Couldn't have said it better, Dom. That's pretty much what I did.

I hear you Dom, you are correct.
Although I’d add that unless it’s a Fiat Turbo or a Pinin 85.5 it’s not going to have any serious collector value.

So.. Because I am going to modify this car, it’s a mute point.

Basically I’m going to take an 84 and give it the look of a ’69. (old-style side mirrors, bumpers, lowered to euro spec) Which will make it great for me, but kill the resale value.

There is a 68 for sale not too far from me if interested. Have to import to the states though and it needs the shock towers swapped out.
Chris

CLudwig wrote:I hear you Dom, you are correct.
Although I’d add that unless it’s a Fiat Turbo or a Pinin 85.5 it’s not going to have any serious collector value.

So.. Because I am going to modify this car, it’s a mute point.

Basically I’m going to take an 84 and give it the look of a ’69. (old-style side mirrors, bumpers, lowered to euro spec) Which will make it great for me, but kill the resale value.

so... what was the point to this thread then? You've been talking about a "restoration". And now you're not.

What did I miss?

GUYS: Me thinks it's time for a horse funeral on this thread ....

Ok but if you get the urge to modify another one buy a 69 and give it the look of an 84 so you can have one of each

CLudwig wrote:I hear you Dom, you are correct.
Although I’d add that unless it’s a Fiat Turbo or a Pinin 85.5 it’s not going to have any serious collector value.

So.. Because I am going to modify this car, it’s a mute point.

Basically I’m going to take an 84 and give it the look of a ’69. (old-style side mirrors, bumpers, lowered to euro spec) Which will make it great for me, but kill the resale value.

maytag wrote: so... what was the point to this thread then? You've been talking about a "restoration". And now you're not.
What did I miss?

I was debating several options, Resto-mod, authentic restore, and simply buying a restored car. I was hoping that a properly restored car could be an investment. But it doesn’t seem to be the case.
So, if an authentic restoration is pointless (due to high cost and lack of value) I might as well put the money into getting the car the way I like it with the knowledge that I probably wont get that money back if I sell.

dom wrote:Ok but if you get the urge to modify another one buy a 69 and give it the look of an 84 so you can have one of each

hehe,
I just don't like the big bumper and US DOT regulated ride height (I'm lowering to euro spec not something nuts). As for the mirrors, the little chrome ones are just classy in my opinion.

spend your time finding a car you like. Get it as close to perfect as you can afford and work from there. I started with a basket case i wish i would have taken my own advice.

Here is a RARE find, low miles 1 owner car that is posted at $8,000 with HARD TOP! WOW, now if I only had the garage space for this one.

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/2788620439.html

Having not seen this car, I doubt you could find a better example currently on the market for less than $10K. And I seriously doubt that the cars being sold by the Fiat Restorer's for $15k to $17k are any better than this car.

Ragno124 wrote:Here is a RARE find, low miles 1 owner car that is posted at $8,000 with HARD TOP! WOW, now if I only had the garage space for this one.

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/2788620439.html

Having not seen this car, I doubt you could find a better example currently on the market for less than $10K. And I seriously doubt that the cars being sold by the Fiat Restorer's for $15k to $17k are any better than this car.

Nice, and in the color I want!
I think I'm going to go the restoration route though, the work they do to make the car perfect mechanically and visually is impressive; actually looks and runs better than new. Since I intend to drive its, and because I’m a stickler for detail; I think this is my best option.
I just need to get over the dollar value / loss.

[quote="Ragno124"]Here is a RARE find, low miles 1 owner car that is posted at $8,000 with HARD TOP! WOW, now if I only had the garage space for this one.

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/2788620439.html

That car does look great!!! If I could do this over that is the way to go. Then as time and $$$ permit do the engine and suspension as or if required. Perhaps get a second car to build with some of the mods described on this forum.
(not a fan of black though, prefer the Azzura blue or cossa? red)
Chris

CLudwig wrote:So.. Because I am going to modify this car, it’s a mute point.

Basically I’m going to take an 84 and give it the look of a ’69. (old-style side mirrors, bumpers, lowered to euro spec) Which will make it great for me, but kill the resale value.

CLudwig wrote: I was debating several options, Resto-mod, authentic restore, and simply buying a restored car. I was hoping that a properly restored car could be an investment. But it doesn’t seem to be the case.
So, if an authentic restoration is pointless (due to high cost and lack of value) I might as well put the money into getting the car the way I like it with the knowledge that I probably wont get that money back if I sell.

CLudwig wrote: I think I'm going to go the restoration route though, the work they do to make the car perfect mechanically and visually is impressive; actually looks and runs better than new. Since I intend to drive its, and because I’m a stickler for detail; I think this is my best option.
I just need to get over the dollar value / loss.

Ok... I'm seriously lost. the quotes above are all from the same poster, all on the same page, and posted within 36 hours of each other!!

So, CLudwig; are you indecisive? Or schizophrenic?

i am contemplating the resurection of a 73 spider, the last one i built i sold for 10k, granted this one im planning to keep. unless i find another 1st series coupe for cheap.

i do all my own work, i have no time frames. no customers to please but myself, (im much harder than most). not looking for a concourse car, but a resto mod. tasteful, but will add hp

maytag wrote: So, CLudwig; are you indecisive? Or schizophrenic?

I don’t know what don’t make sense to you.
Is it the term restore?

What I learned here is that:
1. An all original low millage car is the best investment, but I’m not interested in that.
2. Restoring will never be profitable.
3. Restoring with modification is even worse for resale value.

I was leaning towards option 3 in all 3 posts.

agreed. anyone who is restoring , resto modding, or performance upgrading a fiat spider for a profit, has to get thier head checked. the thing to do is, make yourself happy. build what will make you happy. dont worry about what others think about what you want to do to your car. these are great fun to own and drive, there is a great community for moral and technical support. here you will get 100 different opinions on every question, most all correct, just using different methods to get the same result. life is too short to worry about what others think about what you want to do to your car. build it, enjoy it..