Very large assortment of 2nd Gen TA's going through the B-J auction in Arizona
https://www.barrett-jackson.com/Even...024/01-28-2024

Wow, the responses are exactly what I was hoping they would be. Tons of knowledge and insight offered. Thanks.

I'm on bring a trailer, hemmings auction, and various other sites daily. I have been watching them long enough to know a good deal when I see one. I'm thinking I should consider 68-70 GTO'S and 71-75 Formula's/TA's and get the best one for the money. I'm flexible on options, colors, wheels etc.. I would try to get a 4 speed tho. I prefer mostly stock appearance.

If I could have more than one, I do like the Grand Prixs or 69 Catalina.

In my opinion, a 65-66 2+2 is a great option. They drive well, have plenty of room and are a great looking car to boot.

James Q

In the end get the car YOU want and don't worry about what it is worth in 10 years. You only live once. Most of these older (1967 and earlier) cars as much as we may love them are just not going to have buyers for them in a decade - big cars, Catalinas Grand Prix etc. Even GTO's have not kept up with inflation and the car market in general the past decade. Not going to get better in another decade.

I'd look for a 78-81 Trans Am, with a 455 and a driver quality paint job and just drive it and enjoy it as much as possible.. The remainder of the budget would sit in my bankaccount for when I need it for retirement or another Pontiac.

I was watching a couple past barrett jackson auctions held end of 23' today. Looked like 40k will still get you a pretty nice car. Base GTO, firebird / formula/ TAs. I don't want to be afraid to drive one that's too nice.

"Nothing that will age out in that time. So earlier than 1967 Pontiacs really not that great to buy. They have been stagnant in value for years and going lower for the most part. And I love early 1960s Catalinas and 1964-1965 GTOs, but in anything under $50k today not seeing much love. Will only be worse in a decade as they are already not trending with todays under 40 buyer.

Later 2nd gen Trans Ams in that price point would be the most car you can get I feel that will remain relevant in a decade"

Sad, but true. I wonder what will happen to all the cool early to mid 60's large body cars?

2009 G8 GXP. FAST with 6 speed, great handles great, comfortable on long trips, and is becoming a cult/collectable car as the last high performance Pontiac.

If I was to get another Pontiac it would be a 66 2+2 with the 421, 4 speed, bucket seats, console, plus the 8 lug wheels. And I might have found one.

Another ‘72 GP, but with a 455 this time.

There's a black 79 TA here locally with the 403, one owner, garaged, less than 30k original miles that might be in your price range.
But you'll have to fight me for it.

There are so many great Pontiacs to choose from it makes for a tough decision but as some have suggested get the one you want. I think a lot of us gravitate toward the model that first drew us to the Pontiac brand. In my case it was a plain jane 1965 GTO that my brother bought used. That car was the 'hook' that got me started. It was preceded by an event from 2 years earlier when I was at my high school and a guy pulled up at our gym where we were shooting some hoops. It was a 1965 GTO with the 389 tri-power and 4-speed. I had never seen such a beautiful sight under the hood of a car.

Sorry...just virtually window shopping on yer behalf...lol

https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/ODUzWDEyO...7.JPG?set_id=2

https://www.ebay.com/itm/16656335674...%7C1000%7C2500

I saw this one too as well as the rest gateway has at all their locations. Gut feeling is that they,like most the others, shine them up, hide what they can and overprice them. Just my opinion based on nothing factual.

I got the "Boss" to agree with my plan to buy a nice car tho. Easier than I expected. She can see I'm not getting any younger I guess.

I would like to buy one from an individual. Preferably a car enthusiast who is just ready to send their baby on down to the next care taker.

Hard to go wrong with any 1964 - 1966 Tri-Power stick shift GTO that’s in nice driver condition in the 40 to 50K range and not expect it would at least hold its value.

Spending a little more than 50K could secure a bit higher quality car.

Convertible would be my choice.

Modified cars not so much, something stock with maybe different wheels that could be jettisoned for something original.

Some kind of factory paint color, preferably original to the car but not entirely necessary and certainly not some funky one-off paint color.

A black ‘66 survivor hardtop sold at Barrett-Jackson last Wednesday for $45K. I have owned my ‘65 4-speed convertible for 23 years. I doubt you would find one for under $50K.

A lot of people want the car they had or "could have had" in High School. Figure what generation that will be, and will have the disposable income to be buyers when you assume you will sell your car. Target your year range based on that. IMO model t, pre war, and 50's car enthusiasts are aged out and sellers, not buyers.

Personally I don't think of cars as an investment to make money. I love cars to enjoy driving them, working on them, modifying them and sharing with friends. I don't buy a car to sell it I buy it for me to enjoy.

Hey Tim, Me too. I've never purchased a car for investment purposes. All my purchases have been because I liked and wanted the car. I've also never purchased a 40-50k car before. As a side note in my OP I mentioned buying a car keeping 8-10 yrs or so and being able to sell for what I bought or even more. Just a goal since I'm using 6-7% of my retirement money to purchase. Everyone's situation is different. I'm not sure how old or healthy you are, but I had a serious medical diagnosis 3 yrs ago and just turned 60. Things like that will affect your views on most everything. Trust me.

I started this thread basically to share my prospective to other members that might be in a similar situation. The situation of having money in the bank that they may never need and kicking the bucket never having had a finished car. To me that would suck.

Currently considering a 78 TA 4sp 42k miles 220 hp, original sheet metal, engine never been out of car w/ all the bells and whistles minus t tops. 50ish range.

I can relate... I'm in the same situation and 5 years older.