Value of a '73 2.0 vs. '75 1.8, and how important is true "originality"? Options

[Rick986]

I'm sure many of you saw the '73 2.0 car that sold on BaT yesterday for a whopping $54,750 (+5% buyer premium). Indeed a beautiful, rust-free California car and great color...but quite less than "original" based on comments, seller feedback, etc. As well, true mileage was unknown and thought to potentially be over 100,000. Finally, there was also no historical documentation.

I have a '75 1.8 in Nepal Orange. It's a documented 51,000 mile car - same owner from '77-'21. It came with purchase records from the 70's and service records from the last 20 years when the PO "resurrected" the car years after his spouse's early passing (it was her car). One might argue that the gap in records might call the miles into question, but I seriously doubt it. This looks & drives like it was strictly a sub-1,000 mile/year summer car.

As far as I can tell, it's original in almost every way and absolutely rust-free except for some VERY minor surface bits in the usual places. Longs, HH totally clean & solid. Unfortunately, the dealer who the PO consigned it to had the hood & headlights repainted due to road rash. He thought it would show better (which it does), but didn't consider that this might ding the originality of the car. He just wanted to sell it for the PO.

My question is, how much "less", if anything, is my car worth compared to the one that sold because it's a '75 1.8? Everybody seems to get all hot & sticky over chrome bumpers & 2.0 motors (and 6's, for obvious reasons), but would my car sell for less...when it seems to have so much more true originality (all things being equal in terms of buyer emotion, color preference, etc.). The fun factor is identical and from what I've heard, the 1.8 L-jets are more reliable. I can certainly attest to that with over 1,000 miles I put on the car in 6 weeks!

I'm not planning to sell anytime soon...and there may be quite a bit of subjectivity here, but just curious what you guys have to say. Any & all feedback/constructive criticism, etc. welcomed. Thanks in advance.

[KELTY360]

Back to the question of originality. It used to be that it’s meaning was clear: equipped with factory parts and finishes except for regular maintenance items (plugs, points , filters, tires, belts, fluids, etc.) Now the bar has been lowered to the point that some claim survivor status even with a full repaint. The upshot is that valuing originality is a function of presentation by seller and acceptance by the buyer.

My standard of originality may be different than yours but it only matters if I’m a potential buyer, or judging your car in an originality event. All that said, documentation is important and may be a tipping point in getting top value when selling. It’s also important to realize that the market inherently recognizes desirability. You may not agree but the market values chrome over big rubber or painted bumpers and 2.0 over 1.8 or 1.7L