Thinking about selling
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 15,554
Likes: 555
From: Eagle, Idaho
I had an appraisal done on my '54 for insurance purposes. Like my guy, you'll be a lot more knowledgeable about your car and it's value than 96% of the appraisers out there just because you hang out here.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 31,183
Likes: 461
From: Wilmington N C
St. Jude Donor '14 thru '26
I remember all of your posts from back in November, 2017, and the process you went through to determine the appropriate value of the car, and the history from the two previous owners, and the absolute awe you held for the condition of the car, as you should, and we on the Forum gradually also came to appreciate, and understand. 
Now, after only half a year of ownership, you're having second thoughts, not so much about the amount paid, but more about the prospect of diminishing its value due to mileage accumulation, and dreaded road rash, or worse. I get it. Its become such a priceless work of art, its like a museum piece, and should be preserved as such, isolated in a heated, clean, quiet, and protected environment, maybe like Jay Leno has.
I, too, would have a hard time enjoying driving that car. If I couldn't just keep it safely tucked away, like the previous owner did, I'd be temped too to sell it, even if after only 6 months. However, I'd be overwrought about even selling it, and would find a way to preserve it, just like that previous owner did.
I'd just keep it, and enjoy it for what it is.
Now, after only half a year of ownership, you're having second thoughts, not so much about the amount paid, but more about the prospect of diminishing its value due to mileage accumulation, and dreaded road rash, or worse. I get it. Its become such a priceless work of art, its like a museum piece, and should be preserved as such, isolated in a heated, clean, quiet, and protected environment, maybe like Jay Leno has.
I, too, would have a hard time enjoying driving that car. If I couldn't just keep it safely tucked away, like the previous owner did, I'd be temped too to sell it, even if after only 6 months. However, I'd be overwrought about even selling it, and would find a way to preserve it, just like that previous owner did.
I'd just keep it, and enjoy it for what it is.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,528
Likes: 444
You can get a fun car, when it gets to all that money on the line driving around today
with all the texting idiots .
it takes work to keep these cars at the at the top of there game , and in great condition.
you have to start them drive them every two weeks .
I sold my split window for that same reason , when it gets to be work let the car work for you. Not sit and deteriorate .
with all the texting idiots .
it takes work to keep these cars at the at the top of there game , and in great condition.
you have to start them drive them every two weeks .
I sold my split window for that same reason , when it gets to be work let the car work for you. Not sit and deteriorate .
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,882
Likes: 1,283
From: Horsham Pa
C2 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
I don’t know your car but if the first picture is your car it has the wrong wipers and they are on wrong. If something that simple is wrong what else did they mess up. Just drive it and enjoy it.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 150
Likes: 13
From: Arcadia California
I remember all of your posts from back in November, 2017, and the process you went through to determine the appropriate value of the car, and the history from the two previous owners, and the absolute awe you held for the condition of the car, as you should, and we on the Forum gradually also came to appreciate, and understand.
Now, after only half a year of ownership, you're having second thoughts, not so much about the amount paid, but more about the prospect of diminishing its value due to mileage accumulation, and dreaded road rash, or worse. I get it. Its become such a priceless work of art, its like a museum piece, and should be preserved as such, isolated in a heated, clean, quiet, and protected environment, maybe like Jay Leno has. :thumbs
I, too, would have a hard time enjoying driving that car. If I couldn't just keep it safely tucked away, like the previous owner did, I'd be temped too to sell it, even if after only 6 months. However, I'd be overwrought about even selling it, and would find a way to preserve it, just like that previous owner did.
I'd just keep it, and enjoy it for what it is.
Now, after only half a year of ownership, you're having second thoughts, not so much about the amount paid, but more about the prospect of diminishing its value due to mileage accumulation, and dreaded road rash, or worse. I get it. Its become such a priceless work of art, its like a museum piece, and should be preserved as such, isolated in a heated, clean, quiet, and protected environment, maybe like Jay Leno has. :thumbs
I, too, would have a hard time enjoying driving that car. If I couldn't just keep it safely tucked away, like the previous owner did, I'd be temped too to sell it, even if after only 6 months. However, I'd be overwrought about even selling it, and would find a way to preserve it, just like that previous owner did.
I'd just keep it, and enjoy it for what it is.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 31,848
Likes: 2,410
From: Middle TN by way of KY, OH, VA, IL, CA, FL, NY, SC, HI
Whether the OP has owned it 30 days or 30 years is not the question for the OP (maybe for you but you didn't ask the question).
If I owned a Ferrari 250 GT I would not drive it on the highways (some of these are selling for over $50M now). Maybe risking destroying a six-figure car is disconcerting to the OP.
Even if insurance covers it, perhaps some owners are not enjoying the drives due to concerns for damaging it - that's their instincts, and by definition their instincts are as correct to them as yours are to you.
As far as the state of modern driving goes: Inattentive drivers, drunks and druggy drivers, uninsured drivers, drivers with nanny and self-driving cars that don't care; I totally understand not wanting to risk driving a car with no safety systems other than a lap belt. It's only marginally safer than a motorcycle.
OT: I wonder why some vendor has not come up with a reasonably priced fuel cell that matches the appearance of a C2 gas tank? If you've been rear-ended by an idiot driver and seen what happens to today's armored safety cars, imagine what it would be like in your C2 with dozens of gallons of gas thrown onto you and perhaps your passenger when someone plows into (and over) the back of your Corvette?
If I owned a Ferrari 250 GT I would not drive it on the highways (some of these are selling for over $50M now). Maybe risking destroying a six-figure car is disconcerting to the OP.
Even if insurance covers it, perhaps some owners are not enjoying the drives due to concerns for damaging it - that's their instincts, and by definition their instincts are as correct to them as yours are to you.
As far as the state of modern driving goes: Inattentive drivers, drunks and druggy drivers, uninsured drivers, drivers with nanny and self-driving cars that don't care; I totally understand not wanting to risk driving a car with no safety systems other than a lap belt. It's only marginally safer than a motorcycle.
OT: I wonder why some vendor has not come up with a reasonably priced fuel cell that matches the appearance of a C2 gas tank? If you've been rear-ended by an idiot driver and seen what happens to today's armored safety cars, imagine what it would be like in your C2 with dozens of gallons of gas thrown onto you and perhaps your passenger when someone plows into (and over) the back of your Corvette?
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 150
Likes: 13
From: Arcadia California
Whether the OP has owned it 30 days or 30 years is not the question for the OP (maybe for you but you didn't ask the question).
If I owned a Ferrari 250 GT I would not drive it on the highways (some of these are selling for over $50M now). Maybe risking destroying a six-figure car is disconcerting to the OP.
Even if insurance covers it, perhaps some owners are not enjoying the drives due to concerns for damaging it - that's their instincts, and by definition their instincts are as correct to them as yours are to you.
As far as the state of modern driving goes: Inattentive drivers, drunks and druggy drivers, uninsured drivers, drivers with nanny and self-driving cars that don't care; I totally understand not wanting to risk driving a car with no safety systems other than a lap belt. It's only marginally safer than a motorcycle.
OT: I wonder why some vendor has not come up with a reasonably priced fuel cell that matches the appearance of a C2 gas tank? If you've been rear-ended by an idiot driver and seen what happens to today's armored safety cars, imagine what it would be like in your C2 with dozens of gallons of gas thrown onto you and perhaps your passenger when someone plows into (and over) the back of your Corvette?
If I owned a Ferrari 250 GT I would not drive it on the highways (some of these are selling for over $50M now). Maybe risking destroying a six-figure car is disconcerting to the OP.
Even if insurance covers it, perhaps some owners are not enjoying the drives due to concerns for damaging it - that's their instincts, and by definition their instincts are as correct to them as yours are to you.
As far as the state of modern driving goes: Inattentive drivers, drunks and druggy drivers, uninsured drivers, drivers with nanny and self-driving cars that don't care; I totally understand not wanting to risk driving a car with no safety systems other than a lap belt. It's only marginally safer than a motorcycle.
OT: I wonder why some vendor has not come up with a reasonably priced fuel cell that matches the appearance of a C2 gas tank? If you've been rear-ended by an idiot driver and seen what happens to today's armored safety cars, imagine what it would be like in your C2 with dozens of gallons of gas thrown onto you and perhaps your passenger when someone plows into (and over) the back of your Corvette?
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Michael S. Palmer
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,689
Likes: 659
From: Blairsville , Georgia
Everyone has made valid points and we all have different opinions and concerns but just in principal alone I still feel the right thing to do is to offer the car back to the seller and go from there. I believe that the seller believed that he was selling the car to someone who would be the next long term caretaker. I still own a corvette that I bought form the original owner over 30 years ago and I told them that I would be a long term caretaker and not flip the car and that was very important to both of them. They have both long since passed away and I still remember how important it was to them.
Jay
Jay
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,391
Likes: 196
From: Santa Monica CA
C2 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
2018 C2 of Year Finalist
Everyone has made valid points and we all have different opinions and concerns but just in principal alone I still feel the right thing to do is to offer the car back to the seller and go from there. I believe that the seller believed that he was selling the car to someone who would be the next long term caretaker. I still own a corvette that I bought form the original owner over 30 years ago and I told them that I would be a long term caretaker and not flip the car and that was very important to both of them. They have both long since passed away and I still remember how important it was to them.
Jay
Jay
Back then (last month?) he was asking us what we thought the car was worth; now, after finally buying it, he's asking us for a referral of a local appraiser.
As to pricing, I suggest that if the previous owner declines his offer of returning the car for the price he paid, the OP should put the car for sale here on the CF, again priced at exactly what he paid.
....after paying Pancho for an appraisal, of course
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,689
Likes: 659
From: Blairsville , Georgia
Yes. I remember the OP's story of how vigorously he pursued this car, how reluctant the owner was to sell, and how that fine gentleman was finally persuaded to part with his prized Corvette.
Back then (last month?) he was asking us what we thought the car was worth; now, after finally buying it, he's asking us for a referral of a local appraiser.
As to pricing, I suggest that if the previous owner declines his offer of returning the car for the price he paid, the OP should put the car for sale here on the CF, again priced at exactly what he paid.
....after paying Pancho for an appraisal, of course
Back then (last month?) he was asking us what we thought the car was worth; now, after finally buying it, he's asking us for a referral of a local appraiser.
As to pricing, I suggest that if the previous owner declines his offer of returning the car for the price he paid, the OP should put the car for sale here on the CF, again priced at exactly what he paid.
....after paying Pancho for an appraisal, of course
Jay
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,934
Likes: 657
From: Norwalk ohio
2019 Corvette of the Year Winner
St. Jude Donor '15
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 54,142
Likes: 9,449
From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2015 C2 of Year Finalist
No it’s quite common to get in over your head when buying a old car. They are not for everyone and certain ones require a diffreant mind set.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 54,001
Likes: 6,214
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
I dunno, its one thing to call the previous owners "long term caretakers" but did I read it right that they only drove it 800 miles? Seems this OP is getting criticized for both not being the next caretaker as well as not wanting to put miles on it. Which is he supposed to do?
Every time I drive my '63 someone acts like I stole the Hope Diamond by driving it, so I can imagine what this OP is hearing.
If after owning the car he's decided that he's not the guy to own it, it's his business.
OP, forget the appraisal, they aren't worth anything. Decide what you want for the car and list it.
Every time I drive my '63 someone acts like I stole the Hope Diamond by driving it, so I can imagine what this OP is hearing.
If after owning the car he's decided that he's not the guy to own it, it's his business.
OP, forget the appraisal, they aren't worth anything. Decide what you want for the car and list it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,545
Likes: 828
From: Sarasota Florida BWO Columbus, Ohio
Finalist 2022 C1 of the Year - Unmodified
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St. Jude Donor '21
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,545
Likes: 828
From: Sarasota Florida BWO Columbus, Ohio
Finalist 2022 C1 of the Year - Unmodified
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St. Jude Donor '21
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,689
Likes: 659
From: Blairsville , Georgia
I dunno, its one thing to call the previous owners "long term caretakers" but did I read it right that they only drove it 800 miles? Seems this OP is getting criticized for both not being the next caretaker as well as not wanting to put miles on it. Which is he supposed to do?
Every time I drive my '63 someone acts like I stole the Hope Diamond by driving it, so I can imagine what this OP is hearing.
If after owning the car he's decided that he's not the guy to own it, it's his business.
OP, forget the appraisal, they aren't worth anything. Decide what you want for the car and list it.
Every time I drive my '63 someone acts like I stole the Hope Diamond by driving it, so I can imagine what this OP is hearing.
If after owning the car he's decided that he's not the guy to own it, it's his business.
OP, forget the appraisal, they aren't worth anything. Decide what you want for the car and list it.
My point was that my gut tells me the way that you are able to buy these types of long ownership cars is to befriend the long time owner and make them feel that you are as passionate about their cars as they are. I suggested that he at least contact the gentleman and offer him the car back. If he is not interested in buying it back than sell it to anyone who is interested and willing to pay his price. No harm no foul. This has nothing to do with driving it or not in my opinion. This has clearly turned into a business opportunity for the new owner now that he has said that he is thinking of selling it. Let's just face the fact that money is a very strong motivator.
Jay
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,391
Likes: 196
From: Santa Monica CA
C2 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
2018 C2 of Year Finalist
I dunno, its one thing to call the previous owners "long term caretakers" but did I read it right that they only drove it 800 miles? Seems this OP is getting criticized for both not being the next caretaker as well as not wanting to put miles on it. Which is he supposed to do?
Every time I drive my '63 someone acts like I stole the Hope Diamond by driving it, so I can imagine what this OP is hearing.
If after owning the car he's decided that he's not the guy to own it, it's his business.
OP, forget the appraisal, they aren't worth anything. Decide what you want for the car and list it.
Every time I drive my '63 someone acts like I stole the Hope Diamond by driving it, so I can imagine what this OP is hearing.
If after owning the car he's decided that he's not the guy to own it, it's his business.
OP, forget the appraisal, they aren't worth anything. Decide what you want for the car and list it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,545
Likes: 828
From: Sarasota Florida BWO Columbus, Ohio
Finalist 2022 C1 of the Year - Unmodified
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St. Jude Donor '21
If you have a "stated value" insurance policy, which I assume most owners of older, valuable Corvettes do, why bother with an appraisal?
Last edited by gowenfast; Jun 10, 2018 at 04:31 PM. Reason: grammar
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,545
Likes: 828
From: Sarasota Florida BWO Columbus, Ohio
Finalist 2022 C1 of the Year - Unmodified
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St. Jude Donor '21
Everyone has made valid points and we all have different opinions and concerns but just in principal alone I still feel the right thing to do is to offer the car back to the seller and go from there. I believe that the seller believed that he was selling the car to someone who would be the next long term caretaker. I still own a corvette that I bought form the original owner over 30 years ago and I told them that I would be a long term caretaker and not flip the car and that was very important to both of them. They have both long since passed away and I still remember how important it was to them.
Jay
Jay