Help with speedster value

48Rob

48Rob

Junior Member
I need help with determining the value of a speedster I have been offered.
Yes, I know values vary widely, and it is worth what someone will pay, but I'm trying to get a general feel.

I'm in the midwest.
The speedster is pretty plain, old paint, etc.
Hasn't run in about 8-10 years.
Engine/trans/rear end condition unknown, assuming in okay condition as it was running/driving okay when parked.

I'm not out to take advantage of the seller, or make a profit, but am interested in honest opinions of what it would sell for if I had to sell it in the next few months-year due to job loss or other unforseen issues.
I'd like to buy it, but in this economy I just can't pay any more that it is really worth (I don't need it...)

Thank you for your opinions.

Rob

ry%3D400


ry%3D400


ry%3D400


ry%3D400


ry%3D400
 
Rob,

Wood wheels, stock engine ( no mods as seen), sitting for years (work required)means to me there will be very little speed in the speedster.

AND the last thing a Model A guy ( like yourself) needs is a T.
Better buy it cheap....
 
Not running $4,000. That's about what the parts are worth. Good running and drivable and everything working $6,000 to $8,000. Someone who really wants a speedster should expect to pay that especially if you live where there are events nearby to participate in.
If you had to sell it you may have trouble finding a buyer. There are many "T"s for sale and not as many folks want them or can afford them as there were say 15 years ago. I wouldn't buy it unless a speedster is really what you want. I have one and enjoy it. Also to consider, you probably couldn't build one that nice for the same money.
 
As bubba said get it cheap. Odds are it won't take much to get running. But what you don't know can kill you. Like he said no speed parts on that speedster. For me I would stay around 2500. I would want to change a bunch of stuff if I was going to keep it.
 
Here in VA. as is $2500......$3500 if you want it real bad. Not a easy sell if you have to unload it.
 
Jim and all,

Thank you for the honest advice. a>.gif

I think I'll pass on this one.
I believe I can buy it cheap, but from what everyone is saying, probably not cheap enough.
It was just another opportunity to investigate.
When you love old cars, it is always worth "looking".

I have plenty to do anyway, picked up a Metropolitan convertible, should be fun at the hill climb...

Rob
 
I would pass to. That's a speedster with no speed. I would look at it as a model t that does not run. And you have no idea what could be wrong. Speedsters are neat to some but not all.
 
I think the obvious concern is what can you get for it if you decide to sell it. The generation of buyers that enjoyed the T is getting smaller and smaller and they are difficult to unload. I had a 24 Roadster that I damn near gave away after advertiseing for several months with only a couple potential buyers ! Fun for a while but Not a wise investment !
Al
 
The most valuable part on that speedster is that "correct for a Model T" Neville slider fatman wheel !
 
I would say that none of these cars are wise investments. From the model t up. Unless you can get it free or very cheap and not have to put much into it. I buy cars because I like them. I am a hoarder so I never sell anything. But I do buy smart and try to make sure that there is room to do something with the car.
 
Having built 2 kit (plastic bodied) cars back in the late 80's I can attest to the fact that odd balls are a hard sell. Unfortunately I look at speedsters as kit cars. Stock or slightly modified frame, running gear and engine with some body parts. I know some guy's love them btu it's not a T to me. It's a kit.
 
They are still selling ok in our part of Northern California. Our local Model T club has
over 120 cars in it and lots of speedsters. There are specific tours just for speedsters.
Even with a stock motor they are lots of fun to drive. Adding a high compression head
or shaving the stock head .125 really wakes them up.
Go for it.... $4000. to $6000 easy in our area and more if proven running good.
 
I think it's neat and looks in pretty good condition. I would think 4K would be a good price. In the last few years there have been a few in worse condition sold the first or second day at Hershey for 6 to 8K. You have to be happy with only takng one passenger unless you want to put a mother in law seat on. I have two kids and have a23 roadster. Even at 7 and 9, we're like sardines in there.
 
Many guys just dont know Model Ts and thats a problem sometimes...
I addvertized one of speedsters that had everything and a person in Ohio called and was very interested in buying it and was driving over early the very next day to see the car and take it home with him.
When he arrived he walked around the car and just loved it ! After a few minutes he asked if he could drive the car , i said sure jump in, he slid in the seat and i got in the car next to him. He looked around for a minute and asked what do i do ? Theres no gearshift and a extra petal etc.
Needless to say he didnt take the car with him.
Ts are a very misunderstood vehicle for someone who hasnt ever drove one!!!!
 
Speedsters are what they are... a cozy two seater, period. I get two big guys in mine and its gets friendly in a hurry! Either ya love Ts or you don't. My pal has a 1918 Dodge coupe and that's just like an early Model A with a stick and drum brakes. If mine weren't a T it would be a Buick GS 455.. one extreme or the other!
That little red guy looks a little used which is good. Totally new and shiny it would need to prove itself. I still don't trust mine 100%, but its getting better. ws
 
I see it as a blank slate, a good solid start to add whatever you want to make it do whatever you want.

If you are looking for a speedster that only needs routine maintenance this may not be for you, If you want what seems like a good beginning that you can putt around with as you decide, this seems like it.

Maybe you can give the sellers info out and see if anyone here wants a crack at it. Let the seller know that you are getting the word out for him and he may get the word out that you are looking with people he knows?
 
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