Reply to "Pricey GT5-S"

I don't have a crystal ball, but I will not be surprised in the least to see this car re-appear in the near future with a listing note about the buyer "failing to come up with the funds" or similar. If that was a perfectly original, unmodified and low mileage car, I would still think a sale price of $200K was beyond the realm of reason. But with non-original headers, wheels, seats and a host of other changes, it falls far short (in my humble opinion) of an "investor-class" Pantera. I myself passed on this car 5 years ago when it could have been had for $65K which was then a high price. (and yes, I have a smidgen of regret)

I think once a single car sells for a staggering price, everyone ignores the specific context and thinks a new "average" has been set. The red car in England was by all accounts a truly superb example — one of a small handful of original RHD cars. Very original, immaculate, exceptionally-well maintained and well known in the Euro De Tomaso community. There were clearly at least two people who REALLY wanted THAT car and one paid well for the privilege of being the new owner.

While I'm not saying it hasn't happened yet, I personally do not know of a single other GT5-S ACTUALLY selling for more than $150K anywhere else (Pavesi Targas excepted). I follow this market very closely because there is an empty spot in my life that "needs" to be filled by a 5-S, but won't be anytime soon at these prices.

Mark