This BASE Firebird is lacking photos and description to be asking such high dollar ($38K!)
http://www.haggleme.com/Vehicle/71968/1968-Pontiac-Firebird.aspx
But I this is what I got for additional details: "It has a manual top and no fold down back seat, However it is an factory A/C car. There is nothing that needs attention is turn key ready to go"
I get the impression it is Numbers matching. So let's assume that for now.

I like this bird, but wanted to know what is an accurate value. I know a lot goes into it, but let's assume it really is excellent, rust free, etc. Would it be more accurate around the $25K -$30K mark? It isn't 4sp...auto which makes it all the more common...so i hear.
Sure, I know it is all depends, but maybe a ballpark can be given by you experts. :-)

I am trying to a) see if I want to make an offer and more importantly b)start getting a feel for what is a good deal when i see it for the various configurations and engine sizes, etc.

It doesn't appear to be a 400. Based on the assumptions you mentioned (#'s matching, no rust, good paint, needs nothing), I would say high teens to low 20's. But some of the more knowledgeable and experienced members might be able to give you a better indicator.

I saw that one the other day. Nice car but no where near enough detail and pictures. Contact him for more info.
$38k sounds a little high for a 350 2sp. $20k+ depending on condition.

Agree on low $20's unless pristine, untouched, all original sheetmetal, etc.

At that price, it won't sell for a LONG time without a tremendous markdown.

He's asking numbers matching, 400/4 speed, highly optioned, convertible, mostly original parts money and that's stretching it.

Hope he likes it, it's gonna be his for a while at that price.

Another case of "mecum-itis"

I forgot to mention, it is a 350 engine.
wow. good to know that it is priced WAY too high.
I knew it was, but didn't know it would be around $20K.

I know prices go crazy high for 400 engines. especially 4sp ones.

And here are a couple others (not too far from me actually) that have been sitting for a long while.
$29K for base models.

http://classiccars.com/listings/view/553...ashington-98037

http://classiccars.com/listings/view/559...ashington-98037

I am sure others have seen these as well but thought I'd share them on this thread of *interesting* pricing.

Hmmm. Why don't you pick up that first one and I'll trade you for my 4 speed 'vert?

Would have to get the right caps and rear antenna on there first though.

Is that a speaker box shoved under the dash on that 2nd one??? WTF??? Those are 14k cars all day long...maybe.

So given feedback, it seems this car is over priced as well:
http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/4743949580.html
And it is not even a convertible. For the sake of discussion, Let's just say the blue $38K car is every bit as nice as this green one.

Regarding the comment above about the Blue car asking $38K....
Wow. This is really considered only a $14K car? I guess I haven't looked long enough to see any listed at that price.

Maybe five years ago. Not today anymore. Low 20's unless something serious wrong.

I agree about the Verdoro radio cluster f... And the steering wheel...

Hah. Which one is that in your collection? So you must either really like White or this car is in so much better condition than the one you wish to trade. hah.

Is that really how a hood pad is installed?

I'm perhaps more generous, I would suggest 18K might not be unreasonable to pay in these scenarios. But I would want to look at them before paying that.

Really no way to determine what price to pay based on web photos. For every person that gets a great buy off E-Bay or some other museum/dealer, there are 100 that are grossly disappointed buying sight unseen. I wouldn't even buy a brand new 2015 car based on web photos. You never know what you'll find when you see it in person, and usually dealers like to rope buyers (that shop off the web) with their flawed cars.

The 39,000 mile Firebird is interesting, but again, that could be rolled over to 139,000, or it may have had 39,000 harsh miles in a snow belt state, or 39,000 miles driven into the ground, restored in the 1980's, and now looks like an original, with patina.

$28K for a ragtop is not out of line, but again, you HAVE to see and drive the car in person.

Sellers can ask whatever they want, and sometimes that one buyer just falls in love with the color or overall appearance, and it sells. Others will sit on their cars for years.

I wanted to ask a couple more opinions on pricing.
So many Firebirds have non-matching numbers. Either a more powerful engine was installed or same exact size engine...which tells me maybe it was faster turn around for an every day car or cheaper to just do a core swap; don't know why someone would not keep the original engine when keeping the same size...
anyway, I have an idea for pricing for a 350 V8 numbers matching convertible in great shape, and ideally stock color. Folks stated everywhere from 20K to 28K (I think a couple responses as low as 18K too).
I guess some 'special' ones could go into the low 30's if low mileage or such.

So what about NON-matching numbers? And I don't include resto-mods...I mean basic cars with either a regular 350 or maybe a big block. Any rules around that?

I know it can depend on what a seller HOPES to get and what a person is willing to pay for emotions. But
in general, I would suspect NON-numbers cars should be less. However, doing some comparisons of Camaro's and Mustangs, most of those are non-numbers cars and fetch a WIDE range of money.
So confusing. Is there any hope at finding a good bench mark so I can [try] and avoid getting caught in emotional purchases and paying too much?

Thanks for any advice.

James

We've arrived at a time to where the "blue book" values for muscle cars are nothing less but guidelines. Knowing that first gen Firebirds are being offered and selling at this day and age between $8k to $180k depending on condition, restoration detail, restomods (becoming more popular) and bone stock original fair-excellent condition and # of owners it had, along with 6cyl, 326, 350, 400, HO, Ram Air, auto, 4 speed, convertible/hardtop and option package. So, depending what you like and what you value will establish the money you need to spend. Considering you can buy a decent new, all plastic car for $30k, loosing $5k on depreciation, a year, a classic that gains value for the same money may not be so bad. I restored many birds and know the cost of a thorough and detailed restoration and $30k for a car that's been gone over is very reasonable (if its a no BS body and mechanical plus interior resto). You may find a 400 car for around the same $ but most likely not a ragtop. So you see, it all depends what it is worth to you and how long you want to be searching for the "right" car.

X2
I have worked on over a dozen of these cars in the past 4 years alone. From a basket case that needed every panel replaced to good all original sheet metal cars. If the work is done correctly and proper materials were used the car should go another 40+ years. Try asking that of any new car today.

I guess I am wondering if there is any "rule" for non-numbers matching car pricing. I have seen several
cars that were originally 350 V8's and either have replacement 350's or moved up to 400 engines. Of course
other things come in to play as mentioned: overall restoration and other upgrades or replacements. I guess it just comes down to the big picture. Some stock 350's ask big dollar amounts ($38K) as mentioned earlier in this thread and folks seem to feel (without seeing the car) that a more accurate pricing is in the 20's. Then I've seen a car that has a model/year correct 400 engine and tons of upgrades and new this, new that and asking $25K. Which sounds like a bargain despite non-numbers matching. And when looking at other muscle cars (Mustangs, Camaro's, etc) they mostly have non-numbers engines/trans and seems to be expected or the norm.

So I start asking myself, self: should you not care so much about numbers matching?

Just saw this:
http://www.oldride.com/classic_cars/225591.html

A friend the other day made the comment I should sell my 68 hard top 350 4 speed and upgrade to a 400 4 speed car. But to me owning a 350 car that is all original rust free sheet metal is more valuable than a 400 car that has had its floors and quarter panels replaced.