tmurphy65

does it hurt the value of a corvette 1965 if its automatic

SI67

I suggest you read this discussion. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...owerglide.html

Panama 58

In most cases I would say yes. There are buyers like me who like automatics because typically the car is better optioned and has been taken better care of. If you are a buyer you will find that automatics do sell for up to 15% less. If seller, be prepared to sell for up to 15% less as compared to it's 4 speed twin. I am sure that others will have more to add to you question.

Frankie the Fink

Not much more to add.....I've sold "loaded" first gen Mustangs and Camaros with automatics and they were sold quickly without much of a discount; however those cars are more of a passenger car/grocery getter in their various trim levels. The Corvette is a purpose built, two seater sports car and to many that means the nostalgia of a stick shift. its just the way it is...

William Buckley

I have an automatic, 327/300, power brakes, power steering, power window, AC, tilt wheel, and I purchased it that way on purpose. First C 2 had manual transmission, and nothing else. Ask me which one I like best?

Black_Magic

I have:
'63 327/340 4sp - AM/FM radio - nothing else Opps - Vintage Air
and
'66 327/300 Auto - PS - PB - PW - Tele - Teak - Factory A/C - Head Rest - AM/FM radio

Both are fun to drive. I've had many Vettes over the years and the '66 is my 1st auto -- seemed kind of funny at first but now find it OK for the kind of driving I do.

George

DansYellow66

Fewer and fewer drivers can drive a manual transmission as the years pass.

Mr Fufu

I'll be one of those annoying guys that point out that you have a telescoping steering wheel, not tilt. That wasn't available until '68, I think.

Still pretty cool, that tele wheel!

CorvetteMikeB

You have discovered the present and future classic car & truck buyers. I agree with you 100%. Resto-Mods will become more desired " as the years pass" and cars with automatic transmissions.

65GGvert

My 65 has a tilt wheel. 4 way flasher, too. And a cup holder. Those weren't available either.

Randy G.

Mine was factory optioned with everything on your list except tilt. The only way I would have bought a car with a manual trans is if there was room in the deal for me to switch it to an auto trans without getting burnt. Like I said in my other thread, even the guy (a doctor) who bought my '62 specifically sought out an automatic car.

I would be curious to see actual sales comparision data using like sales with and without a manual transmission within the last 18 months with identical engine combinations, options, condition, etc., to back up 15% price difference claims. I'm a skeptic.

I say this because some of the highest sales prices even on the restomods have been automatic cars. And we've already discussed the numbers with and without manual transmissions with regards to new C7 sales. Heck, any new sports car or muscle car for that matter.






.

CorvetteMikeB

Yes, I agree, good observation.

Mr Fufu

It depends on how you intend to use the car. An auto C2 can be very enjoyable as a grand tourer, with a sporting flair. The handling is the same as a 4-speed car. You're spared the annoyance of shifting constantly in traffic. But maybe you prefer the manual and the cachet it has...

There is some debate as to how much an auto affects value. No two C2's are identical. Assuming you pay somewhat less for the auto, all things being equal, then it stands to reason you might ask less when it comes time to sell. So, you really lose nothing, as long as you bought smart and didn't overpay.

You 'should' be able to negotiate the price down 'a bit' for an auto C2. But note also that many auto C2's were well-optioned including creature comforts such as PW, PB, PS, A/C, etc. The number and type of options on the car might negate some of the discount the AT might attract. Also note a lot of 4-speed cars were lightly optioned, so it's a trade off you'll want to be aware of.

Check the market, and prices. And go into the deal informed and with a price limit in mind.

But first DRIVE the car! You may be surprised at how enjoyable the auto can be.

Good luck on your search.

Randy G.

Panama 58

Jack, I sent you a private message a day or so ago. Check your CF messages please.
Garry

65GGvert

Last PM I got from you was in February

Panama 58

In looking some things up in the Corvette bible today, I came across the following comment about automatic transmission corvettes from non other than Noland Adams himself. I recalled this thread and thought I would share it with the OP.

CorvetteMikeB

If you do a transmission swamp, I would suggest a 4L60E, 4L65E or 4L80E all with overdrive and an electronic controller, especially if you want to have an EFI fuel injection system. Holley makes a controller to run both the automatic transmission & EFI fuel injection system.