All:
Recently I have received several calls and e-mails from owners and future
owners of Honda 600's. And they want to know the value of their Honda 600.
Not many price guides have anything on the value of the Honda 600 but
N.A.D.A does. So I say look things up in the N.A.D.A Guide or at their Web
site at www.nadaguides.com
The following is an excerpt from the front of their guide. It tells the
things a buyer of a collectible vehicle should be aware of before choosing a
vehicle to restore. Note that if the vehicle can not perform three basic
functions "Start, Drive and Stop" it is not given a value in this guide.
And most Honda 600's are in the can't drive it mode, I know because I have
purchased lots of them. So look at the guide as a view of where your 600
can go to upon completion of your restoration. Honda 600's are collectible
vehicles and were identified as such back in May 2003 when Hemmings Motor
News selected the top Five Future Collectibles and the Honda 600 Coupe was
in that list. See the article at
http://www.honda600coupe.com/Hemmings.html are people knocking down the door
to get them, no, but that's a good thing too. It keeps them affordable in
the low end and allows you to fix them up and enjoy them while at the same
time you might get most of your money back when sold.
But please read on.
Bill Colford
N.A.D.A. GUIDELINES FOR PURCHASING A CLASSIC, COLLECTIBLE, OR SPECIAL
INTEREST VEHICLE.
When you decide upon the model and make of the classic or collectible
vehicle you wish to purchase there are many things to take into
consideration when making your final choice as to the precise vehicle you
finally bring home.
The first and most important thing to remember is: Don�t be fooled by
flashy curb appeal! It is vital to overlook the window dressings of fresh
paint, new chrome, and popular after-market wheels, and to be able to
evaluate the vehicle based on its present condition and authenticity.
Important Questions To Ask The Seller
1. Are you the original owner?
a. The history of the vehicle is much easier to obtain and trace when the
answer is yes. Vehicles that change ownership many times over their history
often have little or no paperwork available.
2. Is the original paper work and service history available?
a. The service history provides valuable information that can help to verify
the original mileage, and also permits an evaluation of the type of care the
vehicle received over time.
3. Is this a salvaged vehicle?
a. If the answer is yes, despite the apparent quality or appearance of the
vehicle, the value is half that of a non-salvaged vehicle.
4. Has the vehicle ever been involved in a collision/wreck?
a. If it has, the quality of the repair should be visible by close
examination of the damaged area; also, the service history should reflect
the extent and quality of the workmanship. In many instances, a
professional quality repair will not significantly decrease the value of the
vehicle.
Checking the Condition of the Exterior
Look closely for the signs of body damage from collisions or excessive
weathering. Check rear quarter panels for body repairs or replacement.
Look inside trunk space for welds or hammer marks, wrinkles from collisions,
or rust. While in the area, look under rear window package tray since this
area is noted for rust in many manufacturers in mid-sixties to early
seventies models. This is an expensive repair, and mist be considered
before purchase.
Check body seams for proper alignment, Door, Fender, Hood and Trunk gaps
should be consistent throughout. Inconsistencies could be evidence of poor
body repairs or possible �Clipping�.
When a vehicle has been �clipped�, a major portion of the vehicle has been
removed as a result of damage, and replaced with an undamaged section from
another vehicle. The signs of �clipping� are visible through the door jam
area and rocker panels, and also in the trunk. The welds at the point of
connection are visible by lifting the carpet and trunk mats. Frequently,
carpeting and trunk mats are blued into position to deliberately conceal the
evidence of �clipping�.
Rust damage is often evident beneath paint at the front pillar post, the
lower rocker panels, drip rails and rear window, lower portion of front
fenders directly behind the front wheel, and the rear lower quarter wheel
well openings.
Checking the Condition of the Interior
The value of a vehicle is greatly enhanced when the original factory
interior has survived over time. Since replacement of portions of the
interior is often necessary, care should be taken to choose those companies
that produce a high quality product that match the quality of the original
factory equipment. Padded dashes, arm rests, door panels, front and rear
seat covers, rear package tray, and carpet can be of great concern since the
after-market replacements are often inferior quality.
Many mid-sixties and early seventies special interest vehicles have
suffered a reduction in value due to the installation of aftermarket
instrument clusters and custom stereo equipment. The methods of
installation of this additional equipment often left extreme damage to
dashboards. This type of modification is often impossible to correct in
some models, or requires replacement of the entire dash.
Finding the Perfect Vehicle
The Thoroughly Original Vehicle: THE SURVIVIOR
An example of such a vehicle may be a 1966 Ford Mustang GT Fastback, K
Model. The car has been stored in a garage since mid-seventies and still
belongs to the original owner. When questioned, he readily admits to
keeping all the original paperwork and service records.
A thorough examination of the car reveals the original paint has weathered
slightly. the interior is complete but slightly worn and soiled, the glass
is not cloudy or pitted, and the chrome of the bumpers is slightly yellowed.
All the garnish moldings such as the GT emblems, rally lights, and grill
moldings are slightly weathered but in good condition.
The original 271 Horsepower 289 cubic inch engine is still intact, with the
appropriate engine tag. One slight flaw is readily visible, after-market
headers were installed, but the owner has the original exhaust manifold.
The most important step in the examination reveals the manufacturer�s door
tag model numbers and equipment codes verify the equipment on this vehicle.
To the enthusiast, this would be a �high value vehicle� due to the
originality, the paperwork that documents a complete history, and the
overall condition of the car raises no question as to the authenticity of
this particular vehicle.
The Professionally Restored Vehicle
In many instances, the vehicle has experienced too much wear and tear and
the choice was made to professionally restore it to its original, showroom
condition. When this process is successful, the vehicle appears as good
from the underside as it does from above, and it is evident this is a show
quality vehicle that is rarely, if ever, driven, and stored in a controlled
environment. To complete or enhance its value, the original paperwork
should accompany such a vehicle. To the enthusiast, this is also a �high
value vehicle�.
The Average Vehicle
In comparison, the Mustang in this category has new paint but it is not the
original color, but one that was available for that year vehicle. The
interior has been replaced with after market original replacement fabric and
the workmanship is good. Some paperwork of recent repairs is available.
The original K Model trim options are still on the car, are weathered, but
in fair condition. The bumpers are original, but had been straightened and
reconditioned.
The original engine has been replaced with a 289 cubic engine with an
after-market four-barrel carburetor and intake, and was not the original 271
horsepower 289 cubic inch. However, the owner had retained the complete
original engine the door tag was still present, had been painted, but was
still legible and verified the authenticity of the car.
The Low Value Vehicle
Before locating the �survivor�, an earlier search uncovered another 1966
Mustang GT Fastback. The car had fresh paint, but poor preparation of the
body reveals this was not the original color. The interior was new, but was
customized, and not of the original pattern or design. Popular after-market
wheels had been installed as well as some after-market instruments.
Although the owner had stated over the telephone that this was a K Model
vehicle, the engine was obviously a later model 302 cubic inch with after
market trim. The door tag was missing and the GT emblems were present but
not in the proper position on the lower fender. Close examination showed
the front wheels were not a five-lug pattern, but a four-lug pattern,
raising questions as to whether the vehicle had originally been a 6-cylinder
fastback that had been modified. And, finally, there was no paperwork other
than the original title, which was available. To the enthusiast, this is a
�low value vehicle�, but the car may have value to a buyer looking for a
flashy hot rod.
Final Tip
In conclusion, a buyer should be knowledgeable about the particular model
he or she whishes to purchase. When all the available options are known, a
buyer is then able to make a qualified appraisal of the authenticity of the
vehicle in question, and make an educated purchase.