Want to Pay to Restore and then sell my 1956 Mark II. C5601503

[Amcontinental]

Hi All,

I just can't give the car the love it needs. It's been in my family for 40 years.

I'd be willing to send the car somewhere to get completely restored. Properly tuned up, it can run beautifully. Inside and outside look great, but needs a little TLC.

My father kept it in nearly perfect shape, but it's been neglected in a barn for 5 years. I've driven it only 1x-2x per year since then.

Is it possible to pay to get it restored and then have somebody sell it for a commission?

If so, who do you recommend? I'd be willing to pay to have it sent somewhere if it were worth it.

Thoughts?

Thanks. (I've posted pictures of it in prior posts).

- Adam Marlin

[Milsteads Garage]

You only have 1 picture of the car posted on here that I know of. From what I see there it doesn’t look in bad shape. I don’t recommend restoring these. It’s very easy to get upside down and make a mess out of a perfectly good car you aren’t even going to keep. I do, however, recommend fixing the car up. Just make it run, stop and look presentable.

[jdsnoddy]

Adam:
I totally agree with Morgan.
Here's what Bill Kieger did with 3730.
https://www.markiiforum.com/showthre...o-Info-on-3507
You might want to talk with Bill and get his thoughts.
I'm guessing you could do a similar work for less than $6000 in parts.
Best regards,
John

[Amcontinental]

I'm trying to upload pics.
Anyway, I think with a good tune up, it could run well again. It might need some minor cosmetic cleanup (these pictures are legit, but it has been sitting in a garage (I've only driven it a couple times in the past couple years).

The car is in Cape Cod, but I'm 1-hour north of NYC. I can't take the time to physically fix it. I'd prefer to pay somebody to do all the work and pay somebody a commission to get it sold.

Any suggestions of how to go about doing this? Should I send it somewhere? Any recommendations as to whom to use?

Thanks,

AdamIMG_7795.jpgIMG_4376.jpgIMG_2555.jpgIMG_2557.jpgIMG_4375.jpgIMG_4377.jpgIMG_4685.jpgIMG_2554 (1).jpgIMG_2553.jpgIMG_2550.jpgIMG_0324.jpgIMG_2020.jpgAM Mark ii 1956 Continental.jpg

[Barry Wolk]

If you do the math you'll never come out ahead. I had a great mechanic turn a horrible 22,000 mile car into a mechanical masterpiece for friend under my supervision. It needed everything, and that's what it got. The only paint work was the engine compartment. It ran and drove just like a new Mark II, because it was one. It cost my friend $108,000. He complained that no one was getting Christmas gifts, but he couldn't be happier.

My car is currently at a private shop in Wisconsin. The owner started a business to just restore his cars, but he does such great work, plus he's a former Mark II owner, that I secured a spot in his shop to restore my engine compartment after a massive battery explosion.

[jdsnoddy]

Adam:
Go ahead and get a professional appraisal. Have the appraiser appraise as is and give you another figure if it runs, drives, brakes and steers. This will allow you to make an informed decision. Think about the costs: transportation, parts, labor, fees and commissions.

If you insist on staying your current course, suggest you join a local classic car club, go to local car swap meets and car shows. Get to know the locals and ask for their recommendations.
The appraiser may also be able to make some shop recommendations.

[Roger Zimmermann]

Interesting: the picture # 7 is from an Avanti dashboard!

[Milsteads Garage]

Adam:
I totally agree with Morgan.
Here's what Bill Kieger did with 3730.
https://www.markiiforum.com/showthre...o-Info-on-3507
You might want to talk with Bill and get his thoughts.
I'm guessing you could do a similar work for less than $6000 in parts.
Best regards,
John

That’s about what I have in mine give or take which is about $7000 in parts but for mine that included all the materials for paint and having my bumpers rechromed, so it is doable to get this car in shape.

[Barry Wolk]

That’s about what I have in mine give or take which is about $7000 in parts but for mine that included all the materials for paint and having my bumpers rechromed, so it is doable to get this car in shape.

I assure that's with no labor. I believe he had no interest in doing the work himself.

Adam, my restorer, Rick Payton, would like to have a chat with you. PM me your contact info.

[jdsnoddy]

Correct no labor. This was a veiled attempt to demonstrate that the business plan of paying someone to transport the car, fix the car, detail the car, and sell the car is not a good idea. It is a plan which most likely ends in a negative cash flow. All of these costs are expensive and the selling price points are low. There isn't much margin here.