500 project

[wsmitwil]

Hello

Just wondering how much a 500 project car should cost, as I've always wanted one and which ones are more desirable

Not that ive got too many projects already

Thanks

[Bar Vitelli]

Hi Will, be careful, otherwise you'll end up with a fleet like me to take care of (!!)

My view with 500's is that you pay for what you get so beware of ''bargains''.

Prices are up and down but the early models in RHD hold their value so that's the N or the D models with suicide doors, which go for ridiculous prices, I sold a rusty N with a fred flintstone floor for £6,000 in need of restoration and there's one on eBay for £25,000 right now.

I've got the F model which is not a bad entry level and still quite rare if you get a 1960's one (mine is 1966) and worth the work in restoration.  All models are cool, the L is worth a punt and tends to cost a little less but the mid ground is definitely the F in my opinion.

What's a good price to pay?  Very difficult to say, although my perception is that there are good cars that can be bought in good condition (that don't need too much of a major restoration) for less than a few years ago (when I bought mine) so definitely worth holding out if it's a F or a L that you are looking for where it's probably more of a buyers market compared to the D's and the N's where people tend to hold on to them keeping the prices high.

If you are not bothered about RHD then there are LHD bargains to be had on eBay Italy and there's what looks like a very low price for a D model on Classic Cars For Sale right now.

[wsmitwil]

Cheers gary, there is a few for sale at some silly prices

Had my eye on one for sale recently as a resto for £1200,

but was told it was too much trouble so dident buy it


I like the one on eBay at the moment which isn't a resto,

probably seen it a yellow one with whitewall tyres

Looks good, but I'm still holding out for an early 126 aswell


Thanks

[Bar Vitelli]

Interestingly, whilst I like my 500F, it's the 126 that have really got me, they are less elitist, less expensive, usually ,more original and the early models, especially the 1973 models are beautiful (and also tax free!  )

I always feel a bit of a poser in my 500 and get the wrong sort of envious look but in the 126 it's completely different and I'm happy to drive and park it without too much bother.

In fact, any of the early air cooled cars do it for me (although I'm sure the BIS are good as well), I've got a beautiful 1979 car that is currently being poshed up (see www.vwrestorations.co.uk) that is probably my most enjoyable ride and is totally original right down to the factory fitted Voxon radio that adds an extra 20 mph to the car!

[wsmitwil]

I agree, you do get noticed out In the 2cv but the look of people is quick pull out infront of it before it reaches us like you would a tractor, which is wrong

First time out in the 126 sat at a junction the other driver sat accross the junction just wouldn't budge until we moved, but people coming round to the house I've had some weird guesses of what the car was, I've had yugo, Audi, BMW,

[grubscrew]

 Hi there.
  Ive had 3  500`s ,now down to 2, they were all basket cases, but with a lot of passion, enthusiasm and sheet metal work know how, does help. Alot of basket cases go for around £1000; average condition cars which work but need TLC probably up to £4000, and good ones .....well as the previous posts have indicated, up up up.
 The round speedo version is a tad more desirable, ie the F or the R, whereas the L is the long speedo with plastic dash , but conversion to a round speedo isnt too hard to change.
  If you were to get a poorly car, expect to put new floors/inner/outer sills, etc, but at the end of the resto you`ll have a great car. Mike.

[1973/126]

 There is one on Car and Classic at the moment which sounds interesting.
 Unfortunately no photos, but might be worth a shot.
 Here is a link.
 http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C380504