Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Save me from being ripped off on this Raleigh Grand Prix

I recently finished fixing up my dad's old Raleigh Grand Prix.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?postid=12535702#post12535702

Rides great, only problem is he lives in Florida and I'm in Michigan. Needless to say, I've got the bug and want a Grand Prix of my own. Well, wouldn't you know, there's one for sale on CL nearby, same color (green) as my dad's. In the grainy pic it looks dusty but not rusty. Don't know the exact year or where it was built (my dad's was a Holland model). Guy "thinks" he has all the basic parts in a box somewhere. Now to the point: he wants $80 for it. Is this too much for an unrestored Grand Prix? I'm not looking to get into the bike flipping business but don't want to grossly overspend in a fit of "gotta have it" impulsiveness.

you need to go look at it. he may have a box of parts but are they from the bike? can you get any pics from the seller?

This thread may help a little. (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/730495-How-much-for-a-1972-Grand-Prix)

It does a bit. At least I know what the top end is. That said, the bike in that thread is fully (and seemingly expertly) restored. The one I'm looking at is completely unrestored. I guess I'm wondering whether the $20 to $50 finds I've read about in various threads are exceptional or the norm.

Don't hold your breath waiting for a $20 GP.
I'm not saying they are not out there but they are few.

I you really want one, it's better to look for a nicely preserved bike, and then tune it up and install some nice alloy wheels.

In the thread I posted, I gave $60 for the bike. It needs some work but has new tires/tubes on it, thats about $30 right there. It is ridable and complete with the brooks saddle.

I'd say $80.00 is probably too much for a disassembled bike that may or may not have all it's parts, if it's complete and in decent shape I'd offer $50.00 and stick to it unless it's one you really like that particular bike (size, color, etc).

I'd say $80 is too much for a Raleigh Grand Prix that's disassembled in a box.

For a Grand Prix in beautiful condition I might go as high as $175. For the average one on eBay I'd start at $50 and hop no one else is interested. The best condition Grand Prix I own, I bought for $47. I've spent a lot more for a lot less, but those are the breaks - we live and learn. One thing is certain, the fair price of a bike is mostly determined by how much the buyer wants it.

Trust me, in a few weeks another one will come along. This bike is almost ubiquitous. I've been collecting Raleigh bikes for a few months now, and the Grand Prix is always popping up on auction sites. Just leave a search out there on Craigslist and eBay and they'll pop up.