1999PewterCorvette

OK guys-- I need your honest opinion. Looking at a 1978 pace car. L-82, 4 speed manual, every option except CB. Car is flawless cosmetically, and all numbers match. Has 22,000 original miles. Can you give me a ballpark on what this might be worth.? You have a C5 guy here, so I need the C3 gurus help. Is this a good car to get? Anything specific I want to look for or watch out for?? Thanks guys
Rob

JJ Deuce

Ballpark is around 20-25K, imho.

mvftw

:iagree: ...That's the combo you want, L82 & 4spd

1999PewterCorvette

So, Is $20,000 a good buy on an L-82 with 4 speed? I think someone told me there were few like this made.

1999PewterCorvette

He also said he had a #2 appraisal. I dont mean to be an idiot , but what is that??? Is that a good thing? Thats greek to me.

JJ Deuce

there are very few L-82 4 speed pace cars, and I think were only 6800 pace cars made anyway.

Chris@VetteFinders

There were 6,502 made. I have not seen an exact number ever documented of L82 4 speeds. It is the one to own though. If it is in excellent shape, 20k is a good number.

You may find more info at http://www.paceCarRegistry.com :cheers:

1999PewterCorvette

So, if its an automatic, does it take away much from the price?? Or is there a big jump from an automatic to a 4-speed.? I think he said it was a 4-speed, but if not, is 20,000 then too high??
thanks guys for all your replies

Rob

Chris@VetteFinders

It doesn't really "take away" from the price, but a stick is more desireable. Yes an auto L48 is worth a little less (everything else being equal), but an Excellent condition L48 auto can also be worth 20k.

Rockn-Roll

Make sure it's an original stick...the tranny should have the last 6 of the VIN number on it. Does it have the tank paper? It's located on the top front driver side corner of the fuel tank...it's the original factory build sheet like the copy that was sent to the dealer with the new car. $20K would be good for a 22K mile 78 L82 4-speed. Be sure it's 22K and not 122K...look underneath. If it's clean then it's probably 22K, but if there's oil and dirt then it's probably 122K. I've got a 45K mile 75 and I could turn my car upside down and eat off of it. Also ask for repair/maintenance receipts.

As I said, if it is indeed a 78 pace car L82 with 4-speed and only 22K miles then it would be a find, and 20K would be a fair price. Plus, you will get to drive around in retro-style!

1999PewterCorvette

You guys are great-- Such a wealth of information here!! So, on this tank sticker you speak of , will I be able to crawl underneath and actually see if its there or feel for it??? Is it a bad thing if it isnt there?? Yeah, better be 22k and not 122k for 20, 000 dollars :lol:

Rob

Chris@VetteFinders

It would be stuck to the top of the tank. Not something you'll be able to reach.

I seriously doubt that the owner would have already retreived it. Check this out http://www.vettefinders.com/index.cf...101Story&id=10


I'd just check to see that the VIN matches the engine block. (Matching numbers)


[Modified by Chris@VetteFinders, 7:27 PM 4/25/2003]

hunt4cleanair

You've received some solid advice here...$20-$25k. Also 4 speed is more desirable than auto...I know! 22k miles isn't bad depending on condition...must be excellent to command $22k... confirm your numbers. 22k miles is still quite a bit for a $20k car...if the numbers work...the price is right.

But then you're stuck with a great nearly museum car that will only depreciate with extensive daily driver use...so factor that in as well.

Good luck and let us know of you decision. I've looked at a lot of these...if you need additional help...let us know.

Chris@VetteFinders

Here are some comparables:
http://www.vettefinders.com/index.cf...il&id=4598&g=3
http://www.vettefinders.com/index.cf...il&id=1560&g=3
http://www.vettefinders.com/index.cf...ail&id=899&g=3

Ryan77

$20k is a good price if the car is all original and has all the options you stated. I'd love to get a '78 pace car, L-82, 4 speed, they're my favorite C3 :yesnod:. Good luck :cheers:

1999PewterCorvette

THANKS !! You guys are great. I'll let you know what happens.

97Z

I paid ~8,000 for mine. It's got 82,000 miles now, but the drivetrain is all new.


Edit: My sig is'nt showing so I'll tell you whhat I've got. L-82/4speed, every option cept CB


[Modified by 97Z, 3:32 AM 4/26/2003]

HawkIVette

If it hasn't already been stated, make sure it is a real Pace car edition. There has been cases of fake Pace cars. The 8th digit in the VIN should be a 9, not a 4.

And yes, I think a L-82 4 speed is about as good as you can hope for.

1978 Pace car's = 6502 of 40,274 '78 Vettes (16.1%)
L-82 = 12,739 of 40,274 (31.6%)
4-speed = 3,385 of 40,274 (8.4%)

Extrpolate that down to 1 of 172 Vettes

79VetteMike

Get an "Old Car Price Guide"-it will explain the numbering system for the appraisal that you asked about.

hunt4cleanair

Chris:

Couldn't help but check out those comparables and must say they are in the range I would suspect...anyway of knowing if owners are getting those kind of numbers...especially in today's market?

Also, I browsed through some 78s and impressed with what owners are asking for their cars...it suggests values are up!

Finally, my first foray to the site...nice work.