LT-1 question on collectibility?
Racer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 402
Likes: 1
From: Medford NJ
This web page by Mecum cites 57 '72 A/C convertibles - http://www.mecum.com/auctions/lot_de...66&entryRow=58. I would consider them a reliable source as much as Barrett-Jackson.
Since there were only 240 coupes and convertibles total, I like the fact that this means only 183 were coupes. I originally heard that there were 200 coupes and only 40 convertibles. Either way, those convertibles are very very rare (and desirable).
Since there were only 240 coupes and convertibles total, I like the fact that this means only 183 were coupes. I originally heard that there were 200 coupes and only 40 convertibles. Either way, those convertibles are very very rare (and desirable).
Racer
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 454
Likes: 2
From: Austin TX
Definition of a collectible?
I'm sure you will get flamed for bursting somebody's bubble. The fact is, serious collectors stay away from the C3s unless they are truly something special. The demand by collectors for L88s, LS6s and very exceptional L71s will likely remain higher than the supply. My L36 is nothing special and nobody collects them either. Maybe the rest of the shark population will just keep pace with inflation...or rise along with the impending devaluation of the dollar. The OP should buy the car that will make him the happiest....but as an investment? Forget it.
So, if a car is a collectible does that mean you don't drive it and just sit on it for 5, 10, 15 or 20 years and then sell in an up market? Rather, is the definition of a collectible that it "blows my skirt up" and it just happens to increase in value while I own it? If the definition is the former then I am not a collector and it is not a collectible. However, if the definition of a collectible is the latter then I am definitely a hopeful collector. My 72 LT-1 is a very cool car to drive and enjoy. I enjoy driving it more than my 03 Z06 and it's worth every penny.
Last edited by WhiteKnight; Aug 10, 2010 at 09:02 PM.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 454
Likes: 2
From: Austin TX
Question for cashew
Why is it you've been a member since 08-26-2007 and have only 2 posts? Who are you and where do you live?
It annoys the hell out of me when people post questions asking for advice and are intent on remaining anonymous.
It annoys the hell out of me when people post questions asking for advice and are intent on remaining anonymous.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,079
Likes: 315
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
John
I couldn't agree with you more. I have never considered my car to be collector quality. It is the car that I always wanted and now it just happens to be 41 years old. I bought it to drive and work on, not to park in my garage or some air conditioned storage facility. Six years ago I paid extra for a documented original 427, which has ended up also costing more for repairs and restoration. When I'm ready to sell, which won't be for a very long time, hopefully I will get most of my money back from the next caretaker. Any sweat equity won't be lost, but paid for with pride of accomplishment and the joy of driving one of these fantastic cars. I submit there are probably very few collector car investors on this forum...most are regular car guys and gals who love owning and working on their driver quality C3s. To most, this is a hobby...as it should be. These posts about value sure seem to bring out some rather strong and differing opinions though!
I couldn't agree with you more. I have never considered my car to be collector quality. It is the car that I always wanted and now it just happens to be 41 years old. I bought it to drive and work on, not to park in my garage or some air conditioned storage facility. Six years ago I paid extra for a documented original 427, which has ended up also costing more for repairs and restoration. When I'm ready to sell, which won't be for a very long time, hopefully I will get most of my money back from the next caretaker. Any sweat equity won't be lost, but paid for with pride of accomplishment and the joy of driving one of these fantastic cars. I submit there are probably very few collector car investors on this forum...most are regular car guys and gals who love owning and working on their driver quality C3s. To most, this is a hobby...as it should be. These posts about value sure seem to bring out some rather strong and differing opinions though!
Racer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 402
Likes: 1
From: Medford NJ
I've had some very valuable classic Corvettes (right after I sold them!)AND I've done all of my own work, since I was 17. I'm 55 now, and on my 10th Corvette. I grew up with my brother's '66 big block convertible, which he bought new and still owns. I've never had a climate controlled garage or a trailer. But even with the passion that I have for the Corvette, I will always keep the value of my Corvette in mind and hope that it was a wise decision. Being middle class and looking toward retirement, it's foolish not to. The pimps in the front row at Barrett-Jackson don't have to though. Many of them are the ones who only see the purchase as bragging rights or a quick buck.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
This web page by Mecum cites 57 '72 A/C convertibles - http://www.mecum.com/auctions/lot_de...66&entryRow=58....
I would be wary of accepting numbers published by the folks trying to sell the car. I'd like to know where Mecum is getting their figures.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,100
Likes: 12
From: Frederick Maryland
Their claims probably have little basis in reality. It's one thing to take known production numbers and extrapolate potential numbers (since official GM records aren't known to exist), but I believe LT-1 cars would be a definite anomaly to expected numbers. Most buyers of LT-1 cars would not be interested in a/c...at least not in the same proportions as those buying Corvettes in general. To me the Corvette buyers who wanted a/c would not be interested in an LT-1, and conversely, those interested in maximum performance and wanted an LT-1 would not be interested in a/c.
I suspect that many, if not most of the LT-1's with a/c were either built for GM employees and family, dealer employees and family, or ordered by the dealership to sell for the additional markup and profit. I doubt if more than a few buyers specifically ordered an LT-1 with a/c.
I suspect that many, if not most of the LT-1's with a/c were either built for GM employees and family, dealer employees and family, or ordered by the dealership to sell for the additional markup and profit. I doubt if more than a few buyers specifically ordered an LT-1 with a/c.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,109
Likes: 2
From: Marengo Illinois
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
John
I couldn't agree with you more. I have never considered my car to be collector quality. It is the car that I always wanted and now it just happens to be 41 years old. I bought it to drive and work on, not to park in my garage or some air conditioned storage facility. Six years ago I paid extra for a documented original 427, which has ended up also costing more for repairs and restoration. When I'm ready to sell, which won't be for a very long time, hopefully I will get most of my money back from the next caretaker. Any sweat equity won't be lost, but paid for with pride of accomplishment and the joy of driving one of these fantastic cars. I submit there are probably very few collector car investors on this forum...most are regular car guys and gals who love owning and working on their driver quality C3s. To most, this is a hobby...as it should be. These posts about value sure seem to bring out some rather strong and differing opinions though!
I couldn't agree with you more. I have never considered my car to be collector quality. It is the car that I always wanted and now it just happens to be 41 years old. I bought it to drive and work on, not to park in my garage or some air conditioned storage facility. Six years ago I paid extra for a documented original 427, which has ended up also costing more for repairs and restoration. When I'm ready to sell, which won't be for a very long time, hopefully I will get most of my money back from the next caretaker. Any sweat equity won't be lost, but paid for with pride of accomplishment and the joy of driving one of these fantastic cars. I submit there are probably very few collector car investors on this forum...most are regular car guys and gals who love owning and working on their driver quality C3s. To most, this is a hobby...as it should be. These posts about value sure seem to bring out some rather strong and differing opinions though!
When I bought my '71 LT-1 coupe 12 years ago collectability never crossed my mind. As a matter of fact when all this talk of "collectability" came along I was disappointed.......I like to drive my cars. There are many investments with way better returns than these cars. Enjoy them and pass them on to the next caretaker.
Tim
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Warminster PA
If you're interested in collecting, for value, a '72 LT1 w/air, you'd better get rock solid documentation proving that it was originally equipped with air. I'll bet there are already twice the number of
'72 LT1 air cars now than were originally produced. And it's only going to get worse as prices rise. Kind of like the problem with the '67 L71.
'72 LT1 air cars now than were originally produced. And it's only going to get worse as prices rise. Kind of like the problem with the '67 L71.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 402
Likes: 1
From: Medford NJ
The LT-1 air cars were only produced for several months, not the entire production year, in 1972. So that limited the numbers. And dealers scrambled to order them when finally available. Maybe because of the increased sticker price?
Anyone who owns a legitimate '72 LT-1 air car knows that there are many indicators of the car's originality. Someone can't just take an A/C box and stick it into an LT-1. There are markings, tags, and equipment changes all over the car that were unique to the LT-1 A/C cars ONLY. It's by no means simple to conterfeit. That's why its important to leave them as original as possible.
Anyone who owns a legitimate '72 LT-1 air car knows that there are many indicators of the car's originality. Someone can't just take an A/C box and stick it into an LT-1. There are markings, tags, and equipment changes all over the car that were unique to the LT-1 A/C cars ONLY. It's by no means simple to conterfeit. That's why its important to leave them as original as possible.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,254
Likes: 5
From: Brown Summit North Carolina
The low number of 72 (air) LT-1's is not due to a extrem price preventing buyers from ordering, The cars have a low production # due to having been built against the advice of the engineers. The AC compressor's were not capable of turning 6,500. For 70 / 71 the management listened to the engineers. To me it looks like the marketing guru's finally won the battle, and management ordered the option be made available. It did not take long for the real word to prove the engineers were right and management realized they had made an error. and the option was cancelled. Low red line or not, The motor was a solid lifter motor and it was very unrealistic to think a fake reduced red line would control driver habits.
The cars were a bad idea is why they were canceleld.
This was not intended to offend air car owners, but just to see if my perception is correct.
I guess I am ready to take my beating , sorry in advance to those members.
David
The cars were a bad idea is why they were canceleld.
This was not intended to offend air car owners, but just to see if my perception is correct.
I guess I am ready to take my beating , sorry in advance to those members.
David
Last edited by dmayhew; Aug 11, 2010 at 07:37 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 402
Likes: 1
From: Medford NJ
The low number of 72 (air) LT-1's is not due to a extrem price preventing buyers from ordering, The cars have a low production # due to having been built against the advice of the engineers. The AC compressor's were not capable of turning 6,500. For 70 / 71 the management listened to the engineers. To me it looks like the marketing guru's finally won the battle, and management ordered the option be made available. It did not take long for the real word to prove the engineers were right and management realized they had made an error. and the option was cancelled. Low red line or not, The motor was a solid lifter motor and it was very unrealistic to think a fake reduced red line would control driver habits.
The cars were a bad idea is why they were canceleld.
This was not intended to offend air car owners, but just to see if my perception is correct.
I guess I am ready to take my beating , sorry in advance to those members.
David
The cars were a bad idea is why they were canceleld.
This was not intended to offend air car owners, but just to see if my perception is correct.
I guess I am ready to take my beating , sorry in advance to those members.
David
No need to duck. You're right on the money IMO. And that comment about a fake red line trying to control driver habits is great! LOL So true.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 6
From: Nevada City California
The C60 option was added to the LT-1 option in January 1972 after dealers were receiving requests for this combination. This combination was not cancelled, it was made available and continued through to the end of the model year.
This information is in one of the 1972 Corvette News issues.
This information is in one of the 1972 Corvette News issues.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,468
Likes: 223
From: Sherman CT
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (stock)
St. Jude Donor '24-'25-'26
Wasn't air conditioning available in the Camaro's with LT-1 for 1970 and 1971 why weren't they worried about those belts flying off ?
Regards
Roy
Regards
Roy
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 6
From: Nevada City California
Yes it was, as well as an automatic transmission.
Zora used to cringe when people referred to the Z-28 option including the LT-1 engine, actually it isn't. Although the internal componentry of the engine is the same, there are several differences externally between the Camaro's version and the Corvette's version. I don't believe that the Camaro literature ever refers to the engine as an LT-1.
Most noticeable difference externally are exhaust manifolds, air filter housings and ignition systems.
Zora used to cringe when people referred to the Z-28 option including the LT-1 engine, actually it isn't. Although the internal componentry of the engine is the same, there are several differences externally between the Camaro's version and the Corvette's version. I don't believe that the Camaro literature ever refers to the engine as an LT-1.
Most noticeable difference externally are exhaust manifolds, air filter housings and ignition systems.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 850
Likes: 36
From: Providence RI
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,209
Likes: 33
From: Texas-out west
had many collectibles back in the day but we called them kick-*** drivers
while in college: 70ls5 coupe with air, 4speed, stereo radio etc., 70 442 W-30 with the w-27 alum rear option, 4speed and 4.33 gears
kicked alot of vette butt with that one, 67 coupe, side pipes, 4 speed, 427/435 that I hot-rodded around the streets of Little Rock, Ark, 67 firebird 400 with auto and air
still a fast car I totally enjoyed, 68 olds W-31 equiptment with 4-speed, rare in that it was in a cutlass supreme vs all I ever saw were in the F-85 or cutlass, really loved that car- those were the days, 2-3k or less for a car that ran like a bat outta hell...
while in college: 70ls5 coupe with air, 4speed, stereo radio etc., 70 442 W-30 with the w-27 alum rear option, 4speed and 4.33 gears kicked alot of vette butt with that one, 67 coupe, side pipes, 4 speed, 427/435 that I hot-rodded around the streets of Little Rock, Ark, 67 firebird 400 with auto and air still a fast car I totally enjoyed, 68 olds W-31 equiptment with 4-speed, rare in that it was in a cutlass supreme vs all I ever saw were in the F-85 or cutlass, really loved that car- those were the days, 2-3k or less for a car that ran like a bat outta hell...