Why so high? 1954 Early Special

[51Deluxe]

I've only been around the Kaiser world for less than a year, so when I saw the bid on this car at $12,700 with two days left on Ebay, I was a little surprised. Nice wire wheels- but what makes it worth so much?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Other-Makes-Kaiser-Early-Special-1954-kaiser-special-/271752441022?forcerrptr=true&hash=item3f45b52cbe&item=271752441022&pt=US_Cars_Trucks

[Fid]

The 1954 "early" Specials were left over '53 Kaisers (hence no 3 piece rear windshield) with Manhattan trim added. Only about 2300 made but most people prefer the '54 Manhattan with the 3 piece rear window, airplane type controls and supercharger.  I too find it curious that the price is that high but the '54 Kaiser in general has always been very popular. This one looks pretty nice.

[joefrazer]

This car is being sold by a club member who's known for doing quality restorations. The color, the wire wheels, and the overall appearance of the car are all driving up the bid in my opinion. When I first saw the car I figured it would hit $15K...and I might be right!

[mbflemingkf]

The car is nicely restored throughout and has a number of NOS parts on it.  Take $15K and do paint, chrome, upholstery, wheels, tires, mechanical/engine and let me know how much you have left!?    Oh yes, and start with a solid car that doesn't need much body work and rust repair.  Unless you can do all of this work yourself (which few of us can), that price seems very fair to me.   

[51Deluxe]

No question it is a fair price- but anonymous bidders on Ebay aren't know for offering fair prices, especially that early in the auction. I'm guessing that the bidders in this auction are familiar with the car and the restorer.

[mbflemingkf]

"No question it is a fair price" but the subject of the thread is "Why so high?"...so I'm confused.

"Why so high" is that it is a nicely restored car that should command that price based on condition and level of restoration.

One thing that continues to bug me is how undervalued these cars are in nice restored condition.

[51Deluxe]

"No question it is a fair price" but the subject of the thread is "Why so high?"...so I'm confused.

"Why so high" is that it is a nicely restored car that should command that price based on condition and level of restoration.

One thing that continues to bug me is how undervalued these cars are in nice restored condition.

In context, I'm asking because my own car (a 51) is quite comparable,  but would probably bring about half what the '54 sold for.