I have an opportunity on a couple of cars and I am unsure of their value. These have been in my family for around 30 years and I have always said "If you decide to sell one I want a shot", well opening my big mouth got me a price, and I have no idea what to do with it. Any help valuing them or pointing me to someone who would know would be great. The first is a 1933 Buick 3 window. Black. Spare on the rear, no rumble seat. It has a straight 8 in it. I remember riding in it at least in the yard when I was a kid. It drove to where it is now parked in a concrete floored tin building. I last saw it in October, it's all there and seems solid. The roof panel is peeling up on one corner. Of course mice have been in it. The second is a 1938 Dodge business coupe. Gold. Straight 6. I don't know if it runs. Relatively same condition as the Buick. Solid, complete, will need glass. I will include pictures that I took in October, they aren't great, but it's all I could get where they sit.
Both cool cars. Too bad about the rodents, that affects the value, IMO. About 25 years ago I sold a '34 Buick 3w coupe for $3500. It was nowhere as nice as the one you show. It was a project car that had set outside for years, missing engine and trans. Those cars are all wood under the skin, and condition of that wood is key. That is why I sold mine.... Value kind of depends on how bad you want it and what your plans are?
In either case my long term plan would be to clean them up, address the drivetrain, and the stance, then cruise them. I think both cars could be cool lowered, put the Buick spare in the trunk, relocate the horns/clean up some exterior trim. Just initial thoughts are maybe a Nailhead in the Buick, but that would mean open hood sides? A baby Hemi in the Dodge. Likely no chops initially, keep the Buick full fendered. As far as the Buick wood goes, that is intimidating. My only knowledge of its current condition are that the floors are solid, and the doors open and close like new. I am hoping that is indicative of frame integrity, of course if its not solid I may not see that until the car is moving? I know next to nothing about wood boddied cars, and whether it is fixing the wood (if need be), or modifying with a steel structure would be a lengthy and costly endeavor. As far as how bad I want either of them........ It is more nostalgia than anything. Neither one of them are "highly sought after" cars in the hot rod and custom worlds, aftermarket or repop support is nothing like it would be with a Ford, original parts would be scarce and costly. But I grew up with these cars and kind of always lusted after them just because I hate to see them just sitting in that barn lol.
"highly sought after" changes as the years go by and fewer of the 'desirable' cars hit the market (or are priced higher than a cat's back), so don't let that slow you down. Complete, solid cars (any car) are desirable to a certain segment of the car hobby: restorers would probably be attracted to the Buick (which would be a shame to modify too much for a hot rod), and hot rodders would be more attracted to the Dodge. Although only 4 years newer, the Dodge is much more advanced than the Buick, and can more easily be turned into a cool driver. YOMV They both look to be in pretty decent condition. I would snag them both if you can, sort them out and get them driving.....one of them is sure to speak to you and claim you as its friend!
8k on the Buick, rare car and 4k on the other........... now truthfully, you would be better off taking your money and going and buying what you want. dealing with family often costs more in the long run............ and yes, that Buick is a termites delight. you wood never be able to rebuild the wood. though it sound s fine.
Well based on that I'll have to let them stay in the barn. He priced them both over $10k, which I thought was way high for what they are, but wanted some validation.
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