So Adam Carolla had Jay Leno on his "CarCast" podcast last week and they were talking about their car collections and which modern cars could become collectible, and Leno said he thought the GEN 1 Prius could become a valuable collectible in the future. He likened it to having a vintage Model T -- a historic car, one that changed the industry. Later in the podcast Adam commented on how it used to be the guys with the biggest engines would get all the girls, but now it's the guys who drive Prius' and Smartcars. I liked that.
I'd hate to be the collector 100 years in the future trying to keep a Gen I Prius in original condition and running. One great thing about collecting early cars is they're simple. Even parts that are no longer available can be re-cast or re-machined. Simple cars made with simple tooling. Modern cars are all molded disposable plastics which would be practically impossible to re-create. Not to mention keeping four vintage 32 bit computers going a hundred years from now (it's difficult enough trying to get an old IBM computer running today, and they're only 40 years old or so).
He has a point. If I had the money, I would be keeping my smart too as it will be a collectible just like the Isetta or the P50.
I would rather have an original Insight. The original Prius just looks ugly in my opinion but if I had the money back then I would still buy one.
I just found/subbed this podcast last night. (I listen to podcasts while I sleep) this morning I awoke to Jay saying the 1st gen is a good pick to collect. Hey, I just cleaned up my little first gen yesterday real good! YEAH JAY!! Funny on the first day of listening to it, I get THAT! Oh, Adam is not that great, either. At least first impressions. I subscribe to AutoLine, and they are good. Various AutoLine podcasts out there.
Leno listed the first Taurus SHO, the 1st (USA) gen Prius and The first Insight. So, you guys are cool with one another. Listen to the podcast.
Yes, you will need to have access to Jay Leno's classic car budget, if you want to keep the Classic Prius running more than 20 years from now...
Ever visit DEC's Computer Museum? I did and vowed never to go into that dark nightmare, a medieval collection of horrors that included systems that I'd once worked on. Sorry, but not just no, H*LL NO! You know why I like recycling? ... It converts the old and wretched into something usable ... and the foundation for the future. Bob Wilson
You're probably right, although many people would be more reluctant to put a car out to pasture than yesterday's computer. As it is, our 2002's are the most reliable cars we've ever owned, and we're still happily driving them. Since they've been so good to us, there's a certain temptation in trying to keep our babies going 'forever'.
