Value of '69 L78 Nova

[SeattleCarGuy]

I would say that car, right now, sight unseen from what you describe would easily bring $20-$25k if it were listed for sale on Yenko.net with all the detail you gave, plus photos. If I weren't into a project restoration right now, I'd quickly offer $20k for it. Good luck. Sounds like a great car.

[Bill Pritchard]

I agree with Schonye on the $15K figure. Since this is a car that's always been local to you, with a known history, and having a couple build sheets, that seems like a very reasonable offer for both buyer and seller to me.

[TDW]

Rick, here is something to think about, along the lines of your statement of "small-block upgrades". About six-seven years ago, I wanted a BB 70 Nova. Couldn't find what I wanted, so I bought a pretty nice 70 SS, SB, 4 speed car from an ad posted on this site. I paid 26,000 for the car. I bought a 427 from a member here that needed a complete rebuild. Spent a ton of dough on that. I bought all the Genuine GM parts that I could find, some NOS parts, new tires and wheels, complete clutch, radiator,headers and exhaust, springs, shocks, and a ton of small stuff. All to make it as close to a real BB car that I could. By the time I was done, I have 46 grand in the car. I have two folders of receipts for the build. The car didn't need any paint or body work, except I removed the rocker trim and had the holes welded and painted. Talk about being upside-down, I am the poster-child! Look back through the for-sale ads here and see what a decnt body only sells for. If you can get that car for a decent price, defiantly go for it. These guys that know a lot more about BB Novas than I do, I'd suggest that you listen to them for values. I'm only going by my own personal experience and what I seen out there for sale when I was looking. Best of luck if you go for it. Oh yeah, you can see mine in the "members rides" section.

[TDW]

That's the longest post that I have ever made!!!!!

[Xplantdad]

Good info Tony!

[L78Rules]

I want to state that I meant no malice to those who build a car for their own enjoyment that may not be "original" or "numbers matching". I totally get and support the idea of putting together a car for one's own use and enjoyment.

What I do have an issue with is those that "manufacture" a car, and put it on the market as an original without disclosing the fact that it is a "tribute" or "reproduction" car. That to me crosses my personal ethical boundaries. I have heard too many stories about people who have spent lots of hard earned money on a vehicle advertised as an original, only to find at some time after the purchase that the car was pieced together.

There, of course, is the notion of buyer beware, but some of the less-than-ethical folks (in my opinion) that are building cars like this have become so good at what they do that it's difficult for all but seasoned experts to detect the deception.

I loved Tony's story about the 70 Nova that he built - I looked it up in the Member's Rides section, and it's a stunning beauty, and is something that anyone should be very proud to have built and own. Thumbs up to Tony!

[TDW]

Thanks Rick. About the only "problem" with mine is the 427 emblems that I put on the fenders. You wouldn't believe how many know-it-alls want to educate me on how "you caint git no 427 in one of dem cars, so it must be a 396". Well, that and the guys that say "I had one just like it with a 427 from the factory".

[jasonL78]

It really doesn't matter what everyone thinks on the board. I know you are looking for a rough idea what to pay. It sounds like you don't want to be in over what the car is worth in the end. Very smart. But at the end of the day you personally have to feel like it was ment to be. Not everyone has the same out look on a project like this. The car is disassembled. I know the guy says its all there but you will never really know. You are walking in where someone else left off. Do you know where every bolt goes on a nova? Its a lot easier when you remove them bolts,nuts brackets, etc. then take them out of an old coffee can. Its hard to evaluate a car in pieces. Thats just my honest opinion. To me a car like this in pieces is a 12-15k car needing 20-25k in work if you do the car yourself. The small parts add up real fast. Hope this helps.

[BARRY]

JASON is right i have restored cars where the customer said every thing is bagged and tagged ....right lots of parts missing

[Salvatore]

I say $10,000ish cause when you think you are absolutely done you will still have 2-3 thousand that you overlooked somewhere. Always seems to happen. Remember novas are great cars but are on the bottom of the food chain.