While the values at BJ have gone up a lot, I think that the appreciation of "typical" E-bodies has gone up not nearly as much. This gets back to my post on another thread that said your car is only worth what someone will pay for it. Just because a '71 hartop sells for XXX dollars at BJ doesn't mean you will get anywhere near that. The buyers at BJ seem atypical to say the least. Maybe they buy stuff at BJ because of the atmosphere, the ease of finding so many cars in one spot, the publicity aspects, who knows, but it sure ain't because BJ offers the best deals (which is 180 degrees out from the typical transportation auction that dealers go to). In fact, I would say that only the "extreme" e-bodies are appreciating much at this point. To be sure, there was a boom in prices due to several factors: 1) drop in stock market 2) competative real-estate market and 3) baby-boomers with access to cash (partly due to new-found wealth from massive appreciation and subsequent equity build-up in homes). As things change, money will move back into the stock market and less equity will be on tap as the housing market cools. This happened in the early 1990's and if you were out on a limb buying a way expensive '57 Chevy back then, you lost your tail.
As for investing your money, you should be able to do 10% or better in the market, which compounds and is very liquidable. If you buy an E-body, prices can drop faster than you can sell your car, something bad can happen to your car, and you sure aren't going to realize any compounding (except for any polishing and buffing that you do!).
