Nice F-Bodies at Barrett Jackson
#1
Nice F-Bodies at Barrett Jackson
I was wondering around Barrett Jackson Auction over the weekend and I probably found the cleanest 4th gen firebird ever. It was a pewter 2002 Firebird Transam WS6. It was a 6-speed, with leather and all the goodies. It only had 280 miles on it, literally looked like new. I was surprised it only brought $20,000, or $22,000 if you include their "fees". They also has a black 1991 Camaro Z28 auto, with 100 original miles it brought about $21,000, or 23,000 with fees. So perfect all original like new f-bodies are still out there, just not very many left.
#3
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 32,395
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From: Schiller Park, IL Member: #317
I've heard of SSs and Firehawks with more mileage selling for higher prices recently, perhaps this WS6 met a lower price ceiling both because it was pewter (not particularly sought after) and also not an anniversary or CE package car.
#5
My dads buddy who lives in Minnesota was desperate for money and couldn't get any reasonable offer, so he traded it in to a dealer for $12,000. It was a 1999 black totally stock Firebird Formula Firehawk with about 19,000 miles. The only option it had was the chrome wheels and a 6-speed. So keep your eyes open for a nice Firehawk, it'll probably show up on autotrader soon. He bought it in 2006 form my dad for $16,000 and thought it would be more money. He ended up buying an 1987 Grand National instead, and selling the bird. Most "FireHawk" owners think they have some special one of a kind car worth $20+grand they are indeed cool, but not worth anymore then a well equipped Transam, unless you find someone who is crazy for a Firehawk. Even at retail I don't think any 4th gen will bring over $15 grand. A CETA might bring another grand or two but thats pushing it. Most of these "mint" firebirds seem to sit on craigslist and autotrader for years.
#7
Prices have dropped on just about all of the collector cars too. Hemi Roadrunners were going cheap compared to where they were 5+ years ago. I sold my basket case 440-6 '70 Superbee for more 15 yrs ago than clean complete Hemi Roadrunners were going for at Barretts this weekend.
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#8
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 32,395
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From: Schiller Park, IL Member: #317
Prices have dropped on just about all of the collector cars too. Hemi Roadrunners were going cheap compared to where they were 5+ years ago. I sold my basket case 440-6 '70 Superbee for more 15 yrs ago than clean complete Hemi Roadrunners were going for at Barretts this weekend.
I agree. I only buy cars for purposes of transportation or as toys/hobbies/recreation, but never as investments; too much risk, and too many better options for that purpose.
#9
Some of us were lucky enough to buy them when these highly sought after cars were 10-12 yr old and we were still in high school (79-81 for me). I picked up the 440-6 pack '70 Superbee in 1980 for $250.00 after it had suffered an under dash electrical fire (that's all that was wrong w/ it)... I bought several low mile 66-67 396 4 speed Chevelles for 2000.00 that I would clean up and sale to my buddies for 500.00 profit just to watch them go out and total them weeks later. I still have my '68 Formula S Notchback Barracuda that I drove in High School. (I bought it for 650.00) I have kept it exactly the way it was in 1979... Its sitting in my driveway next to my Pewter Z28 in the below picture..... On the other hand I have spent lots of $$$'s building cars that I always wanted. The '29 Roadster in the second pic is an all metal car that I built that cost me well over $100,000.00 and no way I could sell it for close to that
#12
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Schiller Park, IL Member: #317
Pewter isn't a vibrant color and personally I find the goldish-sandy hue to be undesirable (Sport Gold Metallic is much worse though). I've owned two of these cars in pewter and ended up disliking it both times, but the second time I only settled for it because the car was going to be a daily driver and I new it would be good for hiding dirt.
#13
It is a little bit subdued, but the 4th Gen Firebird is already an attention grabbing car, so tone-ing down the "hey look at me factor" didn't seem like a bad thing to me.
There was a SOM ws6 for sale when I was looking and I realized that was just way to much for my tastes.
To each their own I guess.
There was a SOM ws6 for sale when I was looking and I realized that was just way to much for my tastes.
To each their own I guess.
#16
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 32,395
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From: Schiller Park, IL Member: #317
It's just the sandy/light brownish/goldenish sort of quality about pewter that I dislike. Interestingly enough, my favorite color for these cars, and most cars, is silver. Most people would consider silver to be equally mild, but it lacks the goldish/brownish quality that I dislike so much with pewter.
#17
Silver is my favorite color also... and because the pewter is so close I like it too.
I can't say I agree with you on the camaro though, I like it, but I've always had an eye for the 4th gen Firebird. Just not in a loud color.
I can't say I agree with you on the camaro though, I like it, but I've always had an eye for the 4th gen Firebird. Just not in a loud color.
#18
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 32,395
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From: Schiller Park, IL Member: #317
In the mean time, I picked up an '02 Z28 in pewter back in 2007 as a daily driver. The color was great at hiding the dirt, but I still didn't like it much. I kept that one until last year when I sold it for a more normal daily driver....in silver.
It's just a matter of personal preference. I know many people prefer the Trans Am (especially the WS6) because it's styling is much louder/busier and more in-your-face than the more understated styling of Camaro (and even Formula). My opinion is generally in the minority, but after having had both I'm quite certain that I prefer Camaro. Having said that, I would probably have kept the '00 WS6 I owned had it been a WS6 Formula. I could definitely see myself buying some sort of Formula at some point (I've already had a 3rd gen Formula), should the right one come along at the right time.
#19
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 6,170
Likes: 219
From: Wichita KS / Rancho San Diego
Yep, Pewter is one of my favorites on WS6's. Tones down the aggressiveness and is just a super attractive color on that body style. Both my brother and a best buddy have Pewter WS6's and I love them. Don't think mud/brown ... think champagne! There's a lot of metal flake in it and the color really sparkles.