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Here we go - I have known about this car for over a year. It's a 1956 3 owner, but in the same family since 1958. Car was driven and is not a time capsule or survivor. It was driven as a daily driver in snow, rain, salt etc. for many years (and I'm sure most were). Had a snap cover at one time, but has been repaired except the door posts still have holes in them. Car was repainted in about 1990. At some point after the paint (years later) the body was removed to replace the rusty rear cross member. You could just about eat off the under side because it was all redone at the same time. Has a restoration 265 motor with correct stamping. Supposedly radio delete, but it has an antenna? Wheels are correct as most of the car is. I notice the door gap at the bottom, but I have been told this is common in 56? Does have a matching hard top and a new uninstalled soft top. Car is correct color of what it was original. The biggest issue is the paint. It might clean up (except for the deck lid). The same place that did my 60 also painted this 56 around the same time. The interior paint is kind of peeling around steering collumn and speaker. I have offered $35k for a solid year, but that just isn't gonna get accepted I'm starting to think. I could probably get it for $45k today, but that is alot of money. Please point me in the right direction fellas.
Also the door posts will need done because of the holes, but the w/s tabs are still very nice and the w/s is nice.
I can't imagine that car going for anywhere near 35k in my neck of the woods. 65k would be about the starting point. A very desirable and not often seen car around here.
you offered them $35k for a year, maybe you should just ask them what they will sell it for and you maybe able to reach an agreement vs just throwing out numbers
In my opinion, $35K was a low-ball offer and you're lucky the owner is talking to you. You don't say where it's located and your profile isn't completed. But I can tell you, you couldn't touch that car on the west coast for $35K.
If it's as nice as you say and as nice as it looks in the pics, $45K may be low. If you really like the car and can get it for $45K, jump on it or walk away.
If you can get it for 45k, go for it. I'd say they have gone to great detail to make it look as correct as possible. A three owner car is a big plus. I'll bet they know a lot of history about the car too. Without seeing it in person, I would say retail in the 55k range. The 56's just won't demand the price of a 57 even though its the same body style.
You say you've offered money for a year. Are they even interested in selling? What price did they have in mind?
It started at 70k and has come down from there. This is a car that has alot of emotional value to the owner because it was dads car, but they do want to sell it. I believe they were offered 42k by a dealer, but I think something happened with financing and the dealer couldn't pull the trigger? I know, what dealer can't get the money to buy because it's their business. I have stayed at 35k because of my situation, but at some point I realize I will need to walk that number up.
If you really want the car, then you'll have to work the caretaker angle. Assure them you are not a flipper ( you're not right?) and you'll take great care of the vehicle. That they can come by ( give you a heads up first) and visit with it. And if you do decide to sell because of financial issues that you will give them right of first buy at your price, letting the, know that they do appreciate. You're dealing with an emotional party.
If you really want the car, then you'll have to work the caretaker angle. Assure them you are not a flipper ( you're not right?) and you'll take great care of the vehicle. That they can come by ( give you a heads up first) and visit with it. And if you do decide to sell because of financial issues that you will give them right of first buy at your price, letting the, know that they do appreciate. You're dealing with an emotional party.
Giving them first dibs if you do decide to sell it would be a great thing for someone who has heartstrings to it.
That car for <$50K appears to be a good deal. Beautiful car - the defects appear relatively minor from here. If the worst thing is those tiny holes, that car is golden.
With that lengthy history, there must be lots of documentation to back it up.
I would be sensitive to the sellers, and offer them a continuing relationship with the car.
As I said, that car would be a minimum of 65k on the west coast. It would be an absolute steal at 50k or less. 35k out here won't even buy a running/driving '56.....it would buy a basket case roach needing a full on restoration. I haven't seen '56's out here for 35k in about 20 years....
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Originally Posted by jasonsamara
It started at 70k and has come down from there. This is a car that has alot of emotional value to the owner because it was dads car, but they do want to sell it. I believe they were offered 42k by a dealer, but I think something happened with financing and the dealer couldn't pull the trigger? I know, what dealer can't get the money to buy because it's their business. I have stayed at 35k because of my situation, but at some point I realize I will need to walk that number up.
If they were going to sell it to the dealer for $42,000 I would start there with an offer ASAP. A drivable 56, even with a NOM, is cheap in the 40's in the kind of condition this car appears to be in.
1956 Corvette Survivor Car Fresh out of an estate. Virtually untouched since the 60's. Early production car. Both tops, power windows, 3 speed. Not all numbers match although many do. Very interesting car with lots of patina. This is a no hit car that has never been apart. Docs back to the early 70's. California Black Plate car. This not a fire sale so I don't need a bunch of low ball offers. No need to hear from numbers Natzis, they don't all match!! This car is for the person that gets the beauty of the survivor. Don't need pen pals, if you are interested just CALL!! May consider interesting GM trades up or down. Thanks in advance.
This is my father's car, he has owned it since 1971
Polo white/silver cove with Venetian red interior
Currently has 85125 miles (it had 83xxx in 1971)
It has every available option except automatic trans (has 3 speed)
265 with 2 4 brl (I think 220 horse)
power top and hard top which still has the original plexiglass
power windows
windshield washers with original bag
wonder bar radio
emergency brake warning light
full wheel covers
Originally a California car, second owner was in Chicago and only owned the car less than a month when my father bought it in Sept 71 and drove it to southern Illinois
It has never been apart (engine/trans etc) and never been in an accident
1957 Red & White Corvette
T-10 4 speed N.O.M.
Both soft and hardtop
Stock wheels and hubcaps
Wonderbar radio. Very nice interior.
No calls after 6:00 P.M.
$41,500 OBO
702-498-8118
I agree that the paint is the biggest issue... and that would be an additional $10K to get the whole car done (! or ?)
Still, it looks like you would have another solid member to your collection once you sorted out the little things. Offer $40K cash (if you can) and go up from there if you have to)
07-08-2015, 05:36 PM
Everyones favorite - whats it worth?
Giving them first dibs if you do decide to sell it would be a great thing for someone who has heartstrings to it.
