Last December, my '68 Mustang and I were rear-ended at high speed. The frame rails were bent, the right rear quarter panel needs to be replaced, and there were lots of smaller parts damaged. I'm convinced that if I hadn't had a full-size spare tire in the trunk, the other car would have plowed into my gas tank. Fortunately, the tank is untouched.
Before this accident, the car was in excellent condition. I originally bought it from a guy who had done a great job restoring it, and then I did some minor work myself. Here is a photo page on my site I made ages ago when I was still very much enamored with the car:
Aside from the rear-end damage, the car is still in beautiful condition. I want to sell it, however. I'm tired of getting 10-13 mpg driving back and forth to work (my 289 isn't exactly fuel-efficient, you know?) and I would rather drive something safer. I'd also like air conditioning. ;)
I'm torn on whether I should get it repaired or keep the money I get for the damages and just sell it as-is.
If I sell it as-is, I could probably get a decent amount for it considering the damage. The car is still drivable, and could either be parted-out or restored by an enthusiast.
If I repair it, I would get more for it, but I have no idea how much it would go for, and there's the real possibility that it being in an accident would really hurt that final number even after restoration.
What would you do?
Many thanks to anyone who replies with advice. I'm very unsure about what to do here. I'm also unsure how to go about selling a classic car, but that's something I'll have to figure out later.
Oh, and if anyone here is interested in buying it, just let me know. I can probably answer any questions you might have.
Thanks, John