Supergenius (love that handle!!),
off the cuff, pretty briefly, let's talk about the last say 7 years IMO ... Up until maybe 1 1/2 years ago, I would have said that a good driveable example of a P250 - a nice #3 car would simply not break $20K USD - maybe $17K USD would be typical. This is based on watching eBay auctions (I know, I know its difficult to distinguish real sales), Hemmings, other online sales venues, talking to sellers, talking to other owners on boards, and talking to a few dealers ... At that same time, I'd say P300s in the same condition were going for from $25 - $27K USD, some signifcantly lower, particularly on eBay, some higher to the mid $30K USD range - I don't follow the 300s as closely.
At maybe 1 1/2 years ago, I saw a bit of an an uptic in the market w/ several auction cars breaking into the low $20KUSD range. Over the last year, I've seen several P250s push into the $25K USD range (substantiated) and heard tell of dealer's selling a few (there are never many sales to draw upon) for close to $30K USD and I've seen some British eBay auctions go a bit higher (see earlier note about eBay). I haven't worked hard at substantiating these high end sales though - I'm not a buyer and don't plan to sell my P250 (now that I have it), so I'm not going to take someone's time fishing ...
So, based upon what I hear particularly from my European friends, my gut feel, the $25K USD range is very achievable for a patient seller - a buyer might do better. The Urracos are finally getting pulled up by the market/the exchange rate, but not as much as the Espadas or the Jaramas which, IMO have also been languishing until recently. My gut feel is the slow rise wil play out a bit longer ...
That being said quite a few of the Urracos I hear about that look good in selling pics (don't they all) and sound right according to the seller, end up requiring significant work - caveat emptor and get a true inspection w/ a leakdown check. I wonder about the value of an oil analysis since fluids are typically changed just prior to the sale ... You hear folks say, buy the best car you can afford and being in the middle of the resto route, I'd have to say as far as $ and cents goes ... they are SOOOOO right ...
I would think that in the current market, the right dealer could break $30K USD for a true #2 (or better) P250, perhaps the mid $30K USD range ... w/ a P300 higher if Jalpas are any indicator (of course I don't follow Jalpas religiously either, but my sense is there has been a big uptic in that market recently).
I think the prices we've been seeing from the dealer in Australia on eBay are just 'way out of bed' - 2 Urracos so far at $50K+ AUD ...
Where values will be say 5+ years from now when (hopefully) the US financial situation has had more time to play out ... I'm not sure ... I really like my car, but I don't think its an 'investment' Lambo ...
Good luck!!! I'm sure I've managed to 'tick a lot of folks off' and you'll hear contrary views on all sides ... ... Raymond, what do you think of the European market? I am far from an expert - I don't make a living selling cars, so take the above ramblings for what they're worth ...
Btw, what exactly are you looking for in a car? Driveability wise, hands on maintenance wise, acceleration, handling, condition, price?
Regards,
Bryan
'74 P250S S/N 15622
Indianapolis Indiana USA
blissinindy@yahoo.com