BJ7 Colors

[HealeyRick]

I really don't follow sales prices, so I'm probably not a good resource for whether it's "worth it", But I saw this BJ7 as a no-sale at RM Ft. Lauderdale at $50k

https://www.sportscardigest.com/auctions-america-fort-lauderdale-2012-auction-report/5/

Makes me think the asking price of the one you're considering is pretty steep. I think you might have some leverage by researching some comparables from recent auctions of BJ7s, They just don't have the value of the BJ8. As they said about the no-sale BJ7 from Ft. Lauderdale, "There's nothing wrong with this Healey -- except that it's a BJ7." OTOH, if you absolutely have to have a Pacific Green car, the idea of buying a red one for $50k and doing a full body off color change and interior replacement isn't likely to make a lot of financial sense.

 

[60TR3A]

I really don't follow sales prices, so I'm probably not a good resource for whether it's "worth it", But I saw this BJ7 as a no-sale at RM Ft. Lauderdale at $50k

https://www.sportscardigest.com/auctions-america-fort-lauderdale-2012-auction-report/5/

Makes me think the asking price of the one you're considering is pretty steep. I think you might have some leverage by researching some comparables from recent auctions of BJ7s, They just don't have the value of the BJ8. As they said about the no-sale BJ7 from Ft. Lauderdale, "There's nothing wrong with this Healey -- except that it's a BJ7." OTOH, if you absolutely have to have a Pacific Green car, the idea of buying a red one for $50k and doing a full body off color change and interior replacement isn't likely to make a lot of financial sense.

I was always on the lookout for a BJ8 and have monitored them for a year now - until I saw this color combo and discovered the ivory-faced gauges of the BJ7 - and now I'm totally nuts about the simplicity of the BJ7's dashboard and the mid-century modern feeling those gauges and the oyster interior impart to the car. Now I'm no longer interested in the wooden dash of the BJ8 and have my heart set on a '63 or '64 BJ7 and smitten by those colors, so it looks like I'm the sucker they had in mind when the owner/seller chose to restore the car in those colors. Happily for me, I can afford to pay the premium to buy the existing car or go to the expense of changing the red car someday in a body-off restoration.

 

[HealeyRick]

Happily for me, I can afford to pay the premium to buy the existing car or go to the expense of changing the red car someday in a body-off restoration.

Well in that case, I'll happily sell you my BJ7 for $75k . It's only been modified a little bit, but I did keep the ivory gauges. (see the link in my sig)

Let me be this guy for a moment:

"You clearly love the Pacific Green car. You can afford it. If the car checks out as mechanically sound and otherwise properly restored, buy it for the best price you can negotiate. You are not likely to ever find another one done this way unless you commission a resto on your own. You will always regret not getting the car you want the way you want it."

 

[60TR3A]

"You clearly love the Pacific Green car. You can afford it. If the car checks out as mechanically sound and otherwise properly restored, buy it for the best price you can negotiate. You are not likely to ever find another one done this way unless you commission a resto on your own. <span style="text-decoration: underline"><span style="font-style: italic"><span style="font-weight: bold"> You will always regret not getting the car you want the way you want</span>i</span>."</span>

I totally agree. I'm trying to negotiate a deal and should know more tomorrow.

Thanks, everyone!

 

[bighealeysource]

Hey 61TR3A,
Good luck on your negotiations, or should I say, hope you had good luck since it's the next day ! BTW Rick, sure 61TR3A would not have noticed a slight bit more horse power with your V8 under the hood !!!
Regards,
Mike

 

[HealeyRick]

BTW Rick, sure 61TR3A would not have noticed a slight bit more horse power with your V8 under the hood !!!
Regards,
Mike

Once one unburdens themselves of the shackles of originality, it's only a question of degree

 

[60TR3A]

I learned the following about this car: It was restored by Brinkerhoff British Car Restorations in Traverse City, MI and was very meticulously researched & done, only deviating from original when it would improve the car's reliability and safety. They did not rebuild the engine, however: that was done by an engine shop. Somewhere along the line the engine number plate seems to have gone missing. Either that, or the consignment agent doesn't know where to find it, but assuming it is missing, the engine number cannot be verified although it is a proper BJ7 engine, according to Kevin Brinkerhoff.

The car appears to have been done to a very high standard. Assuming that everything about it is otherwise kosher, how much should I deduct from my offer if the numbers can't be proven to match? Or, am I making too big a deal about that since I love the car and only really care about it being properly prepared so that it looks good for many years?

 

[Healey_Z]

It sounds like it doesn't make a difference to you. So, I would use it as a point of negotiation to support your lower than asking price offer. How low?

I would throw out an offer, supported by recent sales or comparable cars on the market, adjusted for differences. You can find enough cars to support a wide range of prices. Choose the ones that support your low, but not insulting offer. I use this as the starting point for negotiations.

Good luck