What is a '57 220S worth?

[vwkess]

Earliest I've owned was a '62, I don't have any experience on anything earlier. She looks rough but restorable. Is it worth the asking price? I suspect it is cheaper to buy one in good/better shape than restoring one in this shape? Not that I am interested in buying this one, just good to know for future reference...

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/ctd/1420700724.html

[lupin..the..3rd]

It is *always* cheaper. Much cheaper. To buy an old car that has already been restored, vs. restoring it yourself. Unless you have many hundreds of man-hours to devote to the project, thousands of dollars for parts. Not to mention welding, fabrication, body, and paint booth skills.

If you're going to DIY, you need to do it because you want to RESTORE a car, not because you want to OWN a restored car.

[thorsen]

I agree with Lupin regarding the economy of purchasing restored versus restoring yourself. However, I derive immense pleasure from working on cars and saving cars that were otherwise worthless.

If you look at this as a game of dollars and sense, that car is not for you. If you look at it as a challenge, then that one is perfect. Imagine how beautiful that car would look with a fresh coat of glossy black paint and new leather seats. It's already calling my name and my garage is full.

[vwkess]

Yes indeed, I too enjoy bringing cars back to life. But I am not interested in buying it. Waaayyy too much going on right now for that! I just have no idea what the value of these are. I figured, like pretty much any restoration, it is cheaper to buy one already done. It just struck me a being a bit high in the asking price so I was curious

[cadurning]

On the bright side it does have a nice set of tools.

[cth350]

pontons are unibodies. Somebody has to look at the underside of that car. If it's intact, that 3k price is justified. If it's got holes (likely), then it's a parts car, no matter how pretty.

-CTH