Sandy, your thoughts on this convertible

75coug · Post by **75coug** » Thu Sep 23, 2004 1:14 pm

Hey guys. I am new to this board, but have been active at www.foureyedpride.com for a while. I have a 1985 GS w/ 5.0 that I enjoy and plan to keep, but I would like to get a rarer Capri to add to the stable as well.

This 1986 ASC/McLaren Capri Convertible on ebay intrigues me, but Negusm suggested that I inquire of Sandy as to its completeness. I know that I am not dedicated enough to chase parts all over the country for years, and need a vehicle that is substantially complete. Sandy, if you have a moment, I would appreciate knowing your thoughts on this car. Thanks.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... egory=5366

Sandy · Post by **Sandy** » Thu Sep 23, 2004 2:30 pm

Robert, I wrote you about a 900 word reply. Within the last 30 words, my computer froze and I could not post it, and could not copy it, and had no choice but to close out. I just do not have the time to start all over. Please..... call me at home, this evening. I see you are in Texas, so you are like 2 hours (or 1 hour behind New York City time). Call me between 7PM and 10 PM NYC time zone. My # is 973-748-7770. Right now......I gotta get going & fast.
Sandy

75coug · Post by **75coug** » Thu Sep 23, 2004 2:56 pm

Ouch, sorry to hear about the computer malfunction. I'll give you a call tonight. Thanks for your help.

75coug · Post by **75coug** » Fri Sep 24, 2004 12:13 pm

Sandy, thanks for all of the information that you provided via telephone. I really appreciate it.

Post by **negusm** » Fri Sep 24, 2004 1:13 pm

Verdict?

I'm curious too!

-Mike

75coug · Post by **75coug** » Fri Sep 24, 2004 1:19 pm

I took all kinds of notes during our conversation, and will provide a summary later today or tomorrow (depending upon how busy I am with work).

Sandy · Post by **Sandy** » Fri Sep 24, 2004 1:44 pm

Basicaly I tried to convey that it's a decent car that I would not pay over $6,000 for, and would feel alot better at $5,000. It's a decent car as either an everyday driver or a weekend "fun" car. It's not a piece to be bought from an investor collector stand point. Mainly because of these leading points:
1.) The mileage is way too high. Okay, Okay it breaks out to some 6,000 miles per year -vs- age ~ but it's still in the 3 digits and way over what an investor would ever be interested in. They ARE out there with 35,000 on them, and those are the $10,000 examples.
2.) It's a "1ME" beginning VIN. Knowledgeable collectors are seeking out "1MH" beginning VINs as I have recently been told.
3). Due to the fact that the grille & headlamp buckets are in error painted to match the car, a total repaint is very possible (and probable).
4). It's a late 1986 (worth less money) due to the fact that if you look at the pics, allthough it has the optional (in 1986) Recaros ... it has the Capri door panels! (They ran out late in the 1986 production run, of the Custom door panels). Don't let the #15 fool you. We all know that they were installed haphazardly.

What would the "Gold Standard" be?

A 1986 in Paris Blue Metallic, with full Recaro Interior, Dk. Blue Top, Interior & wheels, 5-Speed Stick, with a 1MH beginning VIN with under 50,000 miles. Probably be worth $15,000, if in really good-to-excellent condition, preferably the original owner, with a perfect wood grain dash applique to boot. {Hey, I can dream, right?}

Post by **negusm** » Fri Sep 24, 2004 2:59 pm

Yeah, I thought it was a nice driver too. I Didn't know (or remembered) about the shortage of door panels in 86.

75coug · Post by **75coug** » Fri Sep 24, 2004 11:09 pm

It looks like Sandy beat me back to the board. Thanks again for the information.

75coug · Post by **75coug** » Sun Sep 26, 2004 11:53 pm

The bidding on the convertible ended at $3050.00 and the reserve not having been met. I wonder whether the seller will be relisting it.

Sandy · Post by **Sandy** » Mon Sep 27, 2004 1:45 am

It's worth more than that - but on e-bay, folks seldom pay what something is really worth! Aslo, on a car, 99% of them can't go & see it - so they bid low to cover their glass, just "in case" ~ 'Ya know what I mean....

75coug · Post by **75coug** » Mon Sep 27, 2004 11:40 am

I e-mailed the seller and he said that he will take no less than $5000 for the car. Unfortunately, my friend in the KC area has not been able to take a look at it due to being on the road for work.

I am going to be driving through Kansas myself next weekend, and may have to try to arrange to stop by to look at the car on Sunday.

Sandy · Post by **Sandy** » Mon Sep 27, 2004 3:34 pm

Keep me posted

75coug · Post by **75coug** » Mon Oct 04, 2004 8:56 pm

Well, in the latest ebay listing, the bidding topped out at $4300.00. I was hoping to be able to look at the car on my way through Kansas on Sunday, but an incident with a tractor-trailer tread that was thrown into my car took care of any extra time that I had allotted. The seller still wants $5000.00 for the car; I do not know whether he is going to relist it or just give up for a while.

Sandy · Post by **Sandy** » Mon Oct 04, 2004 9:26 pm

It's worth every single penny of that $5,000.00 ~