Boomer Generation Dream Cars
Automobiles have played a major role in the lives of those born from 1946-1963. And with the majority of baby boomers becoming young adults in the 60s and 70s, they were very impressionable during the golden age of performance cars.
To get a taste of Boomer “Dream Cars,” CNBC.com asked Steve Davis, collectable car expert and president of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company, to give his take on the most sought-after classic cars of the generation. According to him, “baby boomers are reliving their youth and playing a major role in the collector car market.”
So, what are the most iconic models for the boomer generation? Click ahead see Davis’ picks!
Produced By Tonya Alexander
Posted 5 March 2010
1970 Oldsmobile 442 W30
Sold at 2010 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction for $159,500
A rarer, pricier muscle car than its sibling, the Chevelle, the Olds 442 offered an elegant but powerful alternative for horsepower junkies with deep pockets.
1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback
Sold at 2007 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction for 489,500
The Boss was considered by many as the king of the pony car era. Collectors today agree that the big block, NASCAR inspired Mustang is still “boss.”
1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/435 Convertible
Sold at 2007 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction for $264,000
Every generation since this iconic sports car hit the road in 1953 has its favorite Corvette. The 427 c.i.d./435 hp combination in a roadster was one of the premier Corvettes produced in the 1960s.
1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 Coupe
Sold at 2010 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction for $134,200
1969 is the most desirable model year for the famed Camaro. With specs inspired by Camaros on race tracks and drag strips in the late ‘60s, the Z/28 was the epitome of power and speed.
1969 Pontiac GTO Judge 2-door Hardtop
Sold at 2008 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction for $95,700
Introduced in 1964, it was considered the first modern muscle car. The GTO was even immortalized in song in 1964 by Ronny and the Daytonas.
1971 Plymouth HEMI ‘Cuda 2-door Hardtop
Sold at 2007 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction for $517,000
The HEMI was the powertrain of the performance car era. The rumble of a real HEMI motor, especially when tucked inside the easily recognizable ‘Cuda body, is music to a boomer collector’s ears.
1966 Shelby GT350 Fastback
Sold at 2010 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction for $214,500
The name Shelby is synonymous with performance, especially to those learning to drive in the 1960s. The GT350 was born when Ford asked former racer and team owner Carroll Shelby to turn its Mustang into race winner. The rest is history.
1963 Shelby Cobra Roadster
Sold at 2010 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction for $401,500
Though sold in low numbers for a short period of time, the Cobra was and still is the ultimate American sports car. It captured America’s first FIA sports car racing championship. Much like Ferraris and Aston Martins, it is sought after by collectors from all generations.
1967 Jaguar XKE Series 1 4.2 Liter Roadster
Sold at 2008 Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach auction for $146,300
Sleek, fast and sexy, the XKE is still one of the most visually appealing roadsters ever to come out of Europe.
1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mark III BJ8 Phase II Sports Convertible
Sold at 2009 Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach auction for 128,700
Demand for Austin-Healeys continues to grow because they are fun to drive and are more accessible than a classic Jaguar or Aston Martin.
Tom Brokaw Reports: Boomer$!
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