Am I crazy?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,693
Likes: 157
From: Miami, FL
Am I crazy?
I have never owned a Corvette. Have posted a few times here as I consider different cars. I am focused on 70-72 only, and don't want to make a big mistake on my first one. You guys have been very helpful. Here's my dilemma:
There is a very nice standard coupe for sale locally which some of you have already commented on as being a good deal, and I think it would be a very good first car. But I find myself looking at another which happens to be an LT-1 which needs some work (which I don't mind doing) for $5-7k more than the nice "S" car. I'm beginning to think I should go for the more expensive car as it will have more upside potential. Is this too much of a premium to pay for the LT-1? It would not cost me all that much in dollars to get them to similar condition as it is mostly cosmetic and trim.
I realize you can't see the cars and it's a tough question without the details, but your opinions are valuable either way. What advice would you give?
Greg
There is a very nice standard coupe for sale locally which some of you have already commented on as being a good deal, and I think it would be a very good first car. But I find myself looking at another which happens to be an LT-1 which needs some work (which I don't mind doing) for $5-7k more than the nice "S" car. I'm beginning to think I should go for the more expensive car as it will have more upside potential. Is this too much of a premium to pay for the LT-1? It would not cost me all that much in dollars to get them to similar condition as it is mostly cosmetic and trim.
I realize you can't see the cars and it's a tough question without the details, but your opinions are valuable either way. What advice would you give?
Greg
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,876
Likes: 1
From: Jersey Shore Exit 98
I would buy the vette from the local guy. If you know the history of an old car to me that means more then anything else. You think all it will take is $5 to $7K to get the LT-1 in shape you may have to double that figure. Buy the S car & have fun driving it. 
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 457
Likes: 2
From: Tucson Arizona
So....your intention is to keep the car, or to flip it?
If you intend on keeping the car, then price should not matter if it is the car you really want (as long as it isn't overpriced).
The LT-1s seem to be worth more, for some strange reason, market appeal, I suppose, and they will probably stay worth more. The prices of all the cars seem to be a little down right now, and there are some really good deals out there. Basically, you are right without seeing the cars, or knowing the prices its hard to say. If you REALLY want to know about the two cars, call a local NCRS guy and ask them to check them out (if you want originality), or call a local club and ask their C3 guru to go with you.
If you intend on keeping the car, then price should not matter if it is the car you really want (as long as it isn't overpriced).
The LT-1s seem to be worth more, for some strange reason, market appeal, I suppose, and they will probably stay worth more. The prices of all the cars seem to be a little down right now, and there are some really good deals out there. Basically, you are right without seeing the cars, or knowing the prices its hard to say. If you REALLY want to know about the two cars, call a local NCRS guy and ask them to check them out (if you want originality), or call a local club and ask their C3 guru to go with you.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 0
From: Philo Illinois
Buy the one you like best and that you can afford.I think sometimes people worry too much about what the value of the car will be later in life. I really feel the only way to get real enjoyment out of your car is to drive it and enjoy it. If you buy the LT-1 and never get it finished, or you spend way more then you planned you might be a fraid to get it out and enjoy it. Two of my friends, one has a Mustang and the other has his 69 Chevelle SS he bought new with only 40,000 miles on it, neither drive the cars because they think they are too nice. I don't get it, I drive my car and enjoy it. First time you drive by a group of people and they give you a thumbs up or yell to you how nice the car is you won't care if it is a basic coupe or an LT-1. Buy one of them and enjoy life.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,693
Likes: 157
From: Miami, FL
They are actually very close in condition, based on my research so far. I'm becoming more infatuated with the LT-1 as the seconds tick by.
Please keep the opinions coming!!
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,871
Likes: 6
From: Sault Ste. Marie Ontario
Do you know if the LT-1 is real? It seems to me the value of the LT-1 series cars are dependant on having the numbers match or at least the correct motor. If you're serious about the LT-1 car, you may want to verify some of the numbers as it would be a shame to pay a premium for an imposter.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,877
Likes: 13
From: Doha
St. Jude Donor '08
To clarify, the local guy has no more history on the car than the LT-1 guy. Actually, the LT-1 has a better story behind it. The local one has no history, the LT-1 has the previous owner in the same town as the current owner so there's 25 yrs. of history potentially available.
They are actually very close in condition, based on my research so far. I'm becoming more infatuated with the LT-1 as the seconds tick by.
Please keep the opinions coming!!
They are actually very close in condition, based on my research so far. I'm becoming more infatuated with the LT-1 as the seconds tick by.
Please keep the opinions coming!!
of course I'd rather go for the LT-1, but if it gonna cost me a lot and sit still for repair more than driving it on the street, I will go for the other choice.
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Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 57
From: Mundelein Illinois
Unless you like wrenching and not driving but take it from a lot of us. Wrenching gets old. LT1 should be a 4 speed.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,921
Likes: 0
From: GA "When I grow up, I'm gonna get a Trans Am and run from the cops". Direct quote from my 4yo son.
If you like having money in your pocket, you'll never buy one of these things!! That being said, I would buy a standard car in good shape and make it what I wanted.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,654
Likes: 0
From: Chandler Arizona
St. Jude Donor '08
If it were me making the decision, the stardard car sounds like a better car with cleaner history. Plus it's local (for you). I would go that route.
Good luck with your decision
Good luck with your decision
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,693
Likes: 157
From: Miami, FL
Well I have to say I am surprised by the strong support for the S car. Seems like I won't go wrong either way, and I am leaning pretty heavily toward the LT-1. They are both 72's, so it's good comparison. The thing is, with the local car I am giving up a lot of my original preferences since it is local and priced right. It's an automatic coupe where I was really looking for a conv. stick. At least the LT-1 has the 4 speed and I am falling for the desirability of the LT engine. It is a true LT-1 per the VIN and both cars have matching number engines. There are so many intangibles you pick up from sellers which you all cannot begin to know, so obviously I need to factor it all in. I really thought I would have gotten more of you to recommend the LT-1.
Anyway, thanks for all the advice. I don't think I will make the wrong choice as I will finally have the Corvette I have been missing.
Greg
Anyway, thanks for all the advice. I don't think I will make the wrong choice as I will finally have the Corvette I have been missing.
Greg
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,892
Likes: 3
From: Springfield Illinois
Well I have to say I am surprised by the strong support for the S car. Seems like I won't go wrong either way, and I am leaning pretty heavily toward the LT-1. They are both 72's, so it's good comparison. The thing is, with the local car I am giving up a lot of my original preferences since it is local and priced right. It's an automatic coupe where I was really looking for a conv. stick. At least the LT-1 has the 4 speed and I am falling for the desirability of the LT engine. It is a true LT-1 per the VIN and both cars have matching number engines. There are so many intangibles you pick up from sellers which you all cannot begin to know, so obviously I need to factor it all in. I really thought I would have gotten more of you to recommend the LT-1.
Anyway, thanks for all the advice. I don't think I will make the wrong choice as I will finally have the Corvette I have been missing.
Greg
Anyway, thanks for all the advice. I don't think I will make the wrong choice as I will finally have the Corvette I have been missing.
Greg
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,302
Likes: 4,391
From: Westminster Maryland
Greg,
Does the LT-1 happen to have A/C ? That would make it quite valuable as a restored car. If this is a car for you to keep and enjoy , a bigger issue is that you mentioned you wanted a convertible.
I think you have to buy what you really want, not just what is available right now.
Regards,
Alan
I agree with FRST90. He's a faster typist than I am.
Does the LT-1 happen to have A/C ? That would make it quite valuable as a restored car. If this is a car for you to keep and enjoy , a bigger issue is that you mentioned you wanted a convertible.
I think you have to buy what you really want, not just what is available right now.
Regards,
Alan
I agree with FRST90. He's a faster typist than I am.
Last edited by Alan 71; Aug 4, 2007 at 04:56 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 3
From: Wildwood IL
Go LT-1 and don't look back. Very desirable, holds value, and has great looks and performance.
Take the tops off and the back window out to go for a cruise, and I guarantee you won't miss having a convertable.
Eddie
Take the tops off and the back window out to go for a cruise, and I guarantee you won't miss having a convertable.
Eddie
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,693
Likes: 157
From: Miami, FL
Greg,
Does the LT-1 happen to have A/C ? That would make it quite valuable as a restored car. If this is a car for you to keep and enjoy , a bigger issue is that you mentioned you wanted a convertible.
I think you have to buy what you really want, not just what is available right now.
Regards,
Alan
I agree with FRST90. He's a faster typist than I am.
Does the LT-1 happen to have A/C ? That would make it quite valuable as a restored car. If this is a car for you to keep and enjoy , a bigger issue is that you mentioned you wanted a convertible.
I think you have to buy what you really want, not just what is available right now.
Regards,
Alan
I agree with FRST90. He's a faster typist than I am.
Either way you can't lose
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 343
Likes: 0
From: San Diego CA
St. Jude Donor '05-'07
You are crazy. 
You are doing the right thing by consulting the forum before buying. I complied a great list of things to look at while researching and searching for the right car for me. I think I got a better deal because I knew what I was looking at.
You will feel much better having the forum in your back pocket when a guy tries to tell you that the little bit of rust in the floor pan is normal or that the obvious bubba repair to the A pilar is the way some of them came from the factory.
Good luck.
You are doing the right thing by consulting the forum before buying. I complied a great list of things to look at while researching and searching for the right car for me. I think I got a better deal because I knew what I was looking at.
You will feel much better having the forum in your back pocket when a guy tries to tell you that the little bit of rust in the floor pan is normal or that the obvious bubba repair to the A pilar is the way some of them came from the factory.
Good luck.