The prices below are taken from the latest Old Cars Weekly Price guide (05/2002). I put them here with some reservations. Please remember that these prices are best estimates. Also you must be fair about judging your car as well as others. I receive many e-mails about how much is my car worth. These are tough questions to answer as I'm going by your description. I always give a range, you should also assign a range to your car. Advertise it at a higher price but remember to be flexible. Someone like me who cares more for the car than it's actual value are hard to come by and you could wait a long time.

These numbers are based on a best to worse scale. 1 is the best, 6 is the worst.

No. 1 Excellent "Restored to current maximum professional standards of quality in every area, or perfect original with components operating and appearing as new. A 95-plus point show car that is not driven" In national show judging, a car in No. 1 condition is likely to win top honors in its calls. In a sense, it has ceased to an automobile and has become an object of art. It is transported in an enclosed trailer and when not being shown, it is stored in a climate-controlled facility. It is not driven. There are very few number one cars."

Bold emphasis is mine. Just because the car only has 30k miles on it and it's a one owner car does not make it a No. 1. I recently ran across a guy selling a 68 Torino GT Convertible with just 38k miles on it. He was asking 4k more than a No. 1 goes for. Car was a No. 3 at best, so he was way over priced. As of today he still has the car for sale and has had several people from out of state fly in and look at this Beauty! I'm surprised he is still alive.

I have only seen two number 1 cars in the 68-69 Fairlane family. Neither is for sale.

No. 2. Fine "Well restored, or a combination of superior restoration and excellent original. Also an extremely well-maintained original showing very minimal wear. Driven 800-1000 miles a year to shows or tours."

At most cars shows I've been to the car that takes top honors in its class is usually a No. 2. Though in smaller shows (less than 20 or so in it's class) the winner may be a No. 3. Most cars at shows fall into the number three class.

No. 3. Very Good. "Completely operable original or "older Restoration" showing wear. Also a good amateur restoration, all presentable and serviceable in and out. Plus, combination of well-done restoration and good operable components; or a partially restored car with all parts necessary to complete it and /or valuable NOS parts.

This is a "20-footer" That is, from 20 feet away it may look perfect. But as we approach it, we begin to notice that the paint may be getting a little thin.. Looking inside we might detect some wear on the drivers seat, foot pedals and carpeting etc". Most cars at car shows are number three's.

With a few exceptions almost every high priced Cobra or Fairlane I have ever looked at for sale has fallen into this class. Including my own. My car usually starts the year in No. 2 condition but due to use quickly drops into the No. 3 spot. If you plan on enjoying your car this is the best it will probably get.

No. 4. Good " A driveable vehcile needing no, or only minor repairs to be functional. Also a deteriorated restoration or a very poor amateur restoration. All components may need restoration to be "excellent", but car is mostly usable as is. This is a driver. It may be in the process of restoration or its owner may have big plans, but even from 20 feet away, there is no doubt that it needs a lot of help" This is most cars you will find for sale on the net or in your local paper.

No. 5. Restorable "needs complete restoration of body, chassis and interior. May or may not be running, but isn't weathered, wrecked, and/or stripped to the point of being useful only for parts. This car needs everything"

No.6. May or may not be running, but is weathered, wrecked and /or stripped to the point of being useful primarily for parts.

By looking at the prices above and giving your car a fair condition rating, many people will say it worth more parted out than as a whole car! Your right. Owning a 68 or 69 Fairlane/ Torino is a about loving that car for variety of reasons. Not to restore it and make some money. Very few if anyone turns a profit on these cars.

Want to make some money on a restoration? Buy a Chevelle. Want to drive a fun car and get a lot of thumbs up? Drive a Fairlane!

Email Questions to jhuntley@ameritech.net

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