I have a chance to buy this 1973 laguna. It had a 454 with auto trans, but has no engine or trany. The body is in great shape, no rust, fairly new paint (black)has A/C. Trunk still looks like new.As for the black interior headliner and door panels look great, carpets faded, has bench seat that needs redone, but he has a set of swivel buckets that go with it, they also need redone. Hoods louverd, new tires and wheels, centerlines. He want $2500.00 for it.My question is it worth anything or is this car not very popular. I have pics but I cant put them on here. I'm looking for a car to build and I dont know much about these Lagunas.:confused:
Thanks, Jess

Click on link for pics.....http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/docsuperwrench/album?.dir=/d74fscd

Not a popular even back in 1973. I recall them.

If you want something different go for it, but if you are thinking its a gold mine, not even close IMO.

Hey, you never know...supposedly the 70s cars are to be the next big thing, maybe...but , who knows in 20 years, you might have the next rare classic chevelle after the last 64-72 chevelle is gone.

i used to have a 76-malibu, really liked the car. it had large wheel wells for large tires, car rode & handled good, has the corporate 8.5" rear axle. lots of room for any engine combo.

sounds like a nice ride if you like the style, no rust is a plus.....

They make cool street machines but without the 454 engine its not really worth squat IMO. 1,500 dollars is about tops for a nice one missing the engine. With 454 I can see it going as high as 5K for a restorable car. 8-10k for a really nice car. They just arent that popular. Actually, im starting to notice the 78 and newer G body Malibu's becomming more popular then the mid 70's cars.

more 73's were sold new than 72's, hard to believe, but true, probably due to mini recession and uaw strike. Would only restore a 73 if very clean, or in possession of rare options-such as your big block equipped model. However, if it doesn't have that engine, $2500 is really too much. Just my opinion.

there was a guy selling one close to here last year for 2500 and it still had the 454 in it and always garage kept
it was also an original 4spd car with swivel buckets
I would think the car you are looking at may be a bit over priced
I can imagine 800 - 1000 at most

Thanks for the input.
Jess

Depends who you ask :D .
I bought mine for $4000 and it included a truck load of spare parts.

Hard to say if its worth $2500 or not, pics can hide a lot.

An original 454 car will have a Y in the vin.

The painted trim is pretty cheesy imo. Hard to find in rust free condition so check it over with a magnet.

Aftermarket parts are few and far between.

there was a guy selling one close to here last year for 2500 and it still had the 454 in it and always garage kept
it was also an original 4spd car with swivel buckets
I would think the car you are looking at may be a bit over priced
I can imagine 800 - 1000 at most

Hey Tom,
Is that car still around? Where do you live?

Hey Tom,
Is that car still around? Where do you live?no
that car was gone last summer
I actually wanted to buy it
but someone beat me to it
didn't stay up for sale long
the guy only had it out about two days he had said
4spd cars are quick sellers - especially when preceeded by a big block

Emissions might get you on a '73, depending on your area. The newer you get the more stringent emissions get, and they may frown on a non stock cam,carb, exhaust and etc. Just a thought since 73's seemed to have more emissions equipment than any other prior to that.

Like Vince427bb I had a 76 Malibu and loved it despite the fact that it was slow AND got lousy gas mileage. Super nice interior, great ride, great styling IMO with its 15x7 Rallyes, girlfriend loved it. Another consideration is that a lot of car shows will not allow anything later than 1972 to enter, so you could end up all dressed up and nowhere to go. As Hamrdown noted, aftermarket reproduction parts or even used parts are very scarce. If you really want one, I'd go for a complete one in great condition. You'll be way ahead money-wise.