VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1916-1922 - Model 490 Uncomfortable subject

The uncomfortable subject is - money.

There aren't that many people in the world that are interested in or knowledgeable about 490's. I figure a fairly large percentage of them (us) are probably in this forum.

I am getting pretty serious about maybe buying a 1916 Touring, as per the recent questions I have been asking in here. I am really struggling to decide what I am willing to PAY for it. I decided I would go ahead and ask this uncomfortable question, and see what thoughts I could get from you folks.

We're talking about what appears to be a pretty darn "correct" authentic car, that has basically gone untouched since the mid-1960s, been in good dry storage. Although it is completely free of any rust, it definitely needs to be painted. It was repainted in the 50's or 60's and it is deteriorated - not a "nice patina" - just ugly flaking. It runs, but marginally. Correct top, non-demountable wheels, etc. Seat upholstery was redone also probably in the 50s or 60s - and while it is black, it doesn't really look too great. No tears, but the "buttons" don't hardly pull the material in, so the seats and backs look kind of "flat." Correct engine. Wrong coil. Some Mickey Mouse wiring.

To summarize - complete, reasonably original, runs. Clearly will need sorted out, re-painted, no doubt lots of details to be corrected. With minor tinkering, probably (hopefully) a decent "Parade" car - but a long, long way from a "show" car.

What in the world is it worth? I have in my mind maybe $5000 to maybe $7500. The seller thinks more… I appreciate any thoughts or price experience you are willing to share.

I would think $7500 would be tops.

Don,

the guy I talked to is supposed to know about such cars. I know nothing about 'em. I don't even like 'em.

BUT, he said your numbers are right on. The seller is sorta dreamin, hopin and a-wishin. No problem with that.

Nor is there any problem with you just walking away if you can't get it for the amount you're thinking about.

My only advice, don't get emotional. Just walk the hell away.....

Let's face it, there likely isn't a long line behind you waiting to give the guy more money than you are.

Bill.

Unfortunately, the very early 4-cylinder cars are very low on the desirable list. It really isn't a good tour car because of the difficulty of driving. It would be a good parade car assuming it doesn't present overheating problems. Parts are not impossible to come by, but not as easy as the 25 and newer. So why are we even interested in a car of this age? Probably to add to the stable of cars displayed in a show building. What is it worth? Kinda depends on what you are going to do with it. Sounds like the car needs everything, or nothing if it is to just be used as a showpiece. I don't think there is enough trading in cars of this vintage to establish a real price. So, it really is an agreement between you and the seller and to see who is the most motivated.

Another thing to consider is the resale value. Can you sell the car down the road for near what you have in it or will you take a major loss? The dudes that are interested in these type of cars are slowly dying off and the newer generation is more interested in the more "modern" type of vehicle and the early four-cylinder cars are becoming museum pieces.

Also, what plans do you have for the car? That will help to determine what you should pay for the vehicle as well.

I bought my 1916 in Australia in 2002. It was presented as in show condition, but many repairs and upgrades have had to be done in these years here in Norway. I still am satisfied with buying Solan. He was complete, looks nice to many viewers, and beat most of the T-F**Ds to the ground when driving. Today it is a very rare Chevrolet type, and we love him. 5 driving and 5 as objects here for the moment. Out of 667.000 made there might be only 3-400 left totally.

The payment: AUS $ 25000 + freight. I may expect to get around 80% of what I paid, but we have had to repair for quite a lot. Even then we don't bother, but enjoy the rides and of course in slow motion. We see more than many others when we are strolling along. And people love to see it running (sometimes boiling too). He has got used to all questions about which year of T-F**D he belongs to.

A very nice 1916 490 sold to a collector 2 years ago for 20,000. Nice running and driving car painted tan with brown interior and tan top.Although not original, the paint and interior were in nice condition, not needing replaced.3 door car with demountable wheels etc.

I don't mind but the wheels of a 1916 are nondemountable, so the ones you mention are not from 1916 but later.

There has been a misunderstanding somewhere, Erling. The wheels on this car ARE nondemountable. I think that is what I had said, see above.

I believe I mispoke. The wheels mentioned in my post definately Nondemountable. Sorry for the confusion.

No problem. You found the mistake yourself. Easy to miswrite, 61 vert.
( 3 door car with demountable wheels etc. )

Just to make it REALLY confusing - I think I made it all worse...

I thought Erling was talking about my post, about "my" 1916. But I have figured out he was talking to 61vert about that car....

Anyway, I think we all now know that 1916's had nondemountable wheels. And that is what are still on the car I am considering....