Classic, Collectible or Well Maintained?

[Hi-Po]

Before I get into the reason for my posted question, I need to give you some background.  I have not had to purchase or sell a vehicle in over 25 years.  But the time has come, due to age and health reasons, that I need to off load at least one of my three cars.  Sadly, I am looking at selling my 1996 Thunderbird LX and I am not sure how I should list it.  This is a car that I ordered and took deliver in Nov 1995.  For the first couple of years it was a daily driver.  Then I bought a second car so that I could keep the miles down on the T-Bird (odometer presently reads 73K).  It has never been in an accident - clean title - and the paint, glass, and interior are in excellent condition.  The car will be 30 years old this November.

Now to my question.  If this were your vehicle and you were selling it, how would you describe it?  Is it a classic or maybe a collectible or just well maintained.  Another reason for my question is that I plan on selling the vehicle privately and not use it as a trade in.

Any help is appreciated.  Thank you.

[TonyK]

I wouldn't call it a classic or a collectible. I'd focus on the "well maintained" part of it as you should be proud of what you've done all these years to keep it in good shape. The person interested can decide for themselves if they consider it a classic or collectible but the fact the car is in excellent shape ought to impress the buyer.

It's been a long time since I tried to sell a car but I still remember the characters you end up dealing with. Some try to find fault with everything and others might be respectful of you and the car.

Good luck.

[JollySipper]

Sounds like a really nice car............ Would you happen to have any pics? I really like these cars.........    

Edited May 2 by JollySipper

[Hi-Po]

PM sent to JollySipper.

[stavanzer]

I'd go with "Well Maintained, Collectible" although 25+ years is technically a "Classic".

Those T-birds are now generating some interest from Collectors so you may get some bites from them.

Good Luck with your car.

[bobss396]

How about calling it a survivor?

[NOBLNG]

If you’re not in a hurry to sell it….I’d call it a well maintained collectible classic. That may scare off low-ballers and tire kickers. 

[Mike 1017]

One owner since new, all original, well maintained

[Hi-Po]

I want to say Thank You to everyone who replied to my post.  Your input is much appreciated and very helpful.  Thanks again to all.

[Ace-Garageguy]

On 5/4/2025 at 11:25 AM, Mike 1017 said:

One owner since new, all original, well maintained

Yup, that would be the way I'd describe it.

And don't be afraid to ask real money for it.

A genuine one-owner low-mileage creampuff is worth WAY more than something that's had a hard life, several owners, and who knows what kind of flipper-chimp "restoration" done to it.

Edited May 6 by Ace-Garageguy

[johnyrotten]

I'll "second" what Bill said above. What you have is what I call an "honest car". Provable history and hiding no "sins". 

[slusher]

I would say, Bought new, well maintained,all original, must see to appreciate.

[iamsuperdan]

I would look into selling on Bring A Trailer.

That site is geared towards cars like yours.

And you can dictate the terms of the sale. ie, you can specify that the buyer is responsible for picking up the car. 

Just do an inspection, fully detail it, and take a couple of hundred pics of every aspect of the car.

 

Like this: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1997-ford-thunderbird-12/

 

 

[Hi-Po]

Thank you iamsuperdan.  The link that you included in your post is very helpful and informative.  Seeing what that T-Bird sold for and the condition and history of it, I feel justified in my asking price of $7200 for mine.  Thanks again for the info.

[slusher]

23 hours ago, iamsuperdan said:

I would look into selling on Bring A Trailer.

That site is geared towards cars like yours.

And you can dictate the terms of the sale. ie, you can specify that the buyer is responsible for picking up the car. 

Just do an inspection, fully detail it, and take a couple of hundred pics of every aspect of the car.

 

Like this: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1997-ford-thunderbird-12/

 

 

That’s a beautiful bird!