Let the Collecting Begin!

The worst thing about the end of the Hummer brand is that now people are buying them and collecting them, not going offroad, deep into the mud, and through the creeks, like Hummers were made to do. Since it looks like no more Hummers will be manufactured, which are the best ones to keep and collect?

Recently a Montana individual purchased five H1 Alphas from Lynch Hummer, a sheik in Saudi Arabia purchased an even dozen new Hummers in the last week from an east coast dealership for shipment overseas, and a California mogul last week bought EIGHT brand spanking new H2s (headed for an undisclosed warehouse) and one H1 Alpha. We all know about Arnold Schwarzenegger's Hummer collection and the Hummer collection of Jim Lynch.

As a frequent observer at Barret Jackson, I've noticed that rarity, condition, documentation, desirability, & originality determine the price of collectibles.
The vehicles with the highest horsepower V-8s, like-new condition, and lowest production numbers command the biggest bucks. So, if you're going to collect Hummers where should you start?

An obvious choice would be a mint 2006 Hummer H1 Alpha. For less money my second choice would be a 2009 H2 SUT, because it's the last of the H2s, has the high horsepower flex engine (only available in 2009), the new interior, is the last of the run, and the SUTs were produced in smaller numbers (rarity). Thirdly, any year like-new, low mileage H2 SUT (rarity and low production). Fourth, any year mint H2 SUV, particularly 2008 and 2009 model years.

A real sleeper would be the Hummer H3 Alpha. It's a high performance V8 powered example of Detroit offroad muscle (these will definitely command the highest H3 prices). Last but not least, any "excellent condition" Hummer H3, particularly the single and double digit VIN production numbers of 2006. There is a caveat to the 2006 H3, some collectors are steering clear because of the engine problems with the inline 5. However, numerous owners have over 100,000 miles now on their 2006 H3s with no engine problems. The jury is still out, but it appears well maintained (frequent oil changes) H3s don't have nearly the amount of engine problems, so check the maintenace records.

Highly modified vehicles normally don't command the highest prices unless they have a racing history like a Rod Hall machine. The H3R SEMA concept car that was purchased just last month for $44,000 will be a true collectible and undoubtedly double and even triple in value the next few years. In the 1960s the 1963 split-window corvette was shunned because of the poor visibility out the rear and "silly fake hood vents and hard to read gauges," but now 1963 split-window fuelies command 250K - rarity, condition, high horsepower, and desirability!

For those of us that drive our Hummers everyday, there are enough parts and GM dealers in the country to keep our Hummers running for a long time - just look at those 1955, '56, '57 and '58 Buicks, Pontiacs & Chevrolets in mint condition in Cuba still used as every day drivers. It only takes time, MONEY, and effort to keep an old machine in top condition. The word money was capitalized on purpose by those of us that have owned classic cars and know what it entails.

Want to know what tomorrow's collectibles will be. Just look at what every 16 year old boy right now wants to drive. Can you say H U M M E R!