1956 Bel Air, any opinions please?

[daleone3]

I have a former boss that is selling his 1956 Bel Air, Orig CA car, rec'd frame on some years ago but is a very nice car and he is looking to part with it. Very clean and upgraded, repaint some years ago but still very strong presenter. I understand the 55/57 tend to pull stronger numbers but curious to know from the group what fair market would be on a car like this? The car has not really been driven a lot in the past few years, owner also has a harley and an airplane (restored 60's vintage single prop) and he is a very meticulous guy, the 56 is super clean, engine bay is impeccable. The car can be bought for $25k and I still think there is some upside in the car though I would be buying to enjoy it for a while and see what happens

350 crate motor
MSD ignition
Aluminum radiator
(1000 bucks) excellent cooling on hot day
Dragster high torque starter-sounds cool and will start a semi!
PS
Power disc front brakes
Vintage air
350 auto trans
Stock interior. Good shape 9 out of 10
red light crystal on dash- very cool
Drop spindles
Flowmaster exhaust
Rear shocks mounted to frame
Good chrome wheels and tires
Modern stereo radio w/cassette looks stock w/rear speakers
Paint is a 8 out of 10

What does not work:
Quartz stock-looking clock stopped
Gear indicator
Heater switch needs to be replaced


18k miles on frame on resto completed in 1996. Never been in rain or salt

Thank you to the group, I respect the opinions I have gotten here in the past.

[jimbo]

My car has pretty much the same options.
Has some wear on the interior and paint.
Engine could use some detailing.
Have advertised a few places,ebay,hotrodhotline,and locally.
Trying to get $18000.
Havent had anyone serious come along.

If you know the car and like it buy it.

[daleone3]

I guess I am surprised at the level of pricing on these, seeing them anywhere from 20-50k, dont mind paying for the right car but dont want to end up married to it if market does not support the level. then again, getting something that needs some finishing typically means death by a thousand cuts, lots of little things add up quick. your car is very nice, what do you think is causing it to not sell?

[jimbo]

Not sure really.
It is nice,not perfect. Pretty up front with people.
Just seem to end up with all the "know it all", "I can get a "perfect" 55 or 57 for $10k, will you take $8k"
Online the prices seem to be all over the place like you say.
If you like it go for it.It doesnt sound over priced.

[daleone3]

Jim,
there is enough of a delta on the prices that it is hard to figure out where these are supposed to be, how about a little more info on yours or a link to the posting and some history, for $7k less might be a better pursuit for me. I like the color, is that a black cherry, looks similar to color on my harley, was there alot of body work done or pretty original.
Thanks,
Scott

[budnate]

1st thing, '56's are like most '68 cars...most people walk on by them and if you buy one be prepared for the long haul on it if you want to sell....tri 5's are all over the place dollars wise and have been for years they are really hard to figure out sometimes, a few years back they were hot and the cool toy to have and cost money if you wanted one...what sets most apart from 10K cars to 50K cars is the quality of the resto and what parts were used in the build, go cheap ...the guys that buy them will pick it apart and not want to pay much for the car even a Cal car go big and guys take note of the parts and pay up...overall there really weak right now.

I will say owning a Tri 5 is really fun, you cant take it anywhere without people making a comment on the car especially older couples



B.

[1railman]

These cars are like Harleys, buy one put 5 grand in it and I love it. Another, the same bike and similar upgrades and I'll hate it. For me I love the look, but if the interior does'nt look 100% original and I'll hate it. Love the photo of jimbo's with all brite trim but if interior would have digital gauges or something like that, it would be deal-breaker. And I would not tell seller real reason I walked.

[daleone3]

Jim,
email is [email protected] if you want to go off line with the conversation.

[markinnaples]

jimbo, love your '56!

[southernfriedcj]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: daleone3</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The car can be bought for $25k and I still think there is some upside in the car though I would be buying to enjoy it for a while and see what happens</div></div>

If you pass on the car see if your guy will consider an even trade for my backhoe/loader. Thanks!

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/eat/bfs/2379327636.html