How much to pay for a Series 3

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Birdbrain

Birdbrain

Well-Known Member
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I've seen a 1979 88' petrol ragtop for sale locally. Its a bit of a shed body wise and has been poorly painted with a brush and half the electrics don't work. The dash crash pad is ripped with chunks missing. No tax and no MOT and it doesn't start easily (solenoid or starter). But it's got a galv chassis, parabolic springs, overdrive and freewheel hubs fitted. I quite fancy it for a simple rolling restoration and a bit of summer fun. I have no idea of a realistic value - the guy is asking 3K but I've seen taxed and tested 'rebuilt' ones for a similar price.

Can anyone advise on what would be a realistic price?
 
I would not give much more than £1k for that, probably less. Late 70's had poor steel so check the bulkhead isn't swiss cheese. Galv chassis and O/D are positives. Some parabolic springs are rubbish. FWH are ok to have. I would say apart from that it's got nothing going for it.
As above, a late 70's S3 is surely the least desirable series vehicle around? Not tax exempt, weak steel, still 3MB engine/no servo assist TLS etc... Or am I wrong? Sounds a rip off buddy.:confused:
 
As above, 3k is way too high. The electrics are easily sorted, but if the bulkhead is in a bad way, it will be time consuming/costly to fix, unless you are a welder. If the bulkhead is ok, maybe 1500. Expect to spend 1000 to get it roadworthy. If it's been let go to that state, I'd expect the gearbox and engine to need work.
In fact, if you have 3k to spend, look elsewhere, there's plenty about.
 
I'd ask to see a receipt for the galv chassis - if its a new one from Marsland or Richards then that is worth something - if its just a patched up and galved old s3 frame then not great.

Having said all that if you want it and want a project its worth what its worth to you - I'd be looking to knock that down to under a grand unless the chassis is a good un.
 
Cheers guys. My thoughts also but the seller seems to have an unrealistic view of its worth. I'd offered £1,500 which was rejected.
 
For £3k I would want it all working, starting easily and bodywork tidy-ish.
A galv chassis is a good foundation but given the rest of the issues I would say its not worth more than £2k.

Projects on original rusty chassis seem to fetch about £700-£800 as a guide. From your description this is a project button a galv chassis hence £2k max IMO
 
Plenty for sale all over, the prices of all series vehicles seem to be rising all the time, supply demand or people just trying to get rich? I paid £2k less than year ago for a 1970 series with 12 months mot, chassis is not galv but is solid, bulkhead is/will need work but I plan to get a new one (galved hopefully) before the next but one mot.
It's definitely a case of what u have to spend and what takes your fancy, they will all need some money spending on them anyway
 
Parted with a really solid chassised mint bulkhead series three this year. Tidy motor, rebuilt diesel, side windows. £2k. Steered and stopped really well with a long MOT and some tax.
 
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