Quote:
Originally Posted by johnr265
Obviously, the guys in that blog just don't "get it". This is a car that for most people, just doesn't make sense on paper. Unless you are a track rat (I am), much of that detail of the blood, sweat, and tears GM put into the cars is meaningless. However, you don't need to appreciate the statistics or the technology to get behind the wheel and feel how immediately special the car is. I think the price tag does put a lot of people off who would consider it a bargain if they only drove it. Initially, I was one of those people.
I remember the first time I read an article about the Z/28. In my head, I immediately said, nah, not interested. Then a track guy whom I really respected did a review of the car and highlighted what it really was (some of the best technology available for the price and actually quite a bargain, even at 75k) and I began to think about it as a real option. For anyone who has ever built a track car, the formula goes like this. Buy a 30k car (yup, so far so good). Then add 40K in upgrades. End up with a great track car (maybe if you have a good shop helping you). Then when you are ready to sell, it is worth, wait for it.... about 30k.
Here, you get the factory engineers and their expertise creating the ultimate package with a factory warranty, and yes, charging appropriately for it. Then, at least resale starts with depreciation from 75k, not trying to add value to a 30k car. I have driven and owned some pretty nice cars (many over 6 figures). This car is as special as any of them. The grin it puts on my face is absolutely priceless. I actually think over time, this car will be worth the SAME or more than the Z06 which won't be made in limited numbers. Despite the Z06 actually being faster, it just doesn't have that special, one off mystique and rawness that the Z/28 has. Consider Porsche GT3 prices vs 911 Turbo prices. The GT3 easily holds it's value better even though the turbo is in essence, a faster car.
I will own other great cars but I intend to hold onto this car for a while. It is the embodiment of the ultimate car guys car. Period. There will be faster. There will be lighter. There will be better interiors. But arguably, there may not be any more special than what this car represents and I do believe some day, people will look back and whine, "man, I remember when I could've gotten that car at 75k. They were just sitting at dealer lots."
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John - Perfectly summed up!
Like you, I have been lucky enough to own a variety of nice cars over the years, ranging from Lotus, Porsche 911, Audi R8, Cobra's and other American muscle. The Z/28 is one very special car and the effort the GM engineer's put into it and the result is frankly amazing. To get in and drive it is very special. It is hardcore and I accept that is a car that you either get it or you don't.
To a lot of folk it is just an exhorbitantly priced Camaro with a poor level of equipment who ask the question "why did you blow $70k on that when you could have had a ZL1....Z06....Hellcat.....M3 etc etc for a similar price or less?"
For me the answer is simple in that I had no interest in any of the aforementioned excellent cars as I wanted something hardcore that I could track but use daily as well and the Z/28 is an absolute bargain compared to a new GTR or 911 GT3.
Andy