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Everyday we receive calls from people who say, "I am not an expert in muscle cars. I want to buy from somebody I can trust. I don't mind paying a fair price for the right car, but I want to be certain I am getting what I am paying for." We agree; purchasing a muscle car should be a pleasant experience. There should be no surprises, no high pressure. Every car should be accurately represented with all positives mentioned and all negatives accentuated. When all the negatives and positives of a car are spelled out, the buyer can make an informed decision.

Buy a classic car magazine see what appeals to you. A large amount of purchases stem from reminiscing a childhood dream and the emotion attached to that.

What’s a good investment and why? What am I looking for in a muscle car? Contact us for a detailed list. Ask questions and do your research, that’s what we are here for.

Virtually everybody searching for a muscle car has numerous stories to relate concerning the many "wild goose chases" they experienced. Sellers extol the virtues of their cars enticing potential buyers to travel great distances only to find a car that falls far short of the seller's description or assessment of the vehicle itself. Often times the seller is not being deceptive; he or she is simply relating what they were told when they purchased the car. After a few wild goose chases potential buyers become very skeptical and frustrated. Don’t give up….get help.

Muscle Cars today are bought and sold on a few different levels and it's important to get the facts.

The first level is to understand the originality of the vehicle - ie how true it has remained to when it rolled off the production line. From here you can assess each vehicle on its merit. Purchasing an original muscle car provides a great deal of nostalgic and historical satisfaction. The maintenance of that history is then up to you.

The second is how it is presented. It may not be representative of how the vehicle was originally manuafactured, however, over the years may have undergone restoration and modification to replicate a model that has increased in value far beyond an owners means. Or perhaps a previous owner preferred a different colour scheme to the manufactures. These vehicles are very popular and whilst they do not retain points for originality, you will typically find that the entire vehicle has received a rebuild using new parts and accessories, thus providing longer life and minimising complications of wear and tare. They are Clone or Tribute cars and they can be great.

The third level is the restoration level. Vehicles of all different conditions, left in storage and in backyards gathering rust only to be discovered 40 years on. It's more often than not that the body style, engine and options hold the key to its future. The vehicle may be a very rare "K" Code Mustang Fastback that only requires your hard work and effort to return it to its former glory. You could then be in the very envied position of owning a very rare muscle car that will ensure a valued investment.

In all situations, the facts are important. Always start with understanding of the vehicles origin. We can help with decoding a vehicle for you. Then obtain as much information from the seller as possible, documents, photo's, files ect. Ask questions and make sure you get the answers that satisfy you, if they don't, ask again until you are.

Good photographs along with a written description presented by a seller are helpful. However, never buy a muscle car from just photographs. Pictures are one dimensional. Spot welds, pinch welds, and date codes are at best difficult to see on pictures.

Moreover, how does the engine sound? Is there any valve train noise? Is there rod or main bearing knock? Any onerous blue smoke coming from the exhaust? Any exhaust leaks? Does the radio play? How high does the oil pressure gauge go? Does the alternator gauge indicate the system is charging? etc., etc. Obviously you cannot answer any of these questions from words or photographs, so, ensure you deal with reputable sellers who can answer these questions.

If your at a distance, have someone view the vehicle on your behalf, organise a vehicle inspection, request all documentation that supports originality, matching numbers, and any restoration work.

This may cost you a few dollars….but it may save you thousands.

The marketplace has changed dramatically in the past few years. In Australia, we have not seen such shifts since the 90's The muscle car market is being driven by external factors both here and overseas that were not prevalent in the past. Some of these factors are as follows:

• MORE BUYERS AND, THEREFORE, MORE DEMAND THAN EVER BEFORE -- The emergence of the “baby boomers” into the classic car market has had a huge impact. These enthusiasts, typically in the 50 to 60 year old range, have seen their children finish school, thus freeing up discretionary income, and enabling this group to finally reward themselves with the “toy” they always wanted. In many instances this toy is the car they had in high school, or the car they coveted when they were younger and could not afford. Recent published statistics in America also reveal that this very same age group will inherit over $18 billion over the next 10 years from parents and other relatives. Newly available discretionary income, inheritances, and the yearning for that magical car of their youth have enabled this buying group to enter the market in a formidable way.

• MEDIA INFLUENCES – People who watch television regularly will see many commercials with a classic car in them. Popular movies, such as “Gone in 60 Seconds” and “Bullitt” have also created enormous interest in classic Mustangs. Then there are popular TV shows, such as “American Hot Rod” and “Overhaulin’” that create interest. Classic cars are frequently seen on the Discovery Channel and, of course, the Sport Channel. No doubt, the media has created renewed interest in classic cars in general and classic Mustangs, in particular.

• AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURERS – The big three U.S. auto manufacturers have certainly recognized America’s nostalgic romance with the classic car era. Chrysler’s P.T. Cruiser, Viper, and Prowler all have ties to the 1960s classic, hot rod, and muscle car era. GM’s SSR pickup is certainly a throw back to the 1950s and 1960s. Of course, Ford Motor Company’s Thunderbird, new Ford 500, and the redesigned Mustang all have ties to 1950s and 1960s. U.S. auto manufacturers certainly recognize America’s love affair with classic and muscle cars. Chrysler, GM, and Ford have all shown classic cars in their ads.

• AFTERMARKET TECHNOLOGY – Many people who are interested in classic cars and love their ageless design features, also are concerned about these cars’ ability to compete from a safety perspective on today’s crowded highways. We are also spoiled by the creature comforts routinely available on today’s modern cars. Simply stated, we want the safety and creature comfort features of a modern car and the appearance and ageless styling of the classic cars. The automotive aftermarket has seen to it that we can have our cake and eat it too. Today upgrades, such as tilt steering columns, rack and pinion steering, power disc brakes, overdrive transmissions, fuel injection, air conditioning and many, many more are readily available for the classic cars. Even 3-point shoulder belts and adjustable headrests are now readily available. Classic enthusiasts have learned that they can own a classic car that virtually drives and handles like a new car.

• YOUNG BUYERS AND RESTO-MODS – Surprisingly, many younger enthusiasts have fallen in love with muscle cars. Keeping in mind that many of these younger enthusiasts were not yet born when these cars were first introduced over 40 years ago. This is an interesting phenomenon. Perhaps many of these are the Street Rodders of the future. We have found that many of them are not at all concerned with maintaining the originality of their classic Mustang. We frequently hear them say, “This is not a show car. I want to build it the way that I want it to be.” We feel that the line between Resto-Mod and Street Rod is becoming more blurred. Many younger enthusiasts are selecting the classic car as the car they want to build “their way.”

• FOREIGN BUYERS – Yep, that’s us. Although the muscle car is viewed as an American icon, Australians are also in love with these cars. It seems that classic cars as popular in Australia and New Zealand as they are in the U.S. Europeans and Canadians also have a great appreciation for the classic cars. In recent years the Australian Dollar has strengthened versus the U.S. dollar. This has made muscle cars more affordable. Australia has made a significant impact in the International market place.

• INTERNET – Not too many years ago if you had an interest in classic car you watched the local classifieds and, perhaps the national print ads of the three or four major classic car dealers. Today with the emergence of the Internet, an enthusiast can search for their perfect muscle car, right from their seat at home. Of course, extreme caution should be exercised when considering an Internet purchase. Internet fraud is abundant and many people lose thousands of dollars due to fraudulent Internet listings. Simple common sense can help a buyer to steer clear of fraudulent sellers.