1980 Other Makes Marathon

Sedan

3.8L 229Cu. In. V6 GAS OHV Naturally Aspirated

TH400

A12488300647

Clear

Gasoline

Normal 0 0 1 437 2493 20 4 3061 11.1539 0 0 0 Up for bids is my 1980 Checker Marathon. I’ve owned it for just over three years (clear Maryland title in my name), and have had extensive mechanical and cosmetic work done to it during this time. I’ve personally driven it just over 20,000 miles, and have not hesitated to do whatever work is needed to make it a safe and reliable car. It will cruise all day at 65-70mph. It is also quite eye-catching, and the car never fails to get a compliment or a thumbs-up from onlookers whenever I drive it. I have driven it to Canada twice (a 1200-mile roundtrip each time), and recently participated in the Checker Car Club of America’s national convention in New York City (I have been a club member in good standing since I purchased the car, and the car is well-known within the club). This is a car that is meant to be driven. Mechanically, it is religiously serviced every 3,000 miles by my local mechanics. Major work on the car includes a new radiator (Oct. 2014), new Jeg’s starter a few months ago, new idler arm (2011), new water pump (Oct. 2014), brand-new heater core (2014), new (NOS) gas tank (2013), newly-functioning fiber optics in the dash, new hoses and too many other things to mention. I recently had the engine power-washed, degreased, and had a few items painted. It just had an oil and filter change, as well as a lube. There is only one thing (to my knowledge) that does not work / is not connected – the front defrost vent is not hooked up, though the heater itself works great (just had a NEW heater core installed). Cosmetically, it has had much work done. New upholstery, headliner, bodywork, paint, rubber trim, and a few custom touches have been done over the last three years (hand-painted pinstripes, custom lettering on the 1950's-1960's Chevy steering wheel, glove box and air cleaner cover, custom jump seat covers, custom floor mats, custom bumper valances are but a few). It also has a great Alpine stereo unit with an iPod connection and three Pioneer rear speakers (plus two box speakers under the front seat), and a recently installed Kicker Hideaway powered subwoofer. It sounds great.The interior door panels are in decent original shape, but they are among the few interior features that I chose not to replace at the time I had the interior work done (I have included a photo of one of the door panels to give you an idea of their present overall condition). The body and metal trim is not perfect – it does have some issues here and there, and I’ve shown a few of them in the photos. If you know anything about Checkers, then you’ll know that they are susceptible to rust along the top of the fenders. Both rear fenders have rust bubbles there, but I do have BOTH NOS left rear fenders that you can have painted and replace the ones that are on there now (if you paint both sides of the fenders, it should eliminate the likelihood of it happening again. BTW one of the photos only shows the left NOS fender, but I have recently purchased the right NOS fender as well). There are a few other minor areas of bubbling on the body, however this is still a great-looking car and it can definitely be enjoyed as it is without the immediate need to do any of this work (personally, I would just drive the car as-is and maybe paint the NOS fenders when you felt the need). The underside of the car is solid. I must stress again that this car is a very attractive 'driver', yet certainly not a candidate for Pebble Beach. I also have some additional parts and literature that go with the car -- another grille, two more sets of hubcaps, a new master cylinder, the original 1980 GM steering wheel, a shop manual, receipts for much of the work, and a few other bits. Overall, this is a solid, good-running and good-looking car that’s ready to enjoy now. I encourage you to contact me with any questions or requests for additional photos, and you’re also welcome to come see the car in person (I am located just south of Baltimore, Maryland). A non-refundable $500 deposit is due within 48 hours of the auction’s close, and payment in full within 7 days. Payment can be made in person with cash, or you may FedEx me a check. If you pay by check, please be aware that I will need to wait for the funds to clear before I release the car or send you the title. Pickup/shipping is your responsibility. I can help out at this end to make life easier for you, but you need to take care of all the arrangements and cost. Please note that the car is sold as-is, where is, and there are no expressed nor implied warranties. All sales are final. You should ask all questions prior to bidding, and if you’re able to come see the car in person, I encourage you (or your agent) to do so. I will also accept a bank transfer as payment for the entire amount (must clear by my bank before I release the car or send you the title, plus there is a $16 bank transfer fee that you will need to add to the final sale price). I've had several requests for more photos, so here they are! When you own this car, these are the kinds of things that are left on your windshield....