TMCP #631: Ask Rick – The Year In Reivew and the Year to Come: Restoration Parts Prices, Online Auctions, and Great Cars for Investment!
About this episode
Rick Schmidt joins to reflect on 2025 and forecast 2026, discussing the impact of tariffs on restoration parts prices and the evolving landscape of electric vehicles. He shares insights on the muscle car market, comparing box body Mustangs and third-gen Camaros, while also addressing online auction trends. The episode includes a holiday-themed car pick segment, where Rick evaluates three classic cars for their investment potential. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on market trends and practical advice for car enthusiasts looking to invest wisely.
In this Christmas edition of Ask Rick, we sit down with Rick Schmidt to talk holiday traditions, family time, and how he celebrates the biggest day of the year. Rick shares what Christmas looks like in the Schmidt household—good food, classic movies, and quality time with the people who matter most. As we wrap up 2025, it’s the perfect moment to slow down, reflect, and appreciate another great year in the world of Muscle Cars.
Rick also gives his year-end perspective on the shifting automotive landscape, from the sharp rise in restoration part prices to the evolving future of EVs, hybrids, and traditional fuels. He weighs in on the booming online auction scene and whether the growing number of platforms is helping or hurting sellers. It’s a thoughtful, honest look at where the hobby is heading as we roll into 2026—one that every enthusiast will want to hear.
The post TMCP #631: Ask Rick – The Year In Reivew and the Year to Come: Restoration Parts Prices, Online Auctions, and Great Cars for Investment! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.
Pontiac Firebirds
"...Box body, Mustangs versus third gen Camaros and Firebirds."
The Pontiac Firebird is a classic sports car that was made for many years. It’s known for being fast and has a unique look, making it popular among car enthusiasts.
The Pontiac Firebird is a classic American muscle car that was produced from 1967 to 2002. It is known for its performance and distinctive styling, often associated with the 'Trans Am' variant.
Chevrolet Camaros
"... really want. Box body, Mustangs versus third gen Camaros and Firebirds. The best looking car I've ever own..."
Ford Mustangs
"... look at the deep dive you really want. Box body, Mustangs versus third gen Camaros and Firebirds. The best ..."
Porsche 944
"...s put away, the Chevelle's put away, and Dallas's 944 put away. On his car, though, I pulled the gauges..."
radio
"...I pulled the gauges out and I pulled the radio out because they both need refurb..."
The radio is the part of the car that lets you listen to music or the news. It can play different types of signals like AM and FM.
The radio in a car is used for playing music and receiving radio broadcasts. It can include features like AM/FM bands, Bluetooth connectivity, and more.
speedometer
"...the original speedo stopped sweeping. I tested it with our backup set. I verified it was indeed the speedo."
A speedometer tells you how fast your car is moving. It's the dial on your dashboard that shows your speed in miles per hour (MPH) or kilometers per hour (KPH).
A speedometer is a gauge that measures and displays the speed of a vehicle. It is a crucial instrument for drivers to know how fast they are going while driving.
water pump
"Got a water pump, timing belt, shock struts, brakes."
The water pump helps keep the engine cool by moving coolant around. If it fails, the engine can overheat.
A water pump is a crucial component in a vehicle's cooling system. It circulates coolant through the engine and radiator to maintain optimal operating temperatures.
brakes
"Got a water pump, timing belt, shock struts, brakes."
Brakes are what help a car slow down or stop when you press the pedal. They're very important for safety.
Brakes are essential components of a vehicle that allow it to slow down or stop. They work by applying friction to the wheels.
timing belt
"Got a water pump, timing belt, shock struts, brakes."
The timing belt keeps the engine parts moving in sync. If it breaks, the engine can get damaged.
The timing belt is an essential part of an engine that synchronizes the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft. It ensures that the engine's valves open and close at the correct times.
Karmann Ghia
"However, for the Carmen Gia, I don't have the option to keep dreaming there. Halfway through the year, something let go."
The Karmann Ghia is a classic Volkswagen car that looks sporty and stylish. It's based on the Beetle but has a unique design.
The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia is a two-door coupe and convertible that was produced from 1955 to 1974. It combines the chassis and mechanical components of the Volkswagen Beetle with a stylish body designed by Ghia.
oil leak
"...I don't have the option to keep dreaming there. Halfway through the year, something let go. It has a massive oil leak."
An oil leak is when oil from the engine leaks out, which can cause problems if not fixed. It's important to keep the engine oil inside the engine to keep it running well.
An oil leak occurs when engine oil escapes from the engine, which can lead to serious engine damage if not addressed. It can be caused by worn seals, gaskets, or other components.
air cooled
"But I'm pretty sure, you know, those push tubes that are on air cooled engines..."
Air-cooled engines don't use water or coolant to keep them from overheating; they rely on air to cool them down. This is often found in older cars.
Air-cooled engines use air to dissipate heat instead of relying on a liquid cooling system. This design is common in certain classic cars, particularly those from brands like Porsche.
numbers matching
"I don't think there's any value in a numbers match and VW air cooled engine, but it's cool to me that we still haven't used that."
'Numbers matching' means that the parts of a car, like the engine, are the same ones that were originally installed when it was made. This can make the car more valuable to collectors.
'Numbers matching' refers to a vehicle's original components, such as the engine and transmission, having serial numbers that match the vehicle's VIN. This is important for collectors as it can significantly increase a car's value.
firewall
"The biggest one is changing up the firewall. When we did that car the first time, there was a lot of rust in there."
The firewall is a wall in a car that keeps the engine area separate from where people sit. It helps keep the cabin cooler and quieter.
The firewall is a crucial component in a vehicle that separates the engine compartment from the passenger cabin. It serves to protect occupants from heat and noise, and also plays a role in structural integrity.
dash
"If you know those cars, the dash from the factory isn't removable. So ours is removable and that was all done for all sorts of custom reasons."
The dash is the part of the car that has all the controls and displays in front of the driver, like the speedometer and radio.
The dash, or dashboard, is the control panel located in front of the driver in a vehicle. It houses various instruments and controls, including the speedometer, fuel gauge, and climate controls.
five speed
"...it needs more motor and it needs a five speed. But those are the two things that would really make it great and a drift brake."
A five-speed is a type of car transmission that has five different gears for the driver to choose from. It helps the car go faster or slower depending on the gear selected.
A five-speed refers to a manual transmission with five gears. This type of transmission allows for better control over the vehicle's speed and power, making it popular among driving enthusiasts.
drift brake
"...it needs a five speed. But those are the two things that would really make it great and a drift brake. Basically, I want to do the things to those two cars that I've always wanted to do."
A drift brake is a special brake that helps drivers make their car slide sideways when turning. It's often used in racing to help control the car during sharp turns.
A drift brake, also known as a handbrake or e-brake, is a device used to lock the rear wheels of a car to initiate or maintain a drift during cornering. It's commonly used in motorsports and drifting to help control the vehicle's rear end.
NASCAR
"...Chevy has a car entered in NASCAR in 2026 that looks like a Camaro, sounds like a..."
NASCAR is a type of car racing that takes place on circular tracks. The cars used in NASCAR look like regular cars but are specially built for racing and go very fast.
NASCAR, or the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, is a popular motorsport organization in the United States known for its stock car racing events. It features cars that are modified versions of production vehicles, competing on oval tracks.
EV
"...whoever's building a good EV and is able to do it at a worthwhile profit will continue to sell them."
EV means electric vehicle, which runs on electricity instead of gas. They're becoming more common because they're better for the environment.
EV stands for electric vehicle, which is a type of vehicle that is powered entirely by electricity rather than gasoline or diesel. This technology is becoming increasingly popular as consumers seek more sustainable transportation options.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
"...I think Ford is OK with their Maki. I've seen more and more of those out."
The Ford Mustang Mach-E is an electric SUV that carries the Mustang name. It's designed to be eco-friendly while still providing good performance and style.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E is an all-electric SUV that combines the iconic Mustang branding with electric vehicle technology. It offers various performance options and has gained popularity in the EV market.
GM
"Ford and GM and a lot of the other major manufacturers saying..."
GM, or General Motors, is a big car company that makes many different types of cars, including electric ones.
General Motors (GM) is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, producing a wide range of vehicles under various brands, including Chevrolet and Cadillac. GM is also focusing on electric vehicle production.
Ford Maverick
"I have a feeling that Ford's little Maverick pickup when that"
The Ford Maverick is a small truck that Ford started making again in 2021. It's popular because it's cheaper and uses less gas than bigger trucks.
The Ford Maverick is a compact pickup truck that was reintroduced by Ford in 2021. It is known for its affordability and fuel efficiency, appealing to a new generation of truck buyers.
Bring a Trailer
"I think I did put in a bid once or twice on bring a trailer."
Bring a Trailer is a website where people can buy and sell cars through online auctions. It's popular for classic and unique cars.
Bring a Trailer is an online auction platform specializing in classic and enthusiast vehicles. It allows users to bid on cars and often features detailed listings with photos and descriptions.
eBay
"I think I've also purchased a vehicle or two and I can't remember what it was on eBay..."
eBay is a website where you can buy and sell almost anything, including cars. You can bid on items or buy them right away.
eBay is an online marketplace where users can buy and sell a wide variety of items, including vehicles. It allows for both auction-style and fixed-price sales.
Fox bodies
"...but the Fox bodies are already..."
'Fox bodies' are a type of Ford Mustang made between 1979 and 1993. They are known for being light and fast, making them favorites for car fans who like to customize or race them.
The term 'Fox bodies' refers to a specific generation of Ford Mustangs produced from 1979 to 1993, known for their lightweight design and performance potential. They are popular among car enthusiasts for modifications and racing.
Chevrolet Firebird
"The third generation F body Camaros and Firebirds have been late to the party..."
The Chevrolet Firebird is another famous sports car that was made around the same time as the Camaro. The third generation refers to the version made from 1982 to 1992, which had a similar style and performance.
The Chevrolet Firebird is a classic American muscle car that was produced alongside the Camaro. The third generation Firebird, produced from 1982 to 1992, shared many components with the Camaro and was known for its sporty performance.
Pontiac Gt Convertible
"And then I moved to an 88 Mustang GT convertible and all of a sudden now that was a run in car"
The Pontiac GTO Convertible is a classic car that was really popular in the 1960s. It's known for being powerful and fun to drive, making it a favorite among car lovers.
The Pontiac GTO Convertible is a classic muscle car that gained popularity in the 1960s and is often credited with starting the muscle car trend. Known for its powerful V8 engine and sporty design, it remains a sought-after vehicle among collectors and enthusiasts.
small block
"...the small block Chevrolet and how those were so cheap and easy..."
A small block is a type of engine made by Chevrolet that is smaller and lighter than other V8 engines, making it easier to use in different cars.
The term 'small block' refers to a family of V8 engines produced by Chevrolet, known for their compact size and versatility, making them popular in various applications.
F bodies
"...that rivalry between the Fox bodies and the F bodies from 1988."
F bodies are a type of car that includes the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird, made from 1982 to 2002. They are known for being sporty and fast, often competing with Mustangs.
'F bodies' refer to the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird models produced from 1982 to 2002. These cars are known for their performance and are often compared to the Ford Mustang, particularly in racing contexts.
Chevrolet Corvette
"because then I moved on to a 93 LP one Corvette six speed and that's what I drag race"
The Chevrolet Corvette is a fast and stylish sports car that many people love. It's famous for its cool looks and strong engine, making it a popular choice for racing and car enthusiasts.
The Chevrolet Corvette is a high-performance sports car known for its distinctive design and powerful engine options. Introduced in 1953, it has become an iconic symbol of American automotive engineering and is often discussed for its racing capabilities and cultural significance.
Buick Grand Nationals
"course, there's the Grand Nationals, but Grand Nationals were for the richer older gu..."
The Buick Grand National is a special version of a Buick car from the 1980s that is known for being very fast. It has a unique black look and is popular among people who love powerful cars.
The Buick Grand National is a performance-oriented version of the Buick Regal, produced in the 1980s, known for its turbocharged V6 engine and blacked-out styling. It has a cult following due to its impressive speed and power, particularly in the context of the muscle car era.
Shelby Cobra
"those continuation. Cobra. Yeah it's the same thing only"
The Shelby Cobra is a famous sports car known for being very fast and exciting to drive. It was made in the 1960s and is still loved by many car fans today.
The Shelby Cobra is a legendary sports car that combines a lightweight chassis with a powerful V8 engine, resulting in exceptional performance. Originally produced in the 1960s, it has become a symbol of American muscle and is highly valued among collectors.
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