What's it worth, '57 Fireflite?

300rag

It's Not Going to Shift Itself
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There's a project car close to my area that is complete, and has a new interior ready to go included. My understanding is that it is blown apart already. I don't think I'm a player, but curious as to what a reasonable $ value is. 2dr HT, like this...

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By blown apart, I assume you mean taken apart. If it is disassembled, it is worth a lot less that a complete together car. A complete #4 condition is some where in the $10-$11k range. Probably would deduct about $2.5k for a project that is apart.

Dave
 
By blown apart, I assume you mean taken apart. If it is disassembled, it is worth a lot less that a complete together car. A complete #4 condition is some where in the $10-$11k range. Probably would deduct about $2.5k for a project that is apart.

Dave
From my understanding it has been taken apart, but there is also 5K in new interior that comes with it. It is a car that a restoration shop has, and is entertaining offers on a finished restoration or an as-is where-is deal. Word is he would also consider just doing the body for a prospective new owner.
 
Probably the best bet would be to do an inspection to see just what the vehicle needs. The $5k worth of interior is good if it is correct, if it somebody's idea of a custom job, not so much.

Dave
 
If you look at it, I'd look into the little but expensive pieces that these cars typically need.

I don't know what those are for this car. But I found out the hard way that a little, seemingly insignificant item can be big money and a pain in the *** to find, which when buying a blown apart project can be missed or overlooked.

Take for example my situation. I bought a complete car that was missing one specific piece of trim. I saw that. I didn't think anything of it until I started looking for that piece of trim. Now I can't find it, and when it does pop up, I'm looking at a $2,000 price tag. I originally paid $3,000 for the car. :rolleyes:
 
What type of Desoto? Fireflite? Firesweep? Adventurer? It matters as the engine and body (Dodge or Chrysler- based) matters and is different with the model...... Really can't give a good answer unless we know information like that.... Best to go look.... I know you said Fireflite, but how reliable is the information without eyes on the body?
 
Even common nuts and bolts can be a PIA to find if a guy wanted to keep the car looking stock.
It could turn into a labor of love quickly if things like trim and lenses aren't there.
They sure are a fine looking year though.
 
If you look at it, I'd look into the little but expensive pieces that these cars typically need.

I don't know what those are for this car. But I found out the hard way that a little, seemingly insignificant item can be big money and a pain in the *** to find, which when buying a blown apart project can be missed or overlooked.

Take for example my situation. I bought a complete car that was missing one specific piece of trim. I saw that. I didn't think anything of it until I started looking for that piece of trim. Now I can't find it, and when it does pop up, I'm looking at a $2,000 price tag. I originally paid $3,000 for the car. :rolleyes:
Very IMPORTANT advice. I am currently working on a '57 Desoto convertible. Even after five years, I am still looking for several little parts that were common to most models that year. The parts supply for these cars is very limited and usually very expensive. Chrome trim, lenses, and accessories usually equate to serious $$ when you do find them.
 
Turns out this is a Firedome with a 341. Seats are new original material. It's blue with white roof. Photos and more info coming soon.
 
Anyone who spends 5K on interior before taking the car apart is no experienced restorer. 5K should represent everything from door to door and firewall pad to hat shelf. And it will need to be stored for the rest of the restoration, likely 2+ years.
I wouldn't expect the organization to be to great. Sounds like a lost interest or ran out of money situation.
Seller will likely want to recoup his investment, at least, which will be to much to pay IMO.
Keep in mind that for a Forward look era car to retain value it needs to be as original, especially the interior. Chrome will be a small fortune, Some parts may have to be made.
I would say if you don't have experience with these cars, then stay away. You'll be under water fast no matter how much you buy the car for.
 
Anyone who spends 5K on interior before taking the car apart is no experienced restorer. 5K should represent everything from door to door and firewall pad to hat shelf. And it will need to be stored for the rest of the restoration, likely 2+ years.
I wouldn't expect the organization to be to great. Sounds like a lost interest or ran out of money situation.
Seller will likely want to recoup his investment, at least, which will be to much to pay IMO.
Keep in mind that for a Forward look era car to retain value it needs to be as original, especially the interior. Chrome will be a small fortune, Some parts may have to be made.
I would say if you don't have experience with these cars, then stay away. You'll be under water fast.

Actually this is an estate sale, not a lost interest or money situation. The owner passed last month and his 2 forward looks are being sold, the other is a '58 Suburban (seen below). The interior was not purchased before the car was taken apart.

upload_2021-1-28_13-23-45.jpeg
 
Before disassembly...

It looks like it was decent car. What does it look like now? And have you investigated the commonly high priced items? Just looking at the 'before' pics, I'm guessing the car will be missing quite a few things, plus whatever is now lost.

As mentioned, there looks to be quite a bit of bright work to be polished and/or plated on these cars. I wouldn't be surprised if that alone approached $10K by a quality shop.
 
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