I couldn't agree with John more! "Everyone...forgets what a pleasure it used to be to just drive the damn things." Not me! I take the "F" to as many as 5 events each week from late spring well into fall -- it is a rare week that goes by without taking it to at least two events. I do so thoroughly enjoy driving it! Considering its worth, I have worries about all the deer crossing the two-lane roads, as well as the Interstates, when I am driving it, particularly at night. But... to date I have not let that keep it in the garage for a second... Mike Reed Time Magazine's Man (aka "Person ") of the Year - 2006 ----- Original Message ----- From: John J. Hertog To: 'Owen Grigg' ; 'Josh Mishler' Cc: Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx ; 'Wayne Graefen' Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2006 19:49 Subject: [Chrysler300] Downside of 300 values Ah, Owen, you beat me to it. My sentiments exactly. These stupid high prices ($80K for finned hardtops and $200K for finned converts) are taking all the FUN out of this hobby. Everyone sees big dollar signs, and forgets what a pleasure it used to be to just drive the damn things. It's even getting to me - I wonder how much longer I can justify owning a car that is worth as much as my house. I'm with you all the way, and also hope that the market crashes. Unfortunately, I don't think it's about to happen. Yes, as a result, prices for parts are now ridiculous and headed for the obscene. You may also thank ebay for that. John Hertog Sag Harbor, NY -----Original Message----- From: Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Owen Grigg Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2006 7:01 PM To: 'Josh Mishler' Cc: Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx; 'Wayne Graefen' Subject: RE: Re: [Chrysler300] 300G manual trans I felt I just had to chuck my 2c worth in on this....it gets me a little hot under the collar... Personally I'm really concerned about the negative impact of soaring 300 prices. Why should the GENUINE car guy be happy about his 300 being SUPPOSEDLY worth some idiotic amount of money. Let's turn them all into "Duesenbergs" so we can pay outrageous prices for parts, make the auction guys rich, line the pockets of the "investment" (read non car enthusiast), create more bogus cars and cut the GENUINE YOUNG (read future of the hobby) car guy out of the 300 car market. I had the joy of meeting one of these "big time car investment guys" recently. A friend of mine had worked furiously and meticulously to restore this moneyman's '57 Chev injection car over the last two years or so. On the day of pick up he informed us all, of how much the car was worth blah blah blah. He would not let ANYONE, including the restorer, near the car, drive the car, or photograph the car for their album. I thought to myself what a sad, sad sack of you know what, this guy was. Will that car EVER be enjoyed or will it just travel from auction to auction on its square wheels. Personally I hope the market crashes, throws out all the "big-notes" and brings in all the REAL car guys. You wanna invest, invest in something boring like property...... Owen -----Original Message----- From: Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Josh Mishler Sent: Wednesday, 20 December 2006 11:35 a.m. To: Joey; Ron Stewart; moparpjf@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx; John@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx; Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: Re: Re: [Chrysler300] 300G manual trans I really think you guys should be really happy that these cars are finally starting to comand the prices they deserve. Were talking about rare machines that are few and far between. I read an article many years ago in a magazine that predicted that one day Chrysler 300's would be the Duesenbergs of the '50's. In terms of value and collectibility. I just hope that the trend continues and carries over into the other year 300's. If things like this keep happening, 300's will be one of the most sought after and highly collectible cars around. Don't fight it, welcome it. Josh [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]