74, 454 convertible pricing?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 317
Likes: 0
From: New York
74, 454 convertible pricing?
http://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/2253676033.html
interested in this car, depending on mileage....any idea if this is a decent price? sorry if this is the wrong forum for this, thanks
interested in this car, depending on mileage....any idea if this is a decent price? sorry if this is the wrong forum for this, thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,284
Likes: 235
From: Rockledge FL
Do you want it and can you afford it? Then it is the right price.
NADA says that a 74 convertible 454 with a 4 speed has an average retail of 27K. A lot of people say that the price guides are bunk and are worthless but insurance and banks use it. That is how I bought my 72, 454 convertible. The bank loaned me 100% of what the NADA said it was worth. If it is in the right condition, then buy it.
NADA says that a 74 convertible 454 with a 4 speed has an average retail of 27K. A lot of people say that the price guides are bunk and are worthless but insurance and banks use it. That is how I bought my 72, 454 convertible. The bank loaned me 100% of what the NADA said it was worth. If it is in the right condition, then buy it.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 257
Likes: 1
I would think for $25K on that, the car better be perfect, and nothing would have to be done to it
...and then if you buy it, anything you would do to it, or any driving of it; would make it be worth less
its a "collector car", however right now I'm not sure if that vintage has reached its higher values of collector pricing yet...not that i wouldn't rather pay $25K for that than pay that much or more for a brand new car today, but I think you could find a lot of great 1974~1975 convertibles for ~$10K less if you didn't have to have the big block and wanted a good complete car that you could drive, and not 'collect'...now if it was a 1972 or earlier "chrome bumper" car in that shape with a Big Block, I think $25K would be ****** it up price, as those have matured into collectible cars for a preserved survivor, that would be kept as such
...and then if you buy it, anything you would do to it, or any driving of it; would make it be worth less
its a "collector car", however right now I'm not sure if that vintage has reached its higher values of collector pricing yet...not that i wouldn't rather pay $25K for that than pay that much or more for a brand new car today, but I think you could find a lot of great 1974~1975 convertibles for ~$10K less if you didn't have to have the big block and wanted a good complete car that you could drive, and not 'collect'...now if it was a 1972 or earlier "chrome bumper" car in that shape with a Big Block, I think $25K would be ****** it up price, as those have matured into collectible cars for a preserved survivor, that would be kept as such
Last edited by T Rush; Mar 8, 2011 at 10:56 PM. Reason: "...rather pay $25,000" not just "$25" so added a "K"
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,988
Likes: 6,212
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
2. NADA and many price guides are bunk and are worthless.
That said, if you do like the car, go look at it. The price appears too high, but there's no detail pictures, so who knows? Still, it's a buyer's market. Do some research.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,652
Likes: 80
From: Lakeland Florida
It also depends on supply and demand. If it is the only 454 big block corvette for sale within the range you would consider to go and look at it, then you will probably pay more to get it.
If there is a similar car offered in Wyoming for $18k, then you have to figure out the details of how you will get to Wyoming to inspect it, and how you will get it back to your home state.
Some people have that capability, others do not. So that is one way to look at the price premium for a car that is within the viewing range of where you live. While others may have examples of cars that are lower in price, or considerably lower in price, it does you no good if you dont have the capability to fly/drive someplace to inspect them.
But for $25k, it might be a nice car that doesnt need anything done to it. Thats what I would expect for that price.
kdf
If there is a similar car offered in Wyoming for $18k, then you have to figure out the details of how you will get to Wyoming to inspect it, and how you will get it back to your home state.
Some people have that capability, others do not. So that is one way to look at the price premium for a car that is within the viewing range of where you live. While others may have examples of cars that are lower in price, or considerably lower in price, it does you no good if you dont have the capability to fly/drive someplace to inspect them.
But for $25k, it might be a nice car that doesnt need anything done to it. Thats what I would expect for that price.
kdf
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 15,147
Likes: 477
From: NM
http://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/2253676033.html
interested in this car, depending on mileage....any idea if this is a decent price? sorry if this is the wrong forum for this, thanks
interested in this car, depending on mileage....any idea if this is a decent price? sorry if this is the wrong forum for this, thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,248
Likes: 67
From: Warrington PA
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified
I would go look at the Vert and then make your decision. Everyone, including myself could offer you advice or opinions about making a purchase. But you are the one who has to decide. I bought my
74 454 Vert 2 years ago, 10,000 original miles, original owner, paperwork, etc. Could have kept it as a survivor, but decided not to go that way. It is apart and may even go with a color change. I bought the Vette to redo and drive and enjoy. I'm just glad I have a BB, as all of the previous Vettes I had were SB's.
74 454 Vert 2 years ago, 10,000 original miles, original owner, paperwork, etc. Could have kept it as a survivor, but decided not to go that way. It is apart and may even go with a color change. I bought the Vette to redo and drive and enjoy. I'm just glad I have a BB, as all of the previous Vettes I had were SB's.
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Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 4,206
Likes: 8
From: Belmar NJ
IF the car is as AMAZING as the ad states, then you might have something there. Three pix are nice for a CL ad but none are of the engine bay or interior. Take someone with you who knows these cars and verify all the little things are there. If it's got under 90k on the clock it could be legit (hey it's a 36 yo car). I'd be more prone to believe the odo has gone around once if it is showing 20k. /:\
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,713
Likes: 31
From: Shreveport LA
LA Events Coordinator
I think $25,000 is an excellent price for a74 Vert with a big block. It would be the last year for the big block.
I had my 75 Vert appraised in Dec for insurance purposes. An independent, certified auto appraiser valued mine at $35,000.
I had my 75 Vert appraised in Dec for insurance purposes. An independent, certified auto appraiser valued mine at $35,000.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,469
Likes: 20
From: Rockville Centre NY
For this money:
Is it numbers matching?
Does it have any original paperwork / owner history?
Has it ever been judged by NCRS or Bloomington?
Is the frame solid (check for rust in the birdcage and dog legs)?
Engine should look like this:
Is it numbers matching?
Does it have any original paperwork / owner history?
Has it ever been judged by NCRS or Bloomington?
Is the frame solid (check for rust in the birdcage and dog legs)?
Engine should look like this:
That's a good looking engine bay!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,807
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From: LONG ISLAND
2025 C3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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http://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/2253676033.html
interested in this car, depending on mileage....any idea if this is a decent price? sorry if this is the wrong forum for this, thanks
interested in this car, depending on mileage....any idea if this is a decent price? sorry if this is the wrong forum for this, thanks
PM ME
ZIXXXPACKER
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
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2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
SD
Absolutely beautiful engine bay you have there, but please give both the OP and me a break. Would you sell your BB car today for $25k?
I paid $25k for mine 7 years ago, spent another $26k hard money on parts and restoration, plus $5k soft money, plus many hundreds of hours of my own labor. My engine bay looks good, but probably not as good as yours. I could easily spend another $20k to get it all right.
Right now, as it sits, I would not even consider selling mine for less than $50k. I would be lucky if a buyer on this forum would offer any more than $35k. Bargain hunters and opportunists abound here and are more than willing to add their two cents.
FR
Absolutely beautiful engine bay you have there, but please give both the OP and me a break. Would you sell your BB car today for $25k?
I paid $25k for mine 7 years ago, spent another $26k hard money on parts and restoration, plus $5k soft money, plus many hundreds of hours of my own labor. My engine bay looks good, but probably not as good as yours. I could easily spend another $20k to get it all right.
Right now, as it sits, I would not even consider selling mine for less than $50k. I would be lucky if a buyer on this forum would offer any more than $35k. Bargain hunters and opportunists abound here and are more than willing to add their two cents.
FR
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 93
From: Bellmore NY
Born and raised on Long Island, Ive observed something funny about the cars here.... they tend to stay here, and people rarely come from out of state to get them, because its a pain in the *** to get here.
While the values rise and fall at the same times as other parts of the country, I think you can sometimes pay slightly less for local long island muscle for that exact reason that no one else is going to come and get it.
Personally I think thats a real sharp looking car, but then again Im partial to any convertible. However that kind of cash can by a wide assortment of other cars that might tickle your fancy, that might also be more universally desirable for similar money, if you ever decided to sell.
While the values rise and fall at the same times as other parts of the country, I think you can sometimes pay slightly less for local long island muscle for that exact reason that no one else is going to come and get it.
Personally I think thats a real sharp looking car, but then again Im partial to any convertible. However that kind of cash can by a wide assortment of other cars that might tickle your fancy, that might also be more universally desirable for similar money, if you ever decided to sell.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,458
Likes: 331
From: Indy Indiana
its a good price for the last of the big block convertibles... if it is real ( check the vin and the stamp and the block cast date ) and no rust, and does not need alot. a good paint, no rust, real BB block convertible is worth that easy.
the biggest fear is what was mentioned before.. why 7 year old pictures?.. something really fishy there.. if there is no good explaination, then run..
the biggest fear is what was mentioned before.. why 7 year old pictures?.. something really fishy there.. if there is no good explaination, then run..
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
From: McKinney Texas
I agree about the pics.....nothing newer than 2004, i gotta question that one. It looked really sharp from what we can see in '04, but I would want to check the interior and under the hood for that kind of $$$$. Numbers, documentation, that stuff, but if it floats your boat it does look good (or did). Keep us informed
Good Luck
Good Luck
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,469
Likes: 20
From: Rockville Centre NY
SD
Absolutely beautiful engine bay you have there, but please give both the OP and me a break. Would you sell your BB car today for $25k?
I paid $25k for mine 7 years ago, spent another $26k hard money on parts and restoration, plus $5k soft money, plus many hundreds of hours of my own labor. My engine bay looks good, but probably not as good as yours. I could easily spend another $20k to get it all right.
Right now, as it sits, I would not even consider selling mine for less than $50k. I would be lucky if a buyer on this forum would offer any more than $35k. Bargain hunters and opportunists abound here and are more than willing to add their two cents.
FR
Absolutely beautiful engine bay you have there, but please give both the OP and me a break. Would you sell your BB car today for $25k?
I paid $25k for mine 7 years ago, spent another $26k hard money on parts and restoration, plus $5k soft money, plus many hundreds of hours of my own labor. My engine bay looks good, but probably not as good as yours. I could easily spend another $20k to get it all right.
Right now, as it sits, I would not even consider selling mine for less than $50k. I would be lucky if a buyer on this forum would offer any more than $35k. Bargain hunters and opportunists abound here and are more than willing to add their two cents.
FR
Ease up.
Last edited by C7GrandSport; Mar 15, 2011 at 12:49 AM.