The value of normal cars isnt going up as fast as the high powered cars, like HEMI, BOSS, SUPER DUTY, RAM AIR, HO, etc. The value of a 289 2v automatic coupe will be roughly the same if it has a 5.0 in it or the orignial 289. It wasnt a high profile very desireable combination, a K code is desireable and rare. Not many were built compared to 289 2V autos.

I have a 70 GTO, it was a 400 3 speed low option car. Kinda rare but nothing amazing, just a dealer putting a cheap GTO on the lot. It didnt have the original engine when I got it anyway, so now its a 455 2004R urged cruiser. Its value is about the same as if it had the original 400 and 3 speed in it.

On the other hand my 72 Formula is one of 276 built with the 455 HO, one of six with automatic trans and AC, and the only one of those six with no factory paint code. Now the 455 HO makes it desireable, the paint code just makes it interesting and unique. The entire value of the car is wrapped up in the engine and it does match the car. These cars lose value very quickly without the original engine in them, but they are still very desireable and valuable without it. Basket case 71-72 HO cars go for around $20k, a cowl section and numbers matching drivetrain that was rusted stuck from a 72 Trans Am sold on Ebay last year for $10k, the rest of the car was gone. A cowl, subframe, fenders, engine and trans. That was it.

My 71 fastback on the other hand, completely restored down to chalk marks and overspray with original type tires wont bring as much as my rusted and black primer 72 Formula. About $15k is the max I can get for it completely restored. The resto would cost alot more than that to get to that point.

Desireability of the car is what drives the price up. Having a very common car wont drive the price up as much as one with a factory 428CJ in it.

Additionally. Look at the pre war cars. A stock restored 32 Ford roadster or coupe will not bring the same amount of money as a street rod. The modified cars hold more value than the stock restorations. More people want them is why. That trend is starting into the muscle cars, guys like Foose, Barry White, and the like are building modified musclecars that bring alot more than a stock one would, and very little if anything is numbers matching.

So who you want to sell it to makes a difference too. Do you want to roll around with 40 year old brakes, tires, and interior? Would you rather have it run closer to a new car with all the bells and whistles like GPS navigation and EFI reliability? Most of us are right between those two extremes. Decent power, nice wheels and tires, and disc brakes in a near stock looking package. If it was an option that year, like discs, then its not really a restomod. its not a nut and bolt chalk mark resto either, its just an old car that stops better.

It depends on the car, what engine and options it had, who you are going to sell it to, and how much they can or are willing to pay for it that decides a vehicles value. Just go enjoy it if it has a roller cammed 5.0 in it, they are fun to drive.

 

Thumpin455;
Now I know where the name comes from. Mywife is in to Pontiacs. She has a 77 T/A t-top 400/400 posi and a 72 T/A 455 car with a 400/400 posi. The 77 we got for $2500 and the 72 we got for $1000. The 77 is going to be painted black and gold. (Bandit) The 72 is going to stay white with the blue stripe. Your Formula is like the one on Corvette Summer. If you haven't seen the movie check it out.

 

Yeah I saw it years ago. I have a few Firebirds, most are Formulas. and the other 3 are Trans Ams, including a 10th Anniversary. Last count was 9 of them total, only one isnt a 2nd gen, its a 98 Formula 4th gen with the LS1, auto and 2.73 gears. Its my economy car.

I have too much stuff sitting around, and aside from the GTOs, the 72 Formy mentioned above, and the 10th Anniversary TA, they are all just run of the mill stuff. Cool cars for sure, but only those three are actually collectible.

My 'race car' is a 79 Formula with a Jim Butler 467ci stroked 400 with 330cfm E heads and a 270/272@.050 solid roller, topped with a 1050 Dominator on a Victor intake. Its a fun toy for sure.

Then I have all the Fords sittin around and a bunch of trucks. Only the Annversary TA and the 72 Formy are numbers matching, the rest are typical of early non K code/Shelby Mustangs, just something to have fun with.