Hello everyone.
I was referred to you folks by Don Rush over at WCCC. Here’s my situation: I have owned and loved several 69 Cougars over the years and have been restoring my XR 7 for the last 20 years… it may never end. However, I am looking to buy a completely restored 1968 XR 7.
I found one on E-Bay that you all may have seen. My highest bid did not reach the reserve so I called the seller and he gave me a price of 28K
My question is: is it worth that kind of money? How do I get someone to check it out before I fly from Boston to Cali to see it? I don’t really want to use an appraiser that is not an expert on classic cars so…
Is there anyone on here that lives close to Vacaville California that I could pay to go take a look at this car soon before it is sold to someone else?
I’d really appreciate any help and or advice on this matter.
Your fellow Cougar Lover,
Joe B.
Joe,
Welcome to the Classic Cougar Community. The price you should pay is what seems good to you. $28,000 seems a bit high but it is a sunroof car. The car looks nice in the pictures and some mods have been made. I was thinking the price was going to be around $20,000 or $21,000 because of the sunroof.
Steven
Someone from Stray Cats might be able to help as the car is in Vacaville - near SF
Buying a good car is always subjective and comes down to what you are willing to pay and how long you intend to keep it. That looks like one nice 68 that has 390 and sunroof, with a/c
If the car is as nice as the pictures suggest, it cost more than $28K to get it that way. Have you considered joining the Cougar Club of New England? One of our members has (or had) a '68 390 Cougar for sale before winter arrived. I think that car may still be available and it’s in New Hampshire.
I’m more of a '69 guy, so take this for what it’s worth… 28k can buy a lot of Cougar. The door panels look a different color than the seats on this one, and there’s other mods too ($tereo system). Make sure this is “the one” for you. Those things detract for me.
P.S. I alerted Gavin S to this thread. He’s pres of Stray Cats (and CCOA), and probably can hook you up with someone to be your eyes. Going price is a case of beer.
Welcome Joe B. Nice to see another NE guy make the scene here.
You have the right idea about getting boots on the ground for a personal inspection, and in typical “cougar guy” fashion, it looks like Mark is going to hook you up.
At $28k, I doubt it will sell before Mark’s able to see it and report back. It looks like a real nice car, and assuming the pictures tell an accurate story, my journeyman’s opinon on price for this one hovers around $20k (+/- $3-4k) depending on how bad you want it. Personally, the deviations from stock would keep me from offering top dollar. On the other hand, you’d have trouble building one that nice for $28k.
My question is: is it worth that kind of money? My opinion is no. But, with that said I think it is a very nice Cougar that I would be happy to own. My price point would be $23,000 to $24,000 Looks to be very nice paint and restored. If it was an S code instead of an X it would be worth a little more. I like the XR7 added to the seats. What I don’t like that could be changed without much effort. The aftermarket rims, red center caps and redline tires. It would Look better with black wall tires and stock style steel wheels and beauty rings. Change Alum radiator back to stock. Add correct pin stripping, and it looks like the interior would benefit from a good cleaning. The steering wheel needs restored. I would leave the aftermarket AC system alone as that would be a plus and more driver friendly.
Better yet to heck with shipping. Have him store it a couple more months and drive it home!
But seriously…at $28-k it’s not going to be flying off the lot any time soon? However, that is one of my favorite color combos…plus a big-block & SUNROOF too!!! I might be able to tag along with Mark S. if he is going up there this weekend to look at it? Will check my schedule.
I would say if you have the funds and want the car, it would be a good buy.
The car is an X-Code verses an S-Code and would not be as desirable for a resale. That being said a 390 Sunroof car would cost more than $28k to fully restore and having a Sunroof is a very cool option.
If it turns out not to be the car for you, I’m certain you will locate the right one. Budget, Condition, and Options certainly rule when it comes to selecting the right car.
I never heard back from the potential buyer, Joe. Nonetheless, John S and I agreed to meet this morning (Sat) and look over the car. I called the seller to confirm, and he said that an inspector was there for 5 hours yesterday, apparently representing an East Coast buyer. The seller said he wasn’t interested in “wasting his time” with any more inspections. (Interesting sales technique… ).
So after prepping to “kick the tires”, I think I have a pretty good view of the strong points and drawbacks of the car. PM me if you would like my opinions.
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