One of the General Lee's went for $125k. But -- and here is my quibble -- it was one of the show's cars. This is just a car that was styled like Baby.

So even in a collector world, it's not nearly as valuable as something that was actually used. It's only of value beyond the actual car to fans. And that car is only valuable because of the show.

Depending on the shape it's really in, it's worth maybe a fifth of that. But if it makes someone happy, it's worth whatever they want to pay.

Surely the General Lee is only valuable because of the show too, right? How is that a difference between the two cases?

I mean, it's pretty clear to me that fandom will pay above ticket price for something a) not as in good condition and b) not as closely matched to Baby (even the show doesn't have just one playing the role) and c) not autographed.

Yeah, its fandom relationships are the premium, but any vehicle associated with any car has a fandom premium whether it is one of *the* cars or not.

Here's a General Lee replica for $39,900: [link] and cursory googling seemed to indicate there are "registered replicas" on the market for it too. We're not alone on that front--we're disorganised.

How is that a difference between the two cases?

It was actually used in the show. The history is what adds the value.

It's the difference (apart from condition and variables) between $125k selling price for the General Lee and $39k asking price (it looked still for sale) for a replica.

Value in this case implying actual insurable amounts not the warm fuzzies people get from owning things. A regular insurance company will only insure to vaguely Blue Book value. A collector / historic car insurer like Haggerty will insure to collectible value but not sentimental value.

I'd assumed other fannish things are similar. A bat used by Babe Ruth is worth more than the same kind of bat but not used by Babe Ruth.

Likewise, I have a sculpture that might sell for $10 but is invaluable to me. State Farm cares about the $10.

Interestingly, to me, Cobras are one car that is crazy well organized. An original is priced in the stratosphere but there is a really active and valid market for all of the various replicas and people have agreed on their values.

Replicas have their place but they don't have the same value as original even when there were several "originals" in various conditions and the replica is in better condition.

Replicas have their place but they don't have the same value as original even when there were several "originals" in various conditions and the replica is in better condition.

No, but clearly, much of the value is still in your head and not in the car (inasmuch as Blue Book is "real"). It's just a hierarchy of which fandom things are worth the most money.

A "General Lee" that you couldn't make look like the one on TV (for some magical reason) is going to be cheaper than the $39,900 replica, or something you could upgrade to full apparent Lee-ness.

What do you mean by replica, Jen? Something that has a lot of replacement parts/features?

I can't imagine what you would have to do to keep a car in completely original condition forever. Not take it out of the box, I guess.

No, but clearly, much of the value is still in your head and not in the car

Money is just metal or paper. Increasingly it's just an agreement without anything you physically hold. So, yes. But the value is generally agreed upon.

A real Chanel 227 bag costs $5,000. A nearly flawless knockoff from China costs less than $200. A bad replica can be had for a whole lot less. At some level you are paying materials and craftsmanship but mostly you are paying for the value we mentally assign. The ex-aunt-in-law is a flight attendant and does the China trips. Trivia I learn...

A "General Lee" that you couldn't make look like the one on TV (for some magical reason) is going to be cheaper than the $39,900 replica, or something you could upgrade to full apparent Lee-ness.

One that was actually on the show but didn't look "correct" in real life or just the same basic car but not General Lee-ified? Because one from the show would be worth more. In the collector car market which is honestly a fandom.

I can't imagine what you would have to do to keep a car in completely original condition forever. Not take it out of the box, I guess.

Basically. They never get to go vroom or even to the grocery store.

What do you mean by replica, Jen? Something that has a lot of replacement parts/features?

That would be a restoration. And value depends heavily on whether the correct parts were used or not. Like replacing a part in your computer or a spring in your watch and you pick the OEM or not. Then you hope it works again.

Replicas are not the real cars. But especially in the case of Cobras, they have kits where you can get a variety of motors and all of the mechanics and then put on a body that looks exactly like a Cobra. And, I think, Cobras are by far the most popular kit cars and many are officially sanctioned in varying degrees.

The quality and value vary wildly. There are ones that use the correct motor and everything for their body and it's one of my dream cars.

Replicas became popular because there were only so many actual cars made. And some were wrecked, some aren't in great shape and some are still pristine and are out of mere mortals price ranges. Limited resources.

Now I am looking at Cobras for sale. The first two 1965s are, at a glance, similar but one is listed at $35k and one at $99k. The first is a replica. The second doesn't say in the blurb. But there's another listing at $875k and it tells you that it is original and well-documented.

Yes, my brain can accept that a car is worth nearly a million but that a purse isn't worth $5000. Both seem priced too high to ever actually use though.

I am philosophically opposed to any car not driven by Adam West and Burt Ward while in costume being worth nearly a million dollars.

If I had a million and five dollars, I'd consider giving a million in exchange for a road legal Tumbler, but then...insurance. So maybe I'd invest in things that pay off in dollars and not gleegasms.

Completely irrelevantly, this looked like either Elvis or Jensen to me, so I'm shamed by the reality.

I am philosophically opposed to any car not driven by Adam West and Burt Ward while in costume being worth nearly a million dollars.

The first Batmobile is up for sale at next month's Barrett-Jackson auction. [edit: and it's the only orignal flavor Batman. That surprises me.]

And it's historic, sure, but I'd rather have a Tumbler. That just looks fun. You could cosplay a kick-ass Catwoman.

There's actually a good story about how capricious the market can be for "Hollywood" cars. To bring the conversation full circle.