[bdk1976]

Without pictures, location, or any other details, I'd guess somewhere in the $1000-2000 range.

[smaman]

Originally Posted by bdk1976

Without pictures, location, or any other details, I'd guess somewhere in the $1000-2000 range.

Thanks- I was thinking low but not that low- anybody else?

[Mark Simiele]

I think thats a good guesstimate as most of the seasoned big car folks on here have always told me the value and desireability of the big cars begins to really fall from 68 and on. I could be wrong so if anyone else chimes in please correct me.

[blubomber]

I'll concur with the comment that a fair assessment would have to have some pictures.

The big cars can be a great value if someone is looking to get into a classic car without wantingto spend the money on a Muscle car. These cars easy to work on, have a fair supply of parts to support any work you may need to do, and can easily be made to perfrom at any level you desire. Unfortuantely they will not bring the kind of money you see in the Muscle car arena. Hard tops are worth significantly less than convertibles.

Your best bet is to find the most solid car you can. One that does not need signficant body or fender work,if any. Seats and carpet are easily replaced so I would not let that be a major distractor. Engines are also easy to work on as long as the car was not mauled by a previeous owner.

As far as value it is difficult to pin point. Human emotion is always a consideration however the overall state of the economy has created a situation where far fewer have the luxury of a "toy." It is supply and demand. There are more cars available now and far lower demand therefore it's a buyers market.

I would pay more for a solid car though in order to not have to deal with repair issues which will quickly far surpass the savings you may have thought you were getting by buying the "cheapest" car.

Many guys seem to think that just because they put $20000 into a project that they are entitled to get thatout of it. Unfortunately the market doesn't care about that and right now it is a buyers market.

As far as value goes IMO a pristine '69 Bonneville convertible may get somewhere between $15K-20K. A 2 dr hardtop maybe half of that, a 4 door take off another
15-25 %.

You can add back on about 10% for a/c, 5-10% for a 428 HO, and 5-10% for well optioned or rare options.

Hope this helps. Send pictures and we may be able to help more.

[Doug]

Sounds like the car may be a car in "#4 condition". This info from a website gives a pretty good idea of what it may be worth. (Keep in mind that the 428 motor is worth several hundred dollars by itself. If it happens to be a decent running motor, it would be worth even more.)


#4 Fair: runs and drives OK but needs work throughout the vehicle. Body shows signs of wear or previous restoration work. Any rust should be minimal and not in any structural areas. Cosmetics, body, and mechanics all need work to some degree.

1969 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE 400-340hp (8cyl-4V) AT
#5 #4 #3 #2 #1
2dr Convertible 1000 3625 7075 11125 15600
2dr Hardtop 625 1425 3775 6800 10750
4dr Hardtop 450 1425 3375 5600 9025
4dr Sedan 375 1225 2900 4825 7750
4dr Wagon 625 2000 5150 9125 13900

Add:
428-360hp (8cyl-4V) 5%
428-375hp (8cyl-4V) 5%
428-390hp (8cyl-4V) 10%
Power windows 3%
Brougham trim 5%
Deduct:
3spd manual transmission -10%
No air conditioning -10%
Manual steering -5%

[blubomber]

One more note on the motor

The YH code 428 360 hp engine is a small valve design. They produce decent power and lots of torque but are not really muscle car motors despite their displacement. They are 2 bolt mains. These cars usually came with a 3:08 rear end.

The YK code 428 is a true muscle motor with drilled in valve stems, large valves, higher compression; 10.75:1, long branch exhaust manifolds, larger exhaust pipes, competition cam, high capacity oil pump, stronger distributor advance springs. Listed at 390 hp they were probably more like 430 hp. This is a differnt engine than then YH motor espite their identical displacments.

These YK motors were not available to the A body or Firebird cars due to the GM restriction on 400 motors or smaller for all A F body cars except the Corvette. This was lifted for 1970 to combat the large engines used in Ford and Dodge/Plymouth cars. In 1970 you could get the 455 in mid-size GM cars. This situation has restricted the limited the disireability of the 428 for muscle cars. 455's are more desireable in general. You can get year correct 455's for $650-$850.

[blubomber]

One more note. In '69 the YH code 428 became the standard engine in the Bonneville replacing the 400 which was the base motor in '67 and '68. The YK code 428 was optional.

Other 400 cid were also optional but it is fairly uncommon although I have seen 1 or 2 400 cid 2bbl cars. These were special ordered most likely because the owner wanted to save some money on fuel since they used regular v. premium gas.

[baron_]

Originally Posted by bdk1976

Without pictures, location, or any other details, I'd guess somewhere in the $1000-2000 range.

Agreed