Re: 1956 Carribbean Convertible 5699-1001

Posted by ewrecks On 2016/7/12 1:27:31

Actually- the 56 is in better shape for restoration than my 55 was at the time I brought it back from Dayton. It is still assembled which gives you the opportunity to remove and document the salvageable parts. The stainless is still on the car and the chrome may afford salvageable cores.
I agree that whoever opts to restore the car should already have or be looking for a solid 400 hardtop to replace the front clip, quarters, trunk, floors and perhaps the doors but those parts are interchangeable .
It will be a big job and hopefully the frame is not destroyed ....but it can be done .
The big issue as I see it is whether it will be cost prohibitive. The ads for the car made much ado about the serial number and that the restored car would be worth $300,000, but I have been watching the sales since I acquired my car in 2010 and have not seen any prices approaching that figure. Most recent auction results and Hagerty Guide have shown a general decline in the prices paid compared to figures from before the market crash. There seems to be some rebound but I have not seen a sale approaching $200,000. I am sure someone will correct me if I am mistaken.

The restoration of a car should not be dependent on the potential sale price, but it should at least be a consideration. Too many projects get started and abandoned due to the cost of parts and labor.
Even with an experienced restorer capable of doing the mechanical, body and paint work personally, the cost of parts to restore the mechanicals, trim and upholstery will be expensive. The number of hours required to do the required work will be huge.
Paying a professional shop to do the work will clearly put the final cost well above what is being paid for completed cars currently on the market( i.e. The 56 currently on eBau for $129k or best offer)
I do hope that someone has the skill, time. and the money to get the car back to showroom condition but the V-8 Carribeans may not be the best investment opportunity for many years.
Just my opinion .