Cessnapilot89

Hi I've posted in here a couple of times before, and I have another C3 question. What are the going rates for a C3? Is it possible to get a good one for around 5-6 thousand dollars?

gator79

good one? NO

marines

I just bought a 1971 Stingray with a rebuilt 350 engine and tranny, with all kinds of upgrades for 7500. This about half of the Kelly Book price guide.

gator79

that is a good price, did you check the frame and birdcage ?

morleyz

I think it depends on what your definition of good is.

Can you find one with no serious rust problems, runs, has high miles and needs some work. Yes, I would say you can find one in the 5-6K range.

Can you find one that's been fully or even partially restored? No.

Green73

You should be able to find a decent later model c3 for that kind of money.

dbeall1968

if it is all there, you might get one for 5k if it is still on fire!

avalonjohn

I agree, maybe a later C3, but I doubt you will find even a decent project 68-72, maybe.......who knows.

GridIronMac

I've been looking for several months. You have to see at least inspect/drive a few before you 'partially' know what your are getting into. I kept trying to justify the poor condition of a 4500 to 5500 '73 to '82 because they were over 25 years of age.
The cars in your price range (which was my price range) will require significant money and time (check for rust). I love the '73 style and almost bought one at a great price, but was too much for my skill level. I chose to up my price range and pay for a car that could be enjoyed and reconditioned.
Check for guys/gals on the forum or wherever that are upfront and honest. Then get ready to enjoy a stylish classic.

Cessnapilot89

Thanks everyone for the replies. I just put of my C4 for sale today and have gotten a couple emails regarding it. I really dont want to be Vette-less for too long. I hale always liked the C3 but really don't know too much about them.

reelthing

Here are two links to current vettes in your price range
http://orlando.craigslist.org/car/526623507.html
http://orlando.craigslist.org/car/526350520.html

Vette Crazzy

i beg to differ

dar322

5-7k? well, find an estate sale or a widow who just wants to get rid of it. price may not be important, just take it away. things like this may happen sometimes.

Jon Hekking

Deals do happen, I got mine from a lady that took it from her husband in a divorce, I paid $8,500, which is a little more than your price range, but got a nice 81 with fairly low miles (74K), new paint and no real problems. She could not get rid of it fast enough. You just need to be in the right place at the right time, keep looking.

Good Luck

Darrel1

Best advice I got was: take your time and research, know what the typical trouble areas are and learn how to inspect a care for them. Determine what can be fixed by you and what you have to farm out. That makes a big difference.

When I bought mine I knew I needed a solid frame and bird cage ( I do not have any welding tools or experience), running engine, and body paint that at least I could be seen in public with for a while. I found it and bought my 80 L48 Vette with 49K miles a couple of years ago for $6200.


Darrel1

L82shark

I gave 5k for my Pace Car. Frame not rusted but all the body bushings were dry rotted. Engine, brakes and tranny freshly rebuilt, runs like a champ. Interior was shot, along with the paint it was a 20-30 footer. Car drives fine, (at least before I started rebuilding it). You are going to have a hard time finding a decent steel bumper, but should have no problems finding a rubber bumper in decent shape for 8k. There is a 74 for sale just up the street for 8k and I see 78 thru 81s for sale all the time in the local advertiser for 5-8k. Anything for 5k is going to need some work, unless you just stumble on that car at the right time and place.

moosie982

Betcha the ex-husband was pi$$ed, Nice car. Peace,,,Moosie

Jon Hekking

He was....... Thanks for the compliment!

Cessnapilot89

Thanks everyone for the advice and encouragement. Last night I was browsing around Craigslist and found a 73 and a 72 Coupe for sale.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/car/523969547.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/car/526585713.html

They both need some work, but are these fair prices given the condition of the car?

In the mean time, I'll keep saving up for one.