I keep seeing ads for chrome bumper C3's that are just everyday coupes, standard 327/350, auto, etc. that have documentation and claim to be matching numbers and they're always asking $23K - $27K. Are these cars really bringing that much? I would've thought that they had to something a bit more special, 4-speed, big block, convertible, something to bring that much.

Am I wrong?

 

Those prices you state are pretty typical for '68 thru '72 year Corvettes. They are on the low side for nice condition, original documented optioned Corvettes. The L79 you state (327/350hp) is not the standard engine in these 'vettes. The ZQ3 is, which is either 327/300hp or 350/ 300hp or 350/270hp or 350/200hp.

 

I'm sorry. I wasn't clear.

I meant that they had the standard 327 cid or 350 cid engine, not that either had the optional 350 hp engines.

 

I know somebody that has a 68 green/saddle(very nice mind you)with a 3 speed manual.I know they a rare but then again rare isn't allways desirable.Anyway he thinks he's got a BJ car worth two 427's/435 4 speeds if you where to here him talk about.Tell me is it worth more than the same car with a 4 speed in the same condition(I gotta say MINT)oh and it's the base engine.

 

So you're telling me these average cars aren't worth that kind of money?

 

They're worth what a buyer is willing to pay. If you're the seller you want to find a buyer who really wants the car, if your the buyer you want a desparate seller.

 

Well, I guess I kinda knew that part. As the buyer however, I'm not willing to pay a fortune for something normally selling for much less. I'm trying to see if I'm aiming too low. I had thought that I could get a vert or at least a 4-speed for that kind of money.

 

I have seen a near mint bumper C3 for less than $20. No rust...almost perfect. Now, do you want a war bonnet yellow with green interior?

That same car with red paint and a black interior would sell instantly for thousands more.

Keep looking, be patient, you'll find your car.

 

They didn't REALLY make any of those, did they?

 

Just paid $20K for the above. Other than a vert it's as basic as it gets. No AC, auto, 350/270, no options. It's mechanicals are as nice as the body so think it's a good deal. I looked for about a year, found this on Craig's list and purchased immediately. Keep looking and don't hesitate when you find the right car, or the next guy may be driving your dream car!

 

I just bought a 72 454 auto coupe with a/c, tilt-tele, p/s, p/b, p/w, original motor. No doc's in very nice driver condition. "Would be slaughtered if judged by NCRS", and does have some paint issues developing due to aging 10yr old resto for $26k. I looked real hard for about 90 days and this was the nicest, most original appearing big block car I had found for the money. I took it to a local Corvette NCRS judge, restoration shop run by two VERY sharp Corvette brothers for a once-over. They told me that I paid too much. "And I thought that I was fairly educated when I bought." Maybe the market is just too volatile right now. People who own a classic car think it should bring top money, when it's not a top-condition car. One thing I believe is that you can usually buy a top-condition car cheaper than you can build a fixxer-upper into a top-condition car. My problem, is I hate the chase. I can't stand wading through miles of crap to find the one jewel. I tend to get worn down and settle for something not quite as nice as I wanted, but a good start. That is exactly what I did with my car. After being told it was a frame off resto that was matching #'s and excellent condition, I flew half way across the country with a check to buy the car. Once there, I was dissapointed, but not enough to fly back empty handed after buying tickets and taking off work. So, I bought it and here I am today.

 

You might get lucky & find that big block, 4spd vert, for $23K - $27K needing a total resto..........these cars typically "documented" run in excess of $50k & upwards of $100K

 

 

Very nice. I know you're proud of her.

The car's not bad either.

 

I can imagine how tough that would be. I might be tempted to do the same thing. That's why I think trying to find one more or less locally is the best route. I could drive three hours and turn around. If I paid several hundred dollars for a plane ticket (with no return), that would be tougher.

 

I don't know that I felt it would be need a total restoration, but I did feel like in that price range, it would be a fairly rough driver rather than a show car.

 

Don't confuse asking prices with sale prices. There are cars all over the contry selling under the commonly published asking prices and under the value guides published in the Corvette magazines.

If you're looking for a Corvette, do your homework. Know what you want and know what you're looking at when you visit one.

 

Find out what the price range is for the car(s) you want. You want to get a Vette at the best price. But you also don't want to have a car you really want sold to someone else, because it's priced a little high and you hesitated to buy it. Decide what you want, how much you're going to pay for it, and go buy it! Good luck.

 

That's a pretty good deal, from what I see.
The "convertible" part is easily worth $5k extra over a coupe.
The factory sidepipes .. .at least another $2k.

 

Yes, the owner posted a pic of the trim tag.....