how do you value a car, when there are not many around

[markymark93]

Hi. I'm thinking about selling my restored volvo 142. It is one of only 2 on the road in the UK and one of only 2 that are known, which are rhd. Due to this I have no idea what the car is worth. I know that amazon volvos are increasing in price and therefore this can have a knock on effect, however, any ideas on how to price it?
Thanks

[benjj]

It's tricky.

Is there a UK owners forum where you could put an ad aimed at enthusiasts asking for 'offers'?

[talksthetorque]

Is an auction the way to go here for something obviously very rare, but then also not formerly mainstream/that well known?

I suppose if you do this you have to hope there's more than two people in the room who are now rich who both got driven around by dad in one as a kid.

[rovermorris999]

If you go the auction route make sure they have internet bidding as well and publicise it beforehand on all the relevant forums.

[imagineifyeswill]

Thats a diificult question, even rarity doesnt allways raise the value. In years gone bye classics were ussally the more exotic high end cars where as now anything over 25 years old becomes classic, not a bad thing but it means some owners think that doubles triples etc the value of once everday cars. A look on ebay classic cars will show the totally unrealistic prices being asked for some cars and that is the point, being asked, check a few months later and find there all still there because there arent that many gullible buyers.

[Maulden7]

With a lot of owners' clubs their forums are not open to public access (members only) but you do need to contact the appropriate club.

Most of these will not only be happy to advise (even to non-members) but also advertise the car on their own members forum (& for free)

[MarshPhantom]

See what price LHD ones go for then add a bit on top as RHD versh.

[markymark93]

Thanks for the comments. I am a member of the volvo forum but still tricky. I know a four door in good condition can sell anywhere between 3-5 thousand. A lhd in Europe in good condition can sell for around 6000. I was thinking 6500 was a fair price for mine.

[MarshPhantom]

I was going to say to try it at £7k. I don't think you're too far out.

[markymark93]

I think I will put her on for 6500 fixed price and see how I get on.

[Gruber]

FWIW, the July '14 Practical Classics price guide says:

Concours: £3750+
Con 1: £2500
Con 2: £1100
Con 3: £500

This is for "144/142 (sal) 145 (est)", so they seem to lump all variants in together.

[MarshPhantom]

Back in the early Eighties we went to stay with my mum's Danish pen friend. They had a bright orange 142.

[markymark93]

I have seen the guide prices. However it seems a little out of date as far as I can see.

[Dave200]

markymark93 said:

Hi. I'm thinking about selling my restored volvo 142. It is one of only 2 on the road in the UK and one of only 2 that are known, which are rhd. Due to this I have no idea what the car is worth. I know that amazon volvos are increasing in price and therefore this can have a knock on effect, however, any ideas on how to price it?
Thanks

In effect, the market sets the price for this.

I would put it to an auction (Ebay or similar) and promote it (either yourself, or via others) as much as possible in all of the online classic car communities. By getting as much exposure as possible, you are maximising the final price.

[ChasW]

Unless you are desperate for a sale I'd be tempted to advertise it and be prepared to wait. Quirky houses seem to take an age to sell and then someone comes along and it's just what they are looking for. I had my car, not a classic by any stretch, on PH for 5 months with no response. Then in November I had 3 enquiries in the same week and one guy travelled over 100 miles and bought it.