Survivor ???
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,909
Likes: 6
From: Lake Arrowhead - Georgia > 72 Base Coupe & 74 BB Roadster
Survivor ???
I hear the term.....Survivor....and see the price is usually jacked up.
What does the term actually mean and does it make a Vette more desirable or valuable.
Reason I ask.....I have a 72 with 54,000 miles. I can find no evidence of any major repairs....original everything.....paint.....etc.....
Thanks........
What does the term actually mean and does it make a Vette more desirable or valuable.
Reason I ask.....I have a 72 with 54,000 miles. I can find no evidence of any major repairs....original everything.....paint.....etc.....
Thanks........
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,821
Likes: 204
From: Lincoln CA
I think they're implying just what you said. An original car that has survived in remarkable shape. Low miles, original paint, etc. I always hate those buzz words from vintage car dealers, though. I'm involved with vintage Mustangs and the vintage car dealers have gone from calling a fake Shelby a "clone" to a "reproduction" and now they are "tribute" cars. I think that's because they're a bunch of pirates and they are making you pay tribute. Or not. It's like used cars have become "dealer certified pre-owned vehicles".
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I hear the term.....Survivor....and see the price is usually jacked up.
What does the term actually mean and does it make a Vette more desirable or valuable.
Reason I ask.....I have a 72 with 54,000 miles. I can find no evidence of any major repairs....original everything.....paint.....etc.....
Thanks........
What does the term actually mean and does it make a Vette more desirable or valuable.
Reason I ask.....I have a 72 with 54,000 miles. I can find no evidence of any major repairs....original everything.....paint.....etc.....
Thanks........
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,982
Likes: 6,209
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
The term "Survivor" has been copyrighted by Bloomington Gold. It refers to a car which I believe is deemed at least 50% unrestored and is certified as such by a Bloomington Gold judging process. Yes, it certainly does enhance the value of a car. Use this link for FAQ:
http://www.bloomingtongold.com/?link=survivor_faqs
However, much like anything else, a lot of people fuzzy up the term by using it in a generic manner. People refer to any sort of unrestored vehicle as a survivor, and much like the term "driver" it's used as an excuse for a shabby car as opposed to a clean unrestored example.
"Survivor" is misused as often as "matching numbers" when it comes to convenient misrepresenting of vehicles.
http://www.bloomingtongold.com/?link=survivor_faqs
However, much like anything else, a lot of people fuzzy up the term by using it in a generic manner. People refer to any sort of unrestored vehicle as a survivor, and much like the term "driver" it's used as an excuse for a shabby car as opposed to a clean unrestored example.
"Survivor" is misused as often as "matching numbers" when it comes to convenient misrepresenting of vehicles.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,268
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota in the summer, Las Vegas in the winter
I think they're implying just what you said. An original car that has survived in remarkable shape. Low miles, original paint, etc. I always hate those buzz words from vintage car dealers, though. I'm involved with vintage Mustangs and the vintage car dealers have gone from calling a fake Shelby a "clone" to a "reproduction" and now they are "tribute" cars. I think that's because they're a bunch of pirates and they are making you pay tribute. Or not. It's like used cars have become "dealer certified pre-owned vehicles".
My understanding of a survivor is that it does not even need to be in great shape. A survivor is a car that, other than normal aging, remains as it was the day it was first purchased. In fact, aging is preferred to any type of renovation. Owners of survivors are urged to leave them as they are in order to provide a template for future restorers. They can use the survivors as benchmarks for their restoration projects.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,909
Likes: 6
From: Lake Arrowhead - Georgia > 72 Base Coupe & 74 BB Roadster
I may look for a method to have my 72 "inspected" by someone that has credentials. The only thing missing is the AIR system. Otherwise, I don't think there has ever been any paint work and the waterpump is the correct # for the year. I replaced an AC hose and the radiator hoses are not original.
Thanks for the info........
Thanks for the info........
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,982
Likes: 6,209
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
I may look for a method to have my 72 "inspected" by someone that has credentials. The only thing missing is the AIR system. Otherwise, I don't think there has ever been any paint work and the waterpump is the correct # for the year. I replaced an AC hose and the radiator hoses are not original.
Thanks for the info........
Thanks for the info........
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,712
Likes: 0
From: Tampa FL
I hear the term.....Survivor....and see the price is usually jacked up.
What does the term actually mean and does it make a Vette more desirable or valuable.
Reason I ask.....I have a 72 with 54,000 miles. I can find no evidence of any major repairs....original everything.....paint.....etc.....
Thanks........
What does the term actually mean and does it make a Vette more desirable or valuable.
Reason I ask.....I have a 72 with 54,000 miles. I can find no evidence of any major repairs....original everything.....paint.....etc.....
Thanks........
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
Or maybe these guys?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,507
Likes: 114
From: St. Louis Mo
"Survivor" judging at Bloomington consist of 4 catgories, engine compartment, underneath, body and exterior. You also have to go on a 40 mile (if I can remember) road trip. Its a lot of fun and you can learn a lot. Very worthwhile. I got mine judged in 2001 and its still in the same condition. Cleanliness and worn parts do not matter its the originality that they look for. Just like it came from the factory.....LT