[divotandtralee]

The two gentlemen quoting are well informed but IMO quite high in today's market. "Seen" and asking prices do not make a market. In today's market a good solid 1600 Normale that needs NOTHING and has all the receipts and some patina that would make a nice parade car and pull 88-92 points in a concours would be hard pressed to make $25,000 and more likely around $20,000. $30000 is out of the question even at 98 points.

The market is under extreme pressure now. Even Manheim Gold Book is out of touch. For EXCELLENT values, they show a '57 Spider Veloce at $43.000. A very nice '59 750 just sold for $33,000 in the US Midwest through a broker. They also show a '57 Spider N at $35000 of the same condition. No way are these cars only $8000 apart at the high number. More likely 33 v. 25. They show a '57 Sprint N at $18000 which is way too low. So as one can see the market is topsy turvy.

So you have a wide range. You need to narrow that range. The best advice I can give is A. When you look at the car try not to drool in front of the seller. That automatically drives the price up or makes the seller less open to negotiations B. Take at least one more set of eyes with you who knows these cars and is somewhat familiar with the market. I have someone in mind in Birmingham. PM me. C. Ask for comps --How did he establish his price?
and these should be no older than 6 months old and only include SALES.
D. Do your homework. Be ready with your comps and in today's market I would hire an appraisal service. It would be money well spent and might save you thousands of dollars that you might not only save in the buy price but also in fixes. An antique auto insurance company like Haggerty or JC Taylor should help you find the right appraisal service.

I know everyone thinks these cars should draw more money but the truth be told is in the real numbers. I own 3 of them and have had many more and don't really care what they are worth. Good or bad markets..they're just cars that have a current value and as always BUYER BEWARE.