Should I sell?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 426
Likes: 0
Should I sell?
I have a '72 LT-1 w/ AC, NCRS Regional 2nd Flight. It's a very nice driver, with easy potential for a Top Flight. Bottom line is I don't enjoy the car as much as I think I should. I put on less than 1k miles in five years. It has turned into more of an investment than a pleasure vehicle. I rarely drive it as I worry about people crashing into me or getting it stolen. I'd love to just sell it and get another NON-stock chrome bumper 'vette AND a GN, Chevelle or GTO (something with a back seat) so I could go out with both my boys for ice-cream when they get older.
What I don't want to happen is to sell it now and find that the value of the car had tripled in five years and miss out on a potential huge payday.
What would you guys do?
What I don't want to happen is to sell it now and find that the value of the car had tripled in five years and miss out on a potential huge payday.
What would you guys do?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,100
Likes: 12
From: Frederick Maryland
The fun of owning these cars is driving them. If you're not enjoying it like you think you should, then maybe it's time to let someone else enjoy it.
My '69 is in excellent shape, but I know every time I take it out, something can happen...that's just a fact of life. Stone chips...collision...breakdown, etc. It's all a calulated risk, but I accept that for the sheer fun of the car.
You're the only one who can answer your question.
My '69 is in excellent shape, but I know every time I take it out, something can happen...that's just a fact of life. Stone chips...collision...breakdown, etc. It's all a calulated risk, but I accept that for the sheer fun of the car.
You're the only one who can answer your question.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,381
Likes: 416
From: N J
Sounds like it's time to sell. Get something that will bring you more enjoyment and less stress.
I sometimes feel that way with my 65, so I picked up a very unoriginal and fun 69 vert that I am tinkering with. Not that my 65 is perfect, but I am much more comfortable driving this fun, incorrect 69.
Last edited by John 65; May 11, 2007 at 09:50 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,540
Likes: 1
From: Pineville Kentucky
CI 6-8-9 Veteran
I have a '72 LT-1 w/ AC, NCRS Regional 2nd Flight. It's a very nice driver, with easy potential for a Top Flight. Bottom line is I don't enjoy the car as much as I think I should. I put on less than 1k miles in five years. It has turned into more of an investment than a pleasure vehicle. I rarely drive it as I worry about people crashing into me or getting it stolen. I'd love to just sell it and get another NON-stock chrome bumper 'vette AND a GN, Chevelle or GTO (something with a back seat) so I could go out with both my boys for ice-cream when they get older.
What I don't want to happen is to sell it now and find that the value of the car had tripled in five years and miss out on a potential huge payday.
What would you guys do?
What I don't want to happen is to sell it now and find that the value of the car had tripled in five years and miss out on a potential huge payday.
What would you guys do?
The selling now vs. later I think is obvious. They ain't making anymore #'s matching LT1's.
CF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Cape Cod, Mass.
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I just drive my restored cars. Forget about what it's worth. I am careful with them and don't park them out of my sight. Under 1,000 miles in 5 years is really not the way to enjoy these cars. Get out, pull the top off and enjoy the ride. Early C3's will appreciate a great deal over the next few years.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,209
Likes: 33
From: Texas-out west
appreciate unless market tanks, oil and gas escalate to sky high numbers and gas cost $5+ a gallon then market might stagnate or even drop, has happened before, my opinion is not an investment to count on for retirement, college etc. unless you bought over 20 years ago or stole it
sell and invest in something you will enjoy.
sell and invest in something you will enjoy.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 534
Likes: 6
From: Cave Creek AZ
I bought my 72 LT1 to drive, I take it to work at least once a week and drive it to the health club, etc.
My attitude is that it is worth about the same or less than most nice new cars - if some guy can park his $70k Lexus/BMW/Mercedes, etc and not worry, then why should I worry. That is what insurance is for. Also, my car is not depreciating, that is a "win" all by itself.
My attitude is that it is worth about the same or less than most nice new cars - if some guy can park his $70k Lexus/BMW/Mercedes, etc and not worry, then why should I worry. That is what insurance is for. Also, my car is not depreciating, that is a "win" all by itself.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Omaha NE
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If it ain't fun anymore it's time to ship it. Corvettes can win trophies but they shouldn't turn into them...
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Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 433
Likes: 0
From: Show me a cold beer and I will show you a happy man Maryland
Excellent point and great quote
If your sweating about car being damaged so much is hard to enjoy the ride... Get something that you will enjoy without worrying about... Oh, and very cool that you are really dedicated to getting your kids in to enloying your muscle car hobby.
CF JASOC Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,040
Likes: 34
From: Downtown Annapolis, MD. The Future is where we all have to live. Let's not screw it up.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
I put 310 miles on my '71 already this month (88k original), and I leave for the Cruisin' OC Maryland car show next week.
http://www.specialeventpro.com/cruisin.php
If you're not having fun with it, shame on you. Life Is Too Short!
Get those solid lifters adjusted and DRIVE THAT CAR!!!
If you can't bring yourself to do it, then by all means go to plan B.
Just know this... You will always regret the day you sold this one.
http://www.specialeventpro.com/cruisin.php
If you're not having fun with it, shame on you. Life Is Too Short!
Get those solid lifters adjusted and DRIVE THAT CAR!!!
If you can't bring yourself to do it, then by all means go to plan B.
Just know this... You will always regret the day you sold this one.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,675
Likes: 13
From: Sudbury MA
Tonyk72,
Your thoughts mirror exactly what I am going through with my recently restored 68. I have owned it since 1972 and now I am afraid it will get scratched or chipped or whatever. It's hard to enjoy it when we worry so much about it. My friends have told me that if I sold it, I would regret it, and would end up buying the car back for more than I sold it .
I think I agree with XCCTER that you and I would both regret and forever moan about the day we sold our Corvettes. Mine is less than 100 points away from TopFlight and the frame is solid and all numbers match so I think I would be angry with myself in a few years if I sold the car I have owned for 35 years.
I think you and I should just go cruisin' and forget the sellin'
Let's leave them to our sons to enjoy as well,,,
Kurt
Your thoughts mirror exactly what I am going through with my recently restored 68. I have owned it since 1972 and now I am afraid it will get scratched or chipped or whatever. It's hard to enjoy it when we worry so much about it. My friends have told me that if I sold it, I would regret it, and would end up buying the car back for more than I sold it .
I think I agree with XCCTER that you and I would both regret and forever moan about the day we sold our Corvettes. Mine is less than 100 points away from TopFlight and the frame is solid and all numbers match so I think I would be angry with myself in a few years if I sold the car I have owned for 35 years.
I think you and I should just go cruisin' and forget the sellin'
Let's leave them to our sons to enjoy as well,,,
Kurt
CF JASOC Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,040
Likes: 34
From: Downtown Annapolis, MD. The Future is where we all have to live. Let's not screw it up.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,876
Likes: 1
From: Jersey Shore Exit 98
Tony if your not having fun w/it and driving it, then sell it. Forget about what it could be worth someday. You may not be around someday. Buy a car you can have fun with and drive. That's why we call them toys.
Some people buy Hess trucks to save them in the original box because someday they will be worth $$ on ebay. My son's hess trucks are dented, scratched and missing wheels. We had fun w/them. That's what he will remember me and him playing w/his trucks. Not what we got for them on dog-bay or looking at them though the little plastic window on the box wishing he could play w/one.
G/L
Jim
Some people buy Hess trucks to save them in the original box because someday they will be worth $$ on ebay. My son's hess trucks are dented, scratched and missing wheels. We had fun w/them. That's what he will remember me and him playing w/his trucks. Not what we got for them on dog-bay or looking at them though the little plastic window on the box wishing he could play w/one.
G/L
Jim
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,654
Likes: 0
From: Chandler Arizona
St. Jude Donor '08
I bought my 72 LT1 to drive, I take it to work at least once a week and drive it to the health club, etc.
My attitude is that it is worth about the same or less than most nice new cars - if some guy can park his $70k Lexus/BMW/Mercedes, etc and not worry, then why should I worry. That is what insurance is for. Also, my car is not depreciating, that is a "win" all by itself.
My attitude is that it is worth about the same or less than most nice new cars - if some guy can park his $70k Lexus/BMW/Mercedes, etc and not worry, then why should I worry. That is what insurance is for. Also, my car is not depreciating, that is a "win" all by itself.
I think this is a good point.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 354
Likes: 0
From: Fredericksburg Va
Sell your car to the guy in the thread just posted 70 BB advice.
He is looking at dropping 30-35k on a 70 Big Block with a 50 foot non-original paint job, and NO T-TOPS....etc
It does not matter if gas rises to 10 bucks a gallon, I am still gonna drive my toys. I will be happy to drive a Hybrid to work. It is grueling traffic I would never drive my vettes in anyway.....
I doubt highly that Americans will ever lose their thirst for SWEET cars.... The market might get tight, but you will never lose...
Buy a project vette and tear it up and put it back together the way you want it to be.
Have fun! Life is short!!! DRIVE it!!!
Rd
He is looking at dropping 30-35k on a 70 Big Block with a 50 foot non-original paint job, and NO T-TOPS....etc
It does not matter if gas rises to 10 bucks a gallon, I am still gonna drive my toys. I will be happy to drive a Hybrid to work. It is grueling traffic I would never drive my vettes in anyway.....
I doubt highly that Americans will ever lose their thirst for SWEET cars.... The market might get tight, but you will never lose...
Buy a project vette and tear it up and put it back together the way you want it to be.
Have fun! Life is short!!! DRIVE it!!!
Rd
