jpriggs

I'm looking at purchasing a C2. I'm new to the Corvette world and don't know all the tricks to the trade.


I'm going this weekend to look at a '66 vert with original 327/300hp engine and 3sp trans.


Where/what should I look for when I view the car? Rust areas, birdcage areas, etc?


I know where to look for the "numbers". I own some classic cars, so I'm familiar with the numbers but I have no experience with the Corvettes.


This car's asking price is around $40k. The seller says it does show wear on the paint and the interior. He says it is very original and a decent driver. Does this price sound fair or should I shy away from it because the price is cheaper than anything else I have seen.


I'd like to find an original car that I can drive for a few years then restore. However, I don't want to get into a situation where I'm dumping tons of money into a lemon.


Any help is appreciated.


Riggs

dados66

Just in time for your search: check out Hagerty C2 Buyer's Guide:


Pricing a car depends on so many things you'd need to post more info and pictures. $40k for a base motor '66 with a 3-speed doesn't seem bad if it's in good condition, but the fact that it has a 3-speed hurts its value and may indicate it's a very low option car. Also if everything is worn and tired and you have to dump $10k into it to be presentable then $40k is probably way too much to spend.

sub006

When the Sting Rays were new, 90+% of buyers shied away from three-speeds, similar situation today. IMO plenty of torque would make a three-speed fine for everyday use, but a non-synchro low gear would mean a deal-killer or significant price reduction for me.

jpriggs

How much of a price deduct would you think? Thanks in advance

midyear

if this is it, its a rough car and overpriced.



http://www.buyavette.net/1966%20Corv...ck%206291V.php

MOXIE62

Purchased a 3 speed thinking no big deal, it's just less gears to shift. Found out it was a big deal. Being able to down shift with a four speed makes it the only car I will ever buy again.

leif.anderson93

Pretty interesting. 40 years of Corvette ownership and I never knew N37 (tilt/telescope steering column) was an available option on the C2...not!! But, to his point, it would have made ingress and egress much easier.

Mike Smith

Join NCRS and educate yourself first. Otherwise, it is very likely you will be fleeced.

vwtdi

Hire somebody who knows C2s to inspect it for you before you pull the trigger.

USMC 0802

I agree with these two gentlemen.

IMHO there's been some bubba work on this car and who knows what lurks underneath...

They didn't even replace the rear valence when the sidepipes were added...

Bluestripe67

The only steering wheel option, N-36 was for the telescopic column. 1965-1967. No N-37 until 1969. Dennis

Powershift

Beginning in 1966, the 3-speed had a synchro for first gear. But I understand that it was not as good/effective for 2-1 downshifts under power. FWIW.

Larry

corvetteed

I'd say about a 10% deduct, so, the price should be around mid $30's. Nice looking car though.

jbalch

Please see post #8 & #9 and if you choose not to heed their advice, your chances of a bad financial C2 decision are great.....

Detroit Steel

Thought the front page would appreciate this too...
https://www.corvetteforum.com/articl...o-should-help/

GTOguy

I think it's priced about right...depending on where it is. Where I am, in California, you can get a non-running basket case midyear roadster for about 30-35k. Running, driving cars start at about 10 grand more than that.

cor28vettes

Non-match engine & trans.

Any thoughts on price range?

LouieM

Here's the best Sting Ray buying tip I can think of:
http://www.vettefinderjim.com

Kruegmeister

My 64 is Numbers Matching.
L76 327-365 HP
4 Speed Close Ratio 3.70 (pretty sure, feels like my 68 which is same)
Interior was in pretty good shape & the Paint after a quick run with my Rupes DA, then Glaze & wax looks amazing.
Most of my Guages work too.

I just bought @42K
So I would think 40K for what you describe is too high.

Good Luck on your search!

sub006

I wouldn't dump a lot of $$$ into restoring a three-speed. Just put a four-speed in and enjoy driving it. Save the original trans and related parts the for the next owner in case he wants to put it back.

All bases covered.