When selling a project...

[Red78Calais4speed]

When selling a project car is it better for it to be assembled or in some stage of disassembly? I partially disassembled my 442 project car some years ago but am not going to get to the restoration. Does it help or scare off potential buyers if they see a car that's taken apart? On one hand, some of the work is already done for the next owner. That saves time and money. On the other hand, potential buyers might question if the car is truly complete. Some might want to disassemble it themselves to see how to reassemble it later. You get a better look at the overall condition of the car if it's complete. There are many reasons pro and con. So... Prefer disassembled or complete?

 

[ssn696]

The hardest part is making sure all the pieces are there and undamaged from storage, and most buyers have no idea how to a G-body goes together, plus they will have to haul this themselves unless the bits fit inside the car so it can be shipped. Be prepared for a lower price. Also, as rare as a factory manual 442 is, the potential market that would appreciate such a rarity is small.

 

[Bar50]

I think they are easier to market if it looks more complete. I don't mean finished, but, bolted back together in some fashion seems to help, so your potential buyer and 'see' a finished version. Just my 0.02.

 

[Texas82GP]

A disassembled car turns me off. Like you said, I want to take it apart so I can better understand how it goes back together. Also, I prefer a project car to be as complete as possible.

 

[Red78Calais4speed]

I had been thinking about putting it back together anyways. I wasn't sure what kind of reaction I'd have to it being listed in it's current state, but I posted it as is. I figured that I'd show the major flaws of the car and not hide them. No one likes surprises like that. I certainly don't. I know I prefer cars that are complete. Looks like I know what I'm doing in the next week or so if work isn't too busy. Should be an easy project- everything is labeled, bagged, or tagged. Just won't be able to put the side glass or rear windshield back in. It'll be the first time it's been together in 6-7 years.

 

[pontiacgp]

If someone is interested in buying a project I would think they know the car.....Plus since you everything bagged that would help the sale

 

[L67ss]

No one really wants to buy a car in boxes

 

[pontiacgp]

No one really wants to buy a car in boxes

I know some people who look for unfinished projects, they get a better deal....and then some like to have a car in a box...

 

[L67ss]

It becomes the buyers market then

 

[timo22]

My main concern would be if all of the pieces are there. It's a lot easier to tell what's missing on an assembled car.
My neighbor bought a partially disassembled 71 Nova years ago. I told him not to buy it but he did. It took me several years to find parts and build his car. I still kid him that he bought 1/2 of a Nova! Timo22