1952-59 Ford 54 Mainline Value Question

I know, I know, we all hate the "What is it worth?" posts, but I am pretty sure this is fixing to go up for a sealed bid auction and I know what I think I might give but wanted to compare to what others might think it is worth. I wasn't about to post this on the main board, but thought it might get better response here.

It is a 54 Mainline that was last tagged in 64. The body is very nice and the original black paint is faded, but pretty decent overall and would shine up decent. There is basically no rust other than one surface rust spot on the hood where I am guessing the collapsing garage was leaking on it. It is a 6-cylinder car and I am sure it hasn't been turned over for 40+ years. Interior is complete and in decent shape.

Story is that it was in a house that a nearby city condemned, so they confi****ed the car about a year ago. I have been trying to buy it for a year or so now and have recently made some progress. It sounds like they will either have an auction or possibly a sealed bid auction (most likely) to get rid of it.

What would you guys be willing to pay? I really like it and one of my son's likes it as well, but I mainly just don't want to end up putting in a sealed bid for more than I could ever get back some day...I am thinking a little cleaning, buffing, lowering, ww's, brake work and whatever it might need to run again, it could be a pretty cool driver.

Thanks for any input,
Jeff

 

Go to www.hemmings.com and you can look up the values of almost any car.

 

Nice looking. Hard to say from these photos..........3-4k?

 

2500 would be a good start. it looks solid in the pics, so maybe a bit more isnt out of the question. in my area, they dont seem to be available as much as in other parts of the country.

 

I know CraigsList isn't always the best barometer for pricing purposes since I see only asking prices and not actual selling prices. That said, here's a few '54s I found today on CL:

Michigan: http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/ctd/2936010459.html

2 in Texas: http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/2930868341.html and: http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/2876820911.html

 

from the pics, it appears guthries car is worth more than the 2 cars from dallas. who knows, they may just want to be rid of the thing.

 

Thanks for all the input guys! I actually kind of hope they have a real auction. That way I can just decide the most I want to pay and see what happens. I don't like sealed bid as much. I am hoping I can get it for $1500 to $2000.

 

whoever gets it looks like they are off to a good start. just hope whoever buys it does something with it besides rot away with the intention of "someday".

 

Yup, probably 1500-2000. The thing is, 54s ain't worth an awful lot. I've seen pretty nice ones you can buy for around $5k.