1971?
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
1971?
so, there was this ad, maybe I should put this in the "wanted" section? it said such:
"the car has 43000 original miles on it original paint all original except for the motor none numbers matching 350 automatic factory air tilt and teloscopic wheel also have glass t tops for the car this is not a show car it does need some work call if interested"
the price listed is 10500.
I am not necessarily looking for an "investment" more of something to love, and to be loved. I really can't stop looking at the photos. I feel that it might be a good car, for what I am looking for...
I figure the interior looks worn, he never shows the straight front (why?) and the numbers dont match (important for collectible sake). I tried to call today, but he hasn't called back yet, we'll see what happens of it.
either case, I could use some help learning to evaluate an ad? I'm excited for this one, should I be? The color is what got me really...
thank you for your time.
"the car has 43000 original miles on it original paint all original except for the motor none numbers matching 350 automatic factory air tilt and teloscopic wheel also have glass t tops for the car this is not a show car it does need some work call if interested"
the price listed is 10500.
I am not necessarily looking for an "investment" more of something to love, and to be loved. I really can't stop looking at the photos. I feel that it might be a good car, for what I am looking for...
I figure the interior looks worn, he never shows the straight front (why?) and the numbers dont match (important for collectible sake). I tried to call today, but he hasn't called back yet, we'll see what happens of it.
either case, I could use some help learning to evaluate an ad? I'm excited for this one, should I be? The color is what got me really...
thank you for your time.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,264
Likes: 3
From: Vero Beach FL
43,000 original miles and not a matching numbers car. I am sure there’s a story behind that. Anyway I recently traded a car for a 71 Corvette (my dream car) although in boxes and not running with many small parts missing it has a very solid frame and the birdcage is 90% plus a no hit body. I say that to say this you can over come about any problem you will encounter as long as the frame and birdcage and body are solid. If there are major problems in any of these areas it will be costly to correct them. Before buying it look at these areas or at least get photos of them. If possible get someone that knows what to look for look at it.
Just my thoughts good luck!
Just my thoughts good luck!
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Thank you for the response. I was very interested in the mileage too… I will make sure to look at the areas you suggested. What are signs of concerning problems for the frame or birdcage? I am imagining rusting/warping/damage will be obvious? (I am in the process of trying to find someone to go see the car with me)
I have really narrowed my search down to a 1971. It is a beautiful car, and I hear it takes modern gas better than the earlier version C3s (ie. 68-70) which makes it a better driver’s car, is this true?
I have really narrowed my search down to a 1971. It is a beautiful car, and I hear it takes modern gas better than the earlier version C3s (ie. 68-70) which makes it a better driver’s car, is this true?
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
No, not true at all. Any C3 will run well on present day gasoline.
Looks like a nice car but as always have a experienced inspector look it over prior to purchase. Forget the investment angle unless that's how your going to convince your wife.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
How do I go about finding an inspector? I was planning on calling a local classic car restoration place, and poking around there for some hirable expertise.
Last edited by DS6344; Sep 15, 2009 at 10:08 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
OK, then go smack some sense into the person that told you that old cars are a good investment.
The local restorer would be a good starting place, they could possibly give you the name of someone qualified.
The local restorer would be a good starting place, they could possibly give you the name of someone qualified.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 23,419
Likes: 22
From: In limbo
St. Jude Donor '13-'15, '17 thru '22
NOM small block coupe with auto trans, let's just say that if you are looking for an "investment" or something "collectible", this ain't it. Like Mike said though, old cars are a horrible investment no matter what you buy. If you are looking for a driver, and prefer auto trans, this could be a great car, so don't let the lack of collectibility get in your way. All good suggestions on finding someone to help you look at the car, I was going to suggest contacting the closest NCRS chapter.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,802
Likes: 61
From: Wichita KS
Go to the following web site and locate a Corvette Club in your area. There should be a link to the local club's web site with contact information:
http://www.corvettesnccc.org/FindClub.html
cc
http://www.corvettesnccc.org/FindClub.html
cc
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
To risk sounding more floo-fy than I want to, I didn’t mean monetary investment, that’s why I placed it in quotations in my OP. I didn’t mean to offend, or sound incredibly dumb, but that’s how it came out. Sorry. 
Thank you all for your advice/patience though, I appreciate the direction. I was planning on looking up my local chapter club tonight
I'm so excited!
Thank you all for your advice/patience though, I appreciate the direction. I was planning on looking up my local chapter club tonight
I'm so excited!
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
Old C3's are a better investment than most newer cars. If you are going to buy a car that you want to drive, a 1970's Corvette is about as good as you can get. You won't lose money on the deal (buying then selling), regardless of how long you keep it. If you just want to make money, there are better investments...but I think folks asking on this Forum intend to buy a car, anyway.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 850
Likes: 36
From: Providence RI
Again, if the undercarriage and birdcage are solid, then it's worth every penny and more. A non-numbers-matching base-350 won't affect the value much; that's more of an issue for cars where the engine itself is the desireable part of the car (LS-6, LT-1, etc).
Look it over, catalog what needs work or replacement (it won't be a matter of whether, but rather what), and then see if it's all in your budget and timeline.
If it is, then buy it and enjoy it!
Look it over, catalog what needs work or replacement (it won't be a matter of whether, but rather what), and then see if it's all in your budget and timeline.
If it is, then buy it and enjoy it!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,264
Likes: 3
From: Vero Beach FL
Thank you for the response. I was very interested in the mileage too… I will make sure to look at the areas you suggested. What are signs of concerning problems for the frame or birdcage? I am imagining rusting/warping/damage will be obvious? (I am in the process of trying to find someone to go see the car with me)
I have really narrowed my search down to a 1971. It is a beautiful car, and I hear it takes modern gas better than the earlier version C3s (ie. 68-70) which makes it a better driver’s car, is this true?
I have really narrowed my search down to a 1971. It is a beautiful car, and I hear it takes modern gas better than the earlier version C3s (ie. 68-70) which makes it a better driver’s car, is this true?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
Thank you for the response. I was very interested in the mileage too… I will make sure to look at the areas you suggested. What are signs of concerning problems for the frame or birdcage? I am imagining rusting/warping/damage will be obvious? (I am in the process of trying to find someone to go see the car with me)
I have really narrowed my search down to a 1971. It is a beautiful car, and I hear it takes modern gas better than the earlier version C3s (ie. 68-70) which makes it a better driver’s car, is this true?
I have really narrowed my search down to a 1971. It is a beautiful car, and I hear it takes modern gas better than the earlier version C3s (ie. 68-70) which makes it a better driver’s car, is this true?
Gary
http://corvettec3.ca/rustpics/index.html