Goodyear, Arizona.
Since Lynn and I started wintering in Arizona, I’ve been looking for an older, (read inexpensive) convertible for us to explore Arizona on those warmer winter days. This summer, in Fargo, I finally found one that was not only affordable for me, but is in excellent condition, and at 13 years old, is well on its way to becoming a classic. 2004 is the Mustang’s 40th production year and all Mustangs that year got a special 40th Anniversary badge. I included a shot of the fender badge in the gallery below. I am still working on giving it a name, but for now, it’s the Orange Pony.
We drove it to Buckeye in November and discovered a first annual local car show in neighboring Goodyear. There is a factory there that markets specialty spices and sauces, all of which are on the spicy-hot side. You may have seen them marketed as “Ass Kickin’” products, their logo being a mule in mid-kick.
The car show was put on by a local car club, and about 40 vehicles showed up at the large grassy area that is usually used by a small herd of mules kept as an attraction to the specialty company’s store. Lynn and I showed up and parked our Mustang along the highway end of the fenced yard next to the dozen or so cars that got there before us. We spent the next few hours visiting with other car owners, sharing information about our cars, and learning about other local shows similar to this one.
There were around 40 cars that showed up for at least part of the day. It was a beautiful, sunny December day, and they even had a couple of food trucks there serving lunch and snacks for the group. The image above features a late 1940’s (I think) Cadillac. It was one of the oldest cars in the show. The gallery below features just a small sample of vehicles that showed up on a December Saturday in Arizona. Click on an image to enlarge it and to scroll through the gallery.
Flare Legend Adventures
I’ve got a Silver Pony, 2002. And since I can’t afford to buy a new car, I’m owning a classic I guess. 🙂
It is only a matter of time before the value reverses and begins to increase. Take good care of your soon to be appreciating asset!
What is it about cars that we never tire of looking at them? I even watch the Mecum Auctions on TV!!
True that! It’s the same phenomenon that drags me to Barrett-Jackson every January, and to numerous cruise nights throughout the summer.
I’m not sure if all classics maintain their value as I recently talked to a dude who tried to sell me a 67-69ish 2 door malibu SS for $33,000 claiming that he had $60 grand into it… Although I suppose a well maintained car may do better than a complete overhaul. I figured since that was more money than we’ve spent on all our cars put together, ever, we were happier with the $33,000… Our truck is a 98, maybe I should get some new mag wheels. LOL
I’ve watched some of the Barrett-Jackson sales on TV and at the auction live and I’ve seen many times the amount of work put into the car didn’t result in a corresponding increase in the market value. So much depends upon other factors, prestige, rarity of type, number of specific units remaining available, access to vehicle support clubs, available replacement part structures, etc. Like all specialties in the marketplace, it’s easy for a novice to get separated from their money. 🙂
I have no interest in cars, unless they are “classic” cars. This year I’ve already gone to 2 car shows to shoot the cars and their owners. Like you, we have been looking for a car we can afford for our weekly trips and have been obsessing over 4 wd Jeeps. Will have to look into them a bit more. I have concerns of whether or not a used one would be reliable for our desert treks.
Yup, I would be much concerned about age and reliability of an older vehicle that gets used to go out in the wilderness. The Orange Pony will never go off-road and will probably not even see a gravel road. Good luck on your vehicle search.