It seems that there has been a lot of interest in the 70-72 Corvettes. I have been a fan of the 1970 Corvette for a long time. The last of the high HP,crome bumpers & for the 70 low production #'s. Is it because the C2'S are so high priced or because we are moving up a generation like we did from C1 to C2?

KEN

 

Yes...and yes. Although certain C3's cost on par with certain C2s.

Steve

 

both...

 

What's wrong with the 68-69 I agree that there is alot more interest lately in the 68-72 particularly with big blocks or Lt-1's. Kind of the trickle down effect from the high prices of the mid years. I have always been into the solid axles and mid-years but over the last few years really started liking the bumper C3's. Finally bought one a couple of years ago and love it. It drives every bit as good as my mid-year, maybe better.

 

I think that the 68 & 69'S have always had a lot of interest. You could get all the HP goodies including the L-88. Peope that wanted that style would go for the 68-69 Corvetytes not the 70-72. It was just that I see a lot of questions about the 70-72 cars here & on the NCRS forum.
KEN

 

Ken,

That's probably pretty accurate in some respects, although I don't know if the 1968-1969 Corvettes get the respect that they deserve either. The L-88s do, most certainly, but it is only in recent years that the rest of these cars started to appreciate and become somewhat scarce in the "for sale" arena. For what they are, the L-71 cars are still affordable in some cases, although I don't think that is going to last too much longer.

As far as the 1970-1972 Corvettes, they have always been my favorites and have owned a few of them over the years. The first car that I ever owned was a 1970 LT-1 convertible that I purchased when I was 17 (they were a much more affordable way back when) and have owned Corvettes since then. I'm in agreement with a lot of people who believe that the LT-1s are undervalued and I'm certainly looking for the right one to turn up.

You're right on the questions on the NCRS board... Lots of activity! Lots of folks bringing cars out too. Last year at the nationals, both the Bowtie judging and Flight judging classes for 1970-1972 were full and the Regionals are well attended too. I hope that trend continues.

Regards,

 

I agree,the 68-69 L88 is still king but the 435's are slowly but surely creeping up.As far as the 70-72's,prices for clean originals are up across the board.I have seen some real nice ones sell recently for pretty good prices,case in point being the 70 350/350 vert that sold on ebay for 52,500.The 70-72 454's and LT-1's are bringing good money for clean unmolested examples.The 68-72's are my favorites so iam glad to see them finally getting their day in the sun.

 

No doubt, that the 'early shark' era cars, '68 to '72 are coming into their own.

I answered Ken's question over on the NCRS.org forum as to why the '70 to '72 cars are appreciating.

 

STAN
I have 2 1970 LT-I'S. a Maroon/ SADDLE coupe with 19000 MI. I bought from the original owner. I have owned since 1980. Original paint,interior ETC. BG in1982. Al paperwork including window sticker. SN3893. Maroon/BLACK CONV. POP & nice tank sticker. 3 owner car. I am doing a body on resto. SN#5129 I have a 454 CONV SN 7601. All options except wheel covers,shoulder belts & LEATHER. POP & is a 1 owner car. I need to sell one to buy a 66 425 conv. I can send pictures.
KEN

 

Although I thoroughly enjoy my 68 vert. and have fun with it, my 72 LT-1 takes the fun factor to another level.
Bryan

 

I will jump over to look at your response. My main point in this is to gage if younger people are buying early C3 bumper cars because of the price or the younger generation thats buying now like this style better.
KEN

 

Here are the reasons I think people are looking at the 1968-72's but especially 1970-72.

1. 1973-one metal bumper and then all rubber bumpers. 1972 last for F & R metal bumpers.
2. 1968-especially "according to consumer reports" was assembled so poorly and had so many problems they would not even rate it. Even today I would never buy the first year a new model comes out.
3. 195---1967 are just too expensive for many people.
4. when you get into the 68-72 types you can buy them with power steering AND power brakes, shoulder harness and head rests or high seats--many baby boomers are used to cars with these safety features and easy driving (power brakes, etc).

No saying this is exactly right but something to consider.

 

70 rocks! Fender flares for rock chips, more room inside, factory shoulder belts for us old farts that belive in them, btter quality when made compared to earlier versions, etc.

 

I always hear the words "quality flaws" or "poor assembly" when people talk about 1968 models, but I still havent seen/heard about a particular problem! .. aside from the braced kick up frame in '69, whats the real difference between '68 and '69 as far as the quality is concerned?

 

Ken,

Sounds like a great collection you have there! I'd love to hear more about the LT-1s when you get the opportunity.

You can post here or email me (rowdyrat@aol.com), which ever is more convenient.

Regards,

Stan Falenski

 

It's always tough to gauge interest in styles with such different price tags associated with these cars. Being in this hobby and not raised around cars or influenced by my father I love the C2's. I have friends & family that prefer the styling of the C3, it's all about preference.. I'm 36 and if I had to purchase my 67 today I don't think I could afford it so the C3 would be my car... How readily would I admit I was driving around in my second choice? I'm not sure but thankfully I don't have to.

 

70 rocks due to being the lowest number production of the C3's. Have a big block convertible 4-speed on top of that and Yippee!

 

Stan,

Tell me about that LS6 car in your photo. Are you restoring it? What color combo and options? How long have you owned it?

Ed

 

Ed,

I purchased that LS-6 about six years ago. To give you the cliff notes on what is a rather long story, I bought Corvette parts from a man when I first moved to the York area twenty years ago. He claimed to have an LS-6 and an LT-1, but "didn't keep them around" according to the story. Thought he was just blowing smoke, so I pretty much forgot about it. About seven years ago I was having a '70 LT-1 painted at a shop not far from my home. Turns out this guy was a painter at this shop and typically did most of the Corvettes that came in for paint and body work. I find out from the shop owner that this guy actually did own these cars. I always aked if he wanted to sell the LS-6, but he always declined. After year of me asking him to sell it, however, he finally did (he tells me I caught him in a weak moment).

Mike (the guy I bought the car from) was the second owner and had purchased the car in 1978 from the original owner. The car was sold new in Annapolis, MD at Thorpe Chevrolet (if my memory is correct). It was originally Steel Cities gray with a black standard (vinyl) interior, black soft top, and black vinyl hard top. Options included the LS-6, M-22 four speed, 3.36 to 1 rear axle ratio, AM/FM radio, tilt/telescoping steering column, and full wheel covers. Despite how the car looks in the photo, it is really quite complete and came with an incredible amount of NOS parts that Mike had been putting away for its eventual restoration.

I will be restoring the car... Actually, I had hoped to have it completely restored by now, but things always seemed to come up to delay starting on it. I sold my house (and the large garage that went with it) last year and really haven't had a place to work on it. I'm in the process of building a new garage at my new home... Once that gets done, restoring the LS-6 is the first thing on my list.

I'll try and get out this weekend to shoot some better photos of the car... Maybe post them in a new thread.

Thanks for asking about the LS-6... It's certainly one of the neatest cars that I've had the opportunity to own.

Regards,

Stan Falenski