current C1 prices
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,500
Likes: 42
From: Staten island New York
current C1 prices
Every now and then I look at eBay to see what's listed
It seems the asking prices even on NOM cars has jumped , I know asking means nothing its what the cars sell for that counts ,then you have to total basket case cars still with high asking prices and even winning bids , I doubt good weather can set a market ! I did like one car though a driver 1955 corvette in NJ that was nice and a blue 54 looked like a good buy .
last year at Carlisle PA mershons had a nice 60 for sale possible nom 245 HP car at the show it was 60 K , today the same caliber car is now 79 K and higher . the photos are a car sold at pa last year, Big brake 62 that caught my eye not sure of seller but real selling price ! for 2016
It seems the asking prices even on NOM cars has jumped , I know asking means nothing its what the cars sell for that counts ,then you have to total basket case cars still with high asking prices and even winning bids , I doubt good weather can set a market ! I did like one car though a driver 1955 corvette in NJ that was nice and a blue 54 looked like a good buy .
last year at Carlisle PA mershons had a nice 60 for sale possible nom 245 HP car at the show it was 60 K , today the same caliber car is now 79 K and higher . the photos are a car sold at pa last year, Big brake 62 that caught my eye not sure of seller but real selling price ! for 2016
Team Owner
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Army
My numbers matching 270hp dual quad '61 with both tops sold last summer for $65K...there were no takers at any higher numbers and hardly any tire-kickers.
A turn-key, no excuses, hard running car. People can ask what they want but IMO; the prices on non-rare C1s are flat to falling.
A turn-key, no excuses, hard running car. People can ask what they want but IMO; the prices on non-rare C1s are flat to falling.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 15,554
Likes: 555
From: Eagle, Idaho
Tough to say. There are factors that have a big impact on value other than NOM, though. Pretty pictures on the internet don't tell the whole story. I've jumped on some supposed good deals and headed out to see them only to find out they have one piece front ends, rotten or poorly repaired frames, etc.
FWIW, we sold our 1957 fuelie for well in to the six figure range in April. Good cars are still getting good money.
FWIW, we sold our 1957 fuelie for well in to the six figure range in April. Good cars are still getting good money.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,500
Likes: 42
From: Staten island New York
My numbers matching 270hp dual quad '61 with both tops sold last summer for $65K...there were no takers at any higher numbers and hardly any tire-kickers.
A turn-key, no excuses, hard running car. People can ask what they want but IMO; the prices on non-rare C1s are flat to falling.
A turn-key, no excuses, hard running car. People can ask what they want but IMO; the prices on non-rare C1s are flat to falling.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 31,497
Likes: 1,313
From: Huntsville AL
The market for these cars is changing.
Strong, solid, and rare cars will always be in demand.
Top Flight FI cars, hi horse 2 x 4 cars, tankers, big blocks, etc.
The second tier of this market is the nicely restored base cars. That market is falling, not rapidly, but falling.
These cars are NOT fun or easy to drive, and take as much of a commitment as the high end cars. Many of these are being converted to resto-mods.
The third tier cars, the nice daily drivers are also falling, and for the same reason.
People who remember these cars new or at an early age are getting out of the collector market. The young crowd doesn't appreciate them for what they are.
Same thing happened to the Model T market, the Model A market, the 32-34 Ford market, the 55-57 classic chevy market, etc.
With age comes diminished appreciation for these cars.
The interesting part is that the project cars are still strong. My guess is that this is a cheap affordable way for someone to get into this arena. It will turn out to be more expensive in the long run, but we all have to learn that lesson.
Strong, solid, and rare cars will always be in demand.
Top Flight FI cars, hi horse 2 x 4 cars, tankers, big blocks, etc.
The second tier of this market is the nicely restored base cars. That market is falling, not rapidly, but falling.
These cars are NOT fun or easy to drive, and take as much of a commitment as the high end cars. Many of these are being converted to resto-mods.
The third tier cars, the nice daily drivers are also falling, and for the same reason.
People who remember these cars new or at an early age are getting out of the collector market. The young crowd doesn't appreciate them for what they are.
Same thing happened to the Model T market, the Model A market, the 32-34 Ford market, the 55-57 classic chevy market, etc.
With age comes diminished appreciation for these cars.
The interesting part is that the project cars are still strong. My guess is that this is a cheap affordable way for someone to get into this arena. It will turn out to be more expensive in the long run, but we all have to learn that lesson.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 58,061
Likes: 7,146
Army
The market for these cars is changing.
Strong, solid, and rare cars will always be in demand.
Top Flight FI cars, hi horse 2 x 4 cars, tankers, big blocks, etc.
The second tier of this market is the nicely restored base cars. That market is falling, not rapidly, but falling.
These cars are NOT fun or easy to drive, and take as much of a commitment as the high end cars. Many of these are being converted to resto-mods.
The third tier cars, the nice daily drivers are also falling, and for the same reason.
People who remember these cars new or at an early age are getting out of the collector market. The young crowd doesn't appreciate them for what they are.
Same thing happened to the Model T market, the Model A market, the 32-34 Ford market, the 55-57 classic chevy market, etc.
With age comes diminished appreciation for these cars.
The interesting part is that the project cars are still strong. My guess is that this is a cheap affordable way for someone to get into this arena. It will turn out to be more expensive in the long run, but we all have to learn that lesson.
Strong, solid, and rare cars will always be in demand.
Top Flight FI cars, hi horse 2 x 4 cars, tankers, big blocks, etc.
The second tier of this market is the nicely restored base cars. That market is falling, not rapidly, but falling.
These cars are NOT fun or easy to drive, and take as much of a commitment as the high end cars. Many of these are being converted to resto-mods.
The third tier cars, the nice daily drivers are also falling, and for the same reason.
People who remember these cars new or at an early age are getting out of the collector market. The young crowd doesn't appreciate them for what they are.
Same thing happened to the Model T market, the Model A market, the 32-34 Ford market, the 55-57 classic chevy market, etc.
With age comes diminished appreciation for these cars.
The interesting part is that the project cars are still strong. My guess is that this is a cheap affordable way for someone to get into this arena. It will turn out to be more expensive in the long run, but we all have to learn that lesson.
These cars are beautiful but they don't have the flowing, sex-on-wheels, styling of the midyears. Nor the modern amenities; alternators, A/C, power brakes, cockpit room, better wiring, what-have-you..
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; Jun 5, 2017 at 06:56 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 3,090
Likes: 1,131
From: NEW YORK
The market for these cars is changing.
Strong, solid, and rare cars will always be in demand.
Top Flight FI cars, hi horse 2 x 4 cars, tankers, big blocks, etc.
The second tier of this market is the nicely restored base cars. That market is falling, not rapidly, but falling.
These cars are NOT fun or easy to drive, and take as much of a commitment as the high end cars. Many of these are being converted to resto-mods.
The third tier cars, the nice daily drivers are also falling, and for the same reason.
People who remember these cars new or at an early age are getting out of the collector market. The young crowd doesn't appreciate them for what they are.
Same thing happened to the Model T market, the Model A market, the 32-34 Ford market, the 55-57 classic chevy market, etc.
With age comes diminished appreciation for these cars.
The interesting part is that the project cars are still strong. My guess is that this is a cheap affordable way for someone to get into this arena. It will turn out to be more expensive in the long run, but we all have to learn that lesson.
Strong, solid, and rare cars will always be in demand.
Top Flight FI cars, hi horse 2 x 4 cars, tankers, big blocks, etc.
The second tier of this market is the nicely restored base cars. That market is falling, not rapidly, but falling.
These cars are NOT fun or easy to drive, and take as much of a commitment as the high end cars. Many of these are being converted to resto-mods.
The third tier cars, the nice daily drivers are also falling, and for the same reason.
People who remember these cars new or at an early age are getting out of the collector market. The young crowd doesn't appreciate them for what they are.
Same thing happened to the Model T market, the Model A market, the 32-34 Ford market, the 55-57 classic chevy market, etc.
With age comes diminished appreciation for these cars.
The interesting part is that the project cars are still strong. My guess is that this is a cheap affordable way for someone to get into this arena. It will turn out to be more expensive in the long run, but we all have to learn that lesson.
Others just dont want to buy someone elses restored car. They prefer the full experience and for thaty buyer cost is not the most important factor.
By the way Ihave afew friends in Germany and the UK who tell me the C1 market is boiling hot.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
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Army
My car was in an Orlando consignment shop with international exposure and like 30%+ overseas sales and I had a damn nice '61. Didn't make a whit of difference... Lot's of people like looking at C1s; buyers -- different question entirely.
Many of those project cars are headed for restomod status... So, of course that market is hot. You get an eclectic mix of vintage body style and modern convenience.
Many of those project cars are headed for restomod status... So, of course that market is hot. You get an eclectic mix of vintage body style and modern convenience.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,390
Likes: 315
From: Belmont Michigan
I agree that at best the prices on C1's in general have at least been flat over the last couple of years, or even falling somewhat. I'm surprised right now at the number of '61-'62 drivers out there in the $40's. While I wanted a '57 (project) specifically, 26 months ago those cars were not out there for that kind of money, or I might have been tempted to ****** one up and save myself over 2 years worth of labor. The other thing that surprises me though. is how much prices have seemed to have increased on everything else. Corvettes used to lead the way on price leaps (and some still do, like the SWC) I see a lot of other old cars increasing dramatically by comparison. I was casually looking for either a '56 Chevy or a '72 Mustang for my wife the last few years. I would guess that I've had to almost double my budget now from say, 2011.
Just the other day, I saw a '71 GMC Jimmy on a Hemmings ad for $59,000. That's more than I have into my '57, which is nearly complete. I think the price gap between the old Corvettes and everything else, is narrowing.
Rich
Just the other day, I saw a '71 GMC Jimmy on a Hemmings ad for $59,000. That's more than I have into my '57, which is nearly complete. I think the price gap between the old Corvettes and everything else, is narrowing.
Rich
Team Owner
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Army
Its a strange market... MoPars had a rise and leveling off recently. 2-3 years back "Bandit" style Firebirds were bringing stupid money, 1st gen Mustangs are no longer a bargain; even the notchbacks are pricey. If you see one cheap its a rust-bucket or 6-cylinder...
I'm seeing roached out split windows priced in the 6 digits now that I wouldn't have given you $50K for four years ago (and prob wouldn't have bought at all)... Mine isn't for sale but the prices are starting to look like a bubble...
I'm seeing roached out split windows priced in the 6 digits now that I wouldn't have given you $50K for four years ago (and prob wouldn't have bought at all)... Mine isn't for sale but the prices are starting to look like a bubble...
Team Owner
Joined: May 2005
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From: Huntsville AL
I think the split prices are a fad, and the bubble will eventually burst. Then they will fall back to a reasonable level. They will always have a premium attached to them, but 50% over a similar 64 is not reasonable.
And 63 splits are not indicative of the classic Corvette market in general.
The general C1 market is getting softer. It looks to me like the general C2 market is also getting softer, but not to the degree that the C1 market is.
Let's face it, you have to have a serious love affair with, or be somewhat of a masochist, or both to want a C1 as a regular driver. They are a handful, even for cruising.
C2s are much better at this.
I think that is a big reason for the push for C1 resto-mods.
Now, here is a question.... Will the resto-mod effort scoop up the available nice driver cars, thereby pushing the non-resto-mod cars up in price?
And 63 splits are not indicative of the classic Corvette market in general.
The general C1 market is getting softer. It looks to me like the general C2 market is also getting softer, but not to the degree that the C1 market is.
Let's face it, you have to have a serious love affair with, or be somewhat of a masochist, or both to want a C1 as a regular driver. They are a handful, even for cruising.
C2s are much better at this.
I think that is a big reason for the push for C1 resto-mods.
Now, here is a question.... Will the resto-mod effort scoop up the available nice driver cars, thereby pushing the non-resto-mod cars up in price?
Team Owner
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From: Huntsville AL
Nothing against midyears, which are good looking cars. But the styling of a 56-57 Corvette is timeless.
Beauty is in the eye.....
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St. Jude Donor '07
Bill
Last edited by wmf62; Jun 5, 2017 at 09:34 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 3,090
Likes: 1,131
From: NEW YORK
Its a strange market... MoPars had a rise and leveling off recently. 2-3 years back "Bandit" style Firebirds were bringing stupid money, 1st gen Mustangs are no longer a bargain; even the notchbacks are pricey. If you see one cheap its a rust-bucket or 6-cylinder...
I'm seeing roached out split windows priced in the 6 digits now that I wouldn't have given you $50K for four years ago (and prob wouldn't have bought at all)... Mine isn't for sale but the prices are starting to look like a bubble...
I'm seeing roached out split windows priced in the 6 digits now that I wouldn't have given you $50K for four years ago (and prob wouldn't have bought at all)... Mine isn't for sale but the prices are starting to look like a bubble...
http://bringatrailer.com/listing/196...t-corvette-10/
Race Director
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From: Inverness FL
St. Jude Donor '07
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From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
I will say I've had a lot of cars and the sheer reaction to the midyears has far exceeded that of the C1s I've driven. This surprised me to a point because regardless of market ups and downs, the C1s have always seemed more rare, so I've expected the opposite.
I agree with opinions that the market has softened for midrange solid axle cars.
To the OP, remember this: while trying to get a feel for the market, eBay is tricky. You can review "Completed Auctions" for a better valuation number than silly asking prices. Also, many cars sell off of eBay outside the auction, and those numbers are never captured. I bought my '58 off an eBay ad, after I travelled to where the car was, inspected it, made a deal and the seller closed the listing. You never hear of these deals, and there's lots of them.
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Army
I like them too. Not everybody does. I was looking for a C2 when I bought my 61.
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The 'moving curve' makes sense. Someone who was 17 in 1953 (born in 1936) is now 81 years old. On the other end, someone 17 in 1962 (born in 1945) would be 72.
I choose '17' because I think that's when many form their idea of a "dream car" they would like to own someday. So we are near the end of C1 first generation 'dream car' buyers as 72+ is getting pretty old to buy your dream car (although I'm sure there are a few buyers in that category!)
But I still think Corvettes will always fetch a premium value over other cars of the same age... Certainly as long as Corvettes are still in production, and Chevy keeps up the brand name (Corvette racing, etc).
I already see C3 prices starting to rise.. Their 'dream car buyer' curve is entering the sweet spot. I expect C2's may be at/near their peek.
Just Chevrolets.... Ha!
I choose '17' because I think that's when many form their idea of a "dream car" they would like to own someday. So we are near the end of C1 first generation 'dream car' buyers as 72+ is getting pretty old to buy your dream car (although I'm sure there are a few buyers in that category!)
But I still think Corvettes will always fetch a premium value over other cars of the same age... Certainly as long as Corvettes are still in production, and Chevy keeps up the brand name (Corvette racing, etc).
I already see C3 prices starting to rise.. Their 'dream car buyer' curve is entering the sweet spot. I expect C2's may be at/near their peek.
Just Chevrolets.... Ha!
Last edited by SDVette; Jun 5, 2017 at 12:00 PM.
Team Owner
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Army
Not always. This one seems to be a home run at the hammer price.
http://bringatrailer.com/listing/196...t-corvette-10/
http://bringatrailer.com/listing/196...t-corvette-10/