More on 85 UrQ's and collectability

[William Elliott <William.Elliott@mail.mei.com>]

<So, there you have it, IMFO. The supply is incredibly thin already
(started out <with only 73) and constantly diminishing. Demand/interest is
at an approximate <all-time low resulting in relatively low prices at the
moment. Future <demand/interest is more likely to increase versus decrease
over time. This can <only lead to one outcome - prices will increase over
time as a function of the <ever diminishing supply and (hopefully) ever
increasing interest and demand.

<<I seem to remember from Economics class that as price exceeds the amount
that the buyer is willing to pay then demand get sh*t canned.>>

Dave:
IMHO, you missed the point of Glen's excellent analysis...  which 
BTW could be expanded to  include all UrQ's (in the US at least).

Glen's point is that there is currently a small but consistent 
demand for 85 UrQ's.  That demand shows no signs of
decreasing over the next several years.  The supply of
cars, however, is ever-decreasing, helped by people like
me who drive the cars _despite_ their rarity or historic
significance.  Thus, as the supply goes down, the value 
will go up (assuming demand is steady or increases.)

Since we are dealing with market forces here, the value
cannot exceed the amount the buyer is willing to pay.  This
is not a commodity where one can arbitrarily raise the 
price and then kill demand.  Once the asking price gets 
to the point there are no buyers, the price _will_ come down
(to true market value) in order to sell the car.  For me, 
"value" is a completely different discussion from "collectable".
(e.g. I have many "collectable" Corvairs.... ;-) )

Glen's absolutely right in that there are different types of people
who own these cars.  I am a car nut (in general) with a disposition
towards the unique cars, preferably technically interesting and 
undervalued.   (e.g. Corvairs again...)

But: to me it's just a car.  It was always a car I respected, but
not my "dream" car.  Would I sell it? Absolutely.... at what
I think it's worth.  Meaning: how much would it cost me to replace
it with something else I'd like better? Now we're back around 
to quantifying "value".  Notice, the parameters are still highly
subjective.

So, my question is: assuming you want a sporty car that will
seat more than two, will go well in inclimate weather and is
high-performance.... and you really don't like sedans.... and want
 something fairly unique... and don't like automatics....
what are you going to buy for even $15,000?

Well, Lancia Stratos' are out of the realm at this point as are
Interceptor FF's.  Even a "lowly" Subaru RS is in the mid-20's.
(Or a Series I E-type Roadster in nice condition.  No: it doesn't
fit the required parameters.  It doesn't have to... see "dream
cars" above.   And I'd drive it, too!)
Despite their obvious strengths, Audi sedans just don't "do"
it for me.  But if I "needed" a sedan, they'd be at the top of the list.

For me it came down to a 323GTX , a Coupe Quattro, or a UrQ. 
Though I really like the GTX, it's no UrQ.  The same could be
said of the 90-91 Coupe.  (I won't mention that I also considered
GMC Syclone/Typhoon... but everyone should drive one once...)  

So, unless something more "suitable" comes along.... or I move to
somewhere that I don't _need_ something that goes well in snow, 
then when I wreck or just wear out my UrQ.... or if someone who wanted
it more than me made me an offer I couldn't refuse...etc....
 I'll look for another one to replace it with.  

Preferably an 85.... and there I go driving up demand.....

Bill Elliott
Lake Mills, WI
Car nut with 85 UrQ ... might trade for Stratos, Interceptor FF, or XKE 
Roadster...