I have found a 1971 cutlass, not a 442, in pieces with some rust on the quarter panels. This guy bought it from a kid who was going to restore it, but has not has the time. They have a 455 marine engine and 400 automatic transmission.That is out of frame. I'm from rural Montana. So competition for this car is not high, but there will be some. My question is What is this worth. I really don't know. What do you all think?

 

Need to add it's a coupe.

 

Need a bit more info like pictures of the car would be best. Factory options and overall condition of car will determine desirability and current value.

 

To be honest I haven't seen it yet, wanted to have some idea when I meet the owner.

 

 

very tough to say, car looks solid, if they have all the parts then that helps. But I guarantee even if they say every part is there - its not. That looks like a lot of work but for the right price and if you re looking for a project if the body is pretty solid then a lot of the other parts can be had. Oldsmobiles are expensive to fix up the good thing is this being a Cutlass the market (for better or worse) doesn't put nearly the premium on it as 442s so you can get it cheaper and even build it as you wish instead of worrying about perfection or originality.

 

It's a shell and a non runner. That takes its value down a lot. At least it's not being stored out in the elements. From the window stickers it looks like it was last tagged in 2005 - that's a long time to leave a car sitting. I'd suggest starting at $1200 and work from there. Do you know if the engine turns over or is seized? It's a 74+ engine as evidenced by the EGR valve. Interesting the oil pressure sender is 90° to the block. The rad support appears to be fairly intact; i don't see the battery side all rotted out. Where are all the other pieces that you'll need to finish it? That sound/heat insulation should not be on the firewall. Whoever installed that got it all wrong. Good luck with your decision. BTW, there are other cars around - this one doesn't have to force your decision to buy.

 

I'd go with this also. Be prepared a lot of nickels and dimes will add up in getting this project finished.

 

Those nickles and dimes add up to thousands of $$$$ FAST

 

Bucket seats, console and sport wheel are worth a lot. Could be beauty in the right hands. Good luck

 

I have read all your responses, and appreciate them. I'm guessing $2000 has always been my top, was thinking 1500 to start, but I will probably start a little lower now. This actually gives me some ammo to bring him down. Might go see it tuesday. If I get it I will be back on this forum looking for the parts its missing.
Thanks Again
Dan

 

Maybe try to get a feel for what he is thinking would be a fair price. He may want more than you are willing to pay. It may save you a trip to look at it. Another thing to think about is how you are going to get all those PIECES home...........how many trips would you have to make.
............Just my two cents worth

 

Can't tell if all of the glass is there, but if not add more $$ to completion costs. Looks more like a #5 to me. Just really a good parts car.

 

 

OK, so I went and saw it. Body is good not rust the one front fender would nad a patch welded in. But the pieces are everywhere, no way to tell how many small pieces are missing. Has a supposed rebuild 400 auto transmission, but the engine is in pieces, the cam and front cover are missing. all inside not rust, But.... interior is the same no idea what is there and what is missing, I would guess 85% there as a whole. He is talking $1500, I said no more than $1000. He is thinking as am I. On a separate note he has 1977 Firebird, 100% there all assembled running that he wants the same for. 350 engine and 350 transmission in it and running body straight no rust. I'm kicking around the idea of buying both and restoring the firebird and collect more parts for the Cutlass as I go. I think he might take $2500 for booth I know he would take $3000. I am wondering what a parts car is worth, is $1000 a reasonable number?
Thanks
Dan

 

 

Walk away. It's not worth the hassle of moving it and then trying to list parts for who knows how long. When everything is apart and especially from someone else the headaches will never end.

If you like the screaming chicken, buy it and drive it.