My 56' Hearse/Ambulance!!!

[gtoblade]

I have been using 500's to put in these but starting to think about using something different, maybe even a 454 next time, easier to find parts and cheaper to build. The rear sump pan for the 500 has even gotten outragous...............but love the size! A 454 would probably require less cutting and mods! You probably had just as much fun doing the 425!?
I have yet to buy a hearse and the old 365 still be usable, maybe its just my lcuk or their habit of cracking in the head or intake! Or maybe if I didnt go cheap and buy the ones that are near rusted away!?

[mdeanr]

my only thing about needing a usable 365 is the history of the car, i need an original engine in it for the true value of the car. there were a few mods done to get the 425 in, but nothing that can't be put back to original.

[gtoblade]

I dont blame you there. I tend to hot rod them but they are pretty much shot engine, tranny, rear end wise, and just about everything ruined when i get them with no history, so if I have to do all that and its not going to be able to be a good original then it gets modified.

[kitkong]

So,....anyone got any idea as to what the potential value of a restored 50's Cadillac Hearse/Ambulance might be?


------kitkong

[gtoblade]

Thats too broad a question Kit, depends on what it is and how many were made and still exist.59's being the persay "holy grail" they bring some very high dollars, 58's are depression year hearse's and there werent that many made which makes them hard to find and a bit better value. 57's are getting scarce too. Your 56 fully restored I would think if done right would be up in the 20K region!? MAybe some of these guys have seen some sell? I havent seen very many 56's anymore either come to think of it! BUt I've seen several early 50's lately and they arent in as high of demand it seems.

[kitkong]

20K?!

Com'on......they gotta be worth more than that...............don't they?

I know the 59's can bring the 100Ks and up..............and although the 56s may not be that high, I can't image a nice clean one not being worth somewhat close to that............or am I dreaming?

------kitkong

[gtoblade]

The only 59's i ever saw go that high is one low mile, imaculate shape, 100 point car or what some crazy people with too much money tend to pay for a ghostbuster replica! value is relative to what it is and if someone wants it bad enough, etc, etc, .........
A 56 worth that much? never even seen one close to that. Theres just no way to compare a 56 or such to the lure of the 59 that EVERYONE wants, thats its driving force on price. you could have a 56, 57, and such thats a basket case, just a pile of rust with a peice or two of chrome trim and you will have a hard time selling it, but if its a 59...... someone somewhere will pay a high price for it and think its a great buy!
Your Christine was worth alot but if it was a 59, 57 or 56 instead of the 58 Plymouth, or 4 door, etc.... its a different ball game
Dont get me wrong, there are people that like the 56 just like I do, but it will probably never have the "would be" buyers as for a 59. Less demand, less price!
You wont get rich selling it after you fix it up, but its a great shape car and is worth it when you see all the attention it will get. I'd love to have a 59 myself like everyone else, but came to my senses and realized that several other years are GREAT cars!

[kitkong]

No, no...I agree with you on all that,.....and I understand it, since I'd like a 59' myself.....as you say.....who doesn't.

None the less,...I imagine, in some time,.....our 56s and such will be just as desirable.

When?
Don't know.

Still wish I had my "Christine" car.


------kitkong

[mdeanr]

personally, i like the 58 better than i do the 59.

[uncle fester]

you got that car on ebay now? and you said you have a 59 on the ebay post.... lets see some pics of your 59!

[kitkong]

I don't have it yet,......It needs to be shipped to me,.......but when I get it, you'll know

I'll post pics!

Hate to get rid of 56'.........boo hoo

-------kitkong

[gtoblade]

I must have missed something, you found a 59 and after all that your getting rid of that great 56??

[kitkong]

I know.......sad huh.

I really have no choice,....I don't have the room for both.

I wish I did!


But I have a 59'......so it can't be all bad.

------kitkong

[gtoblade]

Now is a GREAT time to sell the 56 I guess with the season here. What kind of deal you get on a 59??

[kitkong]

Deal?

I was supposed to get a deal?!

All I can say is that its in great shape, runs & drives!

-------kitkong