Help tracking down a vette in IL
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,740
Likes: 3
From: Aurora Ontario
Well I talked to the owner today. He thought about it for 2 weeks, but really just didn't consider selling, actually he said he had forgotten about talking to his famly at all about it. Then he tells me well, everything has a price. He wouldn't throw out a number so I started at $17k, he said I was about $10k to low. I laughed a bit, but he reassured me he was serious and that the car was worth at least that much in today's market. I thanked him for his time, and told him to enjoy the car and keep my name and number. Unfortunately I think this is where the story is going to end.
Tom
Tom
Take a look at Ebay. There is an Orange one on there now the bid is less the $7,000. There are a couple of real nice unmolested ones in your price range.
Maybe tell him to take a look at Ebay. I would ask him to justify an asking price of $27,000.
If he needs to sell he will call you back with a counter offer. I would maybe sweeten the offer to $19,000. By the time you got the right parts back on there and the right color you will probably be in to it for$26,000.
Jim
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,740
Likes: 3
From: Aurora Ontario
This one is asking $25,000 and change with 19,000 miles on it
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chevr...fCarsQ5fTrucks
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chevr...fCarsQ5fTrucks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,740
Likes: 3
From: Aurora Ontario
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: L.I.T.H. Illinois
Thanks for confirming what I thought guys, makes me glad to know I wasn't being stubborn. I know it is something he wasn't looking to sell when I contacted him, so I expected some increase. But for a car with 155k miles, a hybrid orange color and some key missing parts....and I still don't know the frame condition...I knew I could find better deals. I'll keep looking, and hopefully I can find a decent substitute. Thanks for all the help guys, it is definetely appreciated. Even though I'm not an owner yet, I'll still hang around here to learn what I can!
Tom
Tom
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,317
Likes: 291
From: Ocala FL
Check this out.
1972 corvette (price dropped) - $14500 (ill)
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/1553369871.html
http://www.usedcorvettesforsale.com/corvette-33486.html
I really applaud what you are doing. I wanted to get one for my dad because he used to always enjoy everything about mine, and when I got to a point I could, it was impossible due to them disowning me and telling me I was never welcome again in their home unless I divorce my wife.
I hope you can get him one and that your relationship remains strong forever.
1972 corvette (price dropped) - $14500 (ill)
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/1553369871.html
http://www.usedcorvettesforsale.com/corvette-33486.html
I really applaud what you are doing. I wanted to get one for my dad because he used to always enjoy everything about mine, and when I got to a point I could, it was impossible due to them disowning me and telling me I was never welcome again in their home unless I divorce my wife.
I hope you can get him one and that your relationship remains strong forever.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: L.I.T.H. Illinois
Thanks, really sorry to hear about your relationship, I feel really lucky to have had the family experience I've had. I've kept an eye on that one in St. Louis. If it was a 4spd, I would have probably jumped on it. Still might take a look into it. Decisions descions....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,317
Likes: 291
From: Ocala FL
Thanks, really sorry to hear about your relationship, I feel really lucky to have had the family experience I've had. I've kept an eye on that one in St. Louis. If it was a 4spd, I would have probably jumped on it. Still might take a look into it. Decisions descions....
Thanks. It happened almost 11 years ago, and my dad died last September. So it will never be resolved.
As to the 4 speed, if your dad is like many as they get older, he may enjoy the 4 speed for the fun, but his knees really enjoy the automatic for the comfort.
Just a thought.
Good luck.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,247
Likes: 471
From: Glen Allen, VA
I'd check back with the current owner maybe every month or 2. The key is not to be annoying. He will not forget that you are interested, and you never know what may change in his situation and he may need to sell it. Were I in his shoes, I probably would have high balled my asking price also knowing that I didn't want to sell it, just to see if you would bite.
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 8
From: Enid Oklahoma
Thanks for confirming what I thought guys, makes me glad to know I wasn't being stubborn. I know it is something he wasn't looking to sell when I contacted him, so I expected some increase. But for a car with 155k miles, a hybrid orange color and some key missing parts....and I still don't know the frame condition...I knew I could find better deals. I'll keep looking, and hopefully I can find a decent substitute. Thanks for all the help guys, it is definetely appreciated. Even though I'm not an owner yet, I'll still hang around here to learn what I can!
Tom
Tom
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
Just to confirm - was the car in original Ontario Orange paint when your father owned it? And now its a slightly different but noticeably different nonfactory color? I think if you find a car configured like your father's, in original paint, he will think its his old car more than if it actually was his old car! What's he going to do, run the vin? 
You located the old car which was 90% of the challenge/fun anyway. Now go find the identical twin at a great price. BTW, I think you are nuts!! 
What if your father is looking for the same car so he can give it to you?
You located the old car which was 90% of the challenge/fun anyway. Now go find the identical twin at a great price. BTW, I think you are nuts!! What if your father is looking for the same car so he can give it to you?
Last edited by PRNDL; Feb 6, 2010 at 10:40 PM.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: L.I.T.H. Illinois
The car was completely stock when he sold it. The car is now an 80's corvette orange with some yellow added to it. I'll give the guy some time and will probably tell my father about it. I'm still looking for a better deal though. I think you gys are right, he'd be happy with any good replica of it!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,317
Likes: 291
From: Ocala FL
I'm sure your dad would be happy with ANY Corvette you bought him, and happy just with the effort you have put forth to find his old Corvette.
I know that if mine were to buy be one like my first, I would be really happy, but I would be more so with my first one. I sort of know where it is, like you know where his is, but it is beyond my means at this point.
<-- My first one
Of course, don't pay too much just for the sentimental reasons. That is what the seller is counting on. His price on it right now should be on a perfect NCRS car. C3 prices are WAY down and it is easy enough to get very nice early C3s in the mid to upper teens.
One option you might go for is to get a replacement, and if the actual one does come to a normal price, you could buy it and then "trade" your dad cars. This way if the actual one never becomes available, your dad still gets to have a Corvette again. After all, no one is promised tomorrow, so don't postpone something that you will regret not doing years from now.
I know that if mine were to buy be one like my first, I would be really happy, but I would be more so with my first one. I sort of know where it is, like you know where his is, but it is beyond my means at this point.
<-- My first oneOf course, don't pay too much just for the sentimental reasons. That is what the seller is counting on. His price on it right now should be on a perfect NCRS car. C3 prices are WAY down and it is easy enough to get very nice early C3s in the mid to upper teens.
One option you might go for is to get a replacement, and if the actual one does come to a normal price, you could buy it and then "trade" your dad cars. This way if the actual one never becomes available, your dad still gets to have a Corvette again. After all, no one is promised tomorrow, so don't postpone something that you will regret not doing years from now.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: L.I.T.H. Illinois
Gorgeous car!
So I stopped by the old man's house today and told him what I had done....basically the whole story. He was flattered, and when I told him how much the guy wanted he laughed. Put me at ease I guess, so I know I have to come up with some other ideas....told him about the automatic one in St Louis, he said cars of that vintage should only be 4 spd! I have a few months to look around and at this point he thinks I have given up the search, so I'm sure it would still be shocking to him. BTW he really did not like the orange on the car anyway!
Tom
So I stopped by the old man's house today and told him what I had done....basically the whole story. He was flattered, and when I told him how much the guy wanted he laughed. Put me at ease I guess, so I know I have to come up with some other ideas....told him about the automatic one in St Louis, he said cars of that vintage should only be 4 spd! I have a few months to look around and at this point he thinks I have given up the search, so I'm sure it would still be shocking to him. BTW he really did not like the orange on the car anyway!
Tom
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 984
Likes: 1
From: SAN FRANCISCO CA
what did i tell you! keep us posted. the hunt isn't over..... y'know maybe you should share the hunt with the old man. he might enjoy it, plus it'd be good bonding time, AND he could have a bigger say as to what he REALLY wants, not just what you THINK he wants.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: L.I.T.H. Illinois
I kind of hinted at that Ed, then he started talking about a 2002 Z06 then said why not go big and price out a 2010 ZR1! He's dreaming big, but that might have to do with being able to finally start pulling from his 401k!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 984
Likes: 1
From: SAN FRANCISCO CA
well... y'know maybe a 2002 z06 is what he wants then. it's funny, the inspiration for my vette came from my father's '67 firebird. it was gorgeous. convertible. 427 engine. he sold it when i was about 12. i was so excited for him to see my vette - kind of carrying on the tradition of old school american muscle. i thought he would get such a kick out of it, and for sure would have a ball driving it. he was thrilled for me, of course.... and loved it. but when it came to driving it he hated it. started telling me how he couldn't WAIT to get rid of his f-bird, etc. and how these cars drive like "buckets of bolts"! the point is that he has moved on from these old cars. he's older now, he's "been there done that" and he prefers newer cars these days. it's not my personal taste... i think that his old f-bird was way cooler, but it's not my choice. he has a 2001 bmw 325i convertible that he loves. i think it's the biggest chick car but hey.... so maybe your dad doesn't WANT the old vette back. you should seriously consider saying "ok dad, well, if a 2002 z06 is what you want let's do it. i can only contribute x amount but i'd rather put it towards something that you really want".
Last edited by ed1655; Feb 8, 2010 at 10:35 AM.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Columbus MS
Ontario Orange 71 with 4 speed
Here's a Ontario Orange 71 in Booneville Mississippi for 20,000 ... matching # 350 with 4 speed
If for some reason the ad expires shoot me a message and I'll send you the guy's number.. I will save the ad to my computer.
http://northmiss.craigslist.org/cto/1629138286.html
If for some reason the ad expires shoot me a message and I'll send you the guy's number.. I will save the ad to my computer.
http://northmiss.craigslist.org/cto/1629138286.html
Last edited by Don81; Mar 14, 2010 at 12:46 AM.