Found this thread when I searched Kissimmee, so bringing it back from the dead for curiosity sake.
Maybe I'm wrong, but I pretty much only consider the rarity of a car in engine and color combinations. Transmission can be broken down from there, but not much else matters imo. Now with that said I happen to have some pretty neat, and in most opinions, probably fairly rare vehicles. Also, imo, the color of and/or rarity of tops (convertible, factory painted, mod, gator grain, etc) can, and should factor in the equation. Now here's where it can get tricky, as to what other, if any, outside body additions matter? Wheels, luggage rack, shaker, etc.
Now let's use my cars as examples. Don't worry, you can't hurt my feelings regardless of what's said. This IS the internet, and my cars are not for sale, so actual value is irrelevant. Besides this thread is for what constitutes a rare car, not value.
1. 1993 Mustang Cobra #2161 of 4993 built. I bought it new (I wanted a viper but couldn't swing the entry price) 22,000 original miles, immaculate, vortech supercharged, suspension work, roll bar, and raced a lot. I have something over 200 timeslips. Got invited to the fastest street car in America contest by Car Craft magazine. Mustang guys used to rag on me at shows because I modded a "Cobra." I always smiled and asked them, "Seriously, how much fun is a stock 235 hp car? Then, if they persisted, I could always mention the two Cuda's in my garage built in 1970 and 71 with a lot less production than a fox body mustang. That usually shut 'em up.
So, 1 of 4993 1993 Mustang Cobra's. 1 of 1355 in teal. 1 of 802 with leather. Not that rare, imo.
2. 1970 440-6 Shaker Cuda, console auto, Vit. C, blk int, blk vinyl top, magnums, luggage rack, and no stripe.
1 of 1755 total hardtops. Not that it matters, but something like 1 of 855(?) automatics. Imo, the trans doesn't mean as much in rarity as the shaker, and/or luggage rack. So, let's say I want to make a show sign, what numbers should be used? I, for one enjoy reading production numbers on a sign. I learn from it. Imo, the luggage rack adds no value, but does add to rarity. Make sense? So in conclusion, do you like to see/read about a cars uniqueness, regardless of value?
3. 1971 383 Cuda convertible, 4-speed, Rallye red/blk top/blk int/blk billboards, 14" rallye wheels.
1 of 292 71 Cuda verts. 1 of 128 383's. 1 of 33 4-speeds. Now, to be honest, I would love to know how many came from the factory with Billboards. Everyone that has a 71 puts billboards on them, but, in all reality, I would think that few were actually ordered with that humongous quarter panel decal. All of my cars have broadcast sheets, this one happens to have two.
4. Now let's talk rarity. Is a car that is the only one known in a certain color a true 1 of 1? I have a 1970 FM3 340 4-speed Duster with a black painted top. It is the only "known" V02 optioned moulin rouge Duster. The story is that a dealer ordered this one and another FM3 Duster with automatic, white top, white interior. This is just a story passed down with the car. Not verified that I know of. I saw an eight year old thread last year on FABO where a guy posted that he worked at a dealership in 1970 and remembered a pink/black painted roof Duster being there. I PM'd him and never got a reply.
So in conclusion. What constitutes a 1 of 1 car? Thanks for all opinions.
