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What's this 73 worth?

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Old Jul 23, 2009 | 09:37 PM
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Default What's this 73 worth?

Ok, I'm a C2 guy, but a friend I've known for 20 some years has made me an offer to buy his 73 Corvette - he's the second owner and has owned it since 1975. As you can see from the pics, it's a vert, only 27K miles (documented), Auto, A/C, good looking original interior, has been garaged its whole life and needs a paint job (it was repainted but the paint job was a cheap one).

http://s969.photobucket.com/albums/a...ackscar006.jpg

http://s969.photobucket.com/albums/a...ackscar001.jpg

http://s969.photobucket.com/albums/a...ackscar004.jpg

Thanks/Paul

Almost forgot, frame is good, just has some surface rust.

Sorry pics aren't showing:







Last edited by ayperric; Jul 23, 2009 at 09:46 PM. Reason: Pics not displaying
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Old Jul 23, 2009 | 10:04 PM
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The BIG "unknowns" are the condition of frame and birdcage [rust?...just being garaged doesn't protect against rust], the condition of the engine/transmission, and the state of disrepair of all the mechanical systems (steering, suspension, brakes, etc.). Without any actual knowledge of those things, the car is worth $6-8K as it sits. It's a nice car, good color, top and interior are in good shape...but the engine [obviously] hasn't been cared for, so the mechanicals likely have not either. If the frame has significant rust, that would drop it to $4-5K; if no rust and mechanicals in good shape, up to $10K. {Tough to make a decent estimate from computer photos and few facts....}
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Old Jul 23, 2009 | 10:22 PM
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Agree with 7T1vette
A++ Plus- Its a vert
Is it a L-82 or 48, 48 is minus
Auto is minus for most.
If the condition of the engine compartment is any indication of the rest of the car -big minus. Cold garage by the rust on the metal parts in the engine compartment.

Just my opinion.

Last edited by trw; Jul 23, 2009 at 10:25 PM.
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Old Jul 24, 2009 | 12:03 PM
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$6-8k?

She's worth much more. Ragtop, with A/C, deluxe interior, low miles, straight body, all original (except wheels), no-rust, running survivor.

Do some research. Comparable cars are selling in the $15-20k range.

PS. I love the car. Even like the retro slot-mags.
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Old Jul 24, 2009 | 01:02 PM
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Originally Posted by 73, Dark Blue 454
$6-8k?

She's worth much more. Ragtop, with A/C, deluxe interior, low miles, straight body, all original (except wheels), no-rust, running survivor.

Do some research. Comparable cars are selling in the $15-20k range.

PS. I love the car. Even like the retro slot-mags.
Yes, I have done some research, and feel that with a little work and a new paint job, the car would sell for $20K - I was thinking it was worth $10-12K in its current state, but wanted other opinions.

Thanks to everyone who replied - is there an easy way to check the birdcage for rust on a 73?
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Old Jul 24, 2009 | 01:31 PM
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The worst rust is usually in the frame mount pockets behind the kick-panels. Any chance you can take a peak?

Also, with a good flashlight, you can check some of the windshield frame.

The frame will rust from the inside out in 'kick up' area, just forward the rear wheels.
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Old Jul 24, 2009 | 02:31 PM
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Looks like a nice car. What's the seller asking?
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Old Jul 24, 2009 | 08:00 PM
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Got a nice white--L-48-4-seed-windows-leather-original paint-both tops that I'll gladely let you have for 20K this week. I'll even deliver. Send me pm if serious.
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Old Jul 24, 2009 | 08:32 PM
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If there is bird cage rust it will cost way more to fix it then you might get out of it.
I did learn this the hard way with my 77. My 68 was a solid car.
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Old Jul 24, 2009 | 11:17 PM
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This is a good site for classic car values:

http://www.manheimgold.com/car_lo.html

If there are no serious rust issues I'd rank this car at least "good" which puts it at $15,000 ($14,000 + $1000 for factory air) according to the guide.

FWIW
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Old Jul 25, 2009 | 02:11 AM
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Originally Posted by 73, Dark Blue 454
This is a good site for classic car values:

http://www.manheimgold.com/car_lo.html

If there are no serious rust issues I'd rank this car at least "good" which puts it at $15,000 ($14,000 + $1000 for factory air) according to the guide.

FWIW

In comparison to vettes in Australia... its a cheap buy!!!
you guys are very lucky!!
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Old Jul 25, 2009 | 09:45 PM
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Originally Posted by Easy Mike
Looks like a nice car. What's the seller asking?
He's a friend that has not set a price, he's basically giving me the first option at buying the car providing we can come to an agreement on the price.

I can take a harder look at the car to check out the areas everyone has noted to look for rust. Thanks for all the info and the link to site for Corvette values.
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Old Jul 25, 2009 | 10:03 PM
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needs a new front bumper, and I am concerned about the engine internals, maybe it only needs a good cleaning, but from the looks of the oil sitting in some odd places I would be a little more concerned.
If you want to make your friend feel good 10K should do that.
If you want to feel good 8K would do that.

But a lot more research needs to be done to find out the true state of the car.

If everything is OK, the need for paint and front bumper keep the price at 10 or low five digits.
Does it have documentation? If he has the build sheet, pop, dealer invoice and other docs then things may be different.
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Old Jul 29, 2009 | 12:47 AM
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For $10k it is sold. I will have bank check tomorrow. Let me know.
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