Determining value on project cars: 65 Valiant Convertible

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Kern Dog

Kern Dog

Build your car to handle.
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Hey everyone,
I have a 65 Valiant project that I got 7 years ago in a 3 car deal. The prior owner was a nice old guy that just wanted out of the car hobby. I have had this car on the back burner for years while I have fixed up and sold several other cars. I just don't have as much interest in these early Valiants as I do the later A body cars.
IMG_2824.JPG

I have a bunch of parts for the car, almost everything to put it back together. The specific convertible parts are included. The body is solid but needs to be massaged a bit. I have a 318 for it, a 904, a front disc brake setup, a 3.21 geared 8 1/4" axle, a 1966 steering column to allow mechanical shift linkage, grille, bumpers, NOS taillight lenses/backup lenses. Set of 5 14" rallye wheels. Rear seat and one front seat. No convertible canvas top.
I do not know what the value of these cars is. I've looked at finished cars and have seen prices range from $5000 for a worn but semi-original, driveable slant six car to $13,000 for a very nice but not factory correct "restored" car.
Has anyone seen or sold one of these recently? Can you provide any insight on a fair price?
 
So...Judging by the enormous response, I should just crush the car and be happy with scrap prices?
What the heck ??
 
You aren’t very patient now are you. I had one of those cars and sold it last year. It was more complete with a 318 V-8 auto than the one you have and I advertised it for 2500 but sold it for $2000.
 
Kern Dog said:
So...Judging by the enormous response, I should just crush the car and be happy with scrap prices?
What the heck ??
Click to expand...

I'm sorry. I'm terrible with trying to value something.....mush the same I am terrible with making an offer. That's why I never do. lol If you decide to crush it, that would be a bad thing. It's super cool.
 
Thanks. I posted yesterday and with as fast moving as this site is, I had hoped that someone would have responded quicker. Maybe the other topics grabbed people's interest and mine just got buried.
I was being sarcastic about crushing the car. I would never even consider such a thing. I agree that it is a cool car to have, I just have been focused on some other cars that I am more familiar with.
Also, I didn't want to be misunderstood as trolling for buyers. I often post topics like this one when I have something that is out of my comfort zone. Last year I took possession of some early Valiant parts and had absolutely NO idea of the value. ToolmanMike or another moderator saw it as a thinly veiled FOR SALE ad when is was not. I like to set a fair price on stuff that I sell. I don't appreciate seeing ads for something with some bullshit high price and I don't want to be that guy.
 
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Pretty sad that they don't bring crap I guess. Like you said a real nice driver can be bought for 6-12K. A guy sold a nice little 64 Valiant ragtop with 318 4-spd for 6K on here. Maybe less. Thats what he had it listed for.
 
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Kern Dog said:
Hey everyone,
I have a 65 Valiant project that I got 7 years ago in a 3 car deal. The prior owner was a nice old guy that just wanted out of the car hobby. I have had this car on the back burner for years while I have fixed up and sold several other cars. I just don't have as much interest in these early Valiants as I do the later A body cars.
View attachment 1715486201
I have a bunch of parts for the car, almost everything to put it back together. The specific convertible parts are included. The body is solid but needs to be massaged a bit. I have a 318 for it, a 904, a front disc brake setup, a 3.21 geared 8 1/4" axle, a 1966 steering column to allow mechanical shift linkage, grille, bumpers, NOS taillight lenses/backup lenses. Set of 5 14" rallye wheels. Rear seat and one front seat. No convertible canvas top.
I do not know what the value of these cars is. I've looked at finished cars and have seen prices range from $5000 for a worn but semi-original, driveable slant six car to $13,000 for a very nice but not factory correct "restored" car.
Has anyone seen or sold one of these recently? Can you provide any insight on a fair price?
Click to expand...


My 64 Dart GT vert was in the same condition. Pretty much same setup except mine had a 8.75 with 3.23s.
 
The problem with project cars is people are getting less and less brave to handle a car that really needs a lot of work.

Years ago, you saw total basket case cars getting restored. Now a days that seems to be disappearing but people are willing to pay more for a good running, serviceable car. Really seems people don't want to get dirty or burned by welding slag anymore and would rather part a car and try to get rich.

From my buying experience in the last few years, I would put 800 to 1500. Value on that vert.

UPS:
1. it's a convertible with tons of potential.
2. It's an early A so parts are still somewhat around.

DOWNS:
1. It's a convertible with a lot of expensive convertible specific parts which may or may not be missing, and /or, may or may not be junk if present.
2. It's not in my yard.

Maybe I'm low ball but that's how much i would have in mind if I were going to put my blood, sweat and tears into it.
 
I agree with RDA. We're all getting older, so the casual car guy (or gal) isn't looking for a big project like in years past. The average 20-something is less into it than the previous generations. My kids have little interest, despite my efforts.
That doesn't mean that no one wants it. I would assemble whatever you have, put the discs in the trunk, and maybe de-rust the quarter. Then you have a presentable running project. More appeal. Just my silly opinion.
 
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