Re: IML: 53 imp

["Currell Pattie" <currellpattie@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

As a reliable source of collector car value, I like "Old Cars Price Guide", 
published 6 times a year. It is not infallible, but usually more realistic 
than most of the online guides, which often underprice certain cars, 
especially collector vehicles from the '70s.

I have a June 2004 copy, which should not deviate greatly from present 53 
Imp values.

This is what it says for the Hardtop...

Condition #3:  12K
Condition #2   21K
Condition #1   30K

For the Sedan...

#3  8K
#2 14K
#1 20K

Remember that these ratings are very strict, with #1's essentially not 
driven at all. To most people, even  collectors, a #2 car would be a fully 
restored car, or "perfect" original.

I am assuming that the '53 in question here is a sedan, without divider 
window; i.e., the 133.5" wheelbase C-58 model. At best, it sounds like a #2 
from your description. Therefore, I would say that $18,000 is "All The Money 
In The World" for a #2 '53 Imperial sedan, as the saying goes. But not so 
for the Hardtop. A #2 Hardtop is, visually, a stunning car, not to mention 
rare. I would be tempted at 18K with correct spoke wheels (but would 
vigorously bargain, of course). And, if you really want this '53, I would 
recommend likewise. '53 Imperial sedans are in the "Buyers Market" category 
(due to styling), and you will not have motivated competition bidding the 
price up.

All of this said, the Old Cars Value Guide is, once again, not a Prayerbook. 
For '53, they messed up the wheelbases and models. For example, they have 
sedans on the 131.5" wheelbase, which actually is unique to the hardtop. And 
then they also correctly list the 133.5" sedans. And also there is no 
mention of the Crown Imperials, actual limos (one model without divider) at 
the larger 145.5 wheelbase (They corrected this for the '54 listing).

Currell  l 1953 Custom Imperial Sedan (since 1977)




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