1969 GS 400 stage 1 convertible advise

Discussion in 'Cars and Parts For Sale Leads' started by Sweet64Rivi, Oct 9, 2013.

  1. George D.

    George D. Platinum Level Contributor

    Not a stash... Just here and there.. Bri- you KNOW how this community works, you know how contacts are made, and so on...How do you think I found a factory black, black top, pearl white interiored, numbers matching 69 GS 400 4 speed ragtop? The owner then parked his numbers 69 Stage beside it.. Then told me to call this guy who has a YARD full of 69's, 69 parts, NOS parts, etc??? The deeper rooted you get in this Buick hobby... :bglasses:
     
  2. Brian Albrecht

    Brian Albrecht Classic Reflections

    I've been rooted for a long time. GS Nationals 1982...countless more events over the years. I've viewed publications too numerous to mention. I watch all the auctions and keep a pulse on everything I can including this website. It is my opinion that the hypothetical car I mentioned above is neither here nor there @ 40, even 50k, at this point and time, or am I wrong? If you had one, barring a family emergency, what would you sell it for? 45 to 50k with no regrets? I've only seen a few in my 31 years of being a GS owner/enthusiast. They are extremely rare.

    I think telling this gentleman that 40k is too much and he can have one basically done for a little more is just plain wrong. Besides, where is the apples to apples here. Let's say a car is number 2 @50k. All it needs for number one is fresh paint, a new top, the rear bumper re-chromed, and the engine compartment and trunk freshened up, etc. Couldn't we easily go from 50k to the 80k to get our number one car? The more I think about it, the more I think this 1/2 way car is not terribly priced, if it is complete, the quality is good, and has all the important parts. If you want a number 1 car (read trailer queen).

    The 1/2 way car is, at the very least, worth consideration and not immediate dismissal.

    Chris, you made me laugh with your comment:grin:
     
  3. Brian Albrecht

    Brian Albrecht Classic Reflections

    We are as well. Please post some pictures when you get a chance!
     
  4. George D.

    George D. Platinum Level Contributor

    Brian, $40K for a car that still needs a majority of the restoration completed is a 'good deal'? And, if I had said Buick, I would sell it for what I could sell it for, no regrets.. as, at the end of the day, it is just a car. ALL of my viewpoints are mine and mine alone. The OP can read what is posted and make up his own mind. My OPINION, based on the same reasons you posted (knowing what's out there, watching auctions, etc), the car is grossly overpriced... Unless it is the Alan Wander unicorn- a stage 4 speed ragtop.
     
  5. Rich Johns

    Rich Johns Platinum Level Contributor

    If it is real and lots of work done already, that car is a gift.
    Go for it
     
  6. cjp69

    cjp69 Gold Level Contributor

    So what work has been done so far? Disassembly and the frame only?

    ---------- Post added at 03:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:37 PM ----------

    Seems like there is a lot of work left to do, not sure how much is actually done yet? Don't know what it would cost to finish, you could probably give a much better estimate than me, given you are the business.

    The resale prices on 69's aren't even close to what a 70 will bring.

    "Motor and transmission have to be rebuilt yet. Some sheet metal, interior, chroming, painting, finishing still need done"

    IIRC, highest bid price for an automatic Stage 1 was my old car (silver), which sold for $58k (2010?) and then again for $75k the next year. It could have been bought from me in the $30's a few months before auction.

    Jeff Spencer's Thornton restored 4 speed non Stage sold for $72,500, Mike B.'s yellow 4 speed Stage sold in the $70's as well.

    A red 4 speed non stage set the record at $125k in Palm Beach to Hendricks as I recall, but not sure what he could have been thinking (drinking).
     
  7. Buicksky

    Buicksky Gold Level Contributor

    IIRC, highest bid price for an automatic Stage 1 was my old car (silver), which sold for $58k (2010?) and then again for $75k the next year. It could have been bought from me in the $30's a few months before auction.

    Jeff Spencer's Thornton restored 4 speed non Stage sold for $72,500, Mike B.'s yellow 4 speed Stage sold in the $70's as well.

    A red 4 speed non stage set the record at $125k in Palm Beach to Hendricks as I recall, but not sure what he could have been thinking (drinking). :gp::gp::gp::gp::gp:
     
  8. Brian Albrecht

    Brian Albrecht Classic Reflections


    This information seems to indicate that the Stage 1 isn't exactly a 50% increase in value.

    George, I never said the car was a good deal, but it maybe worth investigating as a fair deal, if that's what someone wants due to the rarity of the ride. Given the little bit we know, what do you think is fair money? Insert $_______.___ I'll respect your opinion!
     
    Last edited: Oct 11, 2013
  9. Jethrobodine

    Jethrobodine Platinum Level Contributor

    Food for thought, not cause I have one.
    The Thornton car (non stage, no docs) was sold less than a year later at Mecum for 91000.
    I have a standing offer for my 69 (finished), its up there $, but I plan on keeping it.

    I don't know the story on the maroon one, white int, black top in LI NY, they have it out at 149000. 4 spd ac non stage.
    It's a stretch to say the least, but it looks like a real good one.

    They're not 70's, but I believe these cars are finally getting their do, I hope so anyway!!!
     
  10. Buicksky

    Buicksky Gold Level Contributor

    Jethrobodine
    I am one that really likes the 69 styling and stance. I hope your correct and these cars are finally getting their do. That said if they do I will never have a chance to own another, and if that's true we will see fewer still being driven or shown because they are too valuable.
     
  11. a.j.hogan

    a.j.hogan Well-Known Member

    Jesus,what's the price for triple black 350 4speed? Numbers matching+POP....just curious A.j.
     
  12. GSXER

    GSXER Well-Known Member

    Well what the heck did they do so far for $40K?Sounds like hes been getting ripped off and wants to bail.Why would you want to take over a headache project? You can find some nice 9"s for what it will take to put this one back on the road.
     
  13. Brian Albrecht

    Brian Albrecht Classic Reflections

    Sweet Rivi...don't know who you are but you've certainly managed to stir the pot. This group, that usually has @ least some consensus in opinion, seems completely torn on this car. Perhaps you could lend us more information? :pray:
     
  14. kevin mcculloug

    kevin mcculloug 72 GS 455 Convertible

    Its a 350. Not even in the same ballpark.
     
  15. 69stage1conv

    69stage1conv Member

    So, deciding to weigh in on this subject, if its not too late. Im new to this board, but not to GSs. Been a GS 400 owner for almost 30 years now, and am on my third GS (68 400 Coupe, 68 400 Conv, 69 Stage 1 Conv). The 69 Stage conv is my current car, which I have owned for 10 years, which has its original numbers matching drivetrain, RS coded motor, BB coded trans, sheet metal, etc. I got extremely lucky finding this 69 stage as I had been looking my entire life for this car with this color and options, when I stumbled across it in Colorado where it had been its entire life. Car was a solid #2 when purchased, and has Auto, A/C, Tilt, Console, buckets, P. Steering, P. front disk brakes, P. Windows, P. Locks, P. Drivers seat, super sport wheels, rally road control pack, pretty much loaded and probably the only one ever built with these exterior and interior colors. The only one left Im sure. The motor, trans and rear have been recently pulled and completely professionally rebuilt, which cost me a small fortune. Forget finding NOS parts, as they are almost impossible to find, let alone for a fair price. And its only getting more expensive, as labor and materials cost rise, so do your restoration costs. All that said, they are extremely rare and almost impossible to find outside a dealer, or an occasional Mecum or B-J auction. My point is, you will most likely not get another chance to own one of these cars, let alone one you might be able to afford (as you restore over time) or finish the restoration correctly and under your guidance. If you are curious about recent sold prices at auction..check out the links below. The car that sold at B-J in 2011 was an auto and sold for $82,500. The car that sold at Mecum in May of 2011 was a 4-speed and sold for $78,000. Just FYI. Good luck.
    http://www.barrett-jackson.com/application/onlinesubmission/lotdetails.aspx?ln=1013.1&aid=403
    http://www.mecum.com/auctions/lot_detail.cfm?CFGRIDKEY=SC0510-90278



     
  16. cjp69

    cjp69 Gold Level Contributor

    The silver car that sold at BJ that you reference was mine, hammer price was 75k, and also sold at BJ in 2010 for $58k I think. Hard for me to remember for sure, all those free drinks they give you at BJ, lol!

    Yours sounds like a real nice car, what color combo is it?
     
  17. 69stage1conv

    69stage1conv Member

    Chris
    That silver 69 stage you had that sold at B-J looked like a real nice ride as well. Too bad, would have liked to have picked it up from you if Id known, as I am looking for another. So a little about mine.the exterior paint code is 59 (sales code HH) which is Lime Green Poly. The interior color code is 185, which is Pearl White. I have included a few pics. The motor pic is after the rebuild and now back in the car. I have the P-O-P with original warranty card, also have the glove box build sheet which shows the A1 - L75 stage 1 and all other installed options.


    IMG_0334.jpg IMG_0826.jpg
     
  18. cjp69

    cjp69 Gold Level Contributor

    Yours looks fantastic!
     
  19. 69GS400s

    69GS400s ...my own amusement ride!

    .. belt reveal molding, Clock (prolly the whole convenience group ?)

    Very nice car and option list .. AND color combo !!
     
  20. gscalifornia

    gscalifornia Small blocks rule!!

    Nice!! Same color as my '69 GS California. If I may ask, what's the extra power window looking switch up high on the passenger door panel?
     

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