I'm the proud owner of a 1979 242 GT that has recently become a victom of a hit and run. A semitruck abruptly merged into me, forcing me off the road, and then proceeded to drive off. During the accident, the truck's front wheel collided with the driver's side door and rear quarter panel - piercing it like a can opener. In my opinion, damage isn't that severe, and on a newer car the insurance would probably pay to have it fixed.

However, given the age and availability of parts, they are wanting to total the whole vehicle. I've taken great care of the car. It has original paint and decals, interior is almost perfect (i have a partial spare), performance cam, IPD lowering springs and swaybars, turbo exhaust, and borbet 17" alloys. Over the last few years I've owned the car, I've probably spent close to $5000 in restoration and it has been on the cover of the IPD catalogue once. Essentially this is my baby!

Progressive insurance is claiming its value at $1700, and as I said, declaring it totalled. They are pressuring me to give up the car for them to sell at salvage. There is no way I could get another car of similar quality for that amount of money! Do you think they being reasonable? They are claiming that because the incursion beam is bent within the door, it needs to be completely replaced and painted, which would cost too much. Damage on the rear qtr panel is minimal. So my question is, should I have the car totalled and use some of the money to repair the damage or take the money and try and part it out? Should I let them take the car? How much do you think it would sell for?