I have spent an interesting hour or so viewing a Douglas 1926 bike sitting in a shed. ....cut.... I'd just like to get an idea of market value before offering something attractive. Any opinions welcome. I hope I haven't broached some protocol amongst owners -- if so, sorry!
Thanks
Hi 'Bloofly' - welcome to the Forum - thanks for joining.
There's no protocol breached by your question but it is a difficult one to answer - I guess from the owner's point of view the bike's worth as much as he can get for it! - it certainly sounds like a proposition for restoration though! - but firstly where in the world are you located?- can you identify the model? - is it a 350, 500or 600 cc? - can you secure a photo? - if so you might post it on the site or send it attached to Private Message (PM) for posting if you wish - can you obtain an engine and /or frame number? - these would help in identifying the bike.
About the paintwork, if there's rust apparent through the surface, be warned, don't under estimate the cost of a quality paint job - it can cost 'megabucks'!
My guess, and understand it is just my guess, is that here in Oz, if it was a basket case 350 with reasonable tinware and complete frame and mechanicals it might bring from $1500 to $3000 - the other extreme is if its a 500 or 600cc in neat condition and in good running order it may be worth in the order of $10 - $12000 or even more for a well restored (near concors) example not requiring too much or any further work.
Someone else in Oz or elsewhere, may like to comment but I suggest if it's possible, first see how much detail you can fossick out and post your query again.
Regards and best of luck!
Alwyn
Moderator
PS I see Doug was quicker than I to respond - had my reply drafted before reading his and your further notes - but as we both have said in effect, there's bikes and bikes and it depends greatly on model and condition. A.