Does anyone know what a 1961 Dodge Lancer is worth

[Avanti82]

I came across a 1961 Dodge Lancer 770 parked in a Guy's driveway today up in South Alabama with a for sale sign on it but was unable to talk to him. The car still has it's original paint and interior. The headliner is falling down, the seat covers are original and look bad but not all torn up. All of the chrome is starting to oxidize but it is all there along with all emblems and trim.

There is no damage to the car except minor dents and dings and it has the original hub caps on it. All glass is intact with no cracks.

I looked under the car and it looks like it was undercoated a long time ago, it has the usual surface rust and dirt everywhere but the frame looked solid. The sheet metal looks original and excellent with rust starting to show thru the paint in the lower area of the car but it has no rusted thru areas and the panels are solid as are the lower parts of the doors and sills.

I did not get a chance to look at the engine or start the car. I plan to call the owner tomorrow. He had $3,950 on the for sale sign but I have no idea what it is worth, I would think less than he is asking. The car was so odd looking and strange I liked it.

Steve

[Bob Andrews]

I love those little freaks and tend to watch them on eBay. That Slant Six is a sweet little engine.

Sadly, the market I've seen says the car as you describe would likely not get $1000. Most that are listed don't sell since the owners expect a lot more.

Of course, if it has the aluminum-block 225 engine it's worth significantly more; those are very rare and desirable.

I have a 61 Lancer wagon that is probably just a bit too far gone to restore.

[raprice]

Just because it's rare doesn't mean it's worth anything. If he's asking $3900 for that car, he's in dreamland.
Rog

[studegary]

One of the big factors that you don't mention is, Which body style? Is it a four door sedan, two door hardtop or station wagon? They were all slant sixes, but there were two different engine displacements and four different horsepower ratings. My price guesstimates are $750/$1250/$1000, in the body order that I listed.

[Avanti82]

Thanks Guys,

It is a four door post and he wants way too much for the car and won't come down anywhere near what it is worth.

Thanks again,
Steve

[showbizkid]

Well, he'll be keeping it a long while then... Too bad. I love seeing these cars on the road. They're just such UFOs I have a buddy who manages a screen print shop; his daily driver is a '62 two-door. It's beat, complete with quad-color primer/paint combo, bare floors with patented "C-Thru" road monitoring technology, and the requisite Mexican blanket seat covers. He loves it and it pays him back by continuing to roll

[Bob Andrews]

Just for comparison, here's a Valiant:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1961-plymouth-valiant-/200627938263?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item2eb65b63d7

This is at least the second time on eBay; didn't get bought at that price previously.

[mbstude]

Just for comparison, here's a Valiant:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1961-plymouth-valiant-/200627938263?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item2eb65b63d7

This is at least the second time on eBay; didn't get bought at that price previously.

That's the goofiest looking car I have ever seen.

Yes, I added it to my want list.

I love it. But I'd want a more "fitting" color. Why be boring when you can be ridiculous?

[Bob Andrews]

That's the goofiest looking car I have ever seen.

Yes, I added it to my want list.

.....Me too.....

[studegary]

Just for comparison, here's a Valiant:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1961-plymouth-valiant-/200627938263?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item2eb65b63d7

This is at least the second time on eBay; didn't get bought at that price previously.

To me, the two door hardtop is a much nicer car than the sedan or wagon. 1961 was the first year for the hardtop.
IIRC, in 1960 they were Valiants and in 1961 they became Plymouth Valiants.

[bezhawk]

That slant six was one of the best engines made. I tried to find a funky Vallient for my daughters first car, but, none were to be found.
I did find a 71 plymouth Scamp for $4oo and rebuilt the trans and brakes.
The rebuild kit for the 904 auto was a whopping 40 bucks!

[BobPalma]

Just for comparison, here's a Valiant:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1961-plymouth-valiant-/200627938263?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item2eb65b63d7

Interesting that no one has pointed out: The car being sold on e-bay is a 1962 Valiant, not a 1961.

The easiest identifiers are the taillights; 1962s had round tailights below the canted fin caps, whereas 1961s still had "cat's-eye" taillamps set in the ends of the "fin" caps. BP

[Bill Pressler]

More than a passing front resemblance to a four-headlight Lark, don't you think?!

I never understood the asymetrical instrument panels and instruments of those early '60's Mopars!

[BobPalma]

I never understood the assymetrical instrument panels and instruments of those early '60's Mopars!

The sales figures of those models would support the theory that you aren't alone in that assessment, Bill! <GGG> BP

[Bob Andrews]

Since we're belaboring this thread here's a Valiant wagon. And as BP will note, a '62:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1962-Plymouth-Valiant-Wagon-Hot-Rod-Rat-Rod-/260814980134?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item3cb9c8c426