80 C3...considering sale
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta GA
80 C3...considering sale
I bought my C3 about 8 months ago at $9k, I've put $10k of work into her and wanted to see some bids...just to see how much its worth. Her engine is brand new, GM crate professionally installed in the first month. New master cylinder, rear tires, A frame bushings, both rear wheel arms, rebuilt aftermarket carburetor amongst other things. Brakes, handles, and accelerates like a dream. All receipts in hand.
Shes not original, the interior is a bit scratched up (2 exterior paint scratches) but she runs great and has been a daily driver for about 5 months. I've also run her in my first ever drag race, 15 second quarter mile and beat a 2003 Mustang
.
I'm considering a minimum bid of $25,000. Is this a stretch?
Shes not original, the interior is a bit scratched up (2 exterior paint scratches) but she runs great and has been a daily driver for about 5 months. I've also run her in my first ever drag race, 15 second quarter mile and beat a 2003 Mustang
.I'm considering a minimum bid of $25,000. Is this a stretch?
Racer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 446
Likes: 1
From: Cary NC
Yes, It is an 80. Don't expect to get what you put into the car back, it just won't happen. Look around at other 80's selling to get a better idea.
EDIT: By Yes I meant it is a stretch.
EDIT: By Yes I meant it is a stretch.
Last edited by michalbugno2006; Mar 31, 2009 at 06:51 PM. Reason: Clarify
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 24
From: Boston MA
It worth less then the 9 grand you paid for it 8 months ago....you would have better luck selling the crate engine, putting the old motor back in and then selling the car....best thing is to keep it, and don't drop any more money into it.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta GA
Jesus, is it really that bad? is there hope of its value increasing after, say, 5 years?
I still have no idea how any car's value is assessed aside from "Dude, its awesome AND works!".
I still have no idea how any car's value is assessed aside from "Dude, its awesome AND works!".
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,625
Likes: 242
From: Russell Ontario
St. Jude Donor '09
No way you will get close to that , I have an 80 also that is near mint I sunk 12k in it since the ten years I"ve had it I did it cause I love the car not for re-sale , I don't think I could get 15k for mine , Don't do it for the money ! Ron
Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 374
Likes: 0
From: Little Neck NY
If you stretch your arm long enough down your toilet bowl you might still get some of your money back but otherwise consider it as if you just flushed $5k-$7K down it.
You probably get $11K-$12K for it. ($9K+$3K ($10K-$7K down the toilet)
You probably get $11K-$12K for it. ($9K+$3K ($10K-$7K down the toilet)
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
From: Corona CA
I agree with all others. You can check ebay and other resources to find the average price. Example: 1981 for sale in my area, 72k original miles, great paint and interior (not perfect), #'s match, everything works as it should, by now for $10,500. 3 other 80 or 81's in decent shape for 10k or below.
It could be worse, I purchased a 74 for 3k, dumped 10k into it and sold for $2,500.
It could be worse, I purchased a 74 for 3k, dumped 10k into it and sold for $2,500.
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Pro
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 716
Likes: 1
From: Albuquerque New Mexico
It's so difficult to come out ahead - even when you do all you're own work. But if you're paying others you can especially kiss that $ goodbye forever. Unfortunately, forumula just doesn't equate. A $5k crate engine yields about a $1,500 premium (max) on total price of a car like yours the second it's installed. Doesn't make a lot of sense but that's what the market dictates. Unless you can find an extremely rare car for dirt cheap and fix it up yourself or if you quickly flip a car that is being sold under market value it's tough to turn a profit.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,982
Likes: 6,209
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
1980= generally a sub-$10k car. Start doing things like adding modifications and crate motors and the value goes down from there.
A minimum bid of $25k is spectacularly out of line.
A minimum bid of $25k is spectacularly out of line.
Pro
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 585
Likes: 0
From: Ocean County NJ
I bought my C3 about 8 months ago at $9k, I've put $10k of work into her and wanted to see some bids...just to see how much its worth. Her engine is brand new, GM crate professionally installed in the first month. New master cylinder, rear tires, A frame bushings, both rear wheel arms, rebuilt aftermarket carburetor amongst other things. Brakes, handles, and accelerates like a dream. All receipts in hand.
Shes not original, the interior is a bit scratched up (2 exterior paint scratches) but she runs great and has been a daily driver for about 5 months. I've also run her in my first ever drag race, 15 second quarter mile and beat a 2003 Mustang.
I'm considering a minimum bid of $25,000. Is this a stretch?
Shes not original, the interior is a bit scratched up (2 exterior paint scratches) but she runs great and has been a daily driver for about 5 months. I've also run her in my first ever drag race, 15 second quarter mile and beat a 2003 Mustang
.I'm considering a minimum bid of $25,000. Is this a stretch?
I disagree. At $25000, I think that you are asking the right amount of money for the car. And today, you should get it.
APRIL FOOLS!!!!!!
Unfortunately, you are up times two. It is a nice car. Keep it, drive it and enjoy it.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 29,702
Likes: 0
From: Sometimes I wonder... why is that frisbee getting bigger? Then it hits me.
Cruise-In X Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
Sadly all of the above are spot on. I think the 1980 body style is stunning but it just is not "there" yet. It's like when you see people trying to sell their 1990 with 110k on the clock for 10 grand. Sorry but it just is NOT even close to worth it.
This is ONE of the main reasons that I am actually looking at rubber bumper cars. They are an inexpensive way back into an older vette for me. I am a huge C3 fan, and I dare say that they were the EPITOME of styling in ALL corvette generations (Although I still DROOL over mid years) but unless they have steel bumpers, they just don't command the money yet.
This is ONE of the main reasons that I am actually looking at rubber bumper cars. They are an inexpensive way back into an older vette for me. I am a huge C3 fan, and I dare say that they were the EPITOME of styling in ALL corvette generations (Although I still DROOL over mid years) but unless they have steel bumpers, they just don't command the money yet.
Last edited by Madmikeee; Apr 1, 2009 at 10:26 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,416
Likes: 291
From: dayton oh
In todays C3 market..........
you're right about back at $9k - SERIOUSLY
Unless your crate engine is a 502 BB or an LS motor.
Point of reference: 82 Collectors Editions that were going for $22-25K 3-4 yrs ago are now in the $13-15k range -- and they only made 6500 of them, your 80 is one of about 41000.
Think about it, people are worried about their jobs and 401K's, $$$$ for Corvettes just isn't in the mix
Only a fool thinks he can MAKE $$$ restoring/mod'ing a C3 -- believe me I've got 2!!!!!!!
Unless your crate engine is a 502 BB or an LS motor.
Point of reference: 82 Collectors Editions that were going for $22-25K 3-4 yrs ago are now in the $13-15k range -- and they only made 6500 of them, your 80 is one of about 41000.
Think about it, people are worried about their jobs and 401K's, $$$$ for Corvettes just isn't in the mix
Only a fool thinks he can MAKE $$$ restoring/mod'ing a C3 -- believe me I've got 2!!!!!!!
Racer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 446
Likes: 1
From: Cary NC
I estimate that that to be worth $6,873.51
Just Kidding, We can't tell what a car is worth with a one sentence description. AT LEAST more info or better yet a picture. Look around at similar vettes to get an idea.
Just Kidding, We can't tell what a car is worth with a one sentence description. AT LEAST more info or better yet a picture. Look around at similar vettes to get an idea.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,982
Likes: 6,209
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
While an L-82 is better than not, and an original motor car is much better than a modified car, the issues discussed above remain the same. Later model rubber bumper cars are on the low end of the price curve (of the pre-C4 cars) and will remain there for the time being. Do not expect to do very well dollar wise.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,800
Likes: 2
From: Fairless Hills PA.
Last edited by 65convt; Apr 6, 2009 at 05:26 PM.
