Can anyone give me a good idea whats this car is worth? My grandfather restored it in the 80s and when he past away 12 years ago my aunt inherited it and hasn't done much with it since...Im looking to buy the car from her and i think she is asking a lot... $12,000? it does not run at the moment an im not sure the last time it did..it has a rumble seat and cloth interior. thanks bob
1930 Model A coupe value?
- Thread starter Bobk2011
- Start date
Kevin in NJ
Well-known member
You have to ask some questions.
Who rebuilt the engine and driveline? A reputable person with experience or was it thrown together from stuff.
Look at the front brake lever. It should lean forward some, well it should have the brakes engaged fully by vertical. If it is vertical then you know the brakes are not right.
Does it have 4 working original shocks? Lack of shocks means the person did not restore the chassis very well as the car will be unmanageable on the road over 25 MPH with good springs. So if you know the car was a 45 MPH car then it is likely a 25 MPH safe car.
Those are a few simple things to look at that give you a idea of what the car is.
It is quite common to have the A thrown together. If it needs brakes there is a thousand more dollars. A not so good engine is a few K more. The paint indicates poor prep work. Keep in mind good paint jobs start at $8000 and jump quick depending on what is under the paint. Dig some more and you are just as likely to find questionable body work.
So this all puts the car down in the $5000 +- and that is to limit how much money you might lose in the end. The car may need substantial work depending on what you are looking to do. It is a substantial investment you are about to make with a good chance of thousands of dollars of 'loss'. Here is where some will tell you it is also about the love, whatever it is your money. More than one guy has $40k into a $12,000 coupe.
It is your money. You had best learn a bit more about the car.
P.S. Yes I am painting a dismal picture about the car. Seen a lot of cars Seen a lot of guys pay too much.
Who rebuilt the engine and driveline? A reputable person with experience or was it thrown together from stuff.
Look at the front brake lever. It should lean forward some, well it should have the brakes engaged fully by vertical. If it is vertical then you know the brakes are not right.
Does it have 4 working original shocks? Lack of shocks means the person did not restore the chassis very well as the car will be unmanageable on the road over 25 MPH with good springs. So if you know the car was a 45 MPH car then it is likely a 25 MPH safe car.
Those are a few simple things to look at that give you a idea of what the car is.
It is quite common to have the A thrown together. If it needs brakes there is a thousand more dollars. A not so good engine is a few K more. The paint indicates poor prep work. Keep in mind good paint jobs start at $8000 and jump quick depending on what is under the paint. Dig some more and you are just as likely to find questionable body work.
So this all puts the car down in the $5000 +- and that is to limit how much money you might lose in the end. The car may need substantial work depending on what you are looking to do. It is a substantial investment you are about to make with a good chance of thousands of dollars of 'loss'. Here is where some will tell you it is also about the love, whatever it is your money. More than one guy has $40k into a $12,000 coupe.
It is your money. You had best learn a bit more about the car.
P.S. Yes I am painting a dismal picture about the car. Seen a lot of cars Seen a lot of guys pay too much.
BILL WILLIAMSON
Well-known member
I've seen FIRST time buyers get a "sour" car, DUMP it, & NEVER get back into the Model A hobby! Bill W.
Charlie Stephens
Well-known member
It would be good if all of the fluids were drained before it was stored, if not, you may be in for a complete engine rebuild from radiator water leaking into the cylinders. Tires that old should be replaced regardless of the tread left.
Charlie Stephens
Charlie Stephens
spend some time on Craig's list for postings of Model A's in various cities.. the asking price isnt the selling price but a quite decent project car is $7 - 8,000. Anything with a recent restoration and paint job is $11,000+. Serious restorations are in the $4000+ range for complete cars.
Brother Hesekiel
Senior Member
Very interesting color. Reminds me of a Yellow Cab in NYC. Since you live in upstate New York, this is creepy.
Not running, and has not run in years, $5K, if you like to own your grandfather's car and don't mind rolling the dice. For $12K you can buy a Coupe in cherry condition or a Roadster in about the same condition as your grandpa's Coupe.
Not running, and has not run in years, $5K, if you like to own your grandfather's car and don't mind rolling the dice. For $12K you can buy a Coupe in cherry condition or a Roadster in about the same condition as your grandpa's Coupe.
Bob Johnson
Well-known member
Ross/Kzoo
Well-known member
I think that Bart has the right idea. A lot has to do with the relationship that you have with your aunt. You may want to have a sit down with her and tell her where you stand on the price verses the condition as it is. Let your aunt try to sell it and then she'll find out how much it's worth with the offer's that she gets.
I'm sure that she'll get outside offers somewhere in the $4-5000 price range.
Thanks everyone! I was also thinking 4-5000. I have a lot of love for this car and the others my grandfather restored. The others are used from time to time and are taken care of. It just makes me sick that this Model A is just stilling there when I know I could do something with it. The passion I have for these cars have steered me into my career as a automotive painter and upholstery trimmer. I just want to take care if this car as my grandfather would have wanted! Thanks for all your help!
Bob Knowlton
Bob Knowlton
Mike V. Florida
Well-known member
Is your aunt rich? It is family 12,000 for family does not see to be a lot to me for my grandfathers car.
Just saying.
Just saying.
