Keep My 65 Or Go Late Model

[eleanor_350]

Hey Guys, I'm looking for opinions/input.

While I have an appreciation for all Mustangs, I've always been partial to the classic Mustings over the later models. However, I love the new ones and I've been confronted with a tempting opportunity to aquire a wrecked '07 Mustang GT Calfornia Special with under 1000 miles on it. However, it's not feasible for me to keep my 65 coupe and buy the '07. In a perfect world I would have both cars and then some. I'm pretty confident that I could sell my '65 and have enough money to buy the '07 and have it fixed. I might even have a little left over for a few upgrades to it, I don't know. It's a tough decision. I'd love to have the '07, but I'm not sure I can bring myself to put a for sale sign in my '65. I've had it for several years and rebuilt it from the ground up. It's got quite a bit of sentimental value to me.

Here's some of the pros/cons that I see of going to the late model.

Pros:
More amentities (AC, power steering, brakes, etc)
More practical on a daily basis (My '65 is so nice that there's a lot of places that I won't drive it, while I'd be less nervous about parking a newer car at say, Wal Mart.)
More economical to drive
More comfortable on long trips
More safety features
I'd drive it more often while my '65 stays in the garage most of the winter and on rainy days.

Cons:
I'd be giving up a car that's at least holding its value for a car that's only going to depreciate for a while.
The '07 would have a salvage title, so resale would definitely take a big hit if I ever decided I didn't like it.
The '07 would be less unique, while there's not another '65 in my area like mine.
I'm sure the insurance and taxes would be higher on the '07
There's plenty of things that I could do to my '65 to make it more practical, economical, and comfortable.
I've got a lot of history with the '65, selling it would almost like parting with a family member.


I'd love to hear others take on the idea or experience they've had. Thanks.

 

[electricgreen]

In the end, you have to search your heart for the right answer. But, from someone that has both a late model and classic, here's my thoughts.

We bought my car, the 2000, before Eleanor (the 73). At the time, we had a 69 Falcon futura stationwagon that was in 90% original condition (I mean parts and everything-it was like a time capsule). We bought my car because while the wagon was unique, it wasn't completely reliable and getting parts was not easy to say the least. Sure, there's a lot more new edge SN95's out there, but I've only seen 2 or 3 other Electric Greens where I live, and one is a hard top (scary enough, one is an exact twin to my car. I've only seen it once though, and had to go home to be sure mine was still there! E-green is rare enough, but a black top v6 vert w/no spoiler and the door guard strips is pretty uncommon).

After about a year, we sold the wagon and bought Eleanor. She's quite unique, but also tempermental. If I *had* to choose one of the two cars, I would easliy choose my 2000 over Eleanor. My car is fairly unique, in great shape, and I wouldn't think twice about driving it anywhere.

With your choices, the Cali special isn't going to be that common. There's one around here where I live (it's white), but that's the only one I've seen. There's also a Parnelli Jones and a few Shinoda Boss cars-they always catch attention. Sure, there's a good numebr of S197's out there, but there's always some that are more unique than the average DD V6 or GT. Can you do the work to the 07? Do you WANT to do the work to the 07? Could you stand seeing your 65 drive by you whle you were driving the 07? When we sold the wagon, we knew it was possible we would see it, but wanted Eleanor more. It ended up a few states away, so we never did see it again (well, once, when it was resold on Ebay), but I wouldn't have freaked out if I saw it while we were cruising in Eleanor (yeah, right-we have driven that car like 50 miles in 6 years).

Right now, we are looking at finding a new home for my Dh's first car (see "rehoming a car" thread). It's hard to let one go, but you have to decide for yourself if you can dedicate whatever you need to to that car. If your 65 is done, do you want to take on the project of the 07? Is resale important to you? Wrecked cars can sell, but usually the reslae is highly diminished-but a special edition like a Cali special might hold more value anyway, because it's harder to find.

Especially with classics and other non-DD's, it comes down to what you want more than what you need. So...if you were going out to buy a car right now-would you by an 07 Cali special or a classic 65?

 

[suki243]

I agree, if you're talking about your daily driver, i'd go with the 07; i don't like the newer models as much but a piece of mind goes a long way. I'd like to say my 66 is a reliable car, but when it comes down to it, it really isn't. I don't have a doubt in my mind that my dad's car will start as soon as i turn the key; the 66, there is a greater probability that it won't.
And as you said, newer model you wont hesitate to take anywhere, even on a rainy day. I know for me leaving my classic in a parking lot, my mind is always on it, hoping that people will respect the work and money i've put in it, and not key or steal or vandalize it

Just my 2 cents

 

[eleanor_350]

Thanks guys for your input. That's some good food for thought.

Let me expand a little on my original post. In an effort to keep it as short as possible I left out a few details that might be worth factoring in.

My 65 is not my daily driver and the '07 wouldn't be either. I've still got the plain vanilla family sedan for the daily commute. However, as I mentioned and you guys also mentioned, I could see myself jumping in the '07 on a much more regular basis.

Also, if I was to sell the '65 coupe to get the '07, I wouldn't be abandoning the classic stang arena totally. I failed to mention that I still have a '66 GT Fastback patiently waiting for its turn to be restored/restomodded. It's pretty much a basket case though so it won't be road worthy for a very long time. My plans for it are to make it just as comfortable and economical to drive as a late model (fuel injection, overdrive, newer seats, ac, power assist, etc).

 

[01ragtop]

I have owned an 01 vertGt and I now own a 07 v6 Mustang. I Also own a 66 which I have had for 13 years. The 66 has served as a daily driver on and off during that 13 years, and at a few times it was my only means of transportation. I could drive a Yugo as long as the 66 is waiting form me in the garage. I can not say the same for my 01 vert or the 07. That being said, I can leave the 07 in the parking lot for 5 hours while I play golf, but wouldn't think of doing that with my 66.

IMHO, the new California Special is not going to be all that much more of a collector years from now than a GT, but what do I know. Nobody really knew which muscle cars were going to be truly special back then either, only time will tell.

In short I wouldn't trade my 66 straight across for a GT500KR. Sentimental value makes people do strange things.

 

[electricgreen]

Lol, I wouldn't dream of leaving my 2000 in a parking lot unattended, but wouldn't worry about Eleanor. Funny how that works.

 

[rbohm]

personally i prefer my classic cars to late model ones. i will admit that my mothers 97 sable is more reliable overall than my 76 el camino, or my old 66 falcon, i still wouldnt hesitate driving my cars across country, which in fact i have on a regular basis. what you have to do is decide for yourself which one you like best. perhaps rent a new mustang and drive it for a few days before you buy one.

 

[triostang]

If you sell the 65 then you cant post in the classic forum anymore. is that what you really want?????

 

[66blue mustang]

just depends what you are using the car for. the new may be more reliable but in my honest opinion the older is more cool. one example is under the hood. to me there's nothing like a classic sm or large block dressed out under the hood.