I am really thinking about this one. what do you guys think the true market value is on this car. Is this a members car? Do any of you know about it?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1961-...orcev4exp=true

 

There's no question that that's a beautiful car, although I personally don't like those wheels and would change them.

However, according to the price guides, $28,000 is way off the dial for anything other than a convertible version of a '61 Dynamic 88, and that's for a better-than-showroom-new car.

This car has a value more in the $15,000 to $20,000 range. But he does say "Make Offer," so make him an offer!

 

It's an overinflated DEALERS price. He even lists the engine as a 6.5L. He should take a couple grand off just for that reference!

 

Agreed. That's just wrong.

And if he threw out all those cubic inches, and changed them to cc's, who knows what else he's changed.

- Eric

 

I was going to say if everything works and is all original with no resto work I would pay 18-19k. This is only because of what i've seen in my neck of the woods. I like this generation very much, so I have priced a couple out.

 

Ok so here is the other side of the story, I am thinking about selling the 72 442 in its unfinished state just for this 61.
I have had my 72 for a long time now ,and with the problems I had with the body shop I think that I am just over it.
Maybe, in part, it's my age. I am 50 now. Could it be that I am just ready for a new style?

 

I was thinking about 20,000 being the cap.

 

Now that's funny.

 

Hey KJR442, I have a 1961 super 88 that I am halfway through restoring. I paid 2000.00 for mine, body perfectly straight. had a blown head gasket. I completely rebuilt engine and am going through every single part on the rest of the car. I figure, when all done, I will have about 15,000.000 in it apart from the 2k i paid for it. By the way, I turned 55 two days ago, and my first car I ever owned was a 1962 dynamic 88. Man I LOVE these two cars, both the 62 and 61 body style.
Have fun in what ever you decide.

 

The 61 has had my eye for some time now, I just love the lines on that car.

 

I love those cars. If its as nice as it looks its worth whatever you are willing to pay. Wish I could grab it but I would have to buy it first then try and sell my 442. Its one of those things...how many are going to come along that need very little work? if you can afford it whats overpaying a bit to get the car of your dreams

 

Two comments:

1. Paying $28,000 for a car that's worth no more than $20,000 is not overpaying a "bit."

That's overpaying by 40%.


2. You don't want to overpay for something this expensive for the same reason you don't want to overpay for any big-ticket item, like a house. You assume circumstances won't change, you'll keep it for many years and enjoy it, and over, say, 20 years, yes, the fact that you paid above market when you bought it is kind of lost in the noise.

But what if something happens in, say, the next 12 months? What if, for example, his health or someone in his family's health takes a turn for the worse and he needs to sell the car? He'll take a bath on it.

Sentiment is not a good reason to be foolish with money.

 

Although these cars are starting to appreciate it's a tough call to purchase even at $20k. An unrestored car is going to have issues, so figure another $6k for an engine and trans overhaul sometime in it's future. I agree it's a nice car, but for that kind of money I can think of others to purchase.

 

I think it was just over the past five years or so that I have seen some of these 61's in similar condition go for 35,000 to 40,000 , so I guess the market for these cars has started to come down somewhat.

 

Where?!?!? I don't believe it. Let's see an example.

I don't think cars like this have ever reached that much in value. Again, maybe the occasional convertible treated to a concourse quality restoration could touch a value that high, but a car like that would never be driven once restored. It would be a museum showpiece. But for any kind of a driver, and a non-convertible to boot? Not a chance.

 

I would have to agree, it is a lot of cash, but, some say I am putting more in mine than i will ever re-coupe, but thats ok too, for me. But man, that is a LOT of cash. Here is a very nice resto, but dont know if it ever sold or not and he is asking 36 K for it.

http://www.autotraderclassics.com/cl...8-433562.xhtml

 

I have always liked the olds bubble tops over the buick pictured here....the olds just seems more balanced.....
tough call, do think,as others have said, 15 to 20k is more in line...

Ted

 

Nice car but a bit pricey. Lol One has to decide what's best for them. How bad do you want a 61 and are you willing to invest the time and $ to do one or do you just want to shoot your wad and pay that much. I would find the best rust free example and redo/restore it the way I wanted it. You would be in it less than this car depending how much you do yourself. Good luck, Ken

 

In the case of this type of car, the parts are somewhat hard to find and I believe it would be less expensive to capitalize on someone else's depreciation and hard work. It ain't cheap to restore a car anymore especially the obscure ones.

 

I agree that 28k is a lot of money. And I also agree that you will probably spend at least a few thousand more to keep it tip top...Old seals dry out in engines and especially trannys. I can tell you that from experience. Original seats will also start coming apart if used regularly. But what I was saying its up to the informed buyer. These cars don't grow on trees like the later 60's cars. If dough is not a problem and its the car of your dreams then go for it.

I overpaid for my car, the car of my dreams, and I don't regret it for a single moment. I don't think there is another one like it. But another car will always come along for us car lovers if we wait long enough and at a better price. So each to his own.

 

After looking closer , and talking to the guy, I think this car is priced way way to high. 15, 000 would be pushing it.
I need to just finish the 72 and quit looking at other cars for a while.
My son was ready to kill me anyway .

 

Any car built built 45+ years ago no mater how well kept will need attention soon after you start to drive it hard or even easy, to many things go to pot with age, paint, any rubber parts, seals, chrome, upholstery, all have a limited life and all will have to be addressed soon.I would rather buy a car that has been restored and is a few years old that needs a little attention than one that is aged but pristine.

If you are patient one will come up to your likening, after all the four D's are always with us, divorce, death, debt, and disinterest.....Tedd

 

Tedd right now I'm dealing with disinterest, I have had my car since 89 I think. After a long wait, and to avoid debt and devorce, it is painted. Death almost came when the body shop broke my hood in two places. I'm just in a real bad place mentally about this car right now. Hell I got it back last summer, and still haven't touched it.

 

I have been watching this one for curiosity sake because I have a 61 and I have bought unrestored cars before and what eventually happens is that they need restoring if you want to drive them. However if you Google search for 61 olds 2dr's for sale and they have been very scarce. I want to buy a restorable bubbletop and have been looking for a while now.

 

Koolcat,
That 61 was for sale about six months ago by a fellow in Atlanta Georgia also,I had found it on craigslist. He was asking 19,000.00 for at the time I was interested but didnt jump on it fast enough. I still have some detailed pics saved of the car
He told me he had bought from someone in Kentucky and was very well maintained, he had all the original hardware for it also.
He was in a jamb and had to get it sold fast.
I am currently working on a 61 88 pro cruiser , we have it fitted for a ford 6.0 diesel motor
Good luck its a nice car

 

kx1233, can you post some pic's of your project in the non-olds powered section. We've has some discussions on doing a diesel in an old car in the past.

 

cmon KJR you've got a nice car and its now in paint ....put it together start driving it and you'll be feeling better about it in no time...its all the time and effort w no reward thats hurting your interest level, plus your kids will have a renewed interest as well

 

X2 - I'm with Retro, once you get it on the road all the bad feelings will be banished by the good ones.

 

I know, I am making plans now to get it going again. Thanks for the push, I need it.