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Help!!! What's the difference in C3's???

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Old Sep 5, 2008 | 06:07 PM
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Default Help!!! What's the difference in C3's???

A friend of mine tells me that there are differences in value and
desirability in C3's depending on the year. Can anyone give me a
quick lesson in which years are more desirable and more valuable
and why?
thanks in advance,
Joe
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Old Sep 5, 2008 | 06:19 PM
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You will get some great in depth advice from more knowledgeable guys here, but I will give you the quick and easy of what I know:

Chrome bumper = more expensive; years 1968 - 1972.
1973 = chrome front and fiberglass rear and a little less than above.
1974 and up become a bit less expensive as you go.

This is not taking into account originality, matching #'s, etc. Example you may find a 74 all matching low miles for more than a 72 non matching.
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Old Sep 5, 2008 | 06:21 PM
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Chrome bumpers (68-73) = desirable = $$$$$
Rubber bumpers (73-82) = low engine power = undesirable = $

Convertibles (68-75) = +$
Big block engine = +$ for some people
Original engine (matching numbers) = +$ for some people
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Old Sep 5, 2008 | 06:24 PM
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C3s can broken down into two categories; chrome bumper 68-72 and rubber bumper 74-82 with 73 being an in between. In general, chrome bumper vettes are more valuable. This is not just because of looks. There were less chrome bumper produced with a much greater variety of engine, transmission, and other options to include true high performance that could not be found on the rubber vettes.

Last edited by mstanton; Sep 5, 2008 at 06:25 PM. Reason: sp.
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Old Sep 5, 2008 | 06:25 PM
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Originally Posted by Joeydeluxed
A friend of mine tells me that there are differences in value and
desirability in C3's depending on the year. Can anyone give me a
quick lesson in which years are more desirable and more valuable
and why?
thanks in advance,
Joe
I could go on and on, but I think you should spend some time reading through the C3 For Sale threads. You'll find lots of interesting comments concerning pricing.
Let's say that you are considering either a 1970 LS5 (454) Convertible 4 speed or a 1976 Coupe 350 Automatic. In good condition there is a big difference in price, although they are both very nice C3's.
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Old Sep 5, 2008 | 06:38 PM
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Thanks, I think you told me pretty much what I needed!
regards,
Joe

Originally Posted by m8rixguy
You will get some great in depth advice from more knowledgeable guys here, but I will give you the quick and easy of what I know:

Chrome bumper = more expensive; years 1968 - 1972.
1973 = chrome front and fiberglass rear and a little less than above.
1974 and up become a bit less expensive as you go.

This is not taking into account originality, matching #'s, etc. Example you may find a 74 all matching low miles for more than a 72 non matching.
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Old Sep 5, 2008 | 06:40 PM
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Default Thanks!

Just a quick note to thank everyone who has responded, I think you
gave me a very good idea of the price differences and desirability.
I can't believe the responses were so quick!

thanks again,
Joe
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Old Sep 5, 2008 | 06:47 PM
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Different horse power rating and engine size depending on the year, SB or BB I wont list them all but in 1969 the 350 SB is introduced and the 327 discontinued and in 1970 the 427 BB is discontinued and the 454 BB is introduced. Generally if the car has the original BB engine it's worth more than the same year car with a SB. 1975 last year for the BB engine.
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Old Sep 5, 2008 | 07:17 PM
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Originally Posted by Joeydeluxed
Just a quick note to thank everyone who has responded, I think you
gave me a very good idea of the price differences and desirability.
I can't believe the responses were so quick!

thanks again,
Joe
well Joe, that's just how we roll!!!!

welcome to the forum
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Old Sep 5, 2008 | 08:25 PM
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Originally Posted by Mad Vette
1975 last year for the BB engine.


1974 was the last year for the big block. 1975 was the last year for the C3 convertible.
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Old Sep 6, 2008 | 10:28 AM
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This will give you a good idea of the difference in values between years.

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Old Sep 6, 2008 | 12:13 PM
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Originally Posted by BenUK
Chrome bumpers (68-73) = desirable = $$$$$
Rubber bumpers (73-82) = low engine power = undesirable = $

Convertibles (68-75) = +$
Big block engine = +$ for some people
Original engine (matching numbers) = +$ for some people


Just remember, the big block and the original engines are every bit as absolute a value enhancement as are convertibles. The "some people" who didn't agree would be wrong.

Another thing not mentioned yet: options. Not as important on the entry-level cars, because as the Corvettes got newer, the more options became common or even standard. However, on the more valuable bumper (68-72) cars, options like tilt wheel, PS, PB, 350hp, and the most dramatic- air... are all plusses in value. Air takes a 68-72 roadster to another level altogether. Coupes seem to have more options routinely than roadster, so the options really bump up the resale dollar on the convertibles. And of course, 4 speed is always more desireable.
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Old Sep 6, 2008 | 02:30 PM
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Originally Posted by m8rixguy
...1973 = chrome front and fiberglass rear and a little less than above.

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Old Sep 6, 2008 | 05:23 PM
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Originally Posted by m8rixguy
You will get some great in depth advice from more knowledgeable guys here, but I will give you the quick and easy of what I know:

Chrome bumper = more expensive; years 1968 - 1972.
1973 = chrome front and fiberglass rear and a little less than above.
1974 and up become a bit less expensive as you go.

This is not taking into account originality, matching #'s, etc. Example you may find a 74 all matching low miles for more than a 72 non matching.

OOps! Don't you mean 73- rubber nose, chrome rear bumper?
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Old Sep 6, 2008 | 08:24 PM
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'Thee' most desireable vette is the '79 in my garage. And - no its not for sale .
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Old Sep 6, 2008 | 09:35 PM
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The most desirable Corvette is the 580 HP 406 1980 with a 700 R4 transmission. I own the only one in existence that I'm aware of. :P
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Old Sep 6, 2008 | 09:40 PM
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the 1982 is by far the best .the other ones were just practice .hahaha.just kiding [flame suit on]really guys just kiding
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