I just watched "Dream Car Garage" and they had a 1971 GTO Judge convertible on. This was a highly optioned car with hood tach, pw, ac, posi, automatic trans, wing, etc. Pontiac built 17 of them. It was semi-restored, not a frame off. The reason I am mentioning this is the value they gave for this car. According to DCG, it is "undervalued" at between $125k and $150k!!! So, how does that compare to the one of 18, 1971 GS455 convertible with 4-speed, no air or other options to speak of? My guess would be that the Goat would be like the Stg1 GSX of that year. Based on that, I am guessing my car should be worth around $70k or more when completed. What do you think?
Judge value? What cracks me up about the Judge values is that they were nothing at all like the GSX. A Judge was given the spoiler, tach and a few cheap stickers with a das plaque. No special suspension or drivetrain upgrades. They were an appearance package based on a Laugh-in skit. I'm still laughin. Then and now, the GSX or GS Stage 1 is the largest performance and handling value for the buck.
Skip, I think it would have to be a Ram Air IV to be the ultimate Judge. And only the RAIV would get it even close in performance to the Stage 1. I would also expect a 4spd to be worth more. And Dan is correct, the Judge was Pontiac's reaction to the Road Runner.. a low buck appearance package. But I guess the market dictates. He's also correct about Buick's being the best bang for the buck.. by far. Unless you're interested in investment in the market I don't mind that the Buick's are "worth" less. Doubtful I could have gotten into the hobby if my GS had a sticker on it equal to a Chevelle at the time. Parts are more money but the initial investment is lots less. As to the worth of your car... it's worth exactly as much as you can get for it.
NOT FOR SALE Please don't misunderstand me. I said "should be worth". I really don't care much what the reality is because it is not for sale. It would take a real 'offer I could not refuse' or desperate need for cash for me to sell it. I thought it was interesting that a car of the same year and amount produced (17 vs. 18), both big block GM converts with minimal restoration would command that amount.
The Buicks get no respect. While its good that our values aren't up there like that and we can afford the cars, its also bad as it means the cars will never return anything close to what you would put into it to make it 'correct'. This has the effect we will never get the repro parts we need as nobody will spend the money on them since it drives the cost up too far without any hope of getting any of it back someday IF you were to sell your car. If you knew your pristine 71 GS Stage 1 would command even 40,000.00 US it would make it easier to buy that 750.00 repro grill or those 300.00 repro taillights that nobody makes, right? Prices like that also take the cars out of the 'toy" mentality and into the "collector" mentality which improves the image for everyone. later Tim
i never realized "here come da judge" had any connection with the goat. i guess it makes sense, sort ofou: :laugh: :gt:
I think it would have to be a Ram Air IV to be the ultimate Judge. And only the RAIV would get it even close in performance to the Stage 1. All 71 Judge's came with 455 HO's. Starc
I love bring up old threads:grin: I agree with Tim, Buicks just dont get any respect. GTOs of the same year and quality always go for more than a GS because of the GTO 'Mystique', even they were generally the slowest of the GM musclecars.
