Thread: Show Car or Driver?

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Originally Posted by 35WINDOW

Guys,
Where is the line that determines Show Queen from really nice Driver? ... I think all of us look for recognition after all the Hours/Money/Sweat we put into them. ....what constitutes a Driver vs. Show Queen?

This is an intersting discussion. How much of an investment is considered a high dollar "show queen" anyway. I hear some guys comment (brag) about how little their cars cost them to build and they are the first who are dissapointed when they don't get a trophy, then rag on the High Dollar Trailer Queens that do win. I have overheard several times how someone just "bought" the trophy.
After 40 years of car fever, I find it is not hard at all to get a lot of money tied up in any kind of car. $15,000 for the initial cost of a good glass body and even more for a good steel body, whether it be a 32 ford or a 69 Camaro. Even if you build your own chassis you will have $10-15,000 if you use NEW parts. (we are talking street rod here and not rat rod, right?) $10,000+ for engine and drivetrain, $10,000+ for interior. $20-30,000 for good body work and paint.
So far that adds up to between $60 -$80,000. AND, you can add a bunch more if you want chrome or billet. I mean, look at the cost of a set of big wheels and tires alone.
I, like most of you, did practically everything myself, except for the paint, and I still have $65,000 in receipts. That does not count my labor by the way. Before you go on about how I must have money in order to do that I want you to know that I don't. I am just the average, Club Hot Rod, working guy. The spending of that much was pure happenstance. I got into a situation that turned in to a build or bust, either spend the money and do it right or take a loss. I bet most of you know the feeling don't you? I have a friend that always wanted to build a one off sports car. He spent $60,000 on his "baby" that has sat half finished in a barn for the last several years. He got in so far and decided he couldn't afford to finish it. There are probably thousand of stories just like that out there.
At the cost of mine, I really don't consider it to be a high dollar show car. I do drive mine, but not without the occasional wince. I think it is just what it costs to build a "nice" car these days. I bet there are a whole bunch of guys on this forum with that much and more money spent (I was going to say invested?) on their cars. Will we ever get our money out of them? Probably not, but who knows. We don't necessarily build them for resale.
The point is that it is not realistic to compare the price of our toys. Nor start putting labels on the either. they are what they are.
John

Originally Posted by 41willys

Before you go on about how I must have money in order to do that I want you to know that I don't. I am just the average, Club Hot Rod, working guy.

John

Me too-doesn't it make you wonder how many of us forego some "fun" in order to finance our builds? I'm going to be in the range of money that you are spending too (when done), and there are times I do make a decision-do I want that latest Gadget, or maybe that will buy that Flaming River Stainless column I want? I refuse to owe money on this-it will be 100% paid for when done-