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Old Apr 14, 2017 | 06:50 PM
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I stopped by the Lightning Auctions yard today in Sparks and saw former Corvette Forum member Bill Hetzel’s ’67 up for auction. Bill, who passed away in January, had been restoring the ’67 coupe he owned for over 40 years. I only knew Bill through the Forum, never meeting in person, just exchanging email and PM’s over the years, but I know he was very meticulous, especially with his restoration.

It was very sad to see his work up for sale and the condition it was displayed in. The body had been strapped to the frame, parts thrown in boxes and things in general disarray. Apparently, some of the parts are not accounted for. There was definitely interest in the car, but it was a sad sight to see.

I don't know the background behind the sale, but maybe the car will find a good home.









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Old Apr 14, 2017 | 07:01 PM
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WOW !!!! That's sad. I hope the next owner has the same passion for this car that Bill did.

Rex
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Old Apr 14, 2017 | 07:38 PM
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https://lightningauctions.hibid.com/.../?ref=lot-list
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Old Apr 14, 2017 | 07:41 PM
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Nothing like buyin a jig saw puzzle. And I hope for the family they knew what it is and didn't believe get taken by the auction company. And all the little parts go with the sale. And the new buyer knows what they are getting into
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Old Apr 14, 2017 | 07:43 PM
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Hopefully Bill tore it apart recently and didn't have it in pieces for years.
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Old Apr 14, 2017 | 07:51 PM
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Bill's unfortunate situation should make all of us enjoy what we have and inspire us all to get our restorations done.
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Old Apr 14, 2017 | 08:15 PM
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Wow

My buddy in Ohio bought a 1967 Fastback that had less than 10k on the odometer. the previous owner ripped it all apart to repaint it and died.. Buddy bought it for 800 bucks in the late 80's Put a engine in it and rebuilt it so it could live again..

I thought he was crazy to do that....and paided waaay to much for a project car..
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Old Apr 14, 2017 | 11:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Tmichaelson
Bill's unfortunate situation should make all of us enjoy what we have and inspire us all to get our restorations done.
Well said and a very sobering reminder of how precious life is.
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Old Apr 15, 2017 | 06:35 AM
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high bid is $18.3...I might try buy this...the logistics might work...

Hard to tell what all is missing...I see bumpers, block and trans...not sure if the block is the orig block, etc, etc...

Any opinions on what might be missing?

Last edited by Crunch527; Apr 15, 2017 at 07:24 AM.
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Old Apr 15, 2017 | 07:25 AM
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wow sad.... that's why I have good friends to keep track of things..and too make sure my girls don't get ripped off..
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Old Apr 15, 2017 | 07:31 AM
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He was on track to have a nice detailed restored 67. So close but yet so fair and unable to enjoy it.
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Old Apr 15, 2017 | 07:33 AM
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https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...from-reno.html
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Old Apr 15, 2017 | 11:42 AM
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Originally Posted by Crunch527
high bid is $18.3...I might try buy this...the logistics might work...

Hard to tell what all is missing...I see bumpers, block and trans...not sure if the block is the orig block, etc, etc...

Any opinions on what might be missing?
Answered your PM. The engine was upside down so couldn't confirm the VIN, but from some of Bill's posts, I believe it was the original 300HP (HE). It's disassembled, the heads wrapped in plastic, pistons and other internals thrown in box. When I looked at the car, I talked to an employee of the auction, he said he couldn't find the crankshaft. We also looked for the steering column but couldn't find it. Some bins were wrapped and not accessible however.

My biggest concern was if it would have a clear or salvage title (auction house is a licensed Nevada dealer). He did not know the answer.
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Old Apr 16, 2017 | 08:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Mike67nv
Answered your PM. The engine was upside down so couldn't confirm the VIN, but from some of Bill's posts, I believe it was the original 300HP (HE). It's disassembled, the heads wrapped in plastic, pistons and other internals thrown in box. When I looked at the car, I talked to an employee of the auction, he said he couldn't find the crankshaft. We also looked for the steering column but couldn't find it. Some bins were wrapped and not accessible however.

My biggest concern was if it would have a clear or salvage title (auction house is a licensed Nevada dealer). He did not know the answer.
Title should be fine...its not wrecked/totaled...

It went for $27,600...
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Old Apr 17, 2017 | 09:25 PM
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Originally Posted by Crunch527

It went for $27,600...
That sale price surprised me. With the 15% buyer premium (12% cash or cashier check), 8.265% Nevada sales tax if not a licensed dealer and title fees, the buyer payed close to $34K.
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Old Apr 18, 2017 | 05:44 AM
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Originally Posted by Mike67nv
That sale price surprised me. With the 15% buyer premium (12% cash or cashier check), 8.265% Nevada sales tax if not a licensed dealer and title fees, the buyer payed close to $34K.
Correct...I routinely see projects like this go for much more money than I am willing to pay...not sure the allure, but guys pay it...
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Old Apr 18, 2017 | 12:56 PM
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Originally Posted by Mike67nv
That sale price surprised me. With the 15% buyer premium (12% cash or cashier check), 8.265% Nevada sales tax if not a licensed dealer and title fees, the buyer payed close to $34K.
From what I've noticed, people tend to pay stupid money at auctions for classic cars, especially old Corvettes.
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Old Apr 18, 2017 | 02:12 PM
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Originally Posted by AkrHack
From what I've noticed, people tend to pay stupid money at auctions for classic cars, especially old Corvettes.
correct...
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