Re: what is this 52 worth?

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2009/4/17 11:22:57

Most of us know that value guides are to be taken with a grain of salt, at best. A fairly recent one lists this 52 sedan at $1425 ($1450 if it's a DeLuxe) for a car that's in poor condition but is complete and runs. As a 85-95 point show car they show a value of about $10,000, and about $16,000 for an impeccable example. Just having the grille castings and bumpers replated would probably set you back $4000 or so for a good job, so that doesn't leave much room for mechanical, interior, paint, etc. Based on that guide, I'd say the asking price is a bit out-of-line. Those numbers don't change substantially whether it's a 200, 300 or 400 sedan and it's unclear to me what model it is. Any chance you can get the vehicle number from the driver door forward pillar? PS - and how about the large embossed # over the heater box, the oft-called thief-proof number?

That's if you look at it from a monetary viewpoint which fortunately many of us don't, we fix these cars and return them to service because we love them and want to participate in the enjoyment a hobby brings.

EDIT - the price guide I referenced was edited by Phil Skinner and printed in Cars and Parts a few years back.