Reply to "Barn Pantera worth?"

I believe there are really two answers to your questions of value.

You’ve taken a very practical approach by trying to back into price by subtracting the major costs from your targeted $30-$35k. IMO, with this approach, the car is worth $10k max and even at this price, it assumes you will do the vast majority of the work yourself, the sheet metal is as solid as you suggest, and whole bunch of other optimistic assumptions. There’s usually only one way you can miss on estimating value with this approach because there is always more effort needed then you can see on a car such as this. I can see from the pictures that the front valance looks to be rotted, which is fairly typical, but as has been stated, a car in this condition needs every functional system in the drive train, suspension, brakes, and cooling system pulled down to full state of disassembly and subsequently restored or replaced in order to be a safe and reliable driver. The interior is there but likely long gone as the odor would remind you everytime you sat down in the car. Any evidence of rodent damage? Once you go as far as this, you may as well consider full restoration. Invite a local Pantera expert to see the car and I suspect you will conclude your uncle would have to give the car to you in order for you to have a shot at achieving your sunk cost goal. If you’re broadly skilled in auto restoration and don’t value your time, perhaps a different story.

The other answer to value is selling the car at auction (such as ebay) as there will always be an overly optimistic prospective buyer, or someone with the skill and time but not the scratch, that will pay $15k or more for that car. Sadly, from a monetary perspective, the maximum value is likely as a parts car, which would be a shame but it’s just a facts of life statement. What price do you assign to the sentimental value? Compared to buying a $30-$35k Pantera, I would guess sentimentality to be at least $10k, either at your cost or your uncles. How bad does your uncle need the money or desire the car to stay in the family?

In the end, Pantera ownership is for those who admire the car and not for the brokers and opportunists. I actually like it that way because you consistently find a whole different group of people than the Barret Jackson crowd; real car guys. Want to join the club?

Good luck,
Kelly