1971 LeMans question

[Kadman]

Hey there, I am a looking at a 1971 LeMans, it is my first one and I had an important question. The car I am looking at has a reconstructed title and the dealership that is selling it says they do not know the background as to why the title is reconstructed.

Being that this is my first LeMans I was hoping that someone with a little more experience can tell me what I should look for or if I should just walk away. I have not seen the car on a lift yet but it runs out pretty good, it has a 350 for a motor and the T-37 package. All in all the car is a solid driver, which is what I am looking for right now. Not that it helps much but I have attached a pic of it. I have heard that in general, damage that exceeds 40% of the value can cause a reconstructed title. I just don't know enough about the LeMans to know if I should be concerned.

Separately, and I know this is relative, what does a reconstructed title effect the price of the car. They're asking $7,950 for it and have to think this will negatively effect the price of the car for the rest of it's existence. My feeling is if, the car is safe and I can buy it right then all should be good.

Any thoughts and or recommendations would be greatly appreciated by this "Rookie"....

http://www.pontiacforum.com/pontiac/attachment.php?attachmentid=597&stc=1&d=1310504001

 

[melsg5]

I cannt see the detail in the picture. Can you provide the serial number, if you dont want to post the complete number leave off the last 6 digits. Also on the passenger side of the engine block where the front of the cylinder head is there is a pad with a letter code indicating the engine. Make sure the serial number at the base of the windshield matches all other locations, last 6 digits of the number should be on the engine pad. There also is a plate on the firewall which should match. The price seems to be correct.

http://www.nadaguides.com/Classic-Cars/1971/Pontiac/Lemans-T-37/2-Door-Hardtop/Values

 

[Kadman]

I cannt see the detail in the picture. Can you provide the serial number, if you dont want to post the complete number leave off the last 6 digits. Also on the passenger side of the engine block where the front of the cylinder head is there is a pad with a letter code indicating the engine. Make sure the serial number at the base of the windshield matches all other locations, last 6 digits of the number should be on the engine pad. There also is a plate on the firewall which should match. The price seems to be correct.

http://www.nadaguides.com/Classic-Cars/1971/Pontiac/Lemans-T-37/2-Door-Hardtop/Values

Thank you for the items to check on... I don't have the serial number but I am going to look at it again today. I will see what I can find and post it up. What are your thoughts on the title being reconstructed, am I worrying to much about that. And do you think the pricing seems ok considering the salvaged title as well?

Thanks again, I really appreciate it!

 

[Kadman]

Thank you for the information, I really appreciate it! I do not have the serial number but I am going back today so I will grab it. I will also check on the other items you mentioned.

So do you think the pricing is "in line" when considering the reconstructed title as well?

cheers..

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[melsg5]

I guess it depends what the "reconstructed" consisted of which is why it's important to know if the vin numbers match on the different areas of the car.