mkh

Hi, I have located a 1978 Pace car with 1,400 original miles. The owner purchased the car in 1979. He said he just never drove it but a couple of times. It was stored very well and remains in great condition. It looks like a car would look like with 1,400 miles. Every thing is original except the battery including the tires. He is asking $15,000 but I probably could get it for $14,000. Sounds like a great deal except (this is where I need Help) it was wrecked when he purchased it in 1979. He had the entire front clip replaced with another Pace car front clip that had been hit in the rear. He also stated the frame had to be straightened. The repair has was completed soon after he purchased the car and was very well done. There is a clear title with no salvage history. My question is how much this would effect the value? I know a Pace car with 1,400 original miles is worth a great deal more than $15,000 but how much do ya'll think this will hurt the value for this car. It is an automatic and is NOT an L82. Thanks, Mike

hunt4cleanair

What are you plans for it? Driver? Trailer queen? Collector?

Does it look like it was hit? How would it do in a judging event?

My first impression...yeah great price, jump on in it. Than when I read about the hit...still nice value depending on your intent. If a driver, approach it like it was a 78 coupe and that's probably a good value for a 1978 low-mileage coup.

I am kind of a loss after that but it still seems like a good value.

Easy Mike

Do you actually want this car knowing what you know about it? If you have any doubts, pass on it.

Mike Ward

Let's see- an L48 with auto that had a bent frame. Mileage is meaningless with that kind of history.

Pass.

Bagpype

If there was no frame damage then I'd pick it up in a heartbeat but the frame was bent! Why would you want to deal with that?

Tooonz

I would think, the value of this car is based on it being a 78 with 1400 miles, pace car value would be a mute point in my mind now that it has been hit, but if you were looking at a 78 C3 with some accident history what would the value be with 1400 miles.

To me a pace car would have value as a collector car, but with accident damage that value will always be compromised.

78SilverCam

First question is: is this the car you want? If you would rather an L-82, wait for the L-82, etc.

persuader

If you really are considering this car after being told it had frame damage then I would ask the owner if he would be willing to take the car to a body shop and have the chassis set-up and measured. If it is straight and the repairs look good, Subtract the cost of the procedure from the price. If it does not measure up then he pays. Either way You don't lose. Also ask for a print out of the measurements.
That is what I would do. Only because of the mileage and condition you stated. Otherwise I would pass

Iceaxe

I'm just curious how you knew the history of the wreck and repair? That's not something the casual seller usually mentions.

As for price it's all in the quality of the repair.

mkh

The owner was very upfront with me and disclosed the history before the inspection. The repair was done by a professional shop and the repairs can not be detected. If i really wanted a 78PC I think I would be all over this but I am going to pass on this one. It is just a really neat car with such low mileage that I was tempted. Thanks.

3JsVette

wise decision

Easy Mike

What he said.

Tooonz

Sounds like a decent seller

qwank

Sounds like a great driver/restomod candidate