What's it worth? 1969 Camaro Pace Car
 

I've got a longtime buddy who has a 1969 Camaro pace car, original big block car. It's been apart since the 80s, I mean bare tub, everything on shelves, completely disassembled. Original engine is gone, but he has a decent date replacement. Has NOS quarters, fenders etc., lots of parts.

If I tried to buy it from him what would be a fair starting number and what would be the max you would offer?

Lucky you!

I am sure pics would help determine the potential value. Can you post some?

Paul

I'd say an offer of $15-18k is a good starting point. What documentation on it? L78? 4 speed? I paid $13k for my bb Pace car, L78 4 speed as basket case that came with date code correct block, heads, crank, tranny, rear, NOS quarters and a lot of parts. Into it now about $70k total

I don't have pics, but it would just be a bare body and many boxes.

@69z11 my reccollection is it's a factory automatic car.

Still a lot to know what is coming with it, like original carb, distributor, and components. Is the floor boards, truck OK, etc., etc...

Fair enough, I don't know if it needs floors, trunk etc. What would be your high/low? I know it needs quarters which he has, so it probably needs inner wheelhouses too.

That type of body work is crazy money out here in Az. When I was looking at rusty cudas it was like 15-18k for a "buildable" car. Add 20-30k plus for body work & another 25k plus for a paint job, it finally got out of hand. Without "THE" engine....well, there's more problems. Just my thoughts....Joe

Thanks for the ranges. I'll talk to him and see what his reaction is.

Joe (I remember when we talked at MCACN), yeah restoration is expensive, I could probably do everything except the bodywork and paint (the priciest stuff).

If I couldn't do the body work and paint (or at least get it in primer REALLY ready to paint... most cars sold as "ready to paint, aren't) I would pass. NOM car means you WILL be upside down, even if you get it for $20k. Further, if it is a 325 HP car, you will be REALLY upside down.

If he has every bit of needed metal, all NOS, he may get $25k. Might be worth that if you can document that it was originally an L-78, AND if the replacement motor that he has is an L-78.

The going rate for a roller is 8-10. Since the original engine is gone, I’d say 18 is beyond fair.

He and I chatted today, he said he turned down $25K for it. I told that was a strong offer.

He still thinks he might get around to restoring it but I suspect he won't. His inner struggle is knowing he would not restore it (himself) to a level that the car deserves. So we'll keep chatting. He's a good friend.

NOM and automatic kills the value as it's not a solid lifter big block. Frankly I'd pass as even if it was free you'd still be upside down after body and paint alone. Add in the drivetrain rebuild and all the parts cost and you'll likely be 2x upside down and probably more.

What he said.

Yeah I know $wise I'd be in deep if I went the professional restoration route.

I never asked him what he knows the about the car, and whether it's a L78 or which version. I think he's owned it since 1980. I'll ask him.