Hopfully I did this right. THe pictures should be below, or at least the link. Let me know what you think as far as a price. Thanks, Wade.

This is only my second thread. Don't know if anyone recalls but my first one dealt with the finding of my wifes deceased father 71 vette a few months ago. Well, I finally made the 6 hour trip to go take a look at it. Took some digital pictures and got the vin # and think, I got all of the engine block #, (had a lot of rubbing to do). Well, the guy is willing to sell, however he won't tell me what he want's. My question is, what is the best way to determine a fair asking price? and how do I determine if the engine and car match? Quick run down on the car: The car had been sitting for 5 years in a garage (covered), however he claims to start it occasionally (spring 2004 was last time). He did not start it for me (no battery). He told me that the guy who had it before him told him that he did work to the engine and gained an additional 100 horses. New paint, (changed from Bridgehampton to Mulsanne Blue). New soft top, new disc brakes, new headers, new carb. What he said it "needed" was a new master cylinder, and a battery to be road worthy. Needs a few trim peices. What I observed: the engine was not clean and probally needed alot of new hoses, wires ect. The interior needed to be replaced, seats, carpet, the box around the brake handle was cracked, overall the interior was dirty. I noticed that the front wheels were straight, however the stering wheel was at 90%? The VIN # is 194671S118194
The Engine Block # is V0513CJL (it looked like there were smaller numbers preceeding it but I could not read them due to rust)
Anyway that about it, and I'm sure you guys would have alot more questions, but I really did not know what to look for. This is all new to me.
I think the guy has a false impression of what it's worth, he told me he went to a car show last year and saw a 71 and could not believe what the guy was asking.

 

only red X's

 

I do'nt know what happened. They were there before when I initially submitted them? I'll try again later.

 

Tried it again. Hopefully it takes.

 

Well, he's overestimating the engine. That air cleaner is costing you at least ten horse, so the guy who built it, didn't know his stuff. I'd guess you're gonna have fifteen hundred in the interior if you do the work, but the rest looks pretty good. All the the smog equipment is missing. How's the frame and birdcage? Stored on dirt? Concrete? Basement?

I'd ballpark it at $10-$15, depending on frame. Hard to say over the 'net, though, and I'm a big block guy...

 

I wouldn't hold my breath on that being a matching numbers car...however You can never go wrong with a 4 sp chrome bumper convertable. Perfect and matching numbers the car is worth $30K. That car is a long way from perfect. However as stated above if the frame and body are rust free you might be surprized how much real good cleaning would help the car.

I can tell you this you can drop $10,000 in a car like that VERY easily. If your going the NCRS restoration route expect big $$$. If your looking for a nice driver $5k will go a long way.

 

I usually tell people to buy a "completed" car because it is the cheapest way to go. I probably would not jump on that one. I guess it depends on how much misery you want to impose upon yourself.

To me it is only worth $3K or $4K at most. Gotta ask yourself if you have the time, money, work space, and most of all perseverance to take on a big project like that.

 

Needs a lot of work to bring it to NCRS. If that is not your goal it will still require some work. I would not offer a whole lot for the car. Check the frame as was said before. If you are set on this car expect to pay some $$$ to get it back roadworthy.

 

I don't know guys...I've seen Vettes in a lot worse shape than this one. It would only take a little clean up to be on the road again. For a price, I'd check the auction prices in the Vette magazines and local papers.

For numbers matching engine, the VIN and engine block number will be identical (i.e. the engine pad stamp will be 194671S1181...) Are you sure you weren't checking a block *casting* number or something instead of the stamp? (passenger side front, flat spot near valve cover)

 

Yeah, big dollars to make it NCRS. I strated with a '68 in about the same shape as the one above (see my pics) and I've got around $20K in repairs and...um...improvements...LOTS of improvements. I could have got by on 1/3 that, but it's hard to stop once you start.

 

It doesn't look too "bubbafied". Aside for the engine, it looks pretty original. This car has a obvious sentimental value for you and your wife and the current owner probably knows this...hence the exagerated pricing he will probably give you.

I agree with everyone else. Take a good look at that frame and birdcage.

I estimate between $8000-$10000 if the frame is clean, it runs good and it doesn't have any serious paint problems.

 

Thanks guys, I'll be going back up in December. I'll have a closer look at the frame and bird cage before I make my offer. I'll keep everyone posted. Thanks again.

 

CJL is the right engine code for a 71 manual tranny base 350. Those little numbers you can't see are the partial VIN, you'll have to bring a wire brush. The car's VIN shows it was produced near the end of May. Joe