Just wondring what my 53 merc. is worth..?the numbers are all over the board from what ive seen..kinda firm for the hardtops, though.not many for sale... just wondering before i get an apraiser to come out.... it is an un cut time machine I have put in alot of time to get it all as close to perfect as possible..its in really good shape, but not a trailer queen.79,000 miles on the original flat head.every thing works..converted to 12 volt but I have the generator and all the original parts that are not on the car now.skirts,one respray.and no bondo,interior has nice original paint ,new carpet and seats,chrome is nice..,just wondering if im off..??? and help would be appreceated...thanx.
Regular 3-speed, overdrive, or Mercomatic. If you want to bring top dollar, lose the moon discs and get some stock wheelcovers or some "flippers". Nice lookin' car.
Thank you...its the merc-o-matic. i have the original caps plus im modifiying some 53 caddy caps like this..... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=124118 ..I think its going to look great...yes the moon caps are bogus.. but ive noticed that non car people seem to make a comment about those first...funny..the ceapest thing on the car and that thats what they focus on.. but they luv em...haha...cant wait till the caddy caps are on....
I think it will be an improvement. I'll hafta admit that I had a '51 Ford Fordor when I was in high school in the fifties that had moon discs, because they were all I could afford; I think $9.95 for s set of four. IIRC, one Lancer or Starfire was more than that.
I can only speak for myself, but when as a potential buyer I am looking at any motor vehicle for sale I am most attracted to, and value the highest, a completely stock, unmolested example. That is true, for me, even when I am planning to modify it afer I own it. I think I am not alone in that mindset........and, if so, you will fetch the best price without the moon discs, Caddy sombreros, etc. They can be sold independently from the car for more than you will get for them on the car. Ray
I just wish I had a wad of cash if you are serious about selling. Most guys can see past the moons and realize that they can be changed just about as fast as you can walk around the car. Some can't however. Best price is still with a nice set of stock caps. The resto type will see it as being more "original" and the rest of us will see them as something we can change if we desire.
thanks guys..yes Im with you all. I have not done nor has the one other owner done anything to the car that cant just be put back to stock.other than one respray 20 years ago and still looks good,i have og caps,dagmars,everything that came with it from the dealership in 1953. I knew when i saw it, it just needed to be breathed on..I've dialed her in...she is in top shape...everything on the car works like original.... I'm wondering what a 53 monterey ht in really good condition would be worth right now..price guide is saying around 17,500. but are they accurate?... anyway I have it for sale for 17.5 and wonder if I'm priced right..I dont want to take any less than that for it....
Price guides don't buy cars....people do. Most supermarket price guides aren't worth the paper they are printed on unless they are based on RECENT auctions. You can however, access auction results from the larger houses (not Barrett Jackson) but Silver Auctions, RM, Russo and Steel and a few others who conduct collecter cars auctions several times a year each. What real people are signing real checks for will be a more reliable guide. However, sometimes the results include the 'buyers premium" in the final figure, usually 7 to 10%....so read the fine print. In addition, it is my opinion that the 'atmosphere' of an auction will increase the price being paid by some percentage as compared to a one on one buyer/seller. The other critical factor is accurately "classifying" a vehicle. Completeness, color and condition of paint, interior, bright trim, etc, etc. But at least you will get an idea of the range at auction. Ray
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