I have a guy near my hometown that has a 67 SS396 4 speed, real 138 car, all original, with buckets. It is marina blue, no vinyl, with a blue interior. The car has been sitting under a carport for about 10 years. he used to drive it in high school in the 80's, then drove it sparingly until about 95. It is all there, and suprisingly not rusted out. You would almost think you could wash it and it would look pretty good. The interior will need to be gutted, as it is moldy from sitting, and I doubt the 396 runs. What would be a good offer to give this guy for the car, assuming that it will need a total restoration bumper to bumper? Normally I might pass on a car that might need so much, but fully restored this car has unreal potential. Hell I don't even know if the guy will part with it, he seems kind of reluctant, but i am sure if enough cash is put in his face, he will let it go

Offer $10K and work way up

i was hoping to get in under 10k, but you think it would take 10k to get one, even if the thing needs to be gone totally throughout? I was thinking of offering the guy $7,500, do you think that would be insulting?

i was hoping to get in under 10k, but you think it would take 10k to get one, even if the thing needs to be gone totally throughout? I was thinking of offering the guy $7,500, do you think that would be insulting?
Only he could tell you if it's insulting, I wouldn't lowball offer a car you don't know for sure if it's for sale. If it looks as good as you describe, likely has the numbers drivetrain....Mike is right on the money.

Thanks for your help guys. I don't want to insult him, i will probably stop by his house and offer him the 10k, i would think that would turn his head for a car that you can't even drive home

Bring cash...money talks....

Slowdown! The car likely is not going anywhere soon. Find out if he will sell and how much CASH it would take to buy, pretty much in the same sentence.
If he will sell and gives you price be ready to look it over in a hurry and be able to get some cash in a hurry also. Time could be on your side! Money talks so dont forget to leave your PH # as folks can change their minds within a few days

I agree, no need to Rush.. just know that one always has to have a # at the tip of your tongue now days.. not many people who are willing to tell you what they WANT, it's likely .. tell me what you will pay..... and then be prepared to quote and stick with it.

ALSO, any numbers being thrown around here are always based on very little REAL knowledge of a particular car.. nothing like seeing it in person, or at least photos.

I say if the sheet metal dosent need replaced, 10K isnt bad. If looking at replacing rear quarters, its high. I'd tell you what I paid for a original 67 (exe nom motor) seven years ago, but things have changed. Still, the "deal" I got was the ability to metal patch and use the original sheet metal. So a "show quality" ( as I'm told) paint job was "only" 5Gs.

you make the car sound pretty good to me. almost like you would wash it, give it a tune up then sport it around town with a big look what i just bought grin. if thats the case, and it was my numbers matching car. 10k would not do it. i think you should let him set the price, and haggle from there. your probably the 500th person to stop and say uh do you want to sell the chevelle? you know the one you drove in high school and probably became a man in. i say let him tell YOU how much.

you make the car sound pretty good to me. almost like you would wash it, give it a tune up then sport it around town with a big look what i just bought grin. if thats the case, and it was my numbers matching car. 10k would not do it. i think you should let him set the price, and haggle from there. your probably the 500th person to stop and say uh do you want to sell the chevelle? you know the one you drove in high school and probably became a man in. i say let him tell YOU how much.


The day I tell someone HOW MUCH is the day I may sell my car for less than what someone might be willing to pay for it!! No way.. Always start out low and go from there.... why let him set price, he'd be a fool if he spouted off a number.. just as I would be when people ask me "How Much?" Just my opinion though, everyone is welcome to their own.

Good luck either way :thumbsup:

I took a closer look at the car, he was not home. I don't think any metal will need to be replaced, however, it will need bodywork, paint job, etc. All the chrome and emblems need replacing, etc. I'm going to make an assumption that the car will need the whole drivetrain replaced. The car is suprisingly original with the exception of having 8 inch Corvette Rallys. He did tell me once, that he does have people asking him to sell it, how often I don't know. I'm gonna try to stop by and see him and if he is willing to part with it. The whole interior needs to be redone, seats, headliner, door panels, etc. Everything inside is pretty much shot. The car is dirty as hell, but real solid looking. This guy definitely knows what he has. It's not like the little old lady stories with the Hemi and she let it go for a grand

Dont forget to discuss drivetrain, look at the floor pans, trunk and frame for rust before blurting out a price! You may not even want the car after getting a good look at it. I think you have plenty of time to make a fair deal if you really want it... dont rush it!

Let's see: The guy has had the car for 25 years since he drove it in high school. You don't really know if he'll sell it..he is even reluctant. So the guy is now in his mid to late 40's. Unless he is in financial trouble, I doubt if he will sell and then if he will it will be high. Probably no rush on buying as others have said. I doubt he will even price it to you unless he is hurting for cash. Never can tell. I would bet that you will have to shock him with an offer. You will have to if he won't price it and you really want it. By your description, I know people, myself included, that will give him 10K quick for an original 138 67SS. Try offering 7K and see how that goes? You may as well plan on replacing some sheet metal. Car is 40 years old. If all the sheet metal is good with no thru rust at all you better snatch that thing.
Good luck to you
Herbie