Tudor vs coupe-$$$

[1929]

which car holds more value, or which car is worth doing a total restoration, the tudor or the coupe? Is it also true that the fordor is the least of all?

[bart78]

What do you mean by total restoration? What shape is the car in? I would say a coupe would bring more money. Depends on what your after. It might not be worth a total restoration.

[1929]

Originally Posted by bart78

What do you mean by total restoration? What shape is the car in? I would say a coupe would bring more money. Depends on what your after. It might not be worth a total restoration.

engine rebuild and frame off

[Cracker39]

I've always thought of "restoration" as a labor of love. I wouldn't even consider starting a true restoration for any other reason.

[Mitch//pa]

the same

[Kevin in NJ]

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Well that all depends....

What kind of restoration and for what purpose?

How much of the work can you do and to what quality level?

You can expect to spend between $8,000 and $15,000 on properly restoring the chassis back to factory specs assuming you do almost all the work yourself. Keep in mind this is not to show car points condition, this is returning the tolerances back to factory and getting it painted. When you are done you will have a fairly factory car that will run the 60+ mph all day long like it could from the factory.

Prices double if you have to start paying people to do the work right.

Now you can do the job cheaper, but then there is a reason why people believe the Model A is car that only run 45 MPH safely.

Then there is doing the body. Figure at least $8000 to have a rust free body and fenders painted by a quality shop or several thousand to do it yourself. Quality interior kits are in the $3500 to $6000 range I believe. Then there are getting the parts plated correct so there is another couple of thousand. Wood kits vary depending on body style. I am making some assumptions that you have a not very rusty car and good fenders. Metal work can run a few thousand.

Now take a look at the market. Coupes and tudors can be bought in the $8000 to $15,000 range for 'restored' cars. Typically cars are not mechanical restored and may need thousands of $$$ to make them reliable and safe, but not always.

Coupes have more selling power, tudors are the lowest of desire. Fordors are nice if you have a family, but the straight window bodies have a lot of wood and the wood often needs work. The wood is expensive and time consuming. Slant fordor bodies are minimal wood and very popular right now. Your better return on the dollar would be in the vicky and cabriolet restorations, though the vicky is a wood based body (well both are). The 400A is pricey to aquire.

It all comes down to goals and pocket book.

[dan]

Others with more experience can perhaps give a more precise answer, but if you're rebuilding the engine and doing a frame-off restoration of the car, don't expect to get the money you put into it back out... unless you bought it at an amazingly good price and can do all the work yourself. Oh yes, and your time isn't worth money :-)

I bought a coupe in pretty good shape for what more experienced folks told me was a pretty good price, fixed up a few things, and when I had to sell it I didn't get back 1/2 of what I put into it. But I wasn't interested in the car as an "investment" (I don't think cars--except extremely rare/desirable ones--make a good investment) I bought it to drive and to learn more about Model A's. In that sense, the enjoyment I got out of it an what I learned wrenching on it, it was worth it.

Just my thoughts.

[bart78]

If you want a restored one? Let some on else loose the money. And buy one restored.

[Ross/Kzoo]

Originally Posted by bart78

If you want a restored one? Let some one else loose the money. And buy one restored.

Great advice!

[Tom Wesenberg]

Are you a car jockey, or are you buying the car to keep because you like it?

As mentioned, you can't properly restore the car as an investment, unless you are doing a Rolls Royce or Duesenberg.

I find Fordors the most comfortable and luxurious. Tudors can also carry 4 people in comfort and have good looks. Coupes have sport appeal. So, just buy the one you like and the one that serves your purpose. If I had the money and space, I'd have one of each.

[DougVieyra]

Dan - Post # 7 ". . . a more precise answer. "
________________________________

If you want a precise answer, After years of research and extensive poll taking, I can with great authority tell you that exactly 3,467 people are in the market to buy a Coupe. AND there are 3, 468 people who prefer a Tudor Sedan. So going by the rule of "Supply and Demand", the Tudor Sedan is the car you should make your investment fortune.

After extensive market analysis I can tell you that the Tudor Sedan is worth $1.42 more than a Coupe - Assuming that all features and components of the 5,232 individual parts that make up a complete car, are identical in depth and quality of material and craftsmanship.

With the complex nature of measuring the quality of 5,232 parts, it may very well be that the Coupe might be worth $1.86 more than a Tudor Sedan. The important thing to remember is that after doing all the work Keven in N.J. mentions, and spending both LOTS of $$$$ and years of work, and perhaps storing the car for several years, when you finally 'cash in' your "investment", you will have reaped a 'windfall' profit of some where between $1.42 and $1.86. between the two choices of cars to restore.

Ten years from now, in the 'grand scheme of things', perhaps the $22,385 for a Tudor vs. the $22,386 for a Coupe, netted from the sale of your 'investment' may not mean much, but for some the $1 gain may be meaningful.

I hope the scientific nature of this answer to your question has given all the information you need to determine which is the better investment value.

Of course, another recent study found just the opposite conclusions. And too, some quibble about the quality of both research projects. And too, some say, "Good God Man, there ain't a rat's ass worth of difference between the two." But I prefer the findings of the first analysis at the top of the incoherent rant.

Or, you could ignore all the answers you find on this post, and DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO, because the $1 profit difference in your 'investment' choice may have less value than the personal enjoyment you get out of YOUR CHOICE of car styles.

- Kevin in N.J., post #6 is the post you should really be listening to, as well as post # 8 & 9, if you are primarily after 'investment' verses enjoyment.

[BlueSunoco]

A really really nice Tudor will be worth more than a ratty Coupe.

If both body styles are restored to the same level, a Coupe should be worth more money. '30-'31's cost a bit more to restore than '28-'29's from what I have been told over the years but are worth more when you're done.

I'd put my money into which body style/year you like the best, go have fun and don't look back. If someday you have to sell and make a little money well, OK. If you break even, that's good too. If you sell for less than what you have in the car, figure the difference was the 'cost' of having fun.

My point being, cigarettes, booze, and eating at restaurants all cost money often a LOT of money but you never ever get a dime back from doing that and they can often end up costing you a lot more in DUI's, and poor health from over eating fatty food, toasting your liver on alcohol, and smoking the cigs. Antique cars offer some money back someday and a whole lot more fun, and good for your health as smiles are healthy for you

[700rpm]

If you expect to make a profit by restoring a Model A you will be disappointed.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Let's spin this a different direction. Bill Underwood and I have discussed which bodystyle we felt had the best R.O.I. for an authentic restoration, and we felt the 180A was probably the best one.

I know some will argue that the Town Car or T/C Delivery would fetch more money than the 180A, --and while true, when a person factors in the initial cost of the T/C pr T/C Delivery, the additional costs of a specialized interior, the body coach-crafting (wood) that would needed, extra plating, etc., I think someone quickly realizes how these extras eat into the bottom line of the project. Thoughts??

[BlueSunoco]

Good points to ponder here thanks Brent.

On a similar but slightly different note, interesting link on YouTube of a Haggerty Seminar on the prospects of 2015 and beyond for collector car values.
Lengthy, I'll summarize if you don't have the time to watch. Windows 8.1 makes it hard to go to another window w/o losing this one first. Will go out and try to come back here.

High end cars (V-16 Cadillac Roadsters, Packards, etc.) always will have collector appeal. As will the big dollar Ferrarri's, Aston Martin's etc. etc. They point to graphs of the last 30 years, showing car values going thru the roof then crashing in 1990-1991. Going up, taking a dive with the housing market crash in 2007-2008. Seminarians ( not the priest-to-be guys) on the show don't see interest in collector cars going away. In fact with the world wide desire for American cars it is now increasing again and will continue to do so. Quote from show 'They only made so many (fill in the American collector antique car blank) and people from S. Korea to China (now really getting into the old cars) to many other countries, are really getting interested in American iron.'

Demographics also----- younger folks are liking the 1920's thru early 40's cars at a rate unseen recently, just because the baby Boomers (hate that term) want 442 Oldsmobiles, Chevelle's, Cudas etc. doesn't mean there is or will be no market for old iron. There is. Often times the same collector will find room to squeeze in a Model A alongside his Torino GT, people like the variation!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jHwIWFZKfKw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Here we go, I think!

[mshmodela]

Is this not a hobbie for fun, not for profit?

[DougVieyra]

Brent (Post # 10) , however the initial post was asking which, between a Coupe and a Tudor, was the best R.O.I. So other options were not on his radar. I suspect that he has those two options (Coupe & Tudor) available to chose from, as he mentioned no other body styles.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by DougVieyra

Brent (Post # 10) , however the initial post was asking which, between a Coupe and a Tudor, was the best R.O.I. So other options were not on his radar. I suspect that he has those two options (Coupe & Tudor) available to chose from, as he mentioned no other body styles.

Yes, I agree he did ask between a Tudor and a Coupe, ....and it appears he received enough info in that regard, so I spun it into a different direction solely based on the comments he was receiving about not restoring for profit. I would venture a guess my comments were as accurate as someone's bogus 'polls' and market analysis!!

[Charlie Stephens]

Unless the car belonged to a family member and had sentimental value I would suggest buying one that has been already restored. Although the tables may show something else to me the value of a coupe and a two door sedan is about the same. The four doors (except the '31 slant windows) have so much wood that I would not even consider one.

Charlie Stephens

[31 Model A]

When I went to looking, it was either a coupe or a roadster already restored fully or to a point. A Tudor never entered into my mind, just didn't fit into being a chick magnet.

[ModelAMike1930]

I have seen a huge price rise for pickups. I was searching for one and finally found one, needs work but I enjoy restoring it I work on it a little bit everyday.

[bikejunk]

when I was looking for my A there were more than a few that were for sale in the 12,-15 thousand range that the owners totals were well over 20Gs just in parts paint and drive train rebuilding so do it just comes down to how much you really want to loose on a total restoration .. I bought an original paint and interior running car that I put over 4 grand into besides the original purchase price... if I ever sell it ... well I had a lot of fun for 4,000 bucks

[holdover]

If you are new to As and want to get into it quickly find either a coupe or a tudor that has already been done correctly and try to buy it at a fair price(these models because they are what you stated). If you do not know what you are looking at, join a club and find a member that knows what to look for, maybe you'll be lucky and have a MARC judge as a member. If you plan on doing it yourself and believe you can do it, double the price of all the parts that you have added up in a catalog, because I guarantee you'll find other stuff that needs work. If you cannot do body and paint , that will be one of the biggest expenses, along with correct interior.. As stated before I would like to have one of each but my retired budget is limited.. Another suggestion is try driving each style if you are not sure about Model As, you might like one over another.

I have a Coupe and a PU, but can't get the two Grand kids in either at the same time, so my next one will either be a tudor or a slant window, but I'll search and find one restored to my standards and drive it home...and park it next to the other two... Good luck with your search, alot of good advice in the above posts.

[J Wade]

I have a Tudor because I feel safer with my grandkids in there than in a rumble seat or a four door. And they are priceless. I know this isn't what you were asking, just my thoughts.

[DougVieyra]

Brent in Tennessee - ". . . I would venture a guess my comments were as accurate as someone's bogus 'polls' and market analysis!!
_________________________________

Right you are Brent ! I could not agree more. And you did say that you were going to 'spin this in a different direction.'

I sometime have a little fun dancing around the point, as with my 'precise answer' comments.

- Doug Vieyra, spin Doktor of hyperbole and National Vice President of Prevaricators of America, Second Vice Chair of Whoppers & Tall Tales.

[Mike V. Florida]

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With the coupe, if you give up on the restoration, the body is worth more to Hot Rodders then the Tudor.

[DougVieyra]

Yes, Mike, I quite agree. Sadly I am finding that a large segment of those buying Model A's - particularly those Model A's that are already restored, are being bought by those who want to use it as an excellent 'starting point' for their transformation into a 'Hot Rod'.
So from that stand point, I too would say that the Coupe stands a better chance of getting the higher resale value.

- Doug Vieyra, Eureka, Calif

[Cracker39]

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." I think that a chopped and lowered Tudor is just as appealing as a Coupe - but I'd hate to see any Model A fall victim to that fate!

[bart78]

30-31 Tudor with a wedge chop on 32 rails. Is a very good looking hot rod. Plenty of old bodies out there to use to.

[Cracker39]

Originally Posted by bart78

30-31 Tudor with a wedge chop on 32 rails. Is a very good looking hot rod. Plenty of old bodies out there to use to.

Yep - the wedge chop is what I was thinking about!

[Kevin in NJ]

I agree with Brent on the Vicky. It has a desired style and commands enough money that you could do a decent restoration on one and break even. It is not rare enough or extra fancy that certain parts restorations costs are high. A cabby has the cost of plating along with the added cost of getting a working top on the car. Plus the vicky can haul 4 or 5 people inside which is better for a family.

A lot of guys say they are doing this for fun, but really? For most people getting 20-30K in the hole is not good economics. I figure you shoot for break even. This makes many unrestored cars really off the table as the initial cost is way over reasonable. By the time you add in cost of restoration you have more then twice what the thing is worth into it, not a very good use of your money.

I would add the slant window fordor is a pretty good car to consider. It has passenger carry capacity and it is NOT a wood based body like the vicky keeping time and money down in a restoration. It has that extra styling of the slant which makes it desirable enough to help with return on investment.

[Rex_A_Lott]

The most remarkable thing I noticed is this guy registered in January of this year and was able to pick "1929" as a username?
I would have thought that one got scarfed up years ago.
I agree with all the others...you buy either one because you enjoy tinkering with old cars, not for an investment. This applies whether you start with a box of parts or a fully restored car. These cars require a little ability and some routine maintenance, even after they are "finished".
I'd recommend you drive a nice one of each before you decide.
Good Luck

[DougVieyra]

No one (well, not a studied investor) buys an old air-cooled VolksWagan for investment. I have as my 'everyday' car a 1969 VW (Beetle / Bug) that I bought new in 1970. $1,385. I have used this car as my 'driver' when ever not using my Model A. Last year (after 45 years) it finally needed a paint job. It cost me $4,000 to get it painted. If it were just a 'car' the cost of a paint job would give me pause. But as it is a 'family member', as well as a 'close personal friend', I forked over the $4,000. Other than the new paint job, the car has not been 'restored'. It's value today : between $3,000 and $4,000.

I strongly suspect that the Model A today is in a similar situation, even though the dollar amount sits in the $15,000 - $25,000 range.

- Doug Vieyra

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by DougVieyra

No one (well, not a studied investor) buys an old air-cooled VolksWagan for investment.


I strongly suspect that the Model A today is in a similar situation, even though the dollar amount sits in the $15,000 - $25,000 range.

- Doug Vieyra

Wow, I dunno if THAT is an accurate statement! The last I checked, the Hebmuller is an air-cooled Volkswagen, ...and they were fetching on the upper side of $150k! That seems like a pretty decent ROI!!

Even some of the air-cooled Kombi Transporters (Bus) fetch more money than an average 68C or a 180A. Price a restored 'barn-door' and see how much they will set you back. Now isn't it ironic the restored Type III Stationwagons will bring more than a typical Model-A Tudor, ...and the split Type 1 --and earlier V-dubs bring better than $25k with some busting the $50k mark. Seems like those are a decent ROI too. Maybe you were referring a Super Beetle with that $$ thingie!

.

BTW, below is a 1950 split we are doing a full frame-up on for a customer out of Kansas City.


.

[DougVieyra]

Brent when most of today's public think of air-cooled 'VolksWagen' , they think of the Bug - Officially designated as "Type 1" (called 'The Beetle'), with more than 21.5 million units made between 1938 and 2003. Most people do not think of the Karman-Gia convertible (my favorite), they do not think of the VW 'Thing' (my second best favorite), and they do not think of Westphalia Camper (my third best favorite) when "VW" is mentioned (although they most certainly are variants). What most people think of is the air-cooled, rear-engined Tudor Sedan (Beetle/Bug). It was their numbers (21.5 Million) that surpassed the production of the Model T (15 million), and it was the Beetle (Bug) that became the icon of 'VW'. It was not the semi-custom-made, limited production (only 696 units made) Hebmuller (known and sold as a Hebmuller, not VW), and others of that ilk.

Esoteric vehicles of all marques always demand a highly dis-proportionate amount of interest amongst collectors. 'One of the earliest', 'Rare', "Limited Production", "Unique", etc. all fit outside the scope of the millions of air-cooled VWs that are seen driving down America's roads today.

Also, Brent, I doubt that there are very many of today's drivers who would even recognize any of the "VW's" that you mention (the Hebmuller does look close to the untrained eye). Those are collectors cars, because they do reach outside the common vision of the "VW". They are rarely, if ever, seen on the roads today, Unlike the millions of Beatles/Bugs that still are seen driving down our roads, and in our parking lots.

I think that the over-whelming number of readers of these posts will think of the Tudor "Beetle" or the "Bug" when they read my post regarding the "VW". I doubt very much that many will think "Hebmuller" or "Kombi Transporters". Of course, I could be wrong. I may very well be 'out of touch' with what most people think of when one says that they drive an air-cooled VW.

When "VW" is mentioned, perhaps most folks do think of a Hebmuller, or a Kombi Transporter. If a Hebmuller (total production of only 696 units) is what most people think of when I say "VW", then Brent, I would want to quickly retract my statement, and indeed, say (in that narrow context) that a VW might very well be worth over a $150,000. However, I don't think that there are very many VW that sell for $150,000. I did look into it, and I did not find any.

But, Brent, your point is well taken. For many that are deep into professional car restoration, or collecting VWs, or once had a Westy themselves, the term 'VW' is too wide a word to best define a specific model / Type. But let's just say when I refer to VolksWagen, I am referring to the Type 1 Beetle, or what German VW marketing and people called "Kafer" (Beetle).

And in that regard, I still say that the 21.5 million VW Beatles (not the 100 remaining "Hebmuller" VWs) are subject to the same fate as the Restored Ford Model A - today's restoration costs exceed the resale value of the over-whelming majority of Model A's.

- Doug Vieyra; I no longer own a Radclyffe Cabriolet, or a Type 18A (Astro-Tatra) 'VW'.

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

...Volkswagen, ... Type III Stationwagon....

I had one of these, was a great little car when new, just didn't live up to all the hype over it's life with me.

[BlueSunoco]

The dollar thing with cars is a strange mind set. It seems like most of us Model A owners fret over ROI, can I make a profit? etc. etc. That's natural I guess.

But we will run down to the local car dealer and buy a new pickup and plop down $45,000- $50,000 and not think twice. Some go higher. In 8-10 years that thing is about worn out and has a value around 6 grand, maybe. It's OK in our mind to eat 45K on a new vehicle but not a Model A Ford.

Granted, the Model A will not do what that new pickup can and you're not really comparing apples to apples the point is the money 'lost'.

It has been my experience also the last few years, and I blame the 'reality' TV car shows, EVERYbody and their brother-in-law wants to get your collector car on the cheap, 'flip it' and pocket a big profit, puff out their chests, and proclaim 'I da man ain't I slick?' I get real and I mean real tired of guys approaching me wanting to buy my car so I just toss out absolutely stupid dollars to them, they often get madbut I say 'You came to me I didn't approach you.'

Had this again just last week I just needed to vent Some guy from Missouri driving around with a car hauler a local at the restaurant sent him down to my house. I'd just as soon have the Jehovah Witnesses drop by!!

[Anteek29]

Either a tudor or a coupe with whitewalls will always bring more (wink).

[montanafordman]

Thankfully common sense doesn't always enter into it, and its why some get saved. My coupe was my grandfathers, and while thankfully I didn't have to pay to purchase the car, I still might "loose" money on it by the time I'm done. The car doesn't come with a price in my mind though, and I'll hopefully never have to sell it so its a number on paper and doesn't mean anything until the day it is sold, hopefully after my time. I could just as well be spending the time and money spent restoring it doing other things for entertainment that aren't as tangible and lasting as a vintage car. So in that sense restoring a car for more than its worth is still a better investment than other forms of recreation/entertainment. I have also met a lot of great people in the Model A hobby and had some fun with Model A related events, gatherings, workshops so there could be an additional intangible value placed on that also.

[DougVieyra]

BlueSunoco, post 37, has hit upon a very pertinent point. For those who think about the Model A in terms of profit and investment, I understand their viewpoint.
However, for the rest of us, it is an enjoyable 'hobby' - entertainment and recreation. Much like skiing, boating, fishing, hunting, etc. Just like those pastimes, money is spent for the amusement and enjoyment of the moment. It is a thing that enriches our lives. And put in that perspective, in the BIG PICTURE, it really isn't a great deal of money to 'loose' for the rewards that it/they bring. I think very few of us (as a hobby) give much (if any) thought to R.O.I. - Return on Investment.
- That is why some of us buy WhiteWall tires. It gives us pleasure, and ROI is of little consideration. We convert a Coupes trunk into a Rumble Seat, for our own pleasure, and do not think about ROI. We install 'improvements' because it (we think) is a good thing for us and the car - we don't think about ROI.

[1929]

Originally Posted by BlueSunoco

The dollar thing with cars is a strange mind set. It seems like most of us Model A owners fret over ROI, can I make a profit? etc. etc. That's natural I guess.

But we will run down to the local car dealer and buy a new pickup and plop down $45,000- $50,000 and not think twice. Some go higher. In 8-10 years that thing is about worn out and has a value around 6 grand, maybe. It's OK in our mind to eat 45K on a new vehicle but not a Model A Ford.

Granted, the Model A will not do what that new pickup can and you're not really comparing apples to apples the point is the money 'lost'.

It has been my experience also the last few years, and I blame the 'reality' TV car shows, EVERYbody and their brother-in-law wants to get your collector car on the cheap, 'flip it' and pocket a big profit, puff out their chests, and proclaim 'I da man ain't I slick?' I get real and I mean real tired of guys approaching me wanting to buy my car so I just toss out absolutely stupid dollars to them, they often get madbut I say 'You came to me I didn't approach you.'

Had this again just last week I just needed to vent Some guy from Missouri driving around with a car hauler a local at the restaurant sent him down to my house. I'd just as soon have the Jehovah Witnesses drop by!!

Very true! I had two friends spend over $40,000 and wait a whole year to get that special Camaro that came out I think 3 years ago, and both sold it less then two years and were told they can only get about $20,000 for it. Another friend had bought a special Ford truck that cost him $85,000 and sold it after two years due to high maintenance costs and I think $500 each tire that wore out after 30,000 miles.

[ODFever]

This is slightly off topic from the OP's post, but I have to say it. $85K for a PICKUP?!?!? That amount would pay off my mortgage!!!
Most new cars are disposable. They are made of paper thin stamped sheet metal and have airbags to compensate for the lack of structure. I prefer my older vehicles and trucks. I feel a lot safer in them than in a front wheel drive tin can POS.

[Hoogah]

Originally Posted by 31 Model A

When I went to looking, it was either a coupe or a roadster already restored fully or to a point. A Tudor never entered into my mind, just didn't fit into being a chick magnet.

There's way more room in the back of a Tudor than either a roadster or coupe, if you really are a chick magnet!

[Mike V. Florida]

Is not the enjoyment of driving the car around worth something? The honks and smiles as you drive or stop. The stories you hear from others that have, had, or know someone that knows about the Model A. Ever see the smile on the face of a child as he/she sits in the seat and honks the horn?

If you buy a car, restore it and have it sit in the garage, or trailer it to exclusive shows, only to sell it when another car comes around, then yes you need to be concerned about your investment and the profit at the end.

This is not true with my car. The car has "paid" me, every time I get into it for the reasons I mentioned above. If I gave it away, I would still be ahead of the game by having been it's caretaker.

If you sold your A today would you loose money, That depends on you, not the car.

[ronn]

"But we will run down to the local car dealer and buy a new pickup and plop down $45,000- $50,000 and not think twice. Some go higher. In 8-10 years that thing is about worn out and has a value around 6 grand, maybe. It's OK in our mind to eat 45K on a new vehicle but not a Model A Ford."

I've thought more then twice and ended up keeping my 2000 silverado 4x4 extended cab with 178k miles. I'll just make it reach 300k and save the extra for more model A's.............................!

[31 Model A]

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Originally Posted by Anteek29

Either a tudor or a coupe with whitewalls will always bring more (wink).

Sorta related to selling a house, a house might be for sale but is it sellable? Add a standout addition to catch the eye and.................SOLD!!!

[31 Model A]

Originally Posted by Hoogah

There's way more room in the back of a Tudor than either a roadster or coupe, if you really are a chick magnet!

When you're the chick magnet behind the wheel, the roadster or the coupe is the tuxedo.

[Cracker39]

No two ways about it - my '31 Roadster was a lousy car to take with a date to the drive-in theater in the '50s! I'm sure my generation will understand. On the other hand, it could beat its way through the woods to the beach where few could follow. The Tudor would have had it all! I grew up in Florida before the tourists took over.

[Charlie Stephens]

1929,

I think if we had a better understanding of where you are coming from and where you are going we could fine tune some of the responses. I wouldn't restore either one as investment unless I was starting with one that was almost there already. If you want a stock car as an investment I would say don't do it. The law of supply and demand is why I say this. The people that like the stock Model A's are unfortunately passing on (going to be with Henry). This reduces the demand. The supply is increasing because their cars are now on the market. If you want to restore a car for the enjoyment of it and prefer to choose one that will hold its value better that is another situation. With the cost of restoration just be sure to buy the best car possible after watching the market for a while. I don't see much difference between a coupe and a Tudor sedan, just look for the best car you can find. You should base your decision on what you want to do with the car. The Fordors (except the 1931 slant windows) are less generally desirable because of the amount of wood which is expensive to replace.

Charlie Stephens

[1929]

Originally Posted by Charlie Stephens

1929,

I think if we had a better understanding of where you are coming from and where you are going we could fine tune some of the responses. I wouldn't restore either one as investment unless I was starting with one that was almost there already. If you want a stock car as an investment I would say don't do it. The law of supply and demand is why I say this. The people that like the stock Model A's are unfortunately passing on (going to be with Henry). This reduces the demand. The supply is increasing because their cars are now on the market. If you want to restore a car for the enjoyment of it and prefer to choose one that will hold its value better that is another situation. With the cost of restoration just be sure to buy the best car possible after watching the market for a while. I don't see much difference between a coupe and a Tudor sedan, just look for the best car you can find. You should base your decision on what you want to do with the car. The Fordors (except the 1931 slant windows) are less generally desirable because of the amount of wood which is expensive to replace.

Charlie Stephens

Not doing it for an investment Charlie, Iam doing it cause its history, I just don't want to put much into a car that no one wants, like when I first restored a 1939 ford standard to totally original and found out that no one wants four doors. I have a 1929 Coupe, I found out from the responses that its not, so I will raise the budget.

[mrtexas]

Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

Wow, I dunno if THAT is an accurate statement! The last I checked, the Hebmuller is an air-cooled Volkswagen, ...and they were fetching on the upper side of $150k! That seems like a pretty decent ROI!!

Even some of the air-cooled Kombi Transporters (Bus) fetch more money than an average 68C or a 180A. Price a restored 'barn-door' and see how much they will set you back. Now isn't it ironic the restored Type III Stationwagons will bring more than a typical Model-A Tudor, ...and the split Type 1 --and earlier V-dubs bring better than $25k with some busting the $50k mark. Seems like those are a decent ROI too. Maybe you were referring a Super Beetle with that $$ thingie!

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BTW, below is a 1950 split we are doing a full frame-up on for a customer out of Kansas City.

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IMHO a VW bug is a horrible driving and maintaining car. I had one, a 62, when they were a poor used car. Forget about any heat other than burning your foot. Air conditioning? Dream on. It is not by accident when they quit making them they disappeared from the road in a few years. I was forever changing oil(500 miles) or adjusting valves(1,000 miles). Never heard one run down the road that didn't need the valves adjusted. I have no nostalgia for bugs if you haven't guessed. Oh, and the buses? Never owned on but road in a few. Expect to be passed by city buses and rear ended on the freeway. Think twice as heavy car as a bug which already has pathetic acceleration for scooting down the road. Just remembered, no gas gauge either.

[oldwoodsman]

Originally Posted by 31 Model A

When I went to looking, it was either a coupe or a roadster already restored fully or to a point. A Tudor never entered into my mind, just didn't fit into being a chick magnet.

Originally Posted by Hoogah

There's way more room in the back of a Tudor than either a roadster or coupe, if you really are a chick magnet!

Originally Posted by 31 Model A

When you're the chick magnet behind the wheel, the roadster or the coupe is the tuxedo.

At this age bracket they are called hens not chicks.

[ronn]

nah old, they're cougars....................................

[Charlie Stephens]

Originally Posted by 1929

Not doing it for an investment Charlie, Iam doing it cause its history, I just don't want to put much into a car that no one wants, like when I first restored a 1939 ford standard to totally original and found out that no one wants four doors. I have a 1929 Coupe, I found out from the responses that its not, so I will raise the budget.

Building a driver instead of doing a restoration might be a good solution.

Charlie Stephens

[DougVieyra]

Ronn (post # 53) apparently 'gets around' a bit . . . . .

Having just learned the meaning of this term ("Cougar"), I can now translate it's meaning :
. . . . an older woman (40, 50, 60, 70, or as in my wife, 86) who 'preys' on younger men (I am 73).
They still have the 'hunting' instinct and are fully 'alive' as a woman. She wants the back seat, but my bones, cartilage, and hormones, wants to rest with a beer and a football game . . . .
So the Coupe works just fine with me. At 27, I wanted (and had) a Deluxe '31 Roadster. And I knew how to pull the shift lever UP and turn it over to the side, for some "leg action". Now I don't have the strength to pull it up . . . .
Wife just came in . . . . . I have to go now.

[Anteek29]

Doug's post (#55) made me chuckle...I can relate

[Jeff/Illinois]

Originally Posted by Anteek29

Doug's post (#55) made me chuckle...I can relate

Me too!! THAT'S funny Doug

MrTexas, I never owned a VW never wanted one but your observations are exactly correct. I just had a 'VW' conversation two weeks ago with a very good friend who is an expert mechanic and this subject came up. He told me 'People who drove those things over 40-45MPH had to plan on an entire engine rebuild every 20,000 miles because that crap engine couldn't hold up to that.' (His exact words) He also pointed out 'IF they were that good of a car and they built so many how come you never see them around? Not like Model A Fords my God I can tell you of a dozen of them still running around within 10 miles of where we stand and they're over 80 years old!!!'

Case closed