Torque and Chrome

How do you estimate what a classic car is worth? 70 chevelle?

Ok, im looking @ a car to buy...i've had several mustangs, and stuff, mostly newer...and i have had a 70 chevelle, but it was a pile...anyways, lemme tell you about the car 70 chevelle malibu (ss clone) 454 stock 4 spd 12 bolt posi stainless dual exhaust -------------------- 4 wheel power drum (which suck, lol) ladder bars ------------------------ interior is like brand spanking new, except it needs a replacement package tray and sail pannels. they look like new...but the tray is warped. ------------------------ underneath the car...you could EAT off it...not one spec of rust, very clean ------------------------- red with white ss stripes --------------------------- body is striaght and the lines are premium and flush ------------------------------ in my opinion, car would not need new paint for another 5 years or more, its very shiny and lusters ------------------------------- chrome is pretty decent, i would personally replace the rear bumper if i wanted to go to a show. the bad: gas gauge dont work, speedo dont work, has a cracked edge on the taillight, and the car has a few paint chips... the car looks like one you could drive every day, and still take to shows on the weekends.... you've heard of a 10 footer? this is about a 2 footer...looks amazing from only 2 or 3 feet away, but to the trained eye, i found some poorly finished body filler, some turtling in the paint (no bubbles), and possibly a crack in some filler, unless its a crack in the paint, but i suspect filler... i think its worth it...they are asking 15,000. sound about right? p.s. i know its impossible to tell without seeing it...but try to picture it from my description....cars in this condition on ebay have been selling for 18-20...so i thought i might take a chance....any input is appreciated. p.s.s.- also, imo, it looks like the kind of car where, if you were not happy, you could scuff it down, and have it painted, and could spend less than a day doing work on it..the body looks that nice...

Public Comments

1. Since it's a clone, it's value is low. It sounds like it may be OK, as long as they can show you the receipts for all of the new parts on the car. Since the speedo and the gauges don't work, you may have a simple fix, or a nightmare looming. I've restored cars from this era, and from my experience, they can be a joy or your worst nightmare. First, how are your "Mechanical" skills? If they aren't good, then I'd walk away from it and keep looking. Wiring harness issues are a real problem if you are "Electrically" challenged. You need to know everything that you can find about this model of car before buying it. Ask to see the "Title". Does it say "Salvage" anywhere? If it does, RUN! You can also look at the original "Build" plate usually riveted to the drivers side door. The number codes for what was on the car from the factory and the original Color code will be there. If the plate is gone, don't buy it. Don't let them tell you it fell off. They don't just fall off. You'll need to get the code book for that car from GM. It may be somewhere online too. Do this before putting down any money. This can save you from a nightmare or net you a gem. Is this going to be a daily driver? I'm guessing yes. Then it really doesn't matter as long as you can make the car dependable for such. By no means will this EVER be a valuable car. How much time and money are you planning to put into this project? Too many people get in over their heads with cars like this. Ask to have the car looked at by a mechanic close by if you really are interested in purchasing the car. If the owner backs away from that request, walk away. That person knows that there's hidden problems. If you are able to have it inspected, YOU pay for the inspection. Do not let the owner recommend a mechanic! It may be his buddy. I've bought and sold many cars from the late 60's up to 1973. I've restored the gems and have enjoyed driving these fun cars. I'm very familiar with Most of the "Pony" and "Muscle" cars of this time frame. If you want one from this time frame, look at "Probate" auctions, "Estate" auctions, Classic Car magazines and such. There may be a dealer close to you that consigns "Classics". Go look there. Most important, take your time and do your research FIRST!