Thread: Price for a 57 Belair/210

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Originally posted by Warrior
The problem that I am having now is the gentleman now is stateing that the car is a Belair even though the VIN and Cowl tag both say it is a 210 sport coupe.

Sounds familiar.

Three most important considerations in valueing a car: condition, condition, and condition.

Most sellers under describe flaws: a) they're clueless about detecting them, b) they didn't think it would be important to you, c) they're dishonest

If he'll admit to the rust you've listed, there's probably more. These cars will rust frequently in the panel below the deck lid (above the bumper) and are loaded with mud (body filler); in the outer rockers (more mud); and at the lower part of the fenders. These places at a minimum.

If you're unfamiliar with what it takes to fix a car properly the costs can be astonishing. Especially if you don't have the experience and skill, tools and time, to do the work yourself. Or if you overestimate any of the above and get bogged down.

Let's look at a few things:
- Repair rust described; $2,000
- Paint car after repairs, minimum for good; 5,000
- Prostreeting the chassis, minimum 4,000
- Drive train to fit prostreet image, minimum 5,500
- Purchase of car as stated 13,500
- Total, so far, no upholstery, wheels, etc 30,000

Tri 5 chevy prices have been softening the past couple years for the "run of the mill" cars, not a lot, but some. The sellers don't like to acknowledge it, obviously (refer to above quote as example), but experienced market watchers are aware of it. It's uncertain if gasoline prices doing what they're doing right now will have any effect.

$13,500 for a six cylinder car with the problems described, and either an ignorant or dishonest seller is silly (IMHO). Especially if you have to travel to evaluate it and then transport it. Even if you drive it, there's meals, hotel (depending on distance), fuel, and who knows what else.

You live in a market loaded with nice cars, and scads of car events. Take your time, look around, ask lots of questions, talk to Tri 5 guys at shows, cruises, where ever, they often know of deals that aren't publicized and that they can't participate in at the time. Don't discount buying a well done used car that is like, or nearly like what you want to end up with. Look at the numbers above. The market spits out prostreeted '57 Chevs fairly regularly, most of the time around $20k. Yeah, that's way less than it costs to build one, that's the way the market works. You may actually be able to buy one that needs a color change, or upholstery upgrade and still come out money ahead, and be on the road quicker. And, when it comes your turn to sell (and that time nearly always comes) you won't get hurt so bad.

One last thing. If you plan on enjoying the car on the road, driving some distance from time to time, and not just a few short miles from your garage to a parking lot, then beg a drive in a prostreeted car. You'll likely learn some things you hadn't anticipated. Hint, lots of guys who used to do prostreet, like that look, are now doing what's called pro touring (major clue in that name).