The first glance might suggest this is just another rust-bucket Chevelle project car. But there’s a little more to it than that. The photos suggest this is an all-original car that has never been apart. Those of us who have restored cars, or even just done a minor fix-up on one, can really appreciate the value of having a complete car to start with, and even more so, one that hasn’t had too many hands on it before ours.
The seller says this car has been parked since 1978, and I don’t see anything in the photos that would necessarily disagree with that. Equipped with a 283 engine, and three speed column-shifted transmission. He also says it has a lever for overdrive, which has got to be a scarce option on this car.
The color combination is red on red, which is a definite win. The 1970s vintage duct tape, not so much. The owner says this would make a great hot rod, or a foundation for a restoration. My vote would be for restoration on this one, but I’m just that kind of psycho.
But with this car’s great looks as is, I’d consider, at least for awhile, not restoring it at all. When the time for total restoration does come, it will cost a bundle because of all the metal work needed.
If you love this car as much as I do, or more, it can be found in Ellisville, Missouri, and is advertised here on craigslist. The asking price is $5500.
It’s almost time to let us know what you think. There will be those who think they should be able to buy it for the $500 it was worth in 1978, as opposed to others who are a little more progressive, and others still who wouldn’t buy it at any time or at any price, because of the rust. Which camp are you in? What would you do with this car if it were yours?
I have a 66 GTO that’s rusty, for sale for $4500 so wouldn’t get this one if I wanted a GM muscle car, but just got a couple 55 Chevies, and have a 65 Mustang Fastback project, so would pass on this one. I’ve been lucky finding cars at a good price lately, who wants a 1991 Lotus Elan or 61 Pontiac Catalina conv?.
How much for the Elan?
Catalina Convertible–yes please..
Jparello (at) yahoo (dot) com.. Please send info-
$6000, $7000 without the old mags
Well because it’s the 283 3 on the tree I wouldn’t pay much considering it’s condition But I’m sure a purist who likes a car no matter the power but complete this would be a good candidate for a total restoration if money doesn’t matter. I can of like those Ansen old school mags.
Window sticker in the photos says it has overdrive, special suspension, and an AM-FM radio.
The pics also show the AM/FM radio, & the overdrive selector under the dash to the right of the steering wheel.
New tin, rebuild the 283 and trans, rattle can it flat black, seat cover and then drive the dog whee out of it.
I’d be a buyer at 3500
Ah, the days of speed shifting a 3 on the tree…
If you try speed shifting it, all you end up with is a locked up linkage and possibly a blown engine :)
You just have to know how to make that colum likage work, no big deal. Proper adjustment and a little slight bending of the levers can make them work great.
I’m a hot rod kinda guy, so to me this would be great with a turbo 6.0 ls with a t-56, and a bucket seat/stock console,, with 15″ rallys. That said, it would also be great restored to stock,,, with 15″ rallys.