1951 DeLuxe sedan - need opinions on value

Don't you just hate "what's this car worth?" threads?

Well, here's another one...

I am very interested in purchasing the 2-door sedan in the attached photos. It is currently in the hands of the original owner's grandson. The Chevy was last exercised around 2005, prior to the death of the original owner's son-in-law. It has been stored indoors since the early 70's. Mileage is a shade over 41,000. Manual transmission, radio and heater are about it for equipment. No rot. Engine is free. It has brakes, though I don't know how good they are.

The car is in better shape than I thought it would be, and I am thinking it is worth more than I originally thought it was. I am not concerned about making a profit on the car, I just don't want to pay too much for it. It'll never be restored - it wouldn't be worth it.

I would just really like to buy it because I am the original owner's great-grandson...

No absolutes, but here are some "canned" guidelines:

NADA: http://www.nadaguides.com/Classic-Cars/1951/Chevrolet/Styleline-Deluxe/2-Door-Sedan/Values

1951 Chevrolet Styleline Deluxe

2 Door Sedan

Low Retail Value

This vehicle would be in mechanically functional condition, needing only minor reconditioning. The exterior paint, trim and interior would show normal wear, needing only minor reconditioning. May also be a deteriorated restoration or a very poor amateur restoration. Most usable ‘as-is’. This value does not represent a ‘parts car’.

Note: Some of the vehicles in this publication could be considered ‘Daily Drivers’ and are not valued as a classic vehicle. When determining a value for a daily driver, it is recommended that the subscriber use the low retail value.

Average Retail Value

This vehicle would be in good condition overall. It could be an older restoration or a well-maintained original vehicle. Completely operable. The exterior paint, trim, and mechanics are presentable and serviceable inside and out. A ‘20-footer’.

High Retail Value

This vehicle would be in excellent condition overall. It could be a completely restored or an extremely well-maintained original vehicle showing very minimal wear. The exterior paint, trim, and mechanics are not in need of reconditioning. The interior would be in excellent condition.

Note: This value does not represent a ‘100 Point’ or ‘# 1’ vehicle *.

* ‘100 Point’ or ‘# 1’ vehicle is not driven. It would generally be in a museum or transported in an enclosed trailer to concourse judging and car shows. This type of car would be stored in a climate-regulated facility.

HAGERTY: http://www.hagerty.com/valuationtools/HVT/VehicleSearch/Report?vc=109430

Find a VehiclePrice Guide Report

1951 Chevrolet Styleline Deluxe2dr Sedan 6-cyl. 216.5cid/92hp 1bblVALUE TRENDSCOMPARABLESMODEL HISTORYVIN DECODER

The average value for this vehicle is:$8,326* Download PDF

Insured Values

Vehicle Condition 1

Condition #1 vehicles are the best in the world. The visual image is of the best car, in the right colors, driving onto the lawn at the finest concours. Perfectly clean, the car has been groomed down to the tire treads. Painted and chromed surfaces are mirror-like. Dust and dirt are banned, and materials used are correct and superbly fitted. The one word description for #1 cars is "concours."

Vehicle Condition 2

#2 cars could win a local or regional show. They can be former #1 cars that have been driven or have aged. Seasoned observers will have to look closely for flaws, but will be able to find some not seen by the general public. The paint, chrome, glass and interior will all appear as excellent. No excessive smoke will be seen on startup, no unusual noises will emanate from the engine compartment. The vehicle will drive as a new car of its era would. The one word description for #2 cars is "excellent."

Vehicle Condition 3

#3 cars could possess some, but not all of the issues of a #4 car, but they will be balanced by other factors such as a fresh paint job or a new, correct interior. #3 cars drive and run well, but might have some incorrect parts. These cars are not used for daily transportation but are ready for a long tour without excuses, and the casual passerby will not find any visual flaws. "Good" is the one word description of a #3 car.

Vehicle Condition 4

#4 cars are daily drivers, with flaws visible to the naked eye. The chrome might have pitting or scratches, the windshield might be chipped. Paintwork is imperfect, and perhaps the fender has a minor dent. The interior could have split seams or a cracked dash. No major parts are missing, but the wheels could differ from the originals, or the interior might not be stock. A #4 car can also be a deteriorated restoration. "Fair" is the one word that describes a #4 car.

Weighted Average

The "weighted average" averages all four condition values for a vehicle, weighing the relative prevalence of each condition “in the wild.” As many more cars are found in condition #3 and #4, these prices are weighed more heavily than the condition #2 and condition #1 values.

Value change over time

Vehicle Value Details

Date Condition 4 Condition 3 Condition 2 Condition 1

Aug 2014 $3,700 $8,400 $13,600 $17,800

Apr 2014 $3,600 $8,100 $12,700 $16,400

Dec 2013 $3,600 $8,100 $12,700 $16,400

Aug 2013 $3,600 $8,100 $12,700 $16,400

Apr 2013 $3,600 $8,100 $12,700 $16,400

Dec 2012 $3,600 $8,100 $12,700 $16,400

Aug 2012 $3,600 $8,100 $12,700 $16,400

Apr 2012 $3,600 $8,100 $12,700 $16,400

Dec 2011 $3,600 $8,100 $12,700 $16,400

Aug 2011 $3,600 $8,100 $12,700 $16,400

Apr 2011 $3,600 $8,000 $12,500 $16,200

Dec 2010 $3,500 $7,800 $12,100 $15,400

Aug 2010 $3,500 $7,800 $12,000 $15,400

Apr 2010 $3,500 $7,600 $11,600 $14,900

Dec 2009 $3,500 $7,600 $11,500 $14,700

Aug 2009 $3,400 $7,500 $11,300 $14,500

Apr 2009 $3,400 $7,500 $11,300 $14,500

Dec 2008 $3,400 $7,500 $11,300 $14,500

Aug 2008 $3,400 $7,600 $11,300 $14,500

Apr 2008 $3,400 $7,600 $11,300 $14,500

Dec 2007 $3,300 $7,600 $11,200 $14,200

Aug 2007 $3,200 $7,500 $11,200 $14,200

Apr 2007 $3,200 $7,400 $11,000 $13,800

Dec 2006 $3,200 $7,200 $10,500 $13,100

Aug 2006 $3,200 $7,200 $10,500 $13,100

That is one nice survivor.......skirts even........ :cool:

With only 41,000 miles on it that car has a lot of life left.

I bet it would clean up REAL pretty.......

I hope you get it.........and drive it!

I would just really like to buy it because I am the original owner's great-grandson...

Family cars have more value the mere $$$

Yes, I have resolved myself to that fact. I would really like to keep the car in the family. I must admit, it is in better shape than I thought it would be, so I have come up some from my original estimate. But I'm thinking $5k and he's thinking $10k.

^ Which goes to show blood is blood but money is money.

Can't blame him for starting high........unless he's a stubborn cuss with whom there is no dealing....... :confused:

I bought it.

I'm jealous. It's just like my first car. I bought mine in 1962 from the original owners, two elderly unmarried sisters. Even at that yours is in better condition. Fewer miles (mine had 58k), door panels in better shape and mine had rust issues aunder the bekt molding because it had never been garaged. I paid $225 -- I assume yours was a little more.

My '51 deluxe photographed in 1962:

Don

I bought it.

YAY....... :cool: .......somebody budged........