How do you value a classic car?
24 July 2003, 08:09 PM
#1
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Easy for anything under 10 years old, but what about a rare 60's classic?
Basically I've seen something I fancy buying (on a whim as usual) but am finding it difficult to place a value on it. My only reference is a 7 year old copy of Classic and Sportscar, so not much use there.
Anyone know of a good site or reference?
Basically I've seen something I fancy buying (on a whim as usual) but am finding it difficult to place a value on it. My only reference is a 7 year old copy of Classic and Sportscar, so not much use there.
Anyone know of a good site or reference?
24 July 2003, 09:27 PM
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Practical Classics has a price guide in each issue. Didn't find anything online on searching for this so you will need to spend £3.60 of hardearned.
The guide covers loads of sixties stuff so you should get a feel for an approximate price.
However - if the car that you are looking at was rare back in the sixties and is even rarer now, I would take the price guides with a huge pinch of salt. This month, they show the Lea Francis 14 (produced between 1946-54) as between £1500 for running but maybe no MoT, to £7250 for a top condition but not concours example. Now, how many of these were ever built? How many remain? And when did you last see any Lea Francis, never mind see one for sale?
If your choice is really rare then the appropriate price is what you are willing to pay. Whether or not you can get that back when/if you sell is a different matter. Assuming that the seller also reads Practical Classics they will probably have an idea of the price to expect.
Doug
The guide covers loads of sixties stuff so you should get a feel for an approximate price.
However - if the car that you are looking at was rare back in the sixties and is even rarer now, I would take the price guides with a huge pinch of salt. This month, they show the Lea Francis 14 (produced between 1946-54) as between £1500 for running but maybe no MoT, to £7250 for a top condition but not concours example. Now, how many of these were ever built? How many remain? And when did you last see any Lea Francis, never mind see one for sale?
If your choice is really rare then the appropriate price is what you are willing to pay. Whether or not you can get that back when/if you sell is a different matter. Assuming that the seller also reads Practical Classics they will probably have an idea of the price to expect.
Doug
24 July 2003, 10:50 PM
#6
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you will need to spend £3.60 of hardearned
Will collect a copy tomorrow.Car is a 1963 Jaguar Mark 10, like Ronnie & Reggie Krays. Star of the banger racing circuit in the 70's. Anyone got any tips for balancing triple Webers?
The car appears in good nick, useable, low mileage (claimed 43000) and in good health (but will know more tomorrow). Good numberplate plate as well. (3 letters, 2 numbers). Any ideas on value?
24 July 2003, 11:34 PM
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i think i'm sorta qualified to speak on this...
DON'T GIVE A **** ABOUT MILEAGE. the car is *old*, it doesn't matter if it has 10,000 or 200,000 miles on it. you gotta check its current condition and value it accordingly - no magazine will help you - merely give you a very rough guide.
DON'T GIVE A **** ABOUT MILEAGE. the car is *old*, it doesn't matter if it has 10,000 or 200,000 miles on it. you gotta check its current condition and value it accordingly - no magazine will help you - merely give you a very rough guide.
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25 July 2003, 12:12 AM
#8
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Practical Classics or similiar should give you the details of relevant Owners Club.
Wouldn't touch it with a barge pole without some specific advice at least. They should also be able to value, could confirm vehicle history (to some degree) and point you in the direction of someone who can inspect.
Wouldn't touch it with a barge pole without some specific advice at least. They should also be able to value, could confirm vehicle history (to some degree) and point you in the direction of someone who can inspect.
25 July 2003, 10:45 AM
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It really is a buyer's market out there: it's well worth making a sporting offer (i.e. low 
) just to see how keen the owner is to flog it.
A mechanic mate of mine (runs a mint '72 Stag) recently told me he's seen a lot of classics which are not roadworthy i.e. have rotten sills & chassis members, but still have current MOTs. He reckons a lot of MoT stations are much more "lenient" on classics 'cos they don't get driven much, or very fast. Either that, or there are some MOT stations out there that take a flexible view of structural rust
Remember that 60s Jags are complete and utter rotboxes -- as bad as 70s Italian cars. Work on the assumption that it's riddled with rust until you can satisfy yourself otherwise!
[Edited by brickboy - 7/25/2003 10:47:44 AM]
) just to see how keen the owner is to flog it.A mechanic mate of mine (runs a mint '72 Stag) recently told me he's seen a lot of classics which are not roadworthy i.e. have rotten sills & chassis members, but still have current MOTs. He reckons a lot of MoT stations are much more "lenient" on classics 'cos they don't get driven much, or very fast. Either that, or there are some MOT stations out there that take a flexible view of structural rust
Remember that 60s Jags are complete and utter rotboxes -- as bad as 70s Italian cars. Work on the assumption that it's riddled with rust until you can satisfy yourself otherwise!
[Edited by brickboy - 7/25/2003 10:47:44 AM]
25 July 2003, 11:42 AM
#11
Basically classics are only worth what someone'll pay for it. For example TR6's inflated to £12K, because everyone fancied them. When honestly, you'd never pay more than £8K for one. Unless it tottaly flawless (which they never are)
Mark X Jags are'nt the most desirable of jags (being so huge), and they are excellant at hiding the sins (XJ6 must have inherited it). So the bloke will be open to offers! So find as much wrong with it as you can, then work out what it would cost to rectify. Then ask yourself "would I buy the car and still want to spend this much to maintain it." Then make an offer based on that.
The Jaguar Drivers Club (JDC) classifieds in the magazine normally is a good indication of the maximum value the car is worth. Can't give a link as I can't find any yet.
aha.. found it Jaguar Driver's Club
You'll need to subscribe to look at the magazine, but I'm sure they may help if you send an e-mail asking your interested in joining the club and need advice on purchasing a Mark X
[Edited by ALi-B - 7/25/2003 11:50:47 AM]
Mark X Jags are'nt the most desirable of jags (being so huge), and they are excellant at hiding the sins (XJ6 must have inherited it
). So the bloke will be open to offers! So find as much wrong with it as you can, then work out what it would cost to rectify. Then ask yourself "would I buy the car and still want to spend this much to maintain it." Then make an offer based on that.The Jaguar Drivers Club (JDC) classifieds in the magazine normally is a good indication of the maximum value the car is worth. Can't give a link as I can't find any yet.
aha.. found it Jaguar Driver's Club
You'll need to subscribe to look at the magazine, but I'm sure they may help if you send an e-mail asking your interested in joining the club and need advice on purchasing a Mark X
[Edited by ALi-B - 7/25/2003 11:50:47 AM]
25 July 2003, 12:13 PM
#12
You'll need a Synchrometer to balance the airflow, and a 4 gas Analyser to set the mixtures.
And finally someone who knows what they are doing
Make sure the ignition system is perfect (timing and dwell) and the plugs and leads are OK (because they look ok does'nt mean they are ok) If in doubt - replace!
And give the carbs a good clean before doing any adjusting. (use carb cleaner, brake fluid or celly thinners to remove any varnish on the internals. Remove the float chamber covers to make sure no water is in there and the float moves freely (may need to remove the carbs to do the latter)
Edited as I just realised you said Webbers and not SU's! Same above rules still applies though
[Edited by ALi-B - 7/25/2003 12:28:41 PM]
And finally someone who knows what they are doing
Make sure the ignition system is perfect (timing and dwell) and the plugs and leads are OK (because they look ok does'nt mean they are ok) If in doubt - replace!
And give the carbs a good clean before doing any adjusting. (use carb cleaner, brake fluid or celly thinners to remove any varnish on the internals. Remove the float chamber covers to make sure no water is in there and the float moves freely (may need to remove the carbs to do the latter)
Edited as I just realised you said Webbers and not SU's! Same above rules still applies though
[Edited by ALi-B - 7/25/2003 12:28:41 PM]
25 July 2003, 12:18 PM
#13
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There's a 3.8 one at the classic car club, it's an utter dog to drive, but quite fast (E-type engine) they've replaced it with the equivalent Daimler which is much better to drive apparently.
I'll ask what the one you're after is worth tomorrow at the open day. www.cccedinburgh.co.uk
I'll ask what the one you're after is worth tomorrow at the open day. www.cccedinburgh.co.uk
25 July 2003, 01:04 PM
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Dont buy a mark x. They are massive! too massive. and the bodys are great at the whole rusting thing. You realise they were the widest car on british roads until the xj220 came along?
price guide says 7k a1, 3250 avg, 1400 rough for the 3.8, and the same but only 1200 for a rough 4.2
price guide says 7k a1, 3250 avg, 1400 rough for the 3.8, and the same but only 1200 for a rough 4.2
25 July 2003, 03:16 PM
#15
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Great advice, thanks to all.
More details: the car has been owned for 14 years by the seller, who seems an enthusiast, and who claims to have kept on top of the car and carried out mild and continual maintainence and restoration. Apparently bought from a garage owning family who drowned the thing in rustproofing. 10 months MOT, tax exempt, automatic gearbox (spare included).
Seems on the money at £4250, but obviously will come cheaper. Viewing on Sunday, so will report back. Got to be nicer than a Vectra.
Its a while since I viewed a car armed with a small hammer and a magnet.
Size could be an issue though, my garage is easily wide enough for 2 cars but not the longest in the world. Anyone know the length?
More details: the car has been owned for 14 years by the seller, who seems an enthusiast, and who claims to have kept on top of the car and carried out mild and continual maintainence and restoration. Apparently bought from a garage owning family who drowned the thing in rustproofing. 10 months MOT, tax exempt, automatic gearbox (spare included).
Seems on the money at £4250, but obviously will come cheaper. Viewing on Sunday, so will report back. Got to be nicer than a Vectra.
Its a while since I viewed a car armed with a small hammer and a magnet.
Size could be an issue though, my garage is easily wide enough for 2 cars but not the longest in the world. Anyone know the length?
25 July 2003, 05:09 PM
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Olly
Get a New copy of C&S it is still the best car mag for quality of articles and photography alone.
Have a look at the auctions section as well for pricing.
Couple of things
Why is he selling after 14 years???
speak to a specialist before buying, again C&S should help out with this.
Watch out for RUST, lift carpets and check around screens. Take a magnet to check panels etc and have a good look underneath.
Some parts may not be avaliable anymore so could put it off the road, may be why he is selling and offer loads less than he wants for it.
Get a New copy of C&S it is still the best car mag for quality of articles and photography alone.
Have a look at the auctions section as well for pricing.
Couple of things
Why is he selling after 14 years???
speak to a specialist before buying, again C&S should help out with this.
Watch out for RUST, lift carpets and check around screens. Take a magnet to check panels etc and have a good look underneath.
Some parts may not be avaliable anymore so could put it off the road, may be why he is selling and offer loads less than he wants for it.
25 July 2003, 08:09 PM
#20
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Cheers Paul. The owner claims that he has just moved house, and his new garage is nowhere near the size of his 20'0 long old one, hence the sale.
The Mk10 is a LARGE car; I have just ran a tape measure in my garage and it JUST fits (cheers Doug). It would dwarf my Capri, a fairly long car itself.
Some example pics:
Should look nice next to the 316i's, Golfs and C-classes in the golf course car park.
[Edited by Olly - 7/25/2003 8:10:23 PM]
The Mk10 is a LARGE car; I have just ran a tape measure in my garage and it JUST fits (cheers Doug). It would dwarf my Capri, a fairly long car itself.
Some example pics:
Should look nice next to the 316i's, Golfs and C-classes in the golf course car park.
[Edited by Olly - 7/25/2003 8:10:23 PM]
25 July 2003, 08:27 PM
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Assuming that the photos are of the actual car, is it LHD or is the interior photo reversed? If it is LHD that should be a good negotiating point on the price. Also, if it's been used for weddings you could try something along the lines of "driving at low speeds knackers the torque converter so there will be expensive repairs coming up.
Looks in good nick bodywise. Have a good look underneath. Good luck!
Doug
Looks in good nick bodywise. Have a good look underneath. Good luck!
Doug
25 July 2003, 10:15 PM
#22
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That isn't the actual car, just the only photo I could find
The car in question is in blue/blue leather, unlike Miss Whiplash's boudouir as seen in the previous post.
The car in question is in blue/blue leather, unlike Miss Whiplash's boudouir as seen in the previous post.
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