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What is this thing worth?

1036 messages,  Last post on Jun 05, 2013 at 7:10 PM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Thunderbird, Classic Cars, Coupe, Convertible, Truck, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 103 of 105

#1012 of 1036 Re: Prices Dropping (texases)( Mr_Shiftright) [hpmctorque] by Paul3557

Jun 25, 2012 (10:52 am)

Replying to: hpmctorque (Jan 15, 2008 9:58 am)
That small amount of exposure won't do any appreciable harm. Its not like they are being dunked in the ocean................

#1013 of 1036 This lady is unrealistic by lemko

Jun 26, 2012 (6:29 am)

My Grandmom's friend has a black 1989 or 1990 Cadillac Sedan DeVille with a black "roadster top." The car is filthy, but only has 80K miles in it which is low for its age. She wants $5,000 for it, but the automotive accountant in my head says $2,500 is more than generous. So far, the lady has received no offers which isn't surprising. I'd say she'd do a lot better if she at least had me clean and detail the car for her.

#1014 of 1036 Re: This lady is unrealistic [lemko] by gsemike

Jun 26, 2012 (7:32 am)

Replying to: lemko (Jun 26, 2012 6:29 am)
I bet you're right

#1015 of 1036 Re: This lady is unrealistic [lemko] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Jun 26, 2012 (9:17 am)

Replying to: lemko (Jun 26, 2012 6:29 am)
I think if it cleans up to the level of a decent driver then his estimate of $2500 is spot on. For $5000 the car would have to be a stunning automobile of show quality---and since it doesn't sound like that, then yeah, IMO, she is not realistic.
 
It's just a nice old used car. It's not a classic and isn't ever going to be one. Let's face it.
 
By all means he should clean it up. As it sits, if it's truly as filthy as stated, she'd be lucky to get $1000 for it.

#1016 of 1036 Re: This lady is unrealistic [lemko] by fintail

Jun 26, 2012 (11:02 am)

Replying to: lemko (Jun 26, 2012 6:29 am)
A couple hundred dollars spent on a fantastic detail can add many times that in value, for sale or trade in.
 
Your price is fair, and would probably be the only offer. Just not a car many want today, but I can see your eyes dancing at the thought of a new hooptie

#1020 of 1036 1964 Thunderbird Landau by olddustoffer

Jan 08, 2013 (4:52 am)

Am restoring a 64 T-Bird Landau with about every option available. The only part not stock is that I put in a 5 Liter HO (300 hp) and an 800Hp capable transmission. Back in those days, Ford didn't put VIN numbers on the engines, so if someone wanted to switch it back to the 390 and Cruiseomatic, they could. It didn't have the original engine in it anyway when I bought it. I'll have about 15 16k into it when done. Wife will never let me sell it, but if I did, would it bring significantly more by reverting it back to the 390? The main reason I changed was because it dropped over 800 pounds, and with the HO I can buy parts anywhere instead of having to wait like a week or more just for a fan belt. With the Holly 4bbl, and performance kit, it fairly screams.
(last week I blew the doors off a Charger RT Heh)
Any clues on value now verses with the 390?

#1021 of 1036 Re: 1964 Thunderbird Landau [olddustoffer] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Jan 08, 2013 (8:19 am)

Replying to: olddustoffer (Jan 08, 2013 4:52 am)
No I don't think the value change would be "significant" if you reverted back to the original engine, and here's why I think that:
 
1. these are not high dollar cars even perfectly restored to like new condition---maybe $25,000 would buy you a fabulous '64 hardtop Bird.
 
2. while an original car would be worth more than yours, I don't think the difference in value would justify the expense of reverting back. Your car, if it has a decent body and interior, is worth what you have in it, so really by spending another $10K to find, rebuild and install an original engine, what have you gained? Nada.
 
3. car collectors are far more tolerant of "upgrades" than they were years ago---people like to drive and enjoy their "classics", so unless you've chopped up an extremely rare and valuable car, you haven't done much harm to the market value---some, but not much.
 
I think you should look at what you have now as a "resto-rod" or "pro touring" or whatever they're calling mildly modified old cars these days.
 
It's possible, if you did a very nice job and if you have desirable upgrades on a "classic" that really improve fuel mileage, performance and handling, that you might even match or exceed the value of an original. It depends on how far you go with the mods and how tasteful and useful they are.
 
I mean, things like modern fuel-injection, efficient AC, good fuel economy, radial tires, etc---these make an old car much more fun to drive.

Messages Page 103 of 105

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