What's it worth??

Unknown
Unknown
edited November -1 in HUDSON
Hello all, NUB here. I recently stumbled across a 1929 Essex Super Six, 4dr, in near original, (supposedly) running, driving condition. The car was restored mediocrely about 20 yrs ago. Although the paint work was poor, the prep must have been phenomenal as there is nearly no rust bleed through. It is almost complete, and needs very little. Sorry for the poor quality photos, took them on a camera phone! This was far from a planned viewing.



My question, what is something like this worth? The fellow that owns it had it handed down from his father, and is more into muscle cars and 55-75 era vehicles. He wants nothing to do with it, but is not a fool and won't give it away. (He actually asked me if I knew anyone that would want it to cut it up and hot rod it!?!?) It has been stored indoors and will need a complete frame off restoration yet again, but this one should be quick and cheap.



Thanks in advance for all your responses!!

Comments

  • Browniepetersen
    Browniepetersen Senior Contributor
    For some reason these early sedans are not bringing in appraised value. There seems to be quite a few of them that are available. If we considered this car a Cat 4 car, by your explination (old cars weekly price guide evaluation) the value would be three to five thousand. It would be best to buy and use this car for as long as possible before spending the money for a restoration in my opinion...



    E. L. Petersen

    Petersen Historic Automobile Appraisals
  • bent metal
    bent metal Senior Contributor
    Well, it's not a '29. More like a '31, maybe '30. I'm not sure. But my guess is '31.:)



    Nice car.
  • Joe30Essex
    Joe30Essex Expert Adviser
    Looks like a '30 (round rear window, cowl lights, radiator louvers, headlight bar). From my experience, and what you described...if you could get $5000 or $6000 for it - that would be reasonable, if you can get more- that would be great. I know I put a whole lot more money into mine than I would ever get back, but then again, I didn't restore it to sell it!
  • bent metal
    bent metal Senior Contributor
    I would guess a value of about $5,000 as well. But I don't really know for sure. You should nail down the year, I would think. Hey "Joe30Essex" how many years had the dual cowl vents? I was thinking that was 31? Is that not right?:confused::)
  • Aaron D. IL
    Aaron D. IL Senior Contributor
    Well A. What's it worth to you? B. Too nice to be rodded, that's the kind of car I'd just get running and tool around town with for fun and enjoy.
  • Joe30Essex
    Joe30Essex Expert Adviser
    bent metal wrote:
    I would guess a value of about $5,000 as well. But I don't really know for sure. You should nail down the year, I would think. Hey "Joe30Essex" how many years had the dual cowl vents? I was thinking that was 31? Is that not right?:confused::)



    My '30 has dual cowl vents...not sure about the '31, although I believe the body did not change much. Someone correct me if I'm wrong!
  • Richard E.
    Richard E. Senior Contributor
    There is no such thing as a "quick and cheap" body off of frame resto. However, if the upholstery is good and the car is all there, you might get off easy??
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    it is absolutely a 1930 EssexGauges, steering wheel center body lines, radiator detail all shout "1930"

    Del.
  • essexcoupe3131
    essexcoupe3131 Senior Contributor
    This is definately a 30, from the radiator shell, bonnets have 2 rows of vents where the 31 has only 1,rearwindow, swagging on the body line and vallances, dash and bent front light bar, 31's was straight, unusal to see a dual vents in it though as this was supposed to be 31 only 30 usually would have a single unless also has the florette that jions to the bonnet hinge was 30, though I do have 1 on my 31 coupe as I liked the look of it it was really late production, the serial number on the chassis and the body tag should put it at rest



    Mike
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Is everyone in agreement that 5-6K is a reasonable offer?
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    As with every "WIW?" thread, ultimately, it is worth what YOU and a potential buyer agree to. Advertise it for $5,000. If your email account loads up and your phone rings off the hook, it's priced right. If all you hear are crickets and see a blank email inbox, it's too high.
  • Browniepetersen
    Browniepetersen Senior Contributor
    chopsawcyclesandkustoms wrote:
    Is everyone in agreement that 5-6K is a reasonable offer?



    If you are buying, Yes $5,000 is high end of market value. Keep in mind that you are buying a car that you hope is running. The only way I would pay five is if I drove it around the block a few times, pulled drums and checked a lot of things out and found no major problems. If I were making an offer I would start around four and not go above five. But then again, how bad do you want it. They are an excellent car. Great fun, and very hardy. This is a car you could buy, drive, enjoy and if it were me I would do repair as needed and drive it forever. It is a nice looker, and in most cases it is not the type of car that is going to win a lot of trophies--restored or as it is.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Thanks guys!



    And BTW, I am buying, not selling (once the wife approves, or at least gives in!) and know the owner. The reason I am posting this at 2 am mountain standard is I just finished spraying some kustom paint on his daily driver. I won't go as far as to say we are friends, but we are more than acquaintances. I don't want to sour the deal by offering too low, but the part of me that ain't cheap is broke! :D It has been sitting for 10 +/- years, so I don't think a month or two longer will be any big deal.



    And the only reason I would buy it is to drive it. I don't believe in trailer queens or the like. Museum pieces are one thing, but they aren't usually done in the same caliber as show cars. I love the thought of puttin around town in this. Hell, if it runs well enough, I'd drive it to work a bunch in the summer!



    And lastly, I disagree-this would be cheap and easy! My thoughts of a typical restoration when thinking back on some of the cars I worked on, and what the owners spent make this a simple project. Living in northern Alberta, there is not usually a whole lot of steel around the painted rust that drives in, and so begins the expense. I figure that since this car has nearly everything attached already, a cool grand would put paint and some minor maintenance into it. This may not have been my dream car, but at least it's not my wife's dream car- late 60's Rustang. Done enough rear frame rails and inner rockers on those to know that I am not looking forward to doing them on whatever she decides is "pretty". ;)
  • Browniepetersen
    Browniepetersen Senior Contributor
    Just a thought... We are (all of us) going to be in Spokane the first week in August (August 2-6) with our National (Hudson, Essex, Terraplane Club www.hetclub.com) meet. Drop down and see us there should be a few sedans like the one you are looking at. Hopefully, not a long drive from where you live. If you have it by then, we would love to see it. If not, you would have the chance to see a few like the one that you are buying.
  • 4Hud
    4Hud Expert Adviser
    I see an Edmonton Antique Car Club sticker on the windshield, if you end up with the car send me a p.m. and we'll talk Hudson. I'm near Sherwood Park. Bob
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    4Hud wrote:
    I see an Edmonton Antique Car Club sticker on the windshield, if you end up with the car send me a p.m. and we'll talk Hudson. I'm near Sherwood Park. Bob



    Bob, I may enlist your expertise during the purchase, if you are game? If you show up in your Hudson (I'm guessing you have at least one) he may be more inclined to let it go for a reasonable price. Just a thought.
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