I am new to the forum, and I am currently looking into buying an El Camino. But, I have two issues:

1. I live in the Netherlands (originally from Texas and NC). There are a handful of them over here for sale, but not a wide selection.

2. I am new in this game, so I am not sure what I am getting myself into. But, I figure I might as well just dive in to it and have some fun.

I have seen a couple of late 70's and early 80's ('76, '76, '79, '83, '83) for sale, ranging in price from about $5500 to up to $7500. I plan on doing a more detailed check this weekend, but from what I can tell from the pictures, the bodies need some work and the interiors will definitely need to be redone. I believe they all have 350's, and I would expect no special or aftermarket parts on them.

I know it is a difficult question to answer without seeing/driving them, but does that sound like too much money to pay for cars from this year with quite a bit of work to do? I am worried that b/c I am in Europe I will be getting screwed covering for import taxes and BS like that.

Any advice is very welcome!!

Chad

Welcome to ECC/NECOA Chad!

Those prices seem awful high for a 4th or 5th gen Elky that needs both body and interior work. Plus, after you buy it you still have to invest more money to get it into good condition. But, taking into consideration the fact that the Netherlands doesn't have many Elkys to begin with I guess the price could be within reason. Those Elkys would probably sell in the $2-3K range if they were offered in the USA.

What is your budget? How much are you willing to spend including everything you need to get a locally bought Elky into good shape? Have you looked into buying one from the USA through an auto broker? You may be able to get a nicer one shipped to you for the same money as what it will cost to buy and restore the ones you've been looking at.

My $.02

I would recommend that you contact some of our European members for help. Particularly Maikel Joosten, the European director of our little group. I'm sure they'd be able to offer a great deal of assistance and experience. maikel_meijel@hotmail.com

The most I've paid for one, to date, was the 4th generation I have (1976) it was 1,700.00. None of them were running when I got them and all were in need of everything and lots of it. :D

Over there, yes, that is probably correct but I just read somewhere that having a bed (Truck) will save you Tax money not the other way around. So hey it could be a good deal. I think it was a post here about a Camaro that someone converted just for tax purposes over there somewhere. I know each country is a little different so it might not be the same where you are.

I know of one person over here that got $10,000.00 for his 4th generation in an auction. Of course it was running and had been restored. So who knows you could end up with a real jewel for over there. Aren't gas prices just outrageously high? Like about $4.00 US a gal? It was close to $2.00 a gallon on the economy in Germany in 76. :evil: Which made hot rods a bit pricy to drive.

Good Luck and Welcome to ECC / NECOA.

I agree a 300% mark-up in price seems unfair and unrealistic. That kind of money would get you a really nice 4th or 5th Gen Elky here in the US. I don't know what the import tax would be in your country or what the shipping would cost, but if you seriously are considering an Elky, I would check all your options first. Maybe going through an auto broker here in the US might be a better way to go. Good Luck, I hope you are successful in your dream of owning an Elky! :)