Josh,
I agree the 16V of old is in a transition period for all the reasons you cite.
My guess is that in another 3-5 years the old 16Vs will join or replace the
A1s as project car favorites.
I say replace because by then I expect there will be a shortage of A1s that
will be viable as projects due to age/rust.
Personally, I have stopped reading the A2 forum on Vortex on a regular
basis due to the thread content and
general atmosphere. I do wonder just how many viable A2s will be available
in 3-5 more years for projects.
I believe Matt is right on the mark when he says it is getting harder "to
find a decent 16v GTi or Jetta that wasn't
heavily modified". It does seem that in certain parts of the USA prices for
A2 16Vs in good condition that are not
modified have been holding steady or even increasing. A2 16Vs in poor to
fair condition do seem to continue their
downward price trend as they age and become first VWs for younger folks.
I believe that another 16V trend will come when the new 16V engine arrives
in a few years. Then, I see the old 16V engines
being replaced by the new ones. Some will do it for the increased HP and
other will do it because it has not been done
(to death) before. When those new 16Vs arrive I see an influx of people to
the 16V arena (both with new and old body styles). The question seems to be
how to welcome them to the 16V family without alienating the old 16V
people. That may be the true test facing the current 16V community.
Charlie
1987 GTI 16V
1985 Golf
1981 Pickup LX (gas)
1980 Rabbit Custom - Completed Resto Project & Current Show Car
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