OK, I know a lot of guys don't like these but I am wondering. I bought my Vett in pieces and gave very little thought to what it would be worth done. I wanted another Vett and this was the only way I could see getting one. They payment plan where you skip several payment until you save enough to buy the next thing you need. I have been looking at prices and don't always understand what lowers the price. I see a lot of NOM "not original motor" but see little about not original tranny. Mine is a '72 small block 4 speed. I have the original motor, but it is not the one that is in it, and the tranny is not original. No ac, windows, locks or much of any thing else. It will be restored from the frame up when I am done. Powder coated frame, all new suspension. New calipers, rebuilt read end, body stripped fixed and painted. Will have new carpet seat covers and door panels, they all are not in good condition. The rest of the interior looks pretty good. It is going to be a driver when I am done, so I didn't worry about original bolts or anything like that. I think the side and back glass are original, but I will need to get a windshield for it so it will not be original. Not that it matters much, I always figured I would have more in it that it would be worth, but what do you think it would sell for when complete?

Kelley

 

100% speculation on anyone's part. When you finish the car, post pics, then the guessing can begin.

 

Do you plan to put the original engine back in? Will the color be original? Original color and type interior? The value will largely depend on what market you plan to sell to. For a collector market, anything which isn't original will be a deduction, typically the cost to return to original. Original engine is a must for collectors. In the eyes of a collector it cannot be replaced. I don't often hear of people checking the transmission though a non original would probably be another deduction.

If you plan to sell to non collectors, depends on whether it appeals to would be buyers at that time.

I've heard of some nice NOM small blocks going for about $15K lately.
Take a look around, see what the average asking price is for a Vette like yours with the original motor may be, see how long they've been on the market, if they sell.

Are you putting this car together for yourself or to flip?

PS: You can buy a windshield with the 'correct' markings as the original. I think it costs about $40 extra. For some reason it seems to be OK to do this with a windshield but not an engine block...

 

 

What ever the next guy is willing to pay. Who is to say what the car market will be like when you are done. Could be up could be down. If you are doing this for an investment, you will lose money. Why worry about it. Jus tenjoy the car for what it is and when the time comes to sell it will be worth whatever. Drive it and have fun with it.

 

I have to agree for the most part though I admit pausing from time to time as I pour money into the pit, wondering what it's worth. I have a wife who wonders when it will be finished... I'm in too deep to back out now..

You're right about the market. So many things can happen. When I bought mine C3's weren't worth all that much. All attention was on C1's and C2's. The first C4 had just come out, plenty of C3's for anyone who wanted one. Never imagined a C3 would actually go up in value..

So far as investment value goes I think you'll almost always underestimate the cost to restore. Better to buy from the guy who underestimated and sells for a loss. Even then it still depends on where the market goes. I have wondered if the Corvette market may go as the Model T or other old car markets have gone. Once the generation(s) who are interested move on the prices may plummet?

 

As you are purchasing all new components for the chassis, there is likely no way that you will ever recoup your expenses. The best ways to make a financially sound purchase of a Corvette are: 1) buy a complete car will operable systems, then rebuild what needs to be done with the DIY method; 2) buy a turn-key ready car that has already been restored--it will be more expensive, but not as expensive as what you will end up doing.

Sorry, but that's the reality of it. If you wanted to make a financially sound investment, you approached it the wrong way. The good news is: your C3 will hold its value (whatever that turns out to be) once you have it done.

 

Hi K,
You're thinking about the 'GOOD' part before you've started the 'BAD' part. The value will depend on what kind of work you do, and how much of a craftsman you are or learn to be.
Regards,
Alan

 

It will be a keeper. I plan to drive it till I can't drive any more. I have loved Vettes since I was in High School and never thought I would own one, let alone a second one. I do plan to put the original motor back in at some point. It was just easier to put a rebuilt in for now. I know it will never be worth what I have in it, and it really doesn't matter. Like a previous post said, just wonder as I pour money in the pit. I have been doing the work so far, and I was a mechanic at one time. My brother is an excellent crafts man and he will be helping with the finish body work, and the paint job. I am just getting it close for him. I know you can't put a value on something that does not exist yet, just looking for round numbers, As I fill the pit!!!!

Thanks for the input.

Kelley

 

Alan.........your response could not be said any better

Hammadown

 

with the way things are now?....good luck.

 

I don't know the answer to your question. However, I have made my living in financial analysis for the last 15 years, and when I did my "investment analysis" on my Corvette purchase, my assumption on sale value was exactly $0. If your analysis doesn't make sense with that assumption, my professional recommendation is to invest in something else.