Barn find 1940 ford conv. Value

S

SPRYSTANG

Senior Member
Any clue what a barn find 1940 ford deluxe convertible might be worth. Body is supposed to be excellent, but has been sitting since the 70's. The usual will probably need fixed to get it running again, and the top is torn supposedly, and chrome faded and paint was a bright red that has faded, but other than that it is a solid canidate. Just dont want to over pay, i know the economy is not what it used to be, and the values have dropped in the hobby. Any opinions appreciated, or if you know of a similar car that has sold lately, it would be appreciated. Thanks
 
Impossible to say without photos and a more detailed description of it's condition, i.e. rust, any alterations, engine, does it have a title, etc. The price of finished 1940 convertibles has come down so do your homework. Is it a basket case? Is the engine stock? 100 point restorations reflect the price. Many others do not. Also, make sure it has the hard to find parts, like top latches, deck lid, widow frames, dashboard, etc. You might get lucky and it may still have a Columbia rear.
 
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I really need a ball park figure of what some of you would pay for this. 10k, 20k, 30k. I need somewhere to start negotiating. Im more into the 32 and 34 fords, and not sure of the real value of a car like this. Ive google'd trying to find something close, but no luck. Thanks
 
Have they said a price? Do they know what they have? Figure out what you think it will cost to fix what you want and go from there. Most people don't know the cost involved in these cars. If it were me and being where I am from I would start out at 5,500 and see what they say. You will know real fast where you stand.
 
Unless the floor boards are completely ate up, I think a car like that on eBay would fetch minimum 25-30k with the original mechanics and firewall not butchered.
 
There is one on eBay that started at 38 has one day left and no bids. I think if you pay around 30 by the time you do all the work you will be under water with it. Start low you can go up but not down.
 
The car market is way down right now. There are a lot of cars on e=bay that do not bring half of the reserve price. I would have to see more pictures and see if the engine is stuck and if there is rust cover up.

The price of corn is going way up and you should not pay more than you can sell it for.
 
I bought a 48 Zephyr convertible 13 years ago and paid $3500 for it. When I offered $900 or it the owner called me a cheat and a thief and threw me off the property. I sent a friend back and he paid the asking price which the owner would not tell me of $3500. I got it home and it needed an engine(5 cracks in the block) new floor , 4 fenders, bumpers (rusted through) hood and deck lid. My $900 was right on. My friend doesn't like to bicker on price. I spent $37,000 to restore and did all the work on it myself except chrome and upholstery. Check old cars price guide and consider the car a #5 or #6 condition.
 
The car needs a total restoration and is sitting in a barn on the dirt,,dirt means moisture,,I can only imagine that the floors are very rust.

I agree with flatjack9,,12,000 max. HRP
 
The idea is to not insult the owner about the vehicle....spend about an hr. getting to know the owner, the history on the car and what stories he or she has to tell...most owners want to know the car will be well cared for after it leaves the barn.....then you could ask the question...What are you looking to get? good luck!
 
I would agree with the suggested offer of $12K max. Maybe more if you have a chance to get the conv. out of the barn and up in the air to inspect the underside.
good luck, nice find. Pat
 
Folks will try to sell you a highly sought car like that at a price that is nearer what you would pay for a completely restored one.

Now, if you have the money and just absolutely have to have a "PROJECT" then you'll have to pay a lot more than you would a regular coupe model or what not. $12,000 is a good price for that model but the owner may never sell it for that amount. It would likely be in the 16,000 to 25,000 area since I've seen restored ones asking in the 35,000 range and higher depending on condition.

You are money ahead to find one that already has a fairly good restoration completed or at least very well cared for older restoration. Restoration costs are high now days even if you do all the work yourself. This kind of a purchase will minmize the work and allow you to drive the car during your project.
 
I am not trying to say to rip the guy off. I would think that they would know what they have. A car that has sat that long could have many problems under that paint. Get it as cheap as you can. One thing to know was the top torn before it was stored inside. If it was you could have all kids of rust problems. The guy is probably not going to let you take every thing apart to look at stuff. I would start lower than 12,000. If he has not given you any ballpark on price he could be just fishing. That is why I would start low. Start high and he might decide to hold out for even more because he had watched to much Barrett Jackson.
 
I would look at that and think, the grille is out because someone (years ago maybe) is working on the engine so the engine is broke, you know the brakes are all gone , sitting on a dirt floor the floors are very rusty, interior is more than likely varmit infested with mice etc, better look at the bad sides first .
Someone else said find a nice one somewhere at a affordable price and buy it......i agree...
 
There are two on e-bay right now. One has not received a bid and the other is buy it now for $38,000. I doubt you could restore that one for $38,000. More pictures and inspections are needed. I think old Ron $2500 is about right.
 
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