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Things that influence the value of a Spridget?

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JOeyKnapp

Jedi Hopeful
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I am teetering on purchasing a 1275 and rivergate kit from a guy. I really don't NEED it, and I really don't NEED to spend the money on it right now, but it is a pretty good deal.

From a strictly financial point of view, how much value would those 2 things add to an otherwise stock '66 Sprite?

(trying to see if I could justify it financially for building value in the car..)

thanks!
 
IMHO, trying to build monetary value in a Spridget is the wrong reason. The real value in these cars is the enjoyment of driving and even working on them. Both those item could add value in that sense, depending on what you really want, of course. The monetary value is probably more questionable. In fact, most of what we put into these cars will never be returned in money.
 
The main gain would be in being able to fly down the freeways at the same speed as the rest of the crowd. I have the same car with fairly low mileage and am going to wear out what I've got before making a change. Freeways are not a problem at 70 but 2 lanes are more fun anyway!

Kurt.
 
Do it for yourself. You'll never get your $$ out of these cars. It's for fun, not an investment. That being said -- the 5 speed is one of the few tyhings I did not do and regret (again, for me / comfort).

George
 
JOeyKnapp said:
From a strictly financial point of view, how much value would those 2 things add to an otherwise stock '66 Sprite?
Click to expand...
Might add a bit, especially as most Spridget folks aren't all that worried about originality. Were I in the market for another Spridget I'd put a small premium on an already installed 5-speed. Less of a premium than it would cost to do it, though (there's always the worry as to how well a PO did the conversion job).

Really, the only factor I really considered when I was in the market was the usual rust, interior, mechanical, rust, and rust.

Oh, and rust.
grin.gif
 
So, anyone want to take a stab at what those would add in value to a car? It kind of seems like the consensus is that it really wouldn't add too much?

I am trying to keep this project somewhat close to breaking even. So far I am on track..
 
Given a choice between two identical cars except for the 5-speed ... I'd pay about $800-$1000 more for one with a datsun 5-speed installed with 1275 over 1098 and ribcase.

But I like to modernize the cars a bit.
 
Agreed with Trevor..knowing the cost of the 5spd and associated kit and a couple hundred in there for the 1275...about $1000 for my taste/value
 
I have seen them go for more than they should and less than they should've. It goes to prove what Rita Anna Danna says, you just never know. Depends on what day and what person is in the I gotta have one mood. % speed color and hardtop help, but sometimes a patina will get you more money
 
I think it would be a good value to improve the driving experience of the car, if you're going to keep the car for a while. I don't believe we'll ever see Spridgets deliver a high ROI, so if you're looking to turn a profit that's a pretty big gamble. It's all about the experience (working on/driving/working on).
 
Bayless, I don't think my idea was necessarily as an investment, but I try to look at things from a "responsible" point of view. Right now I have 2 1098's that could or could not be ok. The one in the car I am working on seems ok, but who knows. I feel like if I was going to have to spend money on an engine, I would rather it be a 1275.

I can get a supposedly good 1275 and the 5 speed tranny and kit for $1200. It would be harder to spend the money and justify it if it only would add little value to the car.

Continued thoughts? (I am down to the wire on the decision, I am leaving Sunday or Monday to go work with a friend for a week, and I would pick up the motor and tranny while I am down working, so I have to get the money out of the bank to take with me if I am doing it...)

Thanks again for all the insight!
 
If all components are in good condition I would buy it from a resale point of view alone. A good, running 1275 should bring at least $500, the Datsun tranny could go for $500 as well if not more, and the kit (Rivergate?) complete is worth $800 if everything is included. Nice find...
Rut
 
I'd go ahead and buy it if all the bits are in good shape.
 
Agree with springing for a good 1275 and Datsun trans. If you don't fit it I would guess someone on this forum would be happy to for that price. That is if the guy is correct on condition.

Kurt.
 
Trevor Jessie said:
Given a choice between two identical cars except for the 5-speed ... I'd pay about $800-$1000 more for one with a datsun 5-speed installed with 1275 over 1098 and ribcase.

But I like to modernize the cars a bit.
Click to expand...

The trick here is that only people who know about these cars will recognize the value of the upgrade (monetary and drive quality) Given that these are entry level cars many buyers will not know the nuances of the car yet and would probably not pay a premium.
 
Good point JP. But a good salesperson can make a perspective buyer see the value and what a great deal they are getting. :wink:
 
I think I am going to make the purchase. I will still have the original motor and transmission, so, if I had to, I could pull the 1275 and 5speed and put the stock stuff in and sell them separately to recoup my money..


Thanks for all the help and insight!
 
Sounds like you can get them cheap enough to recover your money if you decide to resell. In that case I, personally, would do it. My Sprite came with a 1275 that I had rebuilt. A couple of years ago, I bought a 5 speed off ebay but I don't have the conversion kit. My car is still in boxes but I do intend to keep it if I ever get it built.
 
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