. I'm surprised anyone with a decent car for sale bothers to post here at all. When nice cars show up from long time forum members you folks need to chill. IMHE, it's pretty much impossible to know a car's true condition based on internet pictures so why not give sellers the benefit of the doubt? I'll except those occasional "no structural rust" nightmares where you can see the tire tread thru the front inner fenders.

John
 
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bfeng said:
Most of you folks are probably really nice, reasonable, E9 enthusiasts in real life. But when it comes to posts in this section most of you seem to step out of character and do a darn good imitation a pack of adolescents dissing a sports car that are 100x your allowance.

Given that track record. I'm surprised anyone with a decent car for sale bothers to post here at all. When nice cars show up from long time forum members you folks need to chill. IMHE, it's pretty much impossible to know a car's true condition based on internet pictures so why not give sellers the benefit of the doubt? I'll except those occasional "no structural rust" nightmares where you can see the tire tread thru the front inner fenders.

John
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