The question of value is a controversial one when it comes to collecting antique gas engines. Most collectors would probably be completely satisfied if there wasn't any value associated with these relics of American history. Unfortunately, (or fortunately, depending on who you ask), demand far outweighs the supply for many antique gas engines, which naturally leads to increased value - it's inevitable.

Case in point: The unique characteristics and limited availability of a circa-1895 8 HP Springfield Model A make it a very desirable and valuable engine. While any gas engine collector would love to own a Model A to tinker with in their garage, the basic economics of supply and demand have pushed the value of that engine into the realm of investment because of its lofty price tag. As much as a collector is in the hobby for the love of engines, the value aspect of these pieces must eventually be considered.

So, that said, how much does value impact your antique gas engine collecting? Do you ignore value as much as possible and focus on collecting for fun or do you consider the increasing value of antique engines to be a sound investment? Or maybe you're a pragmatist and collect for both hobby and investment - let us know in the comments below.

Any gas engine enthusiast will tell you that half the fun of collecting antique gas engines is the hunt. Collectors dream of walking into an abandoned shed, moving some debris and finding a complete 1/2 HP New Holland sitting in the corner waiting to run again.

Over the years, Gas Engine Magazine has featured many gas engine articles where the rescue is almost more interesting than the engine itself. These days, thanks to video, you can see for yourself what some of these rescues entail. Here is a video of a large Stover engine being recovered from an old north Georgia milling operation followed by three articles from GEM that focus on the rescue of the engine.  

Related articles from Gas Engine Magazine:
- Uncovering a Buried 1-3/4 HP IHC Mogul
- 1906 6 HP Massey-Harris 
- Circa-1913 20 HP Stickney 

Ever since people started collecting antique tractors and antique gas engines, the big question regarding restoration has always been, “How far do you go?” Some collectors do just enough to get a piece running again and want it to look its age. Others enjoy overhauling it piece by piece with the end goal of making it look and run like it did when it left the factory. Which do you prefer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section!

It’s hard to believe, but Christmas 2010 is just around the corner. I’m already being asked by my wife and family for my Christmas gift ideas. I don’t know about you, but answering that question is only getting harder the older I get. Truth is, if there’s something I need or want and I have the extra money, I’ll just go ahead and buy it. I’ve never been known to be patient, but forcing myself to make a Christmas list has helped.

Anyhow, if you’re like me, you appreciate a little assistance in satisfying that yearly question of “What do you want for Christmas?” And while I’m sure each one of you has a child-like fantasy of waking up Christmas morning and finding your dream engine sitting in the garage with a big bow on it, allow me to offer some realistic last-minute gift ideas:

• The first item is definitely more of a “need” than a “want.” I mean, how else will you know where to go next show season unless you have the handy 2011 Farm Collector Show Directory? Packed with maps of each show location, detailed listings, club advertisements and commercial resources, the directory is your personal guide to the world of antique farm equipment shows. Your loved one can pre-order a copy for $14.95, with the first copies shipping on Feb. 28.

• I’m guessing that somewhere in your garage or shop there sits a very rough engine that you’ve been meaning to restore but simply keep neglecting for one reason or another. Well, gas engine restorer Peter Rooke knows exactly what it’s like to turn a basketcase into a work of art, and he shares that expertise through his step-by-step book simply titled Gas Engine Restoration. If you’ve hit a roadblock in your restoration it’s likely that Peter has run into a similar problem and has come up with an interesting solution. Order his book for $19.99.

• This last idea isn’t gas engine related but it definitely taps into that interest we all have in old tools and machinery. Our sister publication, Farm Collector, has  a monthly feature called “What Is It?” where readers try to identify mystery tools and their original purpose. Well, the editors of that fine magazine recently compiled more than 150 of the most interesting tools they’ve come across over the years and published The Farm Collector Field Guide to Mystery Farm Tools. Loaded with 96 pages of information and full-color photos, the Field Guide is the definitive resource for identifying an old tool. There’s even a chapter featuring tools that have never been identified, offering you a chance to shed some light on a mystery. Order it for just $7.99.

Whatever it is you find under your tree this year, we hope it’s just what you wanted. From our family at Gas Engine Magazine to yours, Happy Holidays!