GTO Judge value opinions needed

**tom406** · #1 10-26-2006, 08:18 PM

Looks like everybody wants some BOP pricing info.

I've been asked to insurance appraise a '70 Judge, longtime owner, built as a gold/black top RAIII 4sp car, restored as a nice color/no top RAIV 4sp car, with date coded parts and correct dated replacement block. Assuming the work done was good, does anyone want to shoot a ballpark figure? (I'm inclined to hit it as a RAIII car with a $5K to $10K bump for the cool RAIV parts, but maybe the market is more enthusiastic.)

All opinions, good bad or indifferent are welcome.

Thanks!

**tom406** · #2 10-27-2006, 04:44 AM

Okay...obviously too vague. How about this: Can a real '70 4sp Judge hardtop, color change and non-original motor, but upgraded to RAIV specs with proper date coded parts, have a market value greater than $70K? I think its covered at a level around there, and I'm not convinced its reached a point above that (or even at that level, really). If he already has adequate coverage and is only looking for me to hit some six figure number, I'll probably decline the job, saving him the cash and me some trouble.

Anybody want to take a shot at this question? Again, all opinions appreciated.

Thanks,
TOM

GTO_DON · #3 10-27-2006, 05:33 AM

I dont believe its anywhere near that level.I would figure that a 70 ram III judge these days is worth around 45-55k REAL MONEY then take away 10k the fact its not numbers matching and then take away another 5k for the color change and then add 10k for the ram IV stuff which gives you an grand total of around 40-50k. This is just my opinion and Im wrong alot but this is what i feel you got there and you asked for opinions

Belair62 · #4 10-27-2006, 07:16 AM

I think Don would have a pretty good opinion.He may be ugly but he's been playing with these a long time.

**tom406** · #5 10-27-2006, 08:32 AM

Thanks Don, I just wanted one of the GTO traders to validate my instincts. Your opinion almost exactly echoes mine. I figured a nice RAIII Judge should be a $40-$50K car, and adding for the RAIV goodies but deducting for the non original block and paint colors would end up being a push. Even given that there seem to be more guys forgiving of color changes these days, I still can't see exceeding $50K, unless its an absolute work of art. If this guy already has insurance beyond that, hiring me for a reality check probably isn't worth it.

It seems my main job these days is to delicately let people know that theirs is "just a car" and break it to them that they didn't win the musclecar sweepstakes. I don't mind letting the air out of some braggarts sails, but lately its been people hoping their kids college funds or their retirements were set. Kind of a bummer, but you gotta set them straight, that's what they're paying you for, right?

Thanks for the reply, Don, its much appreciated.

Regards,
TOM

**flyingn** · #6 10-27-2006, 03:30 PM

yea he definetly ugly.. lol JK Don.. Yea I'd say hes right on. $70k is way high on a car like that..

Frank

[ QUOTE ]
I think Don would have a pretty good opinion.He may be ugly but he's been playing with these a long time.

[/ QUOTE ]

JLP · #7 10-30-2006, 06:34 AM

If he doesn't believe you have him ask this same qq on the http://www.forums.performanceyears.com in the Judge section if he wants the same results of a second opinion.

teg · #8 10-30-2006, 11:06 PM

Just a quick thought (please no flames), but why doesn't NADA or other sources carry any authority? You guys agree that deducting 10K for a car for non-matching is reasonable. However, I think last time I checked NADA established the high retail around 94K for a RAIII. I am not saying that this establishes a fair market value (I understand the limits) but I thought insurers gave printed sources some credibility. My agent, who is not a specialty car insurer, had no problems relying on it and told me that is the source they usually use for all sorts of valuation/loss purposes.

Just curious. Before I would dismiss 70K as being reasonable, I would probably want to see the car. My thought is that regardless of what color it is or whether it is numbers matching, a frame off restoration (Tiemann or others) would be a lot more than 70K. Thus, do you insure a car for what it would sell for, insure a car for what the owner has invested in it, or insure a car for what it would cost to replace in the event of a total loss? I don't know, but I do love 70 Judges.

Again, just my thoughts.

**Salvatore** · #9 10-31-2006, 01:36 AM

Maybe NADA is basing their prices on what these cars sold for in the past. If they use B.J. as a thermometer than they are probably way off. Supply and demand. The market has leveled some especially for the non perfect cars. I think most people insure these cars for more than they are worth anyway. You are right about restos. To restore a 1969 6 banger camaro these days would probably still cost $60,000 if done perfect. So what would that be worth when all said and done??? Who really wants it?

**Charley Lillard** · #10 10-31-2006, 05:03 AM

NADA guide values my 69 TA convert at 115K...They even point out only 8 produced.

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