appraised value, replacement value, and actual sales value are 3 entirely different numbers, and have no relationship to each other. Appraised value, is what an appraiser sets on the vehicle for insurance purposes. Replacement value, is what the insurance company says that you can purchase a similar vehicle for, in like condition. Actual sales value, is what the car will bring in an auction setting. It may be higher, or lower than either of the other 2 values. I have seen 2 people get into a bidding war, where their ego's and wallets were huge, and neither was going to back down until they won. In these type of bidding wars, only the seller and auction house are the winners. Other times, I have seen cars sell for thousands less than was perceived as the pre auction estimate, because the car didn't appeal to any of the bidders. Private sales of restored cars is extremely difficult, since the seller is trying to recoup as much of his investment that he can, and the buyer is attempting to hold onto as much of his cash as he can. Only with careful negotiations can a deal be struck. If neither is willing to budge very much, one party will walk away, and start looking for their dream car elsewhere. In the case of Commercial Chassis cars, there isn't that large of a pool of buyers or sellers, so it makes it even more challenging for all, unless it is a particularly unique vehicle with a high desirability factor, such as a 1959 Cadillac anything.