GSX Stage 1 Muscle Values - #'s Matching vs. Clone

I have been reading alot about values expected or assumed because of Ebay and also a Thread on the future of Muscle Cars values. My question is why is there such a vast gulf between the #'s matching cars and Clones. Yes, I agree that they are original but if a 1970 GSX Stage 1 #'s matching car can command $125,000 or better than why is a clone only worth $10,000-$12,000? My gosh, that is a big difference and they look exactly the same except for a cowl tag? What do you think? Can you see the difference in these 2 GSX's? I know...one is a 70 and one a 71. But other than that what makes the value so vast once they are both restored?

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c69/smokenm/1971GSXc.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c69/smokenm/1970GSXR.jpg

 

The difference...

One is a real diamond and...
the other is cubic zirconeium to some people.
There both the same to me except for
what others value them at.

GSX Eric :3gears:

 

supply and demand. They only made 678 original GSX's, and you can make thousands of clones. People will spend more on something that is rare and desirable, as it will holds it value more, because there are a higher percentage of buyers (i.e. there are more than 678 people who want a real GSX, so the price will be bid up until there are only 678 that can have one, and the rest drop out).

 

I would not believe at any point if a clone was restored properly that it would only be worth 10K-12K. Not to long ago on EBay we had a clone that sold, it was almost a perfect clone in the sense of correctness and it went for around $35K. If anyone wants to restore a Skylark and clone it into a GSX correctly and be willing to sell it for 10K-12K please call me and I will take the first flight out to take your car from you. :3gears: All I can say is if you are doing a clone and researching the parts then buying them there would be no way you could clone a car for anywhere near the price of 10K-12K. I have spent over $3K in the last year alone just on this website, and thousands on parts locally. So if you tack on the price of the car and the parts it will well exceed that price, assuming you are buying the correct parts to clone it.

 

My car is technically a "GSX Clone", although it is a true stage-1 4 speed GS and has matching numbers and documentation. It is done very correctly with all the right parts. Ive been offered over $35k for it and have refused. Personally i think the car is worth more. Obviously worth more than a cloned skylark or non matching car. Like others have said...its worth what someone is willing to pay for it. i do wish i hadnt sold my matching numbers auto. stage-1 GSX though...can only imagine what it would be worth now! ou:

 

Clones

I think that a well done clone will bring 25k -35k no problem. I see chevelle and camaro SS clone selling at that range and more. There was a 70 LS5 clone that sold for 45k at one of the auctions here lately. GSXray i would think your car should easily top 50k.

Just my $.02 worth.

 

Clones allow us real people to enjoy too

If it was not for my clone Stage 1 convert I would not be able to afford such a cool car. My car was cloned so well that only the most savy of buick fanatics (like the one on this site) can tell it from real. Real one would be north of 100K with the 4 speed since only 10 or so were ever made, I don't even know if I could find a real one. So you talk about the GSX being rare try finding a 1972 Stage 1 convert, impossible!!!!!!

I am glad that there are so many Buick heads on this site that just appreciate a really cool buick and take the car for what it is. By the way I paid a lot more that 12K for my clone, but when I drive it feels and looks like a 100K that is all that counts. Some day I will have my matching number Buick, but until then I have a blast watching peoples jaw drop when my clone pulls up next to them.

Happy Holidays,

 

Show me where Hemi and Copo clones are bringing anywhere near 50% of the real ones. Let alone 90%.

A 69 Copo ZL1 recently sold for over 800k at one of the big auctions. I forget which one. On the Yenko board there is a incredible ZL1 clone for sale. 85k Check it out! 90% ? No way!

Patrick

 

You can buy LS5 Chevelles all day long for 45K. Real ones!

45k for a cloned LS5? :shock:

 

Ray,

Numbers matching stage 1 4 speed, I wouldn't take $35k for yours either! What color was yours originally?

Now mine on the other hand, non matching Stage 1 auto, original 10/10 paint car, now a 4 speed 10/10 paint X, I would take $35k for it and then go buy a 70 GS 455 convertible! :laugh:

 

71 Clone

this is a pretty nice clone !! What do think its worth ?? Moz

 

I think it would be pretty much impossible to tell you what it's worth without seeing the rest of the car in it's entirety. But from the pic it's not a bad start, looks nice.

 

one week

Andrew, With the right guys and one weeks worth of work detailing, finishing it would be EXCELLENT ! show winner !! Gary/Moz

 

Clone vs recreation....hmmm

Like the old Coca-Cola commercial.....COLA vs "THE REAL THING"

I would like to clone mine...but it would cost 25-35K
they don't come cheap! :shock:

 

Gary,
Is that your old car????
Harvey

 

Ray,
I have a 70 Stage 1 4 speed myself. Do you think your car in it's original Stage 1 trim is worth more or less than as a clone. I'm curious as I have considered doing the same with my car, but have shied away because I think it would be worth less as a GSX clone than in its orginal trim. o No:
Harvey

 

Was talking to a local sales agent that runs a good website and he cringed at the word clone. His take was that (in the instance of say an X) if the car simply had a hood, paint and spoilers it would be a clone. The ones bringing more $ he refered to as re-creations and they were built as close to the real thing as possible. I guess it makes sense.

 

It probably cost more to "clone" a skylark into a GSX than it does to completely restore a real one. We have to start out without disc brakes or
BBB engine ,probably bucket seats, track down numerous little stuff like gauges and 24hour clock, larger diameter trunk spring to support the spoiler, and all the little known minutia that make them unique. The real ones at least have most of this stuff to start with and just need them redone.

I wouldn't begin to sit down and count the amount of hours/money I have in my "clone" because that would be depressing. BUT the great part is driving it regularly and watching guys (and occasionally women) totally drool. Short of going to BG or one of the other Buick events, you probably won't meet 15 people in a lifetime who could tell the diffence. As to whether it's value to someone else is 10,000 bucks or 125,000 doesn't matter. I just know I feel like a million driving it and wouldn't sell it period (God willing).

 

What about the comment in the January 2006 HMM? (Page 113 re: 1971 Challenger clone/recreation/conversion)

"Listen to us now: you will never get back the money you put into building a clone. Do it for love or fun, or to save an old junker; that's what it's all about. But don't think it will make you rich."