What determines "Rarity"?

[jeryst]

One of my cars is a 1969 L-88 Corvette (Before I get any boo's, I own more Mopars than Chevys). There were only 216 made that year. A guy I know had a 68 Vette. One day he gleefully informed me that his car was more rare than mine because his was a certain color, and they only made 80 in 1968 that had a 4-speed and were that color. (I didn't have the heart to tell him that he wasn't comparing apples to apples, and that if I considered those same options on my car, it would be 1 of 5).

So my question is this: What exactly does rarity mean? When do you draw the line on considering options? I mean, many cars may qualify as "Rare" because of combinations of options, interior/exterior color combinations,etc. I've even seen people stating that their car was "1 of 1" because of the specific combination of all options. Do people have the right to call their car rare because it came in a certain color, with a luggage rack (Just an example)?   Would real collectors specifically set their sights on such a car and actually pay more for it? I'm not talking about body style or drive-train here. I'm talking about all other options.

Also, there is "Desireable" rare, and "Undesireable" rare. To me, this is a unique phenomenon, because it seems that while buyers know the difference, sellers do not. A while back, I saw a 1968  Camaro sitting at a small dealership. Since I like all old cars (Mopars the best), I thought I'd stop to chat with the guy, and see what the story was. Turns out he was asking an absolutly astronomical amount for the car considering its current condition. He said that his price was justified because the car was extremely rare since it came with a 6-cyl and a 3-speed on the column. To me, that was undesireable rare, and didn''t justify trying to sell it for the same price as a big block 68 Camaro, but to  him, it was desireable rare.

Personally, I think it's funny when I hear people stating that they have a rare car because it came with a certain piece of trim. I think that rarity should be confined to year, make, model, body-style, engine and tranny.

What are you guys opinions? I think it will be interesting since we all usually gravitate between being buyers and sellers.

[Alaskan_TA]

To me a rare car is one whose owner does not go overboard with adjectives.

Barry

[Carlwalski]

"Rare" is such a strong word and like the word "clone" I feel it is thrashed about without the sellers/users taking any consideration into what they both really mean. Overall, to me, rare are the 1 of 7's and the 1 of 26 cars, etc. Just as the word is described - "Rare = Uncommon", can't break it down more than that. Just because it's a /6 with purple factory seat covers and bright orange stripes everywhere, if it's 1 of 3, it's rare - end of story.

I feel you are getting "Rare" mistaken with market value, which of course, are totally different sports.
Like the Camaro on the yard you speak of, this is the value of the beholder and nothing to do with rarity.


Good topic BTW. 

[cudabuyer]

my steaks & tuna, thanx 

[JayBee]

jeryst

Here's my 2 cents. I couldn't agree with you more - year, make, model, engine & transmission. To my knowledge there aren't any other 1970 tri-white Barracuda (318ci) convertibles with hood pin delete around (LOL) but I would never consider it a 1 of 1 (LMAO). Hell, for that matter, there aren't any other cars out there with my VIN's sequence number 

[Swedefish]

jeryst

 Hell, for that matter, there aren't any other cars out there with my VIN's sequence number 

 

[Lunchbox]

jeryst

Here's my 2 cents. I couldn't agree with you more - year, make, model, engine & transmission.

I agree with this but I do think that color needs to be part of the that equation. This is only a big deal if the owner is going to keep it it's original color and not change it.

I guess our hobby now days is the hobby of rare cars and every part on ebay being from a Hemi,T/A,SE,SixPack,340 

[Choppintime]

I would say 'rare' doesn't always mean desireable.

[Challenger6pak]

I would say 'rare' doesn't always mean desirable.

  6 cyl. ebodys have a low production number, but who is collecting them.  Rare is the word used but it really is desirability.  A factory performance car is desirable.  A convertible is desirable.  Certain colors on these cars or certain options make them more desirable.  Case in point.  A 70,440 + 6 Challenger automatic is more rare than a 4 speed one.  The 4 speed one is more valuable due to desirability even though it is more common. When I look at an ebody I start with the factory engine combination. How rare is it?  Hemi is #1 with 6 pack cars next.  Then 440 4bbl. and so forth.  Then I look at factory color and then factory options.  I feel most collectors assess the cars the same way. 

[jeryst]

I would say 'rare' doesn't always mean desireable.

That's my point. But many people trying to sell cars seem to think they are the same thing. They think that because they feel the car is "Rare" for any reason, it justifys a higher price.

[n9671x2]

Definately isn't a black and white answer on this question.   Everyone is going to have their own interpretation of what is rare, especially if they happen to be selling it    Definately also agree there is desirable rare, and undesirable rare.   As far as how far down the pecking order of options, in my opinion, and alot of people won't agree, I think it is fair to consider original motor and color in the equation.    I think those are 2 MAJOR factors that identify a car.   Obviously there are a ton of other options that were availalbe on E bodies and most other cars that will keeping making them more and more unique, but paint and motor jump out at you.   I think that is one of the major factors in the interest in Mopars.   There were ALOT of unique combinations available, way beyond other manufacturers of the day.   I have been very fortunate to have some cool Mopars, including 2 that are probably 1 of 1s due to motor/paint.

[matt63]

Valuable = Rare + Desirable.

A guy I know has a rusty Mirada.  He's keeping it because he says it's rare (but nobody wants one so it's not valuable)

[Super Blue 72]

Valuable = Rare + Desirable.

A guy I know has a rusty Mirada.  He's keeping it because he says it's rare (but nobody wants one so it's not valuable)

   Anyone restoring a Yugo? 

[Pistol Gripper]

Heck,

I have a 1 of 4 1966 Fiat Cabriolet Spider.  I'm treating it as it's desireability, not rarity dictates.  It's out behind the barn, rusting into the ground.

P.G.

[cudabuyer]

my 70 dodge challenger hemi convertible resto - mod with t/a hood, rare 1 of 1, so what? like the commercial hemi $20+ thousand, gear vendors overdrive $2000, Moser 60 rear $2000

My Car - PRICELESS