Renaults Show
Long-Term Growth
Those fabulous Renaults of the eighties are showing great long-term investment potential. Only a few years ago, all Renault models had a single US bluebook value of $50. Now, some buyer's guides are differentiating individual models, and show top-of-the-line Renaults as high as $400. This represents an 700% increase in value!

Viva Fuego

The real jewel of investment-grade Renaults is the fully-loaded Turbo Fuego. A recent Hemmings Motor News advertiser was asking $850 for a Turbo Fuego with all luxury options!!! These models are scarce and represent Renault's best effort in the high-performance sports class. Pristine examples are being snatched up and hoarded by collectors. Parts cars are always in demand for those with delusions of transportation.

Calling All Le Cars

Some Le Cars have recently been fetching upwards of $100 on the used car market - of course these exorbitant prices are reserved for those rare, running examples. Lesser quality Le Cars are also being bought for circus use. Word from The Big Top is that Crosleys are being phased out and the new automobile of choice for "clown stuffing" is the Le Car. I'm very bullish on the R5/Le Car, and must advise to buy!

AMC Pacer
Demand Plummets

Well, it had to happen eventually. Pacermania is officially over. The news from Hollywood is that there will not be a Wayne's World 3 movie and so there is no recovery in sight for the AMC Pacer.

Pacer prices skyrocketed after the release of the original Wayne's World movie and showed a resurgence after Wayne's World 2 - but the end of this movie series is sure to spell the end of AMC Pacer as a viable commodity.

These cars are no longer considered hip and will soon see duty only among nonconformist Junior High School art teachers. Sell your Pacers now!!

SML Hot Tip:
Cimarron 4-Speed

The much-maligned Cimarron now has many shitbox lovers thinking Cadillac. After the demise of the Cadillac Diesel, Cimarron came on the scene in 1982 to fill a much needed gap in the US car market - overpriced, unreliable economy, under a luxury marque.

Low End Means High Yield

When thinking Cimarron, look for those base models - in particular seek out a 4-cylinder, 4-speed example without leather, power windows or air. Although the newest Cimarrons have book values as high as $1000, the deductions for a 4-cylinder engine and standard transmission will bring an '86 Cimarron down to less than $500. They're giving away the early editions!

4-play

I predict a bright future for the 4-speed Cimarron. The low production numbers make it eminently collectible, the buy-price deductions on stripped stock knocks over 50% off the purchase price, and they have the invaluable capability to be push-started! If you can find a 4-speed Cimarron - buy it!!

Biturbo Means
Big Trouble

If you believe owning a Maserati Biturbo is going to do something for your image, I suggest your image would be more rationally enhanced if you start sporting a Nehru straightjacket. These cars are a cruel italianophile joke gone bad. They are meant not to be driven.

Bad Time

Since the term automobile implies self-propulsion, I cannot refer to the Biturbo as such - rather it is a clock, garishly surrounded by pigskin. If you really like to waste money, go for the spyder (at four times coupe price) and you won't even be assured of keeping your clock dry.

Buy Low, Sell Parts

Do not make the mistake of buying a Biturbo with intent to drive! The Maserati factory has finally gotten wise and is now selling den chairs made from Biturbo seats. Every car is a parts car. If you can find a running example (without fire damage) for under $1000, it could be worthwhile selling à la carte.


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The Shitbox Market Letter

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