Right, which is what makes the point fairly moot. Redo the motor, which most people do at some point on a car that is 50 years old, and the performance is the same. I get it they aren't as valuable, but they're almost never as cheap as people make them out to be here. The "BuT iTs A 72" crowd tends to run pretty strong around here. Comparable V codes? About 5 72 Stage Verts have sold in the last 2ish years that I'm aware of (which frankly is a lot.) Most of those were numbers cars that brought 6 figures or close to it. One was in need of a fair amount of restoration that a member here has. There really aren't a ton of comps out there to make that kind of claim. I think if this one falters it's more what Gary said. If the car was represented completely openly and questions got answered (the carb, receipts, lack of VIN on the trans) I think many 72 guys would be more okay with that.
Interesting info. A very prominent member of this board, who is a revered engine builder and racer, and was alive and very active in the muscle car era, told me that a stock 70 stage one would not run 13.3s, and that test car in the magazine was not stock. He said 13.8s was the real world, as delivered, number. Two measly tenths is not even a car length.
So, let me get this straight: taking into account it's 2023 - and everyone has a portable production studio in their pocket (and this forum exists) - the seller has decided to not honor any requests for more pictures, videos or receipts but hopes to get all the money? In 2011, I sold my old '72 Stage 1 4-speed on eBay with a link to the auction in a thread on this board, that ended up being a few pages long. It needed a total restoration and I was very forthcoming about that with dozens of pictures, as well as a handful of cold start, driving, stopping and walk around videos. This was all done with a Fuji digital camera - before smartphones (production studios) were even a thing. Someone could possibly end up getting a deal on this ragtop but I'm sorry: the lack of effort, especially when tens of thousands of dollars are part of the equation, is discouraging.
With respect, 2 tenths is about 2 car lengths. Since 100 MPH equals almost 150 feet per second, each 1/10 is about one car length. I'm in agreement that the Motor Trend 13.38 car probably was not totally stock.
Brett- the lack of effort in selling things these days is GONE! I recently was "involved" in trying to purchase several cars recently- and the FULL funds were in my possession.... Asked for specific, updated pictures- none provided. Sale fell through. Second, same scenario- asked for updated pictures, body issues, better interior shots, which would determine if it was worth the TIME to then drive out, inspect, and purchase--- nothing. Third, seller refused to budge off of their asking price. Fourth, same as scenario one and two- asked for specific and updated pictures (which also helps to identify a scammer scum sucker), received nothing.... So little effort these days...
I guess people are suffering from the Mecum/BJ syndrome. Just list something and it's like printing money.
One last question for the group and I'll stop. Is the intake on Terry's car an Edelbrock B4B (pics included)? And what's up with that cheap battery cable terminal...
To me it's also partly due to the internet. It's a great thing, gets your stuff more visibility. But on the other hand it gets you way more tire kickers by the same note. It can get exhausting, so sometimes I think that is why people get like they do. However, I feel like part of the winning recipe on BaT is seller engagement in the comments.
I hate auctions, especially BaT. They have "influencers" with 2,000 comments and 0 bids/buys that talk up every car. Then you have the bidders with 2,000 bids and no buys/listings, designed to drive up the price. Saw an auction on BaT not too long ago, some new guy (account started 2 years prior, but had no bids or activity up to that point) jumped the auction $10K out of nowhere and then didn't bid again. Another BaT bidder tactic is for 4 or 5 new bidders to increase the bid by about $5K each throughout the process (when others are still inching at $1K each)...
Seller (board member) should've posted a link to their sale here - Maybe a grey area but IMHO, that'd make it off limits to "critiquing." Ask away. Ppl get uppity b/c we "criticize" a car's details but if I were buying a car, this board is valuable resource.
Dano- that's on eof the main reasons I love this board! Yes, sometimes it does sound like we are criticizing.... however, it's a huge educational experience. And, if I were a buyer, I would 100% want to know what's right, what isn't, and what could easily be fixed.
I think there is some of the criticizing that just gets stupid. Complaining about peoples prices, about a sticker being in the wrong spot, or something like that. But sometimes there are serious questions where its a matter of like, how authentic something is. We're not talking small issues if you would need a new Stage carb, for example, and that needs to be factored into the price.
