The Camaro Club (UK)
http://classiccamaroclub.mfatw.com/

Newbie about to buy a first gen
http://classiccamaroclub.mfatw.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=4033		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  andyg1 [Tue Aug 12, 2014 11:27 am ]
Post subject:  Newbie about to buy a first gen
Hi,

I'm new to the forum and new to Camaros, other than knowing that the 1st gen is one of the most attractive cars ever made ;)

I've been chasing a dream of owning one for a few years. I've found one advertised and it seems a fair amount given what price other cars are selling at. As a first time buyer and newbie what should I be looking out for - classic problems, paperwork, etc? And in the current market of classic cars am I likely to see an appreciation in value or at the very least get my money back?

Any help is gratefully received.

Thanks!
Author:  pete350 [Tue Aug 12, 2014 7:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Newbie about to buy a first gen
do you have link or pics?
Author:  andyg1 [Tue Aug 12, 2014 8:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Newbie about to buy a first gen
I was a bit scared of posting a link in case someone gazumps me! :)

I'd been to look at this car just over a year ago and it disappeared off the market. I'd read somewhere that you'd always regret not buying a Camaro, and they were right. I was livid with myself. But I went to look at it not really knowing what I was looking for. It seemed in good shape - solid, clean looking, etc - but had had a respray in the last couple of years...

Image

Image

Image

Description:
"Manual, Straight six 4.2 Right hand drive from Australia. Full respray, new clutch, new headlights, new mirrors, new wheel trims, new carpets, Rust free, the floor of the car is perfect and protected. 10k spent over last 2 years. Amazing condition. Comes with MOT. The milage is not known. Really must be seen to be appreciated, RED, CD player, Leather trim, Power steering."

I am not sure why it would say "mileage not known".

What sort of questions should I be asking?

Thanks
Author:  TopCat [Wed Aug 13, 2014 5:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Newbie about to buy a first gen
That looks a very nice car

Have a good look at the RHD conversion- is it a chain or has the steering box been moved completely

2 aspects detract from its value-
1 It is RHD- which means it is valuable in Australia and South Africa
2 It is not a V8

But otherwise - welcome to the fold!

You are unlikely to lose money on this (no idea how much you are paying mind you) but being a RHD it might take longer to sell.
another advantage will be that it will be rot free from Sunny OZ!
Author:  andyg1 [Wed Aug 13, 2014 6:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Newbie about to buy a first gen
Thanks for the reply.

From what I remember this RHD conversion was done by GM (Holden???) in Australia before it went to market - they all left the US as lefties. Presumably it will be done the proper way in that case?

The advertised price is 15k but I wouldn't pay that much. I realise that a V8 is more valuable. This doesn't bother me too much - and maybe one day I could look at putting a V8 in it - would that detract from the value too much or add to it? The RHD is actually why I want this car more than any other. I can't be hassled with getting used to driving "the wrong way round". I also like the fact it's a manual transmission.

What are your thoughts on the valuation? And what sort of paperwork should I be looking for? And what about the fact the mileage is unknown?
Author:  andyg1 [Mon Aug 18, 2014 9:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Newbie about to buy a first gen
It's gone! Someone did gazump me!!
Author:  Twistedsanity [Tue Aug 19, 2014 11:14 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Newbie about to buy a first gen
i would have thought £15k is a little strong for a non V8 RHD conversion , it has rarity value but as already mentioned people want LHD with a V8 in, i have seen recently a first gen LHD V8 for around £12k that may have needed a little work to make it good for the road , this listing has ended and im not sure if it sold or not but this needed a cooling system and few other bits which would have probably fallen within your budget http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1968-Chevrole ... 41841e909c
Are you after a stocker for investment/shows or a bit of a street/strip monster?
Author:  andyg1 [Tue Aug 19, 2014 11:50 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Newbie about to buy a first gen
My daily car is a TVR Chimaera, so I'm not short of performance or HP. I just love the looks of those 1st Gen Camaros and that one I found was appealing because of the good condition and the fact is was RHD - so yes, I'm more into it for shows and getting into the scene. If I took care of it then I figured I'd get my money back.
Author:  chevy-stu [Tue Aug 19, 2014 12:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Newbie about to buy a first gen
Quote:
My daily car is a TVR Chimaera, so I'm not short of performance or HP. I just love the looks of those 1st Gen Camaros and that one I found was appealing because of the good condition and the fact is was RHD - so yes, I'm more into it for shows and getting into the scene. If I took care of it then I figured I'd get my money back.
It'll be quite different to the Chim, feel much bigger and heavier, more of a cruiser, but it won't smell like a canoe... :D
Author:  andyg1 [Tue Aug 19, 2014 12:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Newbie about to buy a first gen
I drove that one I posted images of. I'd spend half a day in the Chim getting down there and the bloke offered me a test drive and I nearly crashed the thing! It was driving a boat - you had to put the brakes on the day before you wanted to stop! And the steering was equally as unresponsive. (Still bags of torque though, even from the straight 6.)

But that was part of the appeal. It's an entirely different experience with the Camaro. Two very different cars that appeal to me in very different ways!
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