I usually only deal with old Fords, but a friend came to me and ask what this car is worth. It is a 1930 Buick roadster. I figured the best way to tell is to leave it to the powers of The H.A.M.B.. This car is going to be for sale, but they would first like to know what it is worth first. This car was restored in around 2001. Shortly after restoration, the restorer past away (my friends Dad). This car has had very little miles put on it since then, just driven once a year to keep fresh. It's is a beautiful car, but again, what is it worth? Thanks for your inputs. If anyone might be interested PM me.
Nice car ! You need to know there are very very few number 1 cars. I'm sure you read most cars at car shows are #3. The engine compartment needs alot to make a higher number.
Take the time to read the condition scale rating in the price guide. Most people think they have a #1, truth is most nice cars at local shows are really #3's. A #2 car is likely something that would be "best of Show" at a local event. #1 is a trailered, top flight car built for show only. Stuff you see at Hershey. </p> The car you put up would be graded #3, it does not look like a 100% resto if you go under the hood. It would be a lot of work rather than money, but it could almost get to a #2 fixing what is wrong.The market is weak/confused on those vintages of cars right now. </p></p></p>
Ok so here is another site. Prices change so much depending where you go? (see the red). Updated May 2009 <table cellspacing="10"><tbody><tr><th>1930 BUICK Series 40</th><th>Dsp/HP</th><th>Eng</th><th>Fair</th><th>Good</th><th>Exc</th><th>Show</th><th> </th><th>Loan</th></tr> <tr><td align="right">SEDAN</td><td align="right">258/81</td><td align="right">6C</td> <td align="right">8,000</td><td align="right">15,000</td><td align="right">23,000</td> <td align="right">30,000</td><td> </td><td align="right">13,500</td></tr> <tr><td align="right">SPORT COUPE RS</td><td align="right">258/81</td><td align="right">6C</td> <td align="right">10,000</td><td align="right">18,000</td><td align="right">28,000</td> <td align="right">37,000</td><td> </td><td align="right">16,000</td></tr> <tr><td align="right">PHAETON</td><td align="right">258/81</td><td align="right">6C</td> <td align="right">19,000</td><td align="right">35,000</td><td align="right">52,000</td> <td align="right">61,000</td><td>S</td><td align="right">31,500</td></tr> <tr><td align="right">SPORT ROADSTER</td><td align="right">258/81</td><td align="right">6C</td> <td align="right">19,500</td><td align="right">36,000</td><td align="right">54,000</td> <td align="right">63,000</td><td>S</td><td align="right">32,000</td></tr></tbody></table>
If you are willing to help the family, I'd spent some hours doing car auction results from this year. I have seen some auction houses that keep the results on the web. ....The market is really soft on some prewar stuff. A 33-34-35 Buick open car is still hot, but 30 is so-so. Also, the largest series cars always are the last to suffer in weak economic times, compared to the shorter wheelbase models. ...
It is going to be real hard to fetch 34k for that car. Its more like a 15-20k car from what the pics are showing. I am not knockin the car as it is a nice roadster,But I dont see it bringing any more that that. As the market is flooded with high dollar cars for very little money right now. Good Luck with the sale.
It's only worth as much as the next guy is willing to pay. In THIS economy, it's hard to say exactly.
Go to the AACA website and go to the Forum section, scroll down to the Buick Forum. Looks like a great driver, the prices mentioned above seam like such a deal compaired to 32-34 Ford prices.
Hemmings Motor News runs auction results in every issue. Best bet if it's basically fresh restored would be to detail as needed and run over the block at a high end auction, run a reserve, and see if anyone gets excited enough for it to bid up to your price.
I know, kind of neat to look at though. The dash curves into the door, just like a 33/34. In the end a roadster is a roadster. They are all going to be at the higher value for that brand
My book is about a year old, so prices could be off alittle. Possibly lower the way everything is going now. It shows, #1-41,000 #2-28,700 #3-18,450 #4-8,200 #5-4,920 #6-1,640
The guy you're looking for to buy that Buick is NOT an old car guy, he IS a guy who sees it and WANTS an old car. Market it as such and you'll see the best money regardless of what price guides or auctions say.
I just put it on the AACA site. Pretty neat site, but I feel like if They knew I destroyed cars (hotrod them), I would be banned!
I love this..... "The book says that it is worth $34,000 for the highest quality best car on the planet. So, do you think that's where I should start the price at?" LMAO
I said a good price to start at, meaning $34,000 minus so much for this, subtract for this and your new price is $**,***. Besides, one book said top for $63,000 and another one said top was $41,000. The whole point of this thread is to FIND OUT how much it is worth.
I'd flat black it and paint the wheels red, then it'll be worth a lot more. Skulls wouldn't hurt, either. Honestly I'd throw it on Ebay. Set a reserve that the seller would be happy to take and see what happens. Sounds kinnda shaky, but that'll pretty much tell you what someone is willing to pay for that car, on that day.
Right now there is no listing fee on E-Bay, just the $1.00 Buy It Now fee. Put it on with the starting price of $34,000 and a Buy It Now for $37,500 and see how the market responds. Keep in mind, you're geographically challenged up in the great northwest. A potential buyer will have to add in transportation costs.
My opinion would be between 15-20k, based on your pics. Price guides are sometimes far from being realistic.
Not only that, but price guides will typically use a historical average going back at LEAST a year if not two or three. That means that the prices they are quoting are mostly based on sales and pricing back when the prices were much higher, averaged togtether with some more recent pricing after the crash. They are NOT reflective of the ACTUAL current market value. But people selling their cars sure like to keep pointing to them. They can quote the price guides all they like. That just means they won't be selling their cars.
I agree most if not all price guides are horrible and unrealistic. NADA is the worst for classic/antique cars. Their prices are crazy. Ebay with a low starting bid and a reserve is good. See what the bidders take it to.