What would you rather have ?

harry54 wrote:

I went to see a 1936 810 cord sedan yesturday in #2 condition. The gentleman that owns the car is looking to sell for 50,000. I know that it's a rare car and probably a fair price but I'd still rather have a a stepdown conv't for the same Money...



Let's see, a 70 year old front wheel drive Cord sedan or a 50+ year old rear wheel drive Hudson convertible that you can more easily get parts for. I'd go HUDSON. Although the Cord is a wonderful car, few sedans have the appeal of a convertible. As for your question about prices, it's a matter of demand. I suspect that not as many people are looking for Cord sedans as they are muscle cars. Also, trends shift as people who knew, loved and collected cars of a certain era die. As this curve progresses and interest/demands decrease, so does price. At this point in time, many Baby Boomers have reached a point in life where many can afford to relive the past and buy the(muscle) cars of their youth. As such, interest/demand increases their value. Although I love most anything on wheels (just ask my wife), I relate better to cars from the late 60's to mid 70's. However, Step Down Hudsons are, IMHO, the most alluring cars to have ever left Detroit. Call me old fashion, but I'm a sucker for a lady who wears skirts.:D

harry54 wrote:

I went to see a 1936 810 cord sedan yesturday in #2 condition. The gentleman that owns the car is looking to sell for 50,000. I know that it's a rare car and probably a fair price but I'd still rather have a a stepdown conv't for the same Money. I know that I would drive it more and certianly have more enjoyment. Of Coarse , I can't afford it any way . However, How is it that a low production famous car like the Cord isn't worth 100,000. I don't get it. And how does a 70 Cuda 383 6 pack trade at 150,000 and a 810 Cord in great shape go for 50,000 ???????

Hands down the Cord! I wonder how much this guy has advertised and where. Is it LHD or RHD? I spoke with a Brit neighbor of mine about this and he said he could probably get a lot more then $50K overseas for it. He'd be interested if he didn't already have Ferrari and Austin Healey projects going. I think its great that Hudsons are getting more valuable, but wonder how long it will last. A Cord would have more appeal worldwide in my opinion. Sorry guys, but a convertible at $50K just doesn't do it for me. I think its an apples vs. oranges thing.

Jay

jsrail wrote:

Hands down the Cord! I wonder how much this guy has advertised and where. Is it LHD or RHD? I spoke with a Brit neighbor of mine about this and he said he could probably get a lot more then $50K overseas for it. He'd be interested if he didn't already have Ferrari and Austin Healey projects going. I think its great that Hudsons are getting more valuable, but wonder how long it will last. A Cord would have more appeal worldwide in my opinion. Sorry guys, but a convertible at $50K just doesn't do it for me. I think its an apples vs. oranges thing.



Jay

Hudsons have been increasing in value steadily for a while now. There is no reason why they would go down invalue. They were increasing prior to the movie cars and I think some models will increase quite a bit more. As mentioned, the muscle car phenom was / is caused by us baby boomers. The demand for brass era cars hit a wall after those who grew up with them grew too old. One thing in favor about the stepdown Hudsons is that the baby boomers understand muscle, cruisin' and appreciate the nostalgia of the 50's rock n roll era that they missed. I love to hear all the same comments at the shows and cruise-in's that Hudsons were the fastest cars in their day, which is typically spoken about the early 50's racing. Strange, but seems that was also true for the 30's with the Terraplane, the 40's with the introduction of the Stepdown super-six and ofcourse the 50's with the Hornet. My knowlege of Hudsons prior to the 30's is limited but I know they won major races from day one. Cords are wonderful because almost anyone can take just one look and know it is a Cord. That is what I like about the stepdowns. No mistaking it with another car. That says cool to me. Convertible stepdowns are wonderful but the sedans and coupes have the roofline that make the stepdown so striking and famous. 50K for Cord? I'd take a nice convertible Hornet or a couple nice coupes / sedans.

I'd buy the Cord, personally. I wasn't even born when either car was built, they aren't a part of MY youth by any stretch, but I would take the Cord over the Hudson for the money. You do see the occasional million-dollar Cord, and the million-dollar Hudson rag can't be too far in the future. But, for automotive historical significance and just sheer "damn, that's a car!" factor, the Cord has it over the Hudson ragtop.



You have to remember that the Cord was a very exclusive car in its day, running up against big LeBaron-bodied Chryslers, Duesys, Auburns, and Caddys; even senior Packards. The Hudson was not, as it was competing against the Buick, Pontiac, and perhaps the Packard and DeSoto buyers.



Jay said it - apples and oranges.