914 parts investment potential?, Time to stash parts? Options

[JeffBowlsby]

I acquired my 1974 2.0L in September 1998. I have just maintained it in good order, sorted most of its quirks and enjoyed driving it. Its a really fun car as you know, even in stock form. It has appreciated probably 15-20% if you dont include regular maintenance costs - tires, batteries etc. Beats the money market...lately anyway.

In that time I have also been mystified at how certain prices have gone into the stratosphere, while otheres have just climbed following ‘normal’ escalation. For instance certain parts I bought just a couple years ago have doubled, tripled and more in just a couple years time. Has anyone else noticed this too? Got more examples? Makes me want to stockpile certain parts and then sell them in a couple years to help pay for this ‘hobby’. For instance:

2-3 years ago Now
Front turn signal lenses $20/pr $60/pr
Rear USA lenses $55 each stratosphere
Synchros $23 each $80 each
Front windshield rubber $120 stratosphere
NEW MPS $250 $750
Silver engine grille letters $45 $80
New dashcap $350 $600

For instance I think other parts may do this too soon:

OEM 2.0L Fuch center caps
F/R bumper tops
OEM dashcaps
Engine tin rubber
Euro lenses

[kdfoust]

The MPS is the example of why you have to be selective about what you stockpile. As Anthony points out, technology changes and mutates actually obsoleting parts with superior versions. The stuff that's worth stocking is the stuff that is not going to easily be replaced by new technology: tail light lenses, visors, mirrors, steering wheels, various handles and levers, you get the idea. I base this on experiences with other old cars. Perfect tail light lenses for a 40 year old (desirable) car fetch pretty stout money.

I was in a nameless shithole, I mean shop, that has a backroom upstairs full of greasy rusty crap. Literally piles of old cables, piles of struts, piles of junk. What's it all worth? Whatever the scrap man is paying for steel this week if you're lucky.

So somehow you've gotta seperate what's worth keeping from crap. I do keep every OE piece from my car when I upgrade things, box it and put it in storage. Not for an investment but just in case I decide to go back to stock.

Have fun,
Kevin