When you are going for those big money cars. I think having an expert with you pays you back many times over. NCRS is one of the best sources for such people. I know and individual in the Virginia area who specializes in evaluating these cars and compared to what you are going to pay, his fees are well worth it.

I by know means am an expert, and still on the learning curve. If I knew then what I know now about the 63 I purchased for the price, I think I would have went lower or looked elsewhere, as the amount of things that were wrong with the car were more then what I bargined for.

It has been a long long expensive road through restoration, and the car will never be top flight because it lacks basic documentation. Am I sorry, no way, I happen to think when this car is finished it will be one of the finest split windows, but one of the most costly too.

I am very particular and very detailed to begin with, and restoring this one or any other one it would have been expensive for the amount I paid for the car. But hey, we all learn as we grow older doing this hobby right?

My advice, find an expert who you are able to take with you, and take that person with you, try not to let emotions take the place of reason, and always offer a fair price to the person. :cheers:

 

Today I attended the "AACA Southeastern Division National Winter Meet" in Melbourne, Fla. As you might conclude from that auspicious title it was quite the important show with hundreds of fantastic cars 25 years old & older. It certainly took me back in time............

Anyway, there was this gorgeous '65 Vette roadster, Nassau Blue w/Bright Blue interior, almost identical to the L-76 I took delivery of exactly 39 years ago tomorrow. While talking to the proud owner of the "original engine" beauty she recounted how they ended up finding the car at a dealer in Ohio.

I asked if it was a Proteam car and she said that it was and then told me how thoroughly pleased she and her husband were with the car, the transaction, and everything.

I guess that's what really matters, a pleased customer and I'm very happy for them.

FWIW, I have to wear glasses and my extremely accurate prescription sunglasses are Polarized. The hood on that '65 was definately several lighter shades of Nassau Blue than the surrounding fenders and nose when viewed thru my Serengetti's, but that didn't seem to be an issue with the proud owner.

 

You don't need any documentation for NCRS judging, and none is judged or looked at; all you need is a registration showing ownership and proof of insurance. Have it judged if you like and learn more about your car!

Documentation is important when you sell the car, but means nothing in judging - we don't even look at it. :thumbs:

 

:withstupid: I agree. I guess in the finalize analysis, despite all the angst about this topic (I have some of it), it all boils down to is one happy with the purchase, and it's their money so, if they want to spend it, maybe even over-spend it, then so be it, that's the beauty of our society


[Modified by RGGregory, 2:04 PM 3/8/2004]

 

I've never bought from a dealer, although buying from a (relatively) honest dealer can save you a year of looking while costing you more than a private party is likely to charge. Roger's in FL seemed to have the nicest cars when I was looking. An NCRS or Forum connection could be useful here. Before I bought my 67 in 2003 I contacted an NCRS midyear judge and he looked the car over and even went thru the entire process of judging it using official NCRS scoring sheets. So I knew exactly what to expect when I flew from CA to MI to look at the car, and I bought it. Previously a couple of Forum members had looked at cars for me in other parts of the country, so I knew the cars were not worth a trip to look them over. You can look up Forum members by zip code. I paid what I thought was somewhat over the market at the time, but now the market has caught up with that price. Assuming you can afford it, paying "too much" is worth it when you get back home and (A) Don't have to search the internet every night til your tired eyes are bloodshot, and (B) Can sit in your garage in your very own new/old Vette and make motor sounds with your lips.

 

I couln't agree with this quote more! AMEN BRO!!!! Why the heck would anyone buy a high dollar perfectly restored car without history or little history! Its so easy to manufacture big blocks nowadays :rant: