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Posted by: 72914S Nov 12 2004, 07:37 AM

I saw this,could it be a bumble bee?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7934330470&category=6783

Posted by: davep Nov 12 2004, 07:43 AM

It could be, but we need to know the VIN and a few more details to ascertain the true ID of it.

Posted by: davep Nov 12 2004, 11:04 AM

The VIN does place it in the proper range.

Posted by: Qarl Nov 12 2004, 11:11 AM

http://search.ebay.com/bumble-bee_W0QQsokeywordredirectZ1QQfromZR8

Posted by: SLITS Nov 12 2004, 11:20 AM

it's a six conversion and was flooded - good luck - you'll spend $12K restoring it to it's orginal status.

Posted by: Jeff Bowlsby Nov 12 2004, 02:09 PM

This one kind of screams at you huh...

So whats the VIN?

Posted by: scruz914 Nov 12 2004, 02:19 PM

Conversion 6, damaged in flood, salvage title. Even if it is a bumble bee is it even worth $9k? Do bumble bees go for more than a original 6? I don't know much about the special editions, except that no one has seen a grasshopper.

-Jeff

Posted by: gregrobbins Nov 12 2004, 08:12 PM

As to value, original LEs in good condition have sold for 12K or more. I have seen an appraisal on a Bumble Bee from 1996 that valued it at 10K back then.

LEs are worth more to some than others. Really they are worth what someone is ready, willing and able to pay. Estimates are that there were only 1000 LEs produced, while over 3300 914-6s were built, but the sixes have always demanded greater value.

I doubt the one on eBay is worth the 9K starting price. It is not an original six nor is it any longer an "original" LE. It would seem quite unlikely that someone would want to purchase the car to convert back to original conditon. Too many original parts are gone. And for collectors, if you had to have one, there are quite a few LE in near original condition that could be purchased for the "right price."

The salvage title can be a problem. Definately a negative impact on value to many prospective buyers. (See past threads on this board.) Also the fact that it was in a flood means you really don't know what you are going to have to deal with. New motor, electrical issues, rust, who knows? I don't care much for the front, but otherwise it looks good. Maybe someone will want it bad enought to take a risk.

Posted by: nickg Nov 12 2004, 10:09 PM

Posted by: Jeff Bowlsby Nov 12 2004, 10:55 PM

All of our 914s are going up in value, especially the Sixes and Limited Editions, because they are desireable and becoming harder to find with each passing day.

For every 914 thats parted....up go the values for those that remain...but thats all part of the life cycle for vintage cars. As a car becomes no longer viable in and of itself...it donates its vitals to help sustain others...until there are none left....