I have to make a decision.
I am looking for a 1980 or 1981 vette. My only requirements are that it must be black on black. I found a few cars but I don't know which one to buy. Here is my list...
1981 Black on black 4 speed in Michigan(I can inspect) $8900(maybe flexible) was told the car is not what the pictures show though


1981 black on black auto with side pipes and new motor and rims (I cannot inspect cause its in Oregon) for $7000 some sort of door damage near lock but pictures look great WOULD NEED TO BE SHIPPED $$$


1980 black on tan 4 speed (uncle can inspect) forum member and sounds like a very solid car around $7500
No pics right now

1979 black on black 4 speed with "450 HP" for $8000 I may be able to inspect


I guess I prefer 4 speeds but I also like power. I know I need to make the decision but I am looking for some input. What do you guys think? It will be used as a driver that will be brought to local shows (not looking to win anything) and some visits to englishtown but just for fun nothing serious. What do you think shipping would be from Oregon cause that would make a difference for that car. I have done so much searching it is crazy but I am looking for some input.
Matt

 

Would go for the most reliable. Big horse can be attractive but get yourself one nice vette without to much to do on it and if you want big horse i would do it after.

 

I agree 100%. Thanks for the reply. Anyone else?

 

I second that

 

I recommend that you buy a car that you can inspect. Most of the time, cars look better in pictures than they do in person.

 

all of the time even with the most perfect photos, you will see something in person somewhere you dont like

 

Go for the car that is in the best condition. You can get the HP several different ways afterwards. You are kind of limited because you only want one of 2 year models and certain color combo. Might even consider a different interior color if you come across a great deal and just change it to black.

Biggest thing don't rush your decision. It's more of a buyers market right now because of the economy. Take your time to find that right one for you.

As far as shipping. I shipped 2 from Chicago to Texas last year. I think it was around $700 ea. Prices have probably gone up a little with gas prices rising.

 

Earlier today I sent the guy in Oregon an email, with a bunch of questions, but have not heard back yet. If I get ambitious I might go look at the thing but I am pretty sure its not going to be as nice as you might think from the pics.

On Oregon Vette I am thinking DAS shipping from terminal to terminal, with insurance, is probably going to be around $800.

 

I have heard that interior changes are very expensive. I get what you guys are saying and it is exactly how I feel but I just can't find the right one. I have been looking for over 4 years consistently. I need to have a car before May 7 because that is when I am coming home for the summer . I don't want to buy a beater that will just get me around but that is what I might have to do. I just can't believe there isn't a black on black four speed for around $8000. All I can say is that I am kicking myself for buying my first car (an 87 camaro) and I don't want to make another mistake like that again. I am going home tomorrow to sell it for $8000 And with the money I had into it I could have had a top flight NCRS C-3 (and believe me I am not kidding). I just want to know when the small guy that works his *** of for a nice car gets a break. Everyone says be patient but I just don't see it. When is it my time? If you can't tell it has been a really rough day. Sorry for ranting on the boards but I just don't know what to do anymore.
Matt
PS: thanks for the responses guys

 

Yeah I talked to him on the phone twice today. He sounded nice and answered all of my questions. He even sent me some more pictures that I will email to you right now. There is something messed up with the door but other than that the car is really good according to him. The seats could use covers but the door panels are new and the carpet is "great". The engine was rebuilt and has about "350 HP". All new u joints, transmission rebuilt, new shocks, new brakes, new steering components and he has a new weatherstripping kit for it. I just wish it wasn't an automatic.
Matt

 

I am guessing about 80% were automatics and that is probably what is limiting you the most. I also like 4sps and do not understand why so many people wanted automatics.

 

That is exactly it. Also if I find a 4 speed the car almost always has a red interior.

 

Thanks for the pics. He's got it on Craig's list and Ebay so if it is nice he'll probably have it sold by Friday. If not I might look at it Saturday. (I am really looking for steel bumper vert but like you I am getting tired of searching.)

It sounds like you need something right away so If you can't find exactly what you want then try to get something that will sell easily again and something that you will not have to spend a load on fixing.

 

Yeah you are probably right. I wish I could just find something. Everyone says prices are coming down but I dont see it. Maybe I am just asking for too much.

 

Yeah where is this alternative universe where the prices are supposedly dropping? Because to me they appear to be as high as they have ever been.

 

Ttt

 

Sometime you have to accept compromise and it end up that you like it.

My first choice was a black vette in the '73 to '77 with red interior but found my '78. The color was perfect,the car was in real good shape and the price was in my range of price. Just the oyster color was not my favorite interior but it didn't take long that i started to love that light int specally in warm sunny days. And i thing it look good with the black exterior.

As for the 4 speed you could always go Auto with a shift kit that you can manually change gears.