Price difference C3 Vert/T-Top
CF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Cape Cod, Mass.
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All things being equal the convertible is worth about 3 to five thousand more than the Coupe, give or take a couple of grand. I prefer the coupe. Less body flex and you can still enjoy open air motoring.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,458
Likes: 331
From: Indy Indiana
You have to think of the year also, in 68 they made almost twice as many verts than coupes, 69 was about 57/43 coupes, 70-71 was about a third verts, 72 was about a fourth verts, 75 was about 1/7th verts.. pretty rare... the book states about 20% more $$ for a convertible, but one should factor in the year and the options and take into account the rareness of the options...
for example, a convertible with air is probably more rare than a coupe with air and some people will pay more than 20% for that..
but given the exact same options and condition.. then figure 20% more for a convertible... at least 69-75..
for example, a convertible with air is probably more rare than a coupe with air and some people will pay more than 20% for that..
but given the exact same options and condition.. then figure 20% more for a convertible... at least 69-75..
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,100
Likes: 12
From: Frederick Maryland
As already said, all things being equal the vert will be several thousand more than a coupe, but rarely are all things equal so you have to take into consideration the differences between individual cars and what's needed to get them into the condition you want.
What do YOU want? Do you want a vert over a coupe or vice-versa? Decide on which you prefer and concentrate on looking for that or you may never be happy with what you buy. If you're looking for the best chrome bumper car you can find for what you're willing to spend, then convertible or coupe doesn't matter.
I have a '69 L71 convertible and had a '78 L82 coupe. The coupe was a much more civilized car to drive...the '69 is a beast. I'm 6'3" and as much as I enjoyed the coupe, I was quite cramped in it with the tops on and windows up. I have no such issues in the '69...even with the soft top up.
Things like that can help make your decision.
What do YOU want? Do you want a vert over a coupe or vice-versa? Decide on which you prefer and concentrate on looking for that or you may never be happy with what you buy. If you're looking for the best chrome bumper car you can find for what you're willing to spend, then convertible or coupe doesn't matter.
I have a '69 L71 convertible and had a '78 L82 coupe. The coupe was a much more civilized car to drive...the '69 is a beast. I'm 6'3" and as much as I enjoyed the coupe, I was quite cramped in it with the tops on and windows up. I have no such issues in the '69...even with the soft top up.
Things like that can help make your decision.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,235
Likes: 4,325
From: Westminster Maryland
I never thought twice when I bought my coupe in 71, it was my only car and the coupe seemed more sensible.
But now I wish it were a convertible not because of the value but because the convertible gives you such a different driving experience than the coupe.
I guess the convertible just seems like more fun.
Regards,
Alan
But now I wish it were a convertible not because of the value but because the convertible gives you such a different driving experience than the coupe.
I guess the convertible just seems like more fun.
Regards,
Alan
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 6
From: Nevada City California
I think the general consensus among the Corvette community for early C3 models is that the convertible model is slightly more valuable. I prefer the coupe model. I like the body lines better, particularly those sail panels, this style just has a wickedness appearance to it. I also really enjoy the combination that can be had with removeable roof panels, removeable rear window or any combination thereof with the side windows.
I would agree with capevettes remarks as well.
I would agree with capevettes remarks as well.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Check here at Manheim Gold. For my 1974 it looks like a 40% difference in favour of the convertible.
http://www.manheimgold.com/car_lo.html
http://www.manheimgold.com/car_lo.html
Last edited by Paul L; Jan 31, 2009 at 03:39 PM.
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Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,981
Likes: 6,207
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
Not much debate that the convertibles have a significant value bump over the coupes... every bit of $5-7k+ in the occasion of the bumper cars.
However, do not underestimate the difference in the ability to SELL a roadster as opposed to a coupe, even in the bumper cars. Ive seen pretty nice chrome bumper coupes for sale just go nowhere, even reasonably priced. This is not usually the case with the convertibles.
Just get away from saying "vert" and you are all set. (J/K)
However, do not underestimate the difference in the ability to SELL a roadster as opposed to a coupe, even in the bumper cars. Ive seen pretty nice chrome bumper coupes for sale just go nowhere, even reasonably priced. This is not usually the case with the convertibles.
Just get away from saying "vert" and you are all set. (J/K)
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Not much debate that the convertibles have a significant value bump over the coupes... every bit of $5-7k+ in the occasion of the bumper cars.
However, do not underestimate the difference in the ability to SELL a roadster as opposed to a coupe, even in the bumper cars. Ive seen pretty nice chrome bumper coupes for sale just go nowhere, even reasonably priced. This is not usually the case with the convertibles.
Just get away from saying "vert" and you are all set. (J/K)
However, do not underestimate the difference in the ability to SELL a roadster as opposed to a coupe, even in the bumper cars. Ive seen pretty nice chrome bumper coupes for sale just go nowhere, even reasonably priced. This is not usually the case with the convertibles.
Just get away from saying "vert" and you are all set. (J/K)
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,981
Likes: 6,207
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
True.
But at least Corvette convertibles have been called "roadsters" within the hobby at least since the early 70's, technically incorrect or not. "Vert" is the epitome of "newbie."
People say say whatever they like.
But at least Corvette convertibles have been called "roadsters" within the hobby at least since the early 70's, technically incorrect or not. "Vert" is the epitome of "newbie."
People say say whatever they like.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
OK, I give up the Old Farts' side. Knurled screw-on ***** doing up the side-curtains (plastic windows) on a real roadster.