Opinions on E-Body Pricing

[Katfish]

I have found in building cars that I can build them for a fraction of the cost to buy one most of the time and this is especially true for e bodies.

I disagree with this statement.  If you really keep track of all the money spent on parts and account for 1/2 minimum wage for your time.  I'd bet you'd come out on the short end.  I actually keep a spreadsheet of all my costs and let me tell you, it's scary.  I think most people don't really realize how much they spend when it's done in smaller chunks over time.

[72hemi]

I do keep track with spreadsheets for costs of parts materials and hours spent. On my 71 cuda after I sold it and ran the numbers I made $15 an hour restoring it. Plus if you are building the car for yourself and enjoy working on it then your labor is free.

[kingtroll]

I personally bought the best for what I could afford and if I could have afforded one in mint condition 70 -71 Cuda hemi....convertabile etc.... I wouild have . My personal opinion is that's what most people do when buying these cars for the love of them. There are those that buy to personally restore and sell and also as investments but I don't think they are in the majority.  I think the really rare ebodies in excellent condition will always be expensive even if they come down some what. Certain old muscle cars in excellent shape seem to always hold their own 67-69 camaros, 67-69 mustangs especially the fast backs, super bees, road runners etc... e-bodys are no different they are just one of the many bad ass looking american muscle cars that people want (my favorite of course) Here is a pic from the latest Hemmings on Barracuda prices.....

[dwbiggs]

Wow....'74 Cuda w/360 $55K?? 

[72hemi]

Believe it our not I have actually seen a couple get that high on ebay. Granted they were 4 speed cars and museum quality. One of them was black and I can't remember what the other one was.

[hemi71]

That Hemmings price guide is way out of line. A 70 318 and a 73 318 are worth the same price in the same condition? NO WAY.

I take all of those price guides wiith a grain of salt...never saw one that was accurate.

Cars are down all over, not just E bodies. And our good friends up north are enjoying the exchange rate with the dollar now also.

The prices will come back...but if you are a buyer right now, not a bad time. Lots of cars out there and if you find someone who needs to sell, you can get a good price.

[Moparal]

The total investment including buying my car was around 20k  I'm happy knowing it's a clean everyday driver and worth the money I spent on it. I know my labor is worth something, but it was just nuts and bolts and around 100 or so hrs.  I'm not sure of future pricing on my car, but am happy with what I have spent and would like to feel it will hold the value I have in it.  I do see muscle cars and older cars coming up forsale cheap and often in our local papers now. There are some really good deals going on.