Hi William,
Sounds a bit high for what still needs to be done. It really depends
somewhat on the quality of the paint job and moreover, what was done
underneath. A slap-dash bondo and paint job may make it look good
for now, but it could turn to crap in a year. Has the engine EVER
been run? How long ago and if so, how was it broken in. Also, who put
it together? Did he buy the parts and assemble it? You might want to
find out how much he knows about what he's really doing mechanically.
Dicrepancies or excuses like "it won't start because there is a short
in the voltage regulator" make me a little nervous/skeptical. Could
be an honest mistake or miss-direction.
Lastly, since you have some experience in doing work on these cars,
consider how much more you'll need to put in to make it the way you
want.
Just some thoughts.
Below is the NADA listing for a '59 Bugeye. Read the condition
explanations below. Also I think these are "retail values" as in if
you bought it from a lot, not a private party, though this would
reflect more on the lower end than the upper as far as adjusting the
price down.
Ditto on the starting thing, BTW.
Gerard
July 30, 2003 1959 Austin Healey BUGEYE SPRITE MARK I
2 Door Roadster
MSRP
Original Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price when new
$1,795
Low Retail Average Retail High
Retail
Base Price $5,625 $8,250 $12,750
Options and Equipment
Factory Hardtop Bugeye add: $300 $500 $800
Total Price $5,925 $8,750 $13,550
Other Vehicle Information
Model Number: N/A
Weight: 1316
Value Explanations
Low Retail Value
This vehicle would be in mechanically functional condition, needing
only minor reconditioning. The exterior paint, trim, and interior
would show normal wear, needing only minor reconditioning. May also
be a deteriorated restoration or a very poor amateur restoration.
Most usable "as-is".
Note: This value does not represent a "parts car".
Average Retail Value
This vehicle would be in good condition overall. It could be an older
restoration or a well-maintained original vehicle. Completely
operable. The exterior paint, trim, and mechanics are presentable and
serviceable inside and out. A "20-footer".
High Retail Value
This vehicle would be in excellent condition overall. It could be a
completely restored or an extremely well maintained original vehicle
showing very minimal wear. The exterior paint, trim, and mechanics
are not in need of reconditioning. The interior would be in excellent
condition. Note: This value does not represent a "100 Point" or "# 1"
vehicle *.
* "100 Point" or "# 1" vehicle is not driven. It would generally be
in a museum or transported in an enclosed trailer to concourse
judging and car shows. This type of car would be stored in a
climate-regulated facility.
At 2:43 AM +0000 7/31/03, William West wrote:
>Great.. thanks!
>
>He does have receipts for everything.. ranging from block resleeve,
>installation of hard valve seats, new pistons, rods, rod caps,
>valves main bearngs, reground crank, oil pump. New clutch assy, new
>ring gear, water pump, speedo cable, exhaust. There's a receipt for
>"transmission and rear end checked and lubed"
>
>My guess is that he's being honest, but that he wants to get a
>little more out of it than possible (having restored my old trumpet
>MC and comparing money in to resale value, I know this is a tough
>pill to swallow). He's actually asking $6500, and my instincts have
>been telling me "offer 5k".
>
>Anyone else want to chime in? =)
>
>>From: Frank Clarici <spritenut@exit109.com>
>>To: William West <livinginthepast3@hotmail.com>
>>CC: spridgets@autox.team.net
>>Subject: Re: Hello and Bugeye value question
>>Date: Wed, 30 Jul 2003 22:28:48 -0400
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>>William West wrote:
>>
>>>I have an opportunity to purchase my dream car... a 59 bugeye.
>>
>>Let's see, some assembly required. It turns over but does not start.
>>You don't need a voltage regulator for it to start, shorted out or
>>otherwise, so something else is wrong.
>>Is the engine truely rebuilt with new pistons, oil pump, cam and
>>crank bearings, valve job, etc, or just new rings and a paint job?
>>
>>Best guess without seeing it...$3500. $5000 if it does have a
>>rebuilt engine, new clutch, brakes, etc.
>>
>>
>>--
>>Frank Clarici
>>Toms River, NJ
>>5 British cars on the road
>>http://www.exit109.com/~spritenut
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