Advice needed. I am looking at a 63 Split-Window car. The vehicle is in great shape. Drove it yesterday. Transmission shifts good (M20), drives in a straight line, brakes work well with no pulling to one side or the other. No excessive noise inside when driving. The car was originally Sebring Silver but has been repainted Riverside Red. Red leather interior. The paint is genuinely a 9 out of a 10...professionally done right! I inspected the undercarriage and found no signs of rust. Allegedly, the car has been garage kept. Interior is about an 8 out of 10 with the majority of issues being cosmetic. All gauges function, even the clock. The fan **** popped off in my hand as I set the speed for the heater yesterday (30's outside). Turn indicator lever was a bit strange as the detents seem to be worn, but the indicators function. The driver's side window doesn't want to roll up all the way...looks like it is an adjustment although I did not have luxury of removing the door panel and looking for myself. It is a numbers matching vehicle sporting the 340hp/327c.i. (L76) with the Carter carb. The seller is asking 45K. I tend to think that this number is a bit high, so I wanted to ask some professionals! I am looking to make a decision over the next couple of days. Thanks for your advice.

 

$45K is too much money for a '63 SWC that's been repainted the wrong color; it may look terrific, but from a true market value perspective when comparing it to other "original" SWC's, premium prices only go to cars painted the original color. I'd knock off $10K from the asking price right off the top for the wrong color paint. :thumbs:

 

If the engine is 100% correct, and no rust, with all correct parts, after spending what I did on this car I would pay the $42K, although its a bit pricy, but you are in the Mid-Atlantic Money Belt. Does it have the original paper work? Sticker, manaul, warranty card etc.? Does it have the correct Master Brake Cylinder or the replacement? As long as everything works...did you check the headlights and the motors, do they turn over with no snag or delay? Check the headlight buckets to see if they are the original fiberglass. Even though the paint code is wrong, if the car is complete with no body damage (did you put it up on a lift yet to check frame and fiberglass panels) then that is a little hight but fair. 63 Coupes are still increasing in value every year. You can't go wrong with a split window.


[Modified by EBVette, 12:20 PM 2/18/2004]

 

Very good questions on the paperwork and master cylinder. I will check on that right away. I did see it on a lift and the panels look good as do the suspension. There were several parts recently replaced, trailing arms, springs (F&R), bushings, brakes, diff. carrier. The undercarriage looks like a new car at this stage. Thanks!!

 

Oh man, not another purchase amigo!!! What happened to the C2 'vert? :confused:

 

I second the motion "You can't go wrong on a Split Window" if all you are talking is paint.

Alann
63SWC

 

Well, after an extensive inspection of the car, here is what I have found. Born in April of 63, all numbers match, original master cylinder, the works. Car was frame-off restored 6 years ago. All appearances indicate this car has never been hit. The frame was a close to perfect as a 40 year old could get. If you didn't see the code, you would be hard-pressed to know it was ever a different color. There are a few minor blemishes in the paint, but hey. The only non-original part is the leaf spring. It has a big "Made in Mexico" stamp on it. The leaf spring is incorrect, whic explains the nose high stance. That one is easy to fix. As far as paperwork goes, there isn't much. I did find out that the previous owner had the car for 10 years and babied it. I was also sucessful in getting the seller to lower the price by 5K if I took her as is.

I still have the 67 Roadster. The wife said if I get the SWC, the roadster's gotta go. I was born in 63 and have always wanted a SWC...kinda symbolic. So I believe I am now going to have to make arrangements to say goodbye to the 67.

Thanks guys for all of the feedback!!

 

Can I have your 67 (Flares and all)? This way you meet the wife's requirement of it going, but can still visit and drive it occaisonally.

Seriously though, the only question on the SWC I would ask is what do YOU want and what do you plant to do with it. Restoring a 63 can be very expensive (I know!) so starting with something that you would be happy with from the start will save you thousands in the end.

If the car is to be driven and enjoyed, and you're not looking to have it judged, then do what you think is right for you.

My .02

 

You bet! You know how it is...it's all about the money!

But seriously, you hit the nail on the head. I would be buying the car to drive and enjoy. I have a big garage to store it in and baby it. But driving it and enjoying it is the priority. My daughter (9 year old) has already claimed the 67 to be hers when she can drive, and loves riding around with me in it. That's what it's all about for me. The sheer enjoyment of owning such an awesome part of automotive history.

PS - the flares aren't that bad are they? It also has 3 tail-lights on each side too. A "California" mod, so to speak. I bought that car for the same reason. It has been great! :)

 

I personally like the flares, and the 67. I'd love to take that and drop a little 502 crate in there and beat around town. :D

 

Let me know if/when you decide to sell the 'vert- coming int o some $ soon and may be able to convince my wife that I "need it!" Besides, you work close enough to see the 'vert every now and then! :D


[Modified by Chronos, 9:32 AM 2/20/2004]

 

Hey there. It is for sale. Let me know if you are absolutely serious, because I already have a buyer lined up. :cool:

I need to move fast so the window of opportunity doesn't close onn the SWC.