considering getting out of my project

[FJ5WING]

I havent been able to recover financially to complete my car yet so Im considering letting it go. Im seeking some value guestimates from the knowledgeable group.
Ive owned it since 87 and it a 43K mile Vcode 4 spd. Rust repair was limited to a patch under the foot pedals along with the wheel arches and lower quarters behind the wheel openings. The wheel houses, trunk drop downs, and trunk floor are original. Ive used Harms for the carbs, Mike Mancini for the gauge assemble, Jim Ridge for the alt, Jules for plating including the original outter door handles, Glenray restored the original radiator, Frank Badalson when repops were needed.
The enging is still out of the car and not yet finished but close along with a fresh trans. Many NOS parts were used and an AM/FM installed but still have the AM.
The center carb and intake are 69 pieces. I have both jacks and an NOS trunk mat. I have the build sheet and fender tag.

[ksquared]

I havent been able to recover financially to complete my car yet so Im considering letting it go. Im seeking some value guestimates from the knowledgeable group.

OK, I'm not in the "knowledgeable group," but I'll add my  , the short version is don't sell the car.

First, there is the potential tax liability, and even having saved every receipt for every penny spent, this liability should still be a factor in the decision to sell.  Even conversely, just breaking even or a loss, which you can't claim on your taxes, you are then locking in a final result for an asset that I am under the impression is appreciating.  Maybe the knowledgeable group can more accurately describe the market for these cars.

Beyond the money, I look at the final words in FJ5WING's postings, "Breathing life back into my baby!"  I look and think, you've cleared the first major hurdle, you've got one.  You've cleared hundreds of hurdles along the way, bring the car to where it is now.  To me, it looks like the finish line is in sight, even though there are a few more major hurdles.  It isn't an AMC Pacer either, it is a historically significant item of automotive and American history.  If it takes a bit longer saving up to finish it correctly, that will have to be accepted.  The garage walls didn't look barren, if money is needed I'd try finding other possibilities.

A guy in college told me, "Money comes and goes, but your grades stay with you forever."  So I focused on the grades.  I'll paraphrase for this situation as "Money comes and goes, but your Superbird should stay with you forever."

[JB400]

I wouldn't jump prematurely on selling it.  Wait long enough, and your financial situation will change if you stay persistent.  Seek, and you shall find

[XS29J]

R the Motor and trans #'s matching?

[benny70hemibird]

I say let it go. Use the money to pay off some bills, or make a few investments. Peace of mind means everything.

[DAY CLONA]

I havent been able to recover financially to complete my car yet so Im considering letting it go.

Sorry to hear this, your so close to completion.... We've all had financial issues at one time or another, lost jobs, divorce, etc, etc, for some the toys must go, for others, you just close the garage door until you have the time and resources to continue while you get your affairs in order... think long and hard before you decide what route your going to travel, weigh all the pros and cons before making any decision

Best Wishes in your decision
Mike

[hemi68charger]

trade ya a running' / drivin' 69 Charger 500 440 4speed..... 

[62 Max]

trade ya a running' / drivin' 69 Charger 500 440 4speed..... 

Just can't make up your mind,can ya ?

[Luis9995]

What would be the price if you decide to sell it?

[440]

It's one of those situations where if you sell it you'll likely never be able to buy another back.

[XS29J]

The Problem is trying to sell as a project. Most of the people THAT WOULD LOVE TO HAVE IT, don't have the ability to finish it themselves which Equates to a lower value because all the $ would go to a restoration shop to finish...
My advice.. Close the garage Door and forget about it for awhile.. Watch a few of these Ridiculous Reality car shows for a month or two, And see how stupid they really are then go back to it and get it Done...Birds and Daytona's are a once in a life time opportunity!
Good Luck in the decision..

[hemi68charger]

trade ya a running' / drivin' 69 Charger 500 440 4speed..... 

Just can't make up your mind,can ya ?

Someone else made up my mind for me in the ill-fated Superbird debacle. And, wouldn't you want a Bird over a 500? 

Ok..... taggin' back Master Jedi....

[XS29L9B2]

very nice

[boss429kiwi]

Borrow another $10k - $20k, finish it and maximise on your investment.

[FJ5WING]

Im sorry I failed to mention that both the engine and trans are original matching numbers.

[Aero426]

Dave, I don't know your financial situation, but I am sure that your dad wants you to finish this car.   You are oh, so close.   

[moparstuart]

  I so love this car   

[kevs1969daytona]

Ok this is my 2 cents, purchased a 1970 Challenger R/T 4 speed about 6 years ago, guy dumped $100000 into it, gave me all the bills, no B.S. just over $100000 into it.  I got it for $45000 cdn, had it for 2 years sold it for $55000.  The car was absolutely mint, underneath was better than the top like yours.  Anyways, if still had it today sure I would get $75000 cdn for it.  If you sell it, you will lose money and kick yourself in the butt years later for doing so. heres a video of me loading it up drove 3000 kms plus to bring it back home.  The owner was actually crying when we loaded it up, but his wife was in the window (can see here in the video) with a big smile, kinda like his expensive mistress was finally leaving.  my 2 cents anyways. If you can afford it keep it. Every year goes buy it will go up in value.   anyways to answer your question $170000 plus according to NADA maybe another $20000 to redo engine and tranny. This is from NADA website:
Values
Low $54,270
Average$125,010  
High $229,500
Options (Change)
4 Speed Transmission
5%
440/375 HP V8 Engine
30%

P.S. your Superbird looks amazing finished or not.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkZxBhTuNh0

[1970Moparmann]

Good luck in your decision!

[tan top]

looks awesome , good luck with what ever you decide 

[70 sublime]

I bet you have thought long and hard about saying this out loud and starting a thread
If you are at this point the hard part is over and now just have to come up with a price

[Hoser2455]

Keep it as long as you can to finish it. It took me 30 years and 4 kids later to finish mine.  I was fortunate enough to hold onto it in a garage for all of them years.  When you finish it, then you can decide to sell it or not.

[gtx6970]

I have know idea on your financial situation. So that bears a lot of weight when making the decision to sell or not

But,

Having made this very decision a few times on a couple cars I have owned. Out of the dozens Ive owned .  2 cars I regret to this very day. Most of the cars went away without so much as a tear  BUT a couple I regret selling  to this day. One of them sold probably over 25 years ago.
Neither one was to lessen  a financial burden. So keep that in mind


One of them was a 99 paint code 1969 Hemi Road Runner. And to this day its the only 1969 hemi 4 spd Roadrunner   known in that color. The other one was my B5 Blue 1969 GTX convertible.

So think long and hard about selling before you make that plunge ( my 2 cents only )

[Moparpoolman]

Do what's going to make you happy

[Arnie Cunningham]

I considered and tried to sell mine several times over the decades.  I am glad I didn't.  The cash would be long gone and my financial situation would be no different.  Superbirds are a good non-liquid asset.  They will always hold a significant value - especially one that is as detailed as yours.  Consider it part of your financial portfolio.  If you can't afford to fix it today consider putting the cover on it for a couple years and seeing how things change.  I do agree that if you are going to sell it, you should borrow the money to complete it prior to the sale.  You will get a LOT more money for a complete running driving car than you will for a project.
Mine sat in storage for 22 years before I finally pulled it out and fixed it.
Just my opinion,
Brennan

[held1823]

i might be the poster child for hanging on to an impossible to replace car. and i'd do it all again, though the good and the bad.

mine's sat untouched for over 30 years, several of them pretty lean, so i can relate to the financial aspect.

selling mine would be a life changing financial windfall, but there are things no amount of money can buy or replace.

your bird is about as desirable as one can get. if selling it is life changing and necessary, you'll always have the memories.

if selling it out of frustration, you'll regret it forever. i can't imagine falling out of love with it, and it truly is irreplaceable.

[kevs1969daytona]

i might be the poster child for hanging on to an impossible to replace car. and i'd do it all again, though the good and the bad.

mine's sat untouched for over 30 years, several of them pretty lean, so i can relate to the financial aspect.

selling mine would be a life changing financial windfall, but there are things no amount of money can buy or replace.

your bird is about as desirable as one can get. if selling it is life changing and necessary, you'll always have the memories.

if selling it out of frustration, you'll regret it forever. i can't imagine falling out of love with it, and it truly is irreplaceable.

best way of putting it I have ever read. 

[Beep Beep Dave]

Wow sorry to be reading this. That is a tough decision. I wish you the best in making it. Superbird prices have really soared in the last little while. I think if at all possible you should make a push to finish the car and enjoy it. Pretty incredible car that was lucky to have you as an owner. I can only imagine how well done the car is....I never even met you but I believe you own that 1968 Coronet R/T Convertible that is a regular at Carlisle. That is a stunning car.

Best of luck,
Dave   

[Mopar John]

Dave,
After you made a reply about my Superbird I decided to look for one of your posts.
I wanted to see how yours was coming along as you were doing a very nice job on it!
Then I find this and it REALLY made me sad about trying to make a decision to sell or not.
In my own case I have gone through some tough times including a divorce.
I told my friends that stuck with me back then that I would sell my house and move back in with
my mom and dad before I would sell the cars!
In your case this Superbird is very close to being done!
My question is this:
Would you keep the Superbird if it was done and didn't need any more money to finish it?
If it's a keeper set it off to the side and do what you can to get back at it!
I have noticed a recent trend of the six pack Superbirds doing real well at auction!
If your still leaning toward selling get all the documnetation you can together.
Then start with a number that you would be comfortable with?
I hope things have gotten better by now?
MJ