That is so true. Today it's pretty obvious it's a real GSx and then you spend $40K and the evidence is gone.
Two suggestions. Pictures will preserve the patina. Duane could give you a letter of authentication. The fix it tab will be north of 40K and the original engine is MIA. Plan on being on the wrong side of the Franklin brother numbers right out of the chute and that situation will continue across the finish line.
Jim you hit the nail on the head. Unfortunately that is the case with almost any Buick restoration with the exception of a Stage 1 GSX or Stage 1 convertible.
Given the asking price even if this were a documented 70 GSx with the MIA engine you would be struggling to break even after a full boat resto. A 71 even if documented is unlikely to bring command the same number of Franklin brothers notwithstanding the unusual color.
Gentlemen, I am not going to comment on the value of this or any other particular car, however I will say this, I have purchased 3 GSX's during my life, and each time I either payed "all the money" or even a little more then the current market value stated they were worth. Each time I figured that "premium" was the price I was willing to pay to get what I wanted. I never once regretted it because not only was I happy with my purchases, but I didn't have to regret not buying the vehicle. I also never worried about getting back the money I had invested in these vehicles, as the market value continued to climb, but even if it had gone down, I bought the cars because I was interested in the cars themselves, and not making money. For me the enjoyment of this hobby comes from owning a piece of history, researching it, and hopefully passing it on in a condition better then you found it. Maybe this means locating all the pieces for it, and letting someone else finish it, whatever. The bottom line is this, if you want a particular car then you should buy it. If you are interested in making money in this hobby then you are better off playing the stock market. Duane
Amen! I agree 1000% with you Duane. Some may say that I have cars that are worth more than I have invested but I will never know that as all of my cars will never leave my or my family's ownership. I own them because I LOVE MY BUICK'S, almost as much as my family (notice I said almost :laugh: ).
Anybody got 20,000 they could loan me. For I would love to have this one. I have a Bittersweet mist metallic 71 GS 455 and this car would be a great book end. Then win the lotto.
Well said Duane. I know I'd be upside down in this car, but I'm not looking at the ROI factor. My income comes from other sources.
Everyone has to consider the Franklin brothers factor for a car like this at some point and at some level. In order to consider it one must know what it is or at least have some methodology for estimating it. Some people will admit to this and some will not but we all do it. For the pious among us it may come as a shock but one who considers the Franklin brothers factor for a car is not thereby rendered impure. It is so easy to impose your own ideas of what a purist should be when you are using someone else's money.
I agree Jim, It is OK to pay more than a car is most likely worth if you really like the car but you need to know where you stand , dollar wise. A project car like this will put someone in the red for sure, but it might be the only way they can get into a real X. Happy New Year!
I agree with you 100% Duane and Brad. I have a standard answer when asked how much I would be willing to sell my GSX for once it's done, "Ask my kids when I'm dead. Maybe, just maybe, they'd be willing to sell it".
When this car is bought and done, that leaves one less barn find. I would go into debt to buy this car if my situation would allow. Someone please buy this car and restore it the way it deserves to be done. Allen
Of course everyone considers monetary issues when purchasing a car. You would be crazy if you didn't, however what you need to keep in mind is that most people do not do full fledged restorations. Many people build really nice cars that they can enjoy, and if they are willing to do a bit of the work themselves they can keep the cost of the restoration down. This car would be a good candidate for such an educated restoration. It would allow someone that wants a GSX to buy it affordably, and over time have a really nice car. My gut feeling is the car is probably real, and I believe (if asked) the original owner would probably sign an affidavit stating such. If that is the case, that plus detailed pics of the car in it's current condition should be enough to prove its real. The point I was trying to make is this, every time I purchased a GSX it was at or over the current market value. Then as time went on, and the value of the cars increased, the price I originally paid for the cars ended up looking like I stole them. If the trend continues, and this car had a decent restoration, I would bet that by the time the car is done it would be worth the money put into it. This has nothing to do with being pious, but is a matter of common sense. If you ignore the huge increase in values these cars have had within the last 2+ years, you would see that over the years they have steadily risen in value. Duane
For anyone wanting a little inspiration, this is the only other bittersweet '71 GSX I have seen besides the one Jim L mentioned that was in the magazine from the 90's. I can't remember where I snagged these photos...does it belong to someone here on this board? The car for sale in Alabama would be a standout for sure among the "common" colored GSXs.
The entry price seems too steep at $20K. One thing I've learned is that if anything is not new looking it needs to be refurbished or replaced. That translates to me that practically everything needs to be done. A car in much worse shape wouldn't be much different. This car is only 200 miles from me and I have space for it now. If it was under $10K maybe I could just buy and store for a while. But at $20K he's trying to fetch as much as my 87GN with 18K miles or my 71GS455 Bittersweet Mist Convert would fetch. I just can't rationalize $20K for that car in it's current condition. If it was a Stage1, maybe. Lets face it, a GSX is just a GS with stripes and a few not so important options that were available on a GS in 71-72. Maybe that's why not too many were sold.
I think the car is worth 16-17k and would pay that but the 2500 for shipping and 2600 tax is what stops me from phoning the guy but it if was only 200 miles from me I'm scared what I'd do. To me this would be a real cool done car and unfortunately when I buy projects that is what I see not the number 5 car infront of us. Bill
The strengh of the Canadian dollar makes this car nearly free for our northern neighbors! Five years from now this will seem like a steal.:TU:
Finally some common sense spoken here, I guess thats why its still forsale . Bet it wont be long before she hits EBAY.
Cool thats the 350 car. There is still a 455 Stage 1 4speed, and presumably this 455. Gary you say you have a Chev thats Bittersweet ? Color is not inclusive to Buick ?
