Hey all, I am restoring my numbers matching 69 GS 350 4spd and was getting to a point in the process where I am starting to wonder about how much to spend ? My goal was not a frame off but a real nice driver close to a #2 but more likely a #3+ or #2- when done. Assuning everything is restored, interior, 5K body/paint, all new chrome, complete interior, brakes, suspension, motor, trans, rear, new glass, all numbers match and build date with build sheet, how much is this thing worth?? o No: I plan on keeping it a while though:TU:
Dont plan on making money....or possibly not even getting back what you've put in. Its an unfortunate fact that 68/69's yesterday and today dont command the same thing 70-72's do - and everyone in our camp thinks the 70's cars are undervalued compared to other marque's. Tommorow ?? who knows Build it to enjoy it....and then enjoy it not looking to the future for what it may possibly bring money-wise but enjoyment-wise
A #2- GS 350 4sp might go for $7000 in the right market. Plan on spending 2.5 times that (beyond purchase price)to get it there, and that's with you doing alot of work.
I agree with Len and Alan. I have a 69 GS 350 4-speed non-air numbers matching car and I don't think I'll ever get back what I put into it. Granted, I'm with Alan - build it the way you want it and enjoy it! That's what I did with mine and that's why I still have it after close to 10 years. David, as far as costs are concerned. I did a frame off in my 2 car garage by myself, interupted by the occasional friend stopping by for a cold one at which point I promptly utilized their free labor. This includes donor car, engine rebuild, body mounts, new trunk, quarters, body/paint, vinyl top, headliner, seats and every nut/bolt that was there from day one. All told, with me doing the labor, I spent ~$12000. Granted, my labor is cheap, but I had close to 1600 hours over 3 three into the car! And it's not a 100 point restoration. I didn't use the exact hose clamps, dated spark plug wires, etc. but built a nice, probably #2, restified driver. If you were to include labor costs, the restoration probably would have totalled $30000. Will I ever get that money out of it? Probably not. But do I care if I do? No, I enjoy the car too much and can proudly say that I did all of the work myself. I have no desire to sell it now - maybe I will in the future and even if I did, I know it won't command the money other cars do. It doesn't make it any less of a car to me. I like it! Besides that, a car is only worth as much as a seller will pay you for it. So build it your way and enjoy it. As a side note, I did have an appraiser come out to put a value on the car prior to insuring/driving it and he gave me a number of $10000 which my insurance company did not even question. Good luck! Paul
You sure wont get rich restoring and selling Buicks. And the 68-69 cars bring even less. The small block may hurt it a bit, but in my opinion the 4 speed more than makes up for it. The bottom line is still what someone else will pay for it. I personally would pay 10K or more for your car if in a properly restored state, but thats just me and I am big sucker for 4 speed cars. My advice is build it right and keep it for yourself.
GS what's it worth ?? I know that other threads have talked about value and investments before, so I don't need to go there but I just wanted an idea from you guys. I made money on my last car a 69 GS 400... and that car was not as nice as this car, but is was a BBB. But for my money this car is really sweet, I figure to have over 16K in the car when all is said and done ...uzzled: I know I won't get it all back. Kelly Blue Book lists my cars vlaue at around 13K and so that's OK with me as I plan to have some fun with this car. :beer
