What's it worth?

[John Hatchard]

Happy Christmas to all the C-Body folks.

I've been offered a really nice 1966 Polara to add to my collection.
The guy was drag racing her and has now got bored with the fuel consumption.

512 cubic inch 440, with all, the trick parts for the strip.
But its not allowed to run quicker than 12.99 or it needs a full rollcage.

He says its worth $12K I'm guessing its more $8K, (runs 13.20 in drive).
What's your thought this Christmas break time folks???

 

[Darter6]

I follow the Mopar Market closely. Mostly the lower end of desirable Mopars. If the car was original and in #1 or #2 condition, Maybe $10K for a C Body.
It is unfortunately that modified cars bring much lower value. Unless you REALLY want the car a offer of $8K is not out of line.
Nothing is getting less expensive these days. Is it solid and rust free ? Is the engine photo as it sits now non running ?

 

[66sptfry]

Merry Christmas to you. And that's a nice looking Polara. Keep us posted if you get it.

 

[Big_John]

I don't follow car prices, but I see enough of the market to know it's all over the place.

I assume we're using $USD.

I looked at the Hagerty site for a valuation and came up with #2 condition is $16k and #3 is $9.6K. #1 condition cars are few and far between, and just a glimpse of the engine compartment shows it's not a #1 car. Probably something between #2 and #3 based on the pics.

So.. what's it worth? The mods can drive the value down, depending on what was done. If that engine was done correctly, I'd expect the car to be faster. The roll cage rule is 11.49 or quicker for the NHRA, so I looked up British drag rules and they look like 10.99 or faster for a roll cage with 11.99 for a roll bar. So that 12.99 ET might bring other requirements, but I'm skeptical about the cage rule. I'm getting off the subject.

I'd say the car is worth $9-10k all day long, assuming the car is as clean as it looks. It's a desirable color combination too. The fact that it's in the UK has to drive the price up, just like us guys in the northeast US will pay more for a southern car. All the import costs are paid, the car looks like it's been registered in the UK, so really, $12k USD doesn't sound bad to me.

Offer $10k and see what happens. The only caveat is if that $12k is the "friends and family" price, then it's either pay $12k or walk away.

 

[FURYGT]

The engine would cost $12,000 or more to have it professionally built today. If the body and paint are as nice as they look in the one photo, $12,000 is a steal. I just sold a 68 Sport Fury with similar specs for twice that price. If you don’t buy it, share the seller’s info here.

 

[FURYGT]

I don't follow car prices, but I see enough of the market to know it's all over the place.

I assume we're using $USD.

I looked at the Hagerty site for a valuation and came up with #2 condition is $16k and #3 is $9.6K. #1 condition cars are few and far between, and just a glimpse of the engine compartment shows it's not a #1 car. Probably something between #2 and #3 based on the pics.

So.. what's it worth? The mods can drive the value down, depending on what was done. If that engine was done correctly, I'd expect the car to be faster. The roll cage rule is 11.49 or quicker for the NHRA, so I looked up British drag rules and they look like 10.99 or faster for a roll cage with 11.99 for a roll bar. So that 12.99 ET might bring other requirements, but I'm skeptical about the cage rule. I'm getting off the subject.

I'd say the car is worth $9-10k all day long, assuming the car is as clean as it looks. It's a desirable color combination too. The fact that it's in the UK has to drive the price up, just like us guys in the northeast US will pay more for a southern car. All the import costs are paid, the car looks like it's been registered in the UK, so really, $12k USD doesn't sound bad to me.

Offer $10k and see what happens. The only caveat is if that $12k is the "friends and family" price, then it's either pay $12k or walk away.

The cage rules vary from track to track but typically you need to run a lot faster to need a cage.

As for the ET, I have to disagree. To many variables including tire type and rear gear to assess the ET. If running street tires I think the ET is in the ballpark.

 

[John Hatchard]

Great replies Guys,

Its a tricky one as I want to get a good deal and not insult a good friend!
I suppose its worth $10k as the engine cost £5000 to build and the trans £1500.
Then there's the headers at another £1000 and the rebuilt axle with a gear drive and 3.77 gears at another £1500.
Oh the carb too was also £1000 a special built one from Cali, wow it soon ads up.

Yep you is right its £10,000 pounds worth a goodies so the Polara is FREE!

 

[Boydsdodge]

Is the engine street friendly? Will you be having to deRace part the engine? As in friendlier cam, torque converter, rear gears, etc... That will add up.

 

[John Hatchard]

Its a Crower street roller camshaft and the guy lives in London town.
But they reduced the speed limit to 20 MPH and he finally gave up wanting the Polara.

Plus the London folks are getting all geared up for full electric and they hate the sight of gas guzzlers.
Time has run out for him, but at least he got to run down the Shakespeare County track and the famous Santa-POD UK.

Every dog has its day and he wants to go back to his homeland of Yorkshire, full of sheep and cows.
England isn't what it used to be in the 'good old days' times they are a changing...

 

[MoPar~Man]

I watch a UK TV show called "Wheeler Dealers" on a channel called "Quest". They show a lot of open-road driving scenes, roads that seem to go on for miles that are not much wider than a single lane. There is a lot of open space in England. Or maybe not? (I can watch Wheeler Dealers for hours each night, it's like the Hallmark Channel for guys).

 

[John Hatchard]

Wheeler Dealers is an older program, back when it was trendy to have a Gas Guzzler.
They only every did a few American cars and mostly focus on smaller Euro boxes.

But as we all know, these programs are not realistic and labour costs are rarely spoken about.
Poor Edd China worked his 'socks off' for many years just to get dumped when Mike went to the USA!

They ran the Black 70 383 Charger down the Shakespeare track and it ran 17's.
My 318 1969 Barracuda was faster an we all joke about here in the UK.

The Flying Finns are proper drag racers indeed.

 

[amazinblue82]

This an interesting one. Thanks for inviting commenrtary. All the best whatever you do.

---

A couple of us on this thread have a modified classic brute in common -- the same car.

My goodness .. hard to stay on the right side of the law given what this thing can do. At the same time, its got the manners of Nana's grocery getter when needed.

As a collector, I happen to like brutish cars/light trucks. I also like unmolested "trailer queen" beauties. Some people like one type OR the other type, some don't like either.

What is a truism in my experience though?

One has to pay for .. to build or buy .. the thing you want. Sure, deals can be had, and London Bridges can be bought, and everything on the value continuum in between.

The top end of the brutes and the beauties? Seems like we have to plan on getting out our "big kid" wallets. Nice things cost what they cost.

If you like it, you compared acquisition costs from both a build or buy one like it perspective (seems like you have), to get what that Polara can/can't do, and youre aces with it?. buy it and enjoy it when/where ever you can.

Last point to your question. All that to say is I think fom what you disclosed and how it appears to look (assuming its a well done piece), USD $12,000 is a pretty good deal

 

[volksworld]

FuryGT on here was asking over 20 grand for his stroker 68 fury...I know it sold but no idea whether he came down in price...oops just saw that he already commented on it...

 

[MoPar~Man]

There's also this:

NOT MINE - 1963 Dodge Polara 2-dr "Super Stock Tribute" 440 auto $44k CAD / $32k USD Stratford Ontario

1963 Dodge Polara 2-dr "Super Stock Tribute" 440 auto $44k CAD / $32k USD Stratford Ontario https://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/stratford-on/1963-dodge-polara-vin-number-2-super-stock-tribute/m9644963 $43,900 Description -VIN Number 2! -Super Stock Tribute -Lots of Invoices and Paperwork...

www.forcbodiesonly.com

This car was just re-posted to kijiji. No price change compared to October ($43,900 CAD, $30.6k USD, 24.3k lbs).

 

[John Hatchard]

Wonderful replies Guys!
Yep I know its a good car, cos I built it lol.

Not had a C-body before, mainly A's and B's.
My biggest problem (I feel) is getting the good lady (wife) onboard!

You can have too much of a good thing and maybe a C-body is one 'step beyond'?
Lets see what happens after some Christmas merriment and good cheer...

 

[Big_John]

Great replies Guys,

Its a tricky one as I want to get a good deal and not insult a good friend!
I suppose its worth $10k as the engine cost £5000 to build and the trans £1500.
Then there's the headers at another £1000 and the rebuilt axle with a gear drive and 3.77 gears at another £1500.
Oh the carb too was also £1000 a special built one from Cali, wow it soon ads up.

Yep you is right its £10,000 pounds worth a goodies so the Polara is FREE!

View attachment 698496

We have to be on the same page for money... £10,000 is $12566 USD.

 

[Big_John]

As for the ET, I have to disagree. To many variables including tire type and rear gear to assess the ET. If running street tires I think the ET is in the ballpark.

Yea, I suppose you're right. I always default in my thinking that the car is setup to the engine's potential.

 

[CBODY67]

You can talk about the price of the "upgrades" to get the car to where it now is, with respect to drag strip performance. Those things CAN increase the cost of the car, BUT not $ for $. BTAIM

As to the car itself, I would carefully look around on the body for STRESS CRACKS where the body panels fit together. Qtr panels and related panels, in particular. Look at the panel gaps on the doors, too.

The roll bar and roll cage have basic driver-protection purposes, BUT they also stiffen up the body structure, especially the cage, too.

As to the powertrain items, the main things would be to get something like a 3.55 rear axle chunk w/SureGrip and a downsized cam. If done correctly, will make the car easier to drive on the street plus not decrease performance much. Figuree these costs into the mix, too!

Best of luck in your negotiations (wife and seller). C-body trunks make the best toy haulers for Toy Drive donations!

Happy Holidays to all!
CBODY67

 

[crv]

He's your mate, don't be a cheap b., good way to ruin a friendship over a couple of grand. Nice car, cheap for what it is, we'd pay $12k for a rusty project over here, and a lot more depending on what it is.

 

[Lincsmoparmike]

Its a Crower street roller camshaft and the guy lives in London town.
But they reduced the speed limit to 20 MPH and he finally gave up wanting the Polara.

Plus the London folks are getting all geared up for full electric and they hate the sight of gas guzzlers.
Time has run out for him, but at least he got to run down the Shakespeare County track and the famous Santa-POD UK.

Every dog has its day and he wants to go back to his homeland of Yorkshire, full of sheep and cows.
England isn't what it used to be in the 'good old days' times they are a changing...

Can’t agree that the UK are fed up with gas guzzlers - yes London in particular is being legislated / bribed / forced into electric cars but I see plenty of proper V8 cars - mostly AUDIS but there are plenty of American car enthusiasts in the south east with lots of late model RAM’s and some challengers and if the guy is moving to Yorkshire anyway that argument seems a bit lame. One of the best MOPAR engine builders in the UK is in Yorkshire (Dave Billadeau) and theres “Real Steel” in London too. If either of those have built the engine then it’s worth what the owners asking - providing it hasnt got rod knock and has good oil pressure. If it needs rebuilding then it will cost at least 10k!
There is a very healthy classic American car scene over here too.
My daily driver is a dodge ram 1500 which I had for ten years now, and of course I do have a C body (1968 Monaco 383 Monaco which is now stroked to 438 CI) sadly not finished yet.