What is everyone's opinion on documentation. It doesn't seem to matter as much anymore. Been searching for a BB Driver that is not a trailer queen, but I would like to have some paperwork to support resale down the road (I think). I came across two cars that are interesting to me. One is a 1966 that has protecto plate which matches the vin and the other is 1967 that has a tank stick but no protecto plate. I know there are so many variables such no hit body, matching drive train, condition of interior and Paint. Both cars do not have the original motor. By the way, both cars need work in a different way.

On another note, maybe documentation doesn't matter anymore since I see cars that are shiny, fully restored with bright chrome fetch $80-120K with no documentation. I don't know what to think anymore.

 

I was able to track down my '63 SWC original bill of sale from the past owners son. When I received a Regional NCRS Topflight in 2022 I asked several judges if they had any interest in seeing it, they both shook there heads and voiced a sarcastic NOT INTERESTED! I believe any original documetation should add a minimum of 10%+ value when selling. begee22

 

Many couldn't care less about factory or dealer docs.. But, many others do value them. Some will put a high premium on them, especially on a purportedly original car with unique options and features.. I'm very much like that. But, lack of any docs will not, and did not stop me from buying a very unique car, at the right price. As for NCRS judges not concerned with them, the docs have no bearing whatsoever on [almost] any flight judged car.. The car is evaluated for its appearance in relation to the as-built standard of production, and there is no reference made to any associated documentation.. Docs have no bearing on the car as it sits EXCEPT in the rare case when it has an extremely low production option. That option would need to be substantiated by factory docs. As for any judge displaying rudeness to an owner, I offer no excuse for that. That should not ever happen.

 

I don't know if you're aware, but both P-O-P's and tank stickers are being counterfeited. Unless a seller has paid to have the authenticity of their documentation verified by Al Grenning of Classic Car Affirmation Service or the NCRS's Historic Document Service, I personally wouldn't put a lot of value on it.

 

There are few, if any, documents that can't be recreated. It's nice to have original documentation, but be aware that YOU may be the only one who values it or accepts it as genuine. Just another sad symptom of the world we live in today.

 

Documentation will always have intrinsic value.

Some people dont care, some people like customs.

It doesnt change the fact that documentation is always better and enhances value.

 

For those that are fans of the "born with, numbers matching" type of cars, documentation is the "cherry on the top". Paper work is extremely important (and, irreplaceable) for those who understand the value it brings to such a car.

 

Just as the NCRS is growing smaller so is the "it's got to have the doc's"
crowd. It is nice to have docs to fill up a desk drawer but more folks are just
interested in a good car.

 

I think the doc value lies in the owner's reasons for owning this sort of car. For those of us who see our Corvette as part of an era, striving to be true to and maintain the technology, enjoying not only the thrills but the struggles (and often inconvenience), the docs are a part of that history and stewardship.

Each of these cars has a story. Having the build sheets(s) that the assembly guys used for this specific car and the P-O-P with the Dymo tape and handwritten selling information are details that add to the full story.

 

I believe documentation is silly... utterly useless... it never ever mattered. For anyone who has valid/original documents (especially for the C1 & C2 era), I'd be happy to rid you of the ownership burden. Please send them my way... I'll even cover a reasonable shipping fee, and 'dispose' of them for you, with no questions asked. Kindly PM me with your list and photos.

 

please post your address and I'll send a pile to you right away.

 

THANX... just send it here, and I'll get it:

 

He said with tongue in cheek

 

With a bit of a lithp for an address.

 

The value of documentation depends on the car. If the car is a low option car or is non-original, documentation probably doesn't add a lot of monetary value, although it's neat to have. On the other hard, if the car is original and has desirable colors and options, REAL, ORIGINAL documentation that proves the car was built that way is highly valuable. A black/red '67 L71 with side pipes and bolt-on wheels would be much move valuable if it has original documentation proving that it left the factory that way.

I have a '67 convertible that is fully documented. The original owner was a crazy engineer who saved EVERYTHING. It's pretty neat to have all the sales documents and know who owned the car and what was done to it over its lifetime, and that probably does add some value. But it's a low option car so the paperwork isn't critical to proving desirable options.

 

Copy of original bill of sale that I was able to obtain after getting NCRS Dealer Shipping Report. Have shared this before on CF and of course several comments were skeptical of authenticity but that is to be expected by a few expert naysayers here. All that matters is I know this document was from the original owners archives and was a special order highly equipped '63. IMHO it increased car value significantly. begee22

 

I would think that documentation would/could add some value. Especially if it's a highly desirable car.

Heck, I purchased two plane tickets and made a special trip to take the original owner ('67 L71), out to lunch. Great to hear his stories of how he purchased the car off the showroom floor at such a young age.

Of course, we had his story put into print and notarized (for what it's worth), as well as his signature on the original owner's manual that was/is still in the car.

Plus, having pictures of the engine pad and documentation of the entire restoration process from the early 90's helps with the authenticity of the car's heritage. Also, pictures of Noland Adams working on the car and referring to it in one of his articles he wrote for Vette magazine doesn't hurt either.

Unfortunately, no tank documents or bill of sale.

Pat

 

That's a great piece of history Bruce! Good for you!

Pat

 

I think Leif nailed it. When I sold my '68 big block in 2021, I practically had to beg the buyer to take the 3-ring binder that accompanied the car detailing my 10-year ownership and the research I did to find the names of the previous 2 owners.
I even had the tank sticker, but he didn't seem interested. He grudgingly packed it in the car after purchasing it.
It was an original paint coupe in Safari yellow and based on the buyer's low interest in originality it is probably blue with aftermarket side pipes today.
It was a nice survivor car but once it left my driveway, I had no control over its preservation.

Then there is that buyer who wants the names of the assembly line workers who built their car, who sat in it at St. Louis etc...
I think it is novel to have the history if provided and it should accompany the car along its ownership journey.
My 65 L-76 is equipped with the drive train it left St. Louis with, and it had a repaint at some point.
The day two mods done 40 years ago are headers and a Holley 600cfm double pump dual feed mechanical secondaries which responds great. There is no need to change it. I drive it approximately 1000k annually and am not concerned with any particular documents. If someone had the original owners bill of sale and the warranty pop sure I would take it and make sure going forward it stayed with the car. I would not pay extra for those items. I'm buying the car not the story.
It really comes down to what you want to do with this commodity. I look at it as mine is an appreciable commodity I can enjoy.
Marshal

 

Yes - documentation like shown should add value (if that matters to you) It's really interesting and cool. It's fantastic history of the car and storyline. My guess is, if the car has nothing unique about it, such as color combinations or car with lots of options, and maybe a car that has high horsepower BB, just having a P-O-P or tank sheet really adds no value today. Fraud or forgery seems to have diminished the value of having simple documentation such those items. The likelihood finding a one owner car today is as rare as winning the Powerball .

I would think it would be easier to sell a car that has some history verses a car that has nothing other than Trim tags and a vin.