Dreaded WIW? Please advise

[5window]

The attached photos are of a car that belongs to the "friend of a friend". Really. The owner died, leaving no will, but three kids who will likely end up in a legal dispute over the estate.

They have a certified appraiser lined up if need be, but it would be really great if I could help them ascertain an approximate value. All I know is that it's a '31 and it runs, but hasn't in a while. The car is in central PA if geographic location affects the value.

Thanks to all

 

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

If we are speaking of "real world" money, and not some pie-in-the-sky-dream, I would say probably between $5k-$7k as it sets right now.

My justification is that it doesn't run. (It can if someone wants to go to the effort/expense of making it operable but as it sets, it doesn't run.) The 2nd portion of this it is likely a worn, used car. The upholstery is incorrect, the paint/sheetmetal has issues, and realistically it is a great foundation for someone who is wanting a vehicle to do a frame-off restoration on but it has many little 'sins' about it. My variance on price range has much to do with not being able to see the engine compartment nor the undercarriage to see what is unauthentic there too.

.

 

[Mike V. Florida]

All I know is that it's a '31 and it runs, but hasn't in a while.

I like that!! It ran when we parked it! Was the water drained, is the block now cracked (it's in Pa right).

Yea 5-7 with all the unknowns.

 

[5window]

I like that!! It ran when we parked it! Was the water drained, is the block now cracked (it's in Pa right).

Yea 5-7 with all the unknowns.

Yep! But as I said-I haven't got more information that I put up so it's all in the air-yes it's in central PA. Not sure we've had enough cold weather over the past few winters to crack a block,but...

 

[t42]

Like anything else, its what the buyer is willing to pay? Sounds like you have plenty of time to set a price. Local A clubs may be able to assist. You can always set a high reserve on e-bay and see what happens. The economy is still tough, but there are buyers out there. $5-7 sounds very fair based on the pictures. More detailed pictures and a mechanical evaluation will help the final number. Good luck!

 

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Yep! But as I said-I haven't got more information that I put up so it's all in the air-yes it's in central PA. Not sure we've had enough cold weather over the past few winters to crack a block,but...

I think y'all are both saying the same thing but in a different tense. I think the point that Mike and I are making, ...and this should be portrayed to the heirs is that unless someone can immediately hop in, turn on the gas, turn the ignition switch to 'ON', and press the starter button to hear the engine start, ...then it really doesn't run. To some potential buyers, THAT is huge and worth the added effort to make the sale. To others, (myself included) that would be of little consequence since I would only purchase it as a candidate for a complete restoration where the engine would be completely rebuilt anyway.

The other thing that these heirs would need to determine is whom is their target when it comes to selling this vehicle? That can also help determine a value. Good of luck to them in whatever they decide to do.

 

[5window]

Thanks.

 

[5window]

OK, I have an update. The car does run. It didn't when the estate was first appraised I guess but now it does. Also there is reported to be quite a few parts, though I haven't found out if they are mechanical or sheet metal yet. How much does running enhance the value? Thanks for all the help.

 

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

OK, I have an update. The car does run. It didn't when the estate was first appraised I guess but now it does. Also there is reported to be quite a few parts, though I haven't found out if they are mechanical or sheet metal yet. How much does running enhance the value? Thanks for all the help.

Again, to some this is huge. To me it is not necessarily an enhancer. I think alot of it depends on the condition of the rest of the vehicle. If it runs well, drive out decently and will stop, then probably on the higher side of my estimate. If the engine runs but the transmission is noisy, the steering is loose, and the brake won't stop, then a running engine is probably a moot point. Arm-chair appraisals are difficult at best simply because to do a thorough job, one needs to physically use their eyes, ears, nose, mouth, ...and brain to provide an accurate assessment.

BTW, this appraiser needs to be able to give comparables of 'like
vehicles that have recently sold to y'all when he offers his appraisal. This is generally more difficult but otherwise it is just an opinion that may, --or may not be realistic.

 

[Marco Tahtaras]

Do you have a larger version of this pic? I appears that the cowl panel is flat at the bottom which would indicate it was rotted away. If that is the case there are likely many more problems.

From what I THINK I see in your pics I still agree with Brent's original assessment. It may be better however. If there is indeed corrosion issues disguised by the paint your "target market" will be the first time buyer.

 

[Kevin in NJ]

People like a running car but what about the value?

Lets ask what it costs to restore the car to a solid driving car reasonably correct with no intentions to show- just go. Done by someone with tools and does not have to farm out too much work and keeping to the low end and avoiding repro parts.
Interior is around $4000.
Paint is $2000
Actually rebuilding the mechanical parts to factory, $10000 (it is not cheap).
Plating work $2000
Wood $500.

So you are looking at over $18000 to redo the car. Add in the purchase price and you over $23000. How many fordors actually sell for that kind of money? Under $15000 is what they really seem to sell for by the average person. So how much is someone willing to lose restoring this car?

Keep in mind running does not mean safe to drive. My 30 fordor ran and was not safe to drive. After significant work to make the brakes work and fix the broken suspension it was safe to drive the 60 MPH I will drive a Model A. At todays prices I would have about a $1000 into that car to make it safe to drive to local shows.

What kind of drives the pricing on this car is the condition of the body and chassis. Since it has been repainted and there is what appears to be rust in the doors one needs to ask what is under the paint. Some pretty bad bodies have been mucked together and look decent for a while. I would want to look behind the interior panels to see what, if anything, was done to the metal. Some bodies have been horribly ruined by atrocious metal work. If the body is bad then the price starts running down to $4000 range.

I think the $5000 to $7000 still holds as what that car will sell for. Keep in mind based on costs to restore its value might really be in the $2000 range. Personally, if I were in the market I would consider it at $5000 and fix it to drive as is. Maybe change the interior. There is a lot of fun to be had in a safe car in that condition.

Get someone that understands the A to look at the car and price accordingly. If the guy says the metal is low rust or rust free and the seats are correct originals parts and such then you start going to the high end of the $7000. Added parts that go with the car have to be figured into the price, but most guys do not care and want to low ball a package. You might make better money on selling the extra parts separately. Keep in mind a pile of new repro parts from a long time ago really may not have much value. Some the current repro parts are much better and a lot of the repro stuff just does not work.

 

[Cider Mill]

That looks like a real nice slant windshield driver. Assuming it runs well and based on the photos, and my location in CT, if I were looking for another town sedan, I would pay between $7K and $8500. Hope that helps.