Need help with Value

[Guest]

Im not sure if Im oin the right sub section to these forums as its not a for sale. I just need some insight, Ive given values on antique lures for years to folks who had no idea about things, so hopefully some good karma will come around for me.

I need to know an approx value of a Hardtop 352 V8 automatic 1958 T-Bird with 36,000 origional miles in excellent condition.

Also is the market as soft as it is in other hobby areas, I only know antique lures and I know our prices have plummeted since 9-11. I guess the question Im asking is, is there a strong market for a car of this caliber.

Thanks for your insight and knowledge.

Matt

[Guest]

RE: Need help with Value

Need to add its all stock, minus the comment below. Been in a covered warehouse for 10+ years prior to that garage kept. Never been in an accident. I was told the driver seat was replaced as it started to show ware so another was made or woven for it.

Matt

[JohnG]

RE: Need help with Value

hi
for starters, the more precise the information you can provide about its condition and originality mean alot to any buyer. The cars have a ton of chrome and it costs a small fortune to refinish, so details about the quality of the chrome, any pitting or damage etc help.

Similar comments about the paint - what shape is it? color? dings? bubbles? bondo?

What does the data plate on the driver's door pillar say? What is the VIN?

What does it have for tires? correct white walls?

How is the dash pad?

My own opinion (it and 75 cents will get you a newspaper locally) is that the really nice condition cars continue to do well and are still appreciating, while the lesser cars simply do not have buyers, almost independent of price. I can find all kinds of hard top TBirds for a few thousand dollars but they all need varying amounts of work ranging from general restoration to specific areas such as chrome or interior or paint or motor/tranny.

They appear on Ebay regularly and you can get some kind of feeling for the going rates by going to the TBird section and searching on your year every few days. Hemmings is another source.

John
'58 Hardtop

[Guest]

RE: Need help with Value

Hi John,

I should be getting more info and pics soon. Trying to get all the pertinant info together. I certianly understnad as I deal with appraisals every day of Ive got xx whats it worth...Its only worth what someone is willing to pay. Lifes rule for antiqueties.

I guess what Im trying to get a feel of is am I looking at a 1K car or 50K or 100K, though with 38K origional miles and in excellent condition I think its worth over 10 jsut for the shear fact of engine use, and cosmetics.(Ive seen it but didnt have time to study or know what to look for).

Maybe a range to work with ? 15-45 is what Im guessing. But thats why I posted here, someone might say the top is to high and or the bottom is to low...

just a generality to see if Im in the window..

Matt

[JohnG]

RE: Need help with Value

hi Matt

thinking about it some more...

* you would eventually try to classify the car as #1,#2 or #3 as opposed to "excellent" where those numbers are specifically defined in the classic car world.

* the mileage - can you document it? if so how?

There is a person on this website who has a very low mileage 1960 that he worked on extensively last winter - Mark. He might have some good information on how low mileage impacts the value of a car. If you scroll down to topic #1072, you will find him - his ID here is msmaron1.

John

[tarps3]

RE: Need help with Value

my opinion from what I've seen over the years:
if it has no body damage and the paint and chrome are decent and the mileage is correct, I'd say between 8K and 24K.

It's a large range but it covers the possibility of it being a rarer car with the 430 engine.

You rarely see one of these cars sell for over 20K - at least I haven't - even the really nicely restored ones.

Of course, if it has rust damage (rockers or behind the wheels, floor pans, etc) the price could drop to a few thousand.

As John said - there are many factors what could affect the cost but maybe this would give you an idea. Again - it's just my opinion - I'm not a dealer or car expert.