If you know anything about collector cars, you know that auction prices have been going through the roof for fine quality original or restored collector cars, special interest cars and hot rods. Some people attribute this to the large number of affluent “baby boomers,” who are seeking to relive their youthful automotive dreams. Others see the collectibles market as a safe investment opportunity which will allow you the play with your toys while seeing them appreciate. It’s the old “supply and demand” curves from economics 101. The supply is shrinking and the demand is growing daily for desirable collector cars.

If you can only find that rare car that you always wanted, you had better buy it now before you are priced out of the market.

Another factor in the equation is that today, financing and insurance are easily obtained for these vehicles. Many people are taping into the increased value of their home or other real estate to pay cash for the collectible car of their dreams.

Rohrer’s Select Cars is a good example of a reputable dealer of collectible cars that has recently expanded to meet the market demand for quality collector cars. Don Rohrer entered the used car business some forty years ago when he bought 50 cars for $10,000 and started his own business in downtown Spokane, Washington. From the very beginning Don had an eye for the exceptional cars that would appeal to young people such as the airmen coming to town from Fairchild Air Force Base.

A few years later he purchased his own building on North Division street, added a glass showroom, and became widely known as the source in this area for collector cars. Don’s interests covered the automotive spectrum from pristine Model T Fords to late model Corvettes and foreign sports cars. Although his building was limited in space, the rolling stock was always meticulously detailed and worth a special trip just to gawk through the windows.

Today, Rohrer’s Select Cars has acquired a large downtown building that years ago housed the Stoddard-Wendle Ford Dealership. The building has been extensively remodeled into a huge 13,000 sq. ft. showroom. Don’s rolling stock of street rods, classic cars, collector cars and automobile memorabilia will leave your head spinning and adrenaline pumping. Everything in the store is for sale, including the vintage advertising displays, period signage and hard-to-find accessories.

The business is owned by Don and his daughter Nicole Morse. Over the past thirty years or so, I and my brother have purchase from and sold several cars to Don. We know that his business is one that has the highest integrity and reputation for fair dealing.

Today, a major part of Rohrer’s Select Car business comes from the World Wide Web. Their web site http://www.rohrersselectcars.com is the basis for serving the national market. But, if you are lucky enough to live in the Spokane area, you know that Don Rohrer’ showroom is the place to see a free car show, trade stories and get up to date on what’s happening in the collector car market.

1934 Ford Roadster with a 327 4 speed manual, Hurst shifter, 3 gauge dash, bucket seats with working rumble seat, black with black interior, and chrome running gear. $49,999.00

1958 Chevrolet Impala. Two Door Hard Top, 348 Cubic Inch Motor, Power Glide Automatic Transmission, Power Steering, All Original Interior, New Arctic White Paint, (Base Coat Clear Coat) 1st Year Impala, 1st Year For 348, Only 63,000 Original Miles on the Car. $35,500.00

1935 Chevy 3 Window Coupe, 235 Straight 6, 350 Turbo Automatic, Aluminum Radiator, Dual Exhaust, Nova Rear End, Front Disc Brakes, Chrome Wire Wheels. $30,900.00

1989 Cadillac Allante, 4.5 Liter V-8, Automatic Transmission, Power Steering, Power Brakes, Power Door Locks, Power Windows, Power Seats, Power Mirrors,AM/FM Cassette Player, Tilt Steering Wheel, Cruise, Air Conditioning, Manual Black Top, Original 95,000 Miles, Car Drives and Runs Wonderful. $14,900.00

At this time, this beautiful little 34 Ford Three Window Coupe is not for sale.

1967 Chevrolet Nova Original California Car, Butter Nut Yellow, rebuilt 327 Engine,202 Fuelie Heads. Edelbrock Performer Manifold. GM 4 bbl. Q-Jet Carb., electronic ignition, bowtie rams horn manifolds with flowmaster dual exhaust, turbo 350 transmission with shift kit, 3:55 Posi rears, power steering, front disc brakes, Chrome Rally Wheels. Original RUST FREE doors, Quarters, and Floor Boards. Cowl Induction Hood with new interior and headliner, and an am/fm cd player. $25,900.00

1964 Chrysler 300K. Absolutely beautiful! The color of this beauty is rose mist with white interior. Has a 413 motor and 727 transmission. $29,995

1927 Model T RoadsterCute Little Roadster, Burgundy with Tan Interior, 1933 Ford Model C Engine, 210 Cubic Inch Displacement, 150 horse Power, 32 Ford Chassis, 39 Transmission with 1940 Gears, Riley F Heads with Price Camshaft, Interchangable 32 Ford Grill and Hood. $35,000

1965 Cadillac DeVille Convertible, Original 69,000 miles, with Tan leather interior, telescopic tilt wheel, power steering, power brakes, original top with original real glass rear window. $19,995.00

1932 Ford 5 Window Coupe, Oldsmobile 4 Speed Hydro-Automatic, Tilt Steering Wheel, Steel Body, Glass Fenders, Wire Wheels. $39,900.00

1977 Lincoln Mark V, 82,000 miles. This is an Arizona car, a little old lady from Scottsdale, one owner. 460 automatic, loaded. $8,995.00

1929 Ford Model A Roadster Pickup, 350/350 Automatic, Front disc brakes, Tilt Wheel, Dual Exhaust, Wood Bed, 5 Point Weld Racing Wheels. $39,900.00

1962 Studebaker Hawk, Gran Turismo, 289 4bbl, Automatic Transmission, 62,000 Original Miles, Power Steering, White Interior, Straight Body, Excellent Paint. Looks and drives like new! $19,900.00

1957 Oldsmobile Super 88, Two Door Hard Top, 371 Cubic Inches Displacement, 9.5 to 1 Compression Ratio, 277 Horsepower, 400 Torque, Hydramatic, Power Steering, Power Brakes, Tri-power not installed, 74,000 miles, Beautiful Mirror Finished White Paint, New Interior, All Front End Chrome Is New, Runs Strong, and Drives Wonderful. $29,900.00

1992 Cadillac Eldorado Touring Coupe, 4.9 liter V8, gray leather interior, sun roof, digital odometer, Air, Cruise, power everything; windows, seats, etc., Vogue tires with after market Cadillac chrome wheels, and a very unique yet beautiful Canyon yellow paint. $9,995.00

1968 Pontiac GTO. Has a 400 automatic, power steering and dual gate shifter. Has nice bright blue paint with original white interior. This is a second owner car. Very nice! $15,900

1950 Mercury CustomBeautifully done custom of the 50’s. Frenched headlights, 305 V-8 engine, power steering, yellow and white Naugahyde interior, Pontiac rear end, Power disc brakes, 2 1/2" Chopped Carson top, Power tilt steering, 350 Auto Transmission, Electric Doors and Windows, Desoto grill-bumper. Beautiful Car! $48,000

1994 Pontiac Trans Am, 5.7 liter V-8 LT-1, 4L60-E automatic transmission, PW, PDL, AM-FM CD Player, red with gray leather interior, with only 44,000 miles this car is loaded. As of 2/3/04 American Racing Torque Thrust Wheels have been added to this car. 2 16×7 and 2 16×8, with new rubbers 2 Kumho front at 205/60R16 and 2 Kumho rear at 245/50R16 $14,900.00

Rohrer’s Select Cars featured above is a good example of one of many emerging collector car dealerships that are serving our national market. A well established and reputable dealer such as this is a good choice if you are looking to find that dream car on the world wide web of the internet.

WDM

Warm weather means that it’s Collector Car Show Time… Here are some photo highlights of the "Cruizin’ the Falls" car show, May 21st, 2005 in downtown Spokane, Washington. Over a hundred cars were on display. The photos speak for themselves. Enjoy!

Highlights of the cars at the Cruizin’ The Falls Car Show, 5/21/05