a former GF had the Olds Cutlass version... it wasn't entirely useless... but it wasn't all that great, either.

by the way, what's it take to become a "great site"? We aren't great enough here? sniff...

I defer to the admin...

John, it's amazing how much information you can amass over time. In just the short time you've been doing this I see it growing and growing. It's nice to see the 87 911 Cabs are increasing in value (as are many other collectibles). It's always nice to see that you can sell a car for what you bought it for and more several years after purchase. I am always confused as to why a Vette would sell for less than a Trans Am/Z-28 in any model year but I guess it has to do with production numbers. I still enjoy coming across pre 81 examples of both GM divisions in the Camaro and Firebird models. It has been an enjoyable read to date.

the first rule of collector cars: Rarity does not beget collectibility.

The second rule of collector cars: Almost all the time, it had to be popular when new.

Final rule of collector cars: They speak to the collector. Either through personal taste/habit/interest (say, they like 1930s movies, or were into gangsters of the era); or through personal experience/life/growing up.

The final rule is why muscle cars saw such a run up a few years ago, all the baby boomers aged up to the point where they could afford to live out their teenaged fantasies.

It is also why the classic iron of the 30s sagged for so long, it took a while for that stuff to kindle interest in modern collectors.

One of the hottest cars of interest today is the 90s Mercedes Benz 500SL convertible. They are selling for about $12k for a sweet one, 70k miles, 94-98 model years. They are bullet proof and all parts are available. These are being eyed as affordable collectibles as we speak.

Why is the C4 not popular? The C3 is why! It replaced an icon and many of the Corvette purists always viewed the C4 as a boring bastard stepchild. Personally, I think those people are stupid mofos, but that's just me.

The C4, tho, was reasonably popular during the 80s and 90s. the sales numbers were always strong (30k per year, average). But those numbers mean they are not rare, except for the special editions and such. The ZR1 has scared off collectors due to the perception of cost for maintenance and parts availability. Both are wrong perceptions.

The C4, I think, is slowly gaining in popularity. And with more NCRS functions, it will start to gain traction as a car of its time. That will help.

John, keep your 85 in good shape, save OEM parts where you can, and in 5 years, I think you will be fine, $$ wise.

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It took me to drive a C4 to sway me to a C4. I liked the style of the C3 but the power and handling of a C4. Once I took it for a ride there was no turning back. I drove muscle cars during the era and I like the muscle car feel of the C4, especially with a 6 speed. Still enjoy taking them for a ride. You have to like what you like regardless of what other people think.

When are you doing the tribute to the K-car?

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Thank you for your kind words ...

My first 80's car was a 1981 Celica GT Coupe. Nice little ride...

Another oddball 80's Buick is the Century Turbo Coupe. I had a '79 - I believe 1980 was the last year for that model. Wasn't a bad car, but it was not great in the snow.

How about the omni glh turbo? My buddy had one in college...weird but peppy little car.

My 80s car was a Fiero... now there's a beaut...

Thanks for the site, I enjoyed perusing and will be back for updates.

1986 Fiero...my buddy bought one for a winter car. I still laugh when I think about it. Really? What kind of car is worse than a Fiero in the winter?

Don't forget about our early foray into JV's with Europe...Renault LeCar and Fuego.