Thoughts on local caribbean for sale

Posted by Muir On 2017/9/3 18:33:56

Hi Ladies and Gents,

This Caribbean has come up for sale locally in NZhttps://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/specialist-cars/other/auction-1405114007.htm

and I'm just wondering what your thoughts are on it.

I currently have a '56 patrician, but a 53 Caribbean is at the top of my want list.

The $15k asked works out at around $10 to $11k USD, I can do mechanical, but body would be being farmed out to be done.

I'm aware of the custom bodywork that the factory did, especially round the tail area.
I'm very cautious, not only the obvious holes in the floor, but things like the wheel cutout trim and the like which aren't apparent.
You'll see most of the cast trim has deteriorated badly and the sills (what you can see) aren't that good and obviously there's a rear fender patch panel thats been loosely tacked on. Underside could be scary.

I'm just wondering if this is looking really too much of a project, and could take vaaaaast sums to even get in a driveable state, let alone presentable (I'm not a fastidious restorer).

Possibly it's more worth the sum of it's desirable bits: the continental spare, complete grille, glass, powerplant, and thats about it really; maybe I should wait till a less deteriorated one comes up, or just stick with what I've got.

Thanks for any thoughts

Muir
NZ