speaking of what it's worth

sounds steep but nice work. What style of chin spoiler is that? Is that the more expensive style one on Mustangs Unlimited site?

Obviously a labor of love so I can see why he's holding out. I'd be looking at his engine work to make a final decision and still wouldn't want to give what he wants. Also get a closeup on the paint to make sure it's professional.

Well...here we go again. Problem is, now we are comparing apples to oranges so to speak. Here's my two cents worth....

On the basis that this car IS a real King Cobra (assumed), it would seem a fair price assuming (once again) that the body is VG to EX condition as it appears. Certainly, I would expect there will be some interested bidders, in any case, just on its high vis appearance. It's probably "worth" around the price, just for what it is (a King) and whats been added to it, if thats what one is looking for. It is a nice looking car, that would look nice in my driveway! However, the reserve of 6500 with an opening bid of 5K will keep some potential bidders away. I wouldn't expect LOTS of different bidders willing to start that high.

The biggest potential drawback to getting numerous higher bids on this car, is the fact it is modified. Not only does this become a riskier purchase than say (a car like Sal's CobraII), but it is usually viewed as a detraction on a car that might otherwise sell rather easily, on the merit of it's relative scarcity or rareity, as in the case of a King Cobra. So, I would expect this to also narrow the field of potential buyers.

Personally, in an apples to oranges comparison of the cars (Sal's Cobra and this King), I wouldn't be sold on making such an offer based upon the few pics that are in this listing. I'm not (for example) nearly as excited about the performace potential when viewing that particular engine bay pic, as I would be in believing the "originality" of Sal's car based upon the outstanding attention to detail shown in the pics of his stock engine.
I wouldn't expect this car to sell as quickly or as high as Sals either, despite the fact it is a King Cobra. "Originality" seems to be an especially important attribute to buyers of King Cobras in particular, as opposed to other II's... and a few thousand dollars more would likely fetch a King in as good an overall condition, without modification.

I think Sal's Cobra sold for what it did, based upon its workmanship, and attention to detail, in a pure stock restoration effort.... that usually helps command a price on the higher end of the scale. While not a King Cobra, his II represented an affordable "special package II" that seems to be gaining in popularity. I'm sure many viewed his car in that regard, and bidded accordingly.

Bottom line...both cars worth decent bucks in line with asking prices, for different reasons. King possibly has more potential overall value, but only if restored to stock. Congrats Sal, on your work in restoring a car that brought a respectable sale price!

I agree

I have to agree with LXXVICOBRA, it's an apples to oranges comparo.

That said, I don't think the reserve is unrealistic, for a couple of reasons. Nice IIs are worth a decent sum, IF the sheetmetal and underlying structure are solid. And I don't mean the current meaning of solid, which has come to be something like "solid, just needs quarter patches and lower fenders. Some floor repair needed". Solid as in nice original sheetmetal. The drivetrain mods don't particularly hurt the saleability of the car, but they will deter those who might be interested in buying to speculate on it's collector status.

The other reason is that Fox cars are being listed with similar equipment for considerably more than this car's asking price. Just might get a few interested that wouldn't have considered a II before.

The listing itself is something that's becoming far too common on ebay, too much said about the mechanical and modifications, and too little (nothing) about the basic car itself. That and the fact that if you're really serious about selling on ebay you need LOTS of pictures. 3 pictures are not gonna get it, IMO. Maybe it's just me, but I'm reluctant to spend several thousands of dollars on something with 3 pictures.

Might want to pass along a little friendly advice on adding to the description. With better/more pics and description, it should sell quickly.

Project 77 said:

He asked me a couple of times if i would be interested in working for him ft/pt in exchange for the car.

Click to expand...

Dang! Hard to beat a deal like that, unless he wants 6500 hours.

Brian,
My Cobra appraised for $7,000 without the T-5 conversion and recent exhaust upgrade. Appraiser bases prices condition and quality of work with references to collector car guides. I'm setting up an appointment to get it updated for my upgrades and would imagine the appraisal will climb to maybe $8,000.

You know mine, so compare his to what you know about mine and let us know what you think about the value.

You missed my point. One line of thought is to apply what you know about other people's II's and what they paid (or appraised values) for them in relation to that one. Very few of us can give the car a once over and really tell you what we think.

As far as the body, is there overspray color in the wheel wells and under the car? If so it's been repainted and might explain why the rear bumper is in such bad shape. Then again, the bumpers supports were't usually protected metal and it's probably they could rust out when the body is in good condition.

Dave