Pricing a 68'
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Intermediate
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Pricing a 68'
I am going to look at a base line 68' convertible this weekend, with a hard top included, that has the 3 speed saginaw manual transmission. Pretty "rare", but actually dimwitted for not going with the four speed back in 68. They are asking $8000 for the car. I am going to see if all ID numbers check out for the car, wondering what others think on the asking price if it is fair or high for a base corvette, despite being somewhat rare in a corvette enthusiasts eyes.
Team Owner
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From: Westminster Maryland
Hi d,
In my opinion the 3 speed transmission while rare is not desirable and therefore lowers the cars value. The transmission makes the car odd, but that's all.
There's not nearly enough information to make any price judgement.
A complete 68 Corvette for $8000 usually needs a lot of time and money!
Regards,
Alan
In my opinion the 3 speed transmission while rare is not desirable and therefore lowers the cars value. The transmission makes the car odd, but that's all.
There's not nearly enough information to make any price judgement.
A complete 68 Corvette for $8000 usually needs a lot of time and money!
Regards,
Alan
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It seems cheap but you need to tell us what kind of condition it's in before we can give you any estimate on value. If it's a basket case in need of a total resoration it may be over priced. If it's a nice original, good driving 68 convertible with it's original motor it's a steal.
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As Alan said, on the surface the price sounds cheap but without a ton of info on condition and numbers as well as pictures, no one can give you a real estimate.
A base car can be worth plenty if everything matches up and the condition and cosmetics are exceptional.
The 3 speed may be rare, but it wont translate positively to value; it's a minus. Don't let the seller tell you otherwise. This is like the guys who act like its a plus to not have options like AC, PS & PB because they "rob power."
A base car can be worth plenty if everything matches up and the condition and cosmetics are exceptional.
The 3 speed may be rare, but it wont translate positively to value; it's a minus. Don't let the seller tell you otherwise. This is like the guys who act like its a plus to not have options like AC, PS & PB because they "rob power."
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Pictures
I know full well that this would be a project. I would be doing a full off frame restoration as I have just completed a 72 coupe this summer so I know an appoximate to what it will cost. I haven't gone to look at it yet, but here are some "poor" photos to get an idea at what condition the car is in. I was told by the owner that the car has been sitting for a number of years due to health issues. The only things missing according to the seller are the front grilles and beauty rings; I guess I will see tomorrow. I know it seems a little high priced, but I was only going to pay this if the engine, transmission, cyl. heads, etc. match up with the numbers they are suppose to have for that year; but I will not know until actually seeing it. Thanks for the input thus far and any more is appreciated.
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Dont be satisfied that the engine numbers "match up" for that year... look for the VIN derivative on the engine pad to MATCH the VIN on the body. If not, the value difference is dramatic.
$8k might be high for a full-boat resto either way.
$8k might be high for a full-boat resto either way.
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I checked out the car today, got snatched up by a man that was also there at the same time I was. Wasn't going to get in a bidding war since the engine numbers don't match up and the other guy was still going to pay the 8k. Thanks for all the input.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Tolland CT
Dramatic in what way? A couple thousand? I've never seen any proven numbers to back up this statement, often seeing NOMs selling for far more than you'd have people believe. Yes, there is a difference in price some people will pay for numbers but depends on what the buyers interests are and whether we're talking big dollar restorations. The hype never ends...
Last edited by BBCorv70; Sep 22, 2011 at 10:17 AM.
Burning Brakes
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Have to agree...was checking out the convertible C3s at Mecum in St. Charles, a red 327 very similar to mine got a bid of $26,500 and didn't trade, but there was an older restoration on a '68 327/350 that was very nice looking and went for $19,500.
Forget $8 grand, I don't know if you could take a car in that condition for free and stay above water...
Forget $8 grand, I don't know if you could take a car in that condition for free and stay above water...
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Melting Slicks
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From: Tolland CT
Have to agree...was checking out the convertible C3s at Mecum in St. Charles, a red 327 very similar to mine got a bid of $26,500 and didn't trade, but there was an older restoration on a '68 327/350 that was very nice looking and went for $19,500.
Forget $8 grand, I don't know if you could take a car in that condition for free and stay above water...
Forget $8 grand, I don't know if you could take a car in that condition for free and stay above water...
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Sure looks rough to me.............and you didnt get into the bird cage, frame or any possible rust issues............good idea to pass......... !!!
ESPECIALLY with no numbers.........
ESPECIALLY with no numbers.........
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Tolland CT
Being a bit cynical, I'd say the premium for numbers alone are worth just a bit more than the cost to locate a block and restamp and install. I'm not saying it's right. It's been done quite a lot. Documentation makes a big difference in this case, assuming the counterfeiters haven't mastered fake documents.
This may be a candidate for someone to restomod. Not a whole lot of value there to start. Just my opinion.
Team Owner
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I think it was $2k for the car and a $6k gift to the seller... but I am consistently amazed at what people pay for project cars, so the problem must be me...
and I almost posted this pic because I couldn't figure out what it was!!!!
I thought it was a warped front grill...
Finally figured out it was a seat. duh!
Look, I really don't get it. You pay $8k for a project, then you easily drop $20k into it, not to mention 100s if not 1000s of hours, and then if you do finish it and finish it really nice.... you are going to be advertising it as "super rare 3 speed 68!!!! only 180 produced in 68... " (or whatever the number is) and buyers will be rolling their eyes.
and I almost posted this pic because I couldn't figure out what it was!!!!
I thought it was a warped front grill...
Finally figured out it was a seat. duh!
Look, I really don't get it. You pay $8k for a project, then you easily drop $20k into it, not to mention 100s if not 1000s of hours, and then if you do finish it and finish it really nice.... you are going to be advertising it as "super rare 3 speed 68!!!! only 180 produced in 68... " (or whatever the number is) and buyers will be rolling their eyes.
Last edited by PRNDL; Sep 24, 2011 at 08:34 PM.
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St. Jude Donor '25
How much did it sell for? Personally, I never add any value for a convertible. It is a preference. I have both and never thought one was worth more than the other, but that is 25 yrs worth of 68 ownership as well. My taste has changed.
Anyway, 8k for that w/o an original engine is way way too high IMO.
Anyway, 8k for that w/o an original engine is way way too high IMO.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Los Gatos CA
Cars like this are a labor of love. Every part/piece you take apart uncovers more $$ to fix, especially to fix right. I paid $12K for a numbers 68 L36 Raodster. I am easily $50K into the car. Truth-be-told, my car is probably worth $25K. These cars are a labor of love... $8K for this car is ridiculous, if you ask me.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Tolland CT
$8K may have been too high for many of this forum, especially to those who value numbers above all else. Obviously somebody saw something in it which they felt was worth $8K to them numbers or not.
Me personally, I couldn't see myself paying $8k for that car numbers or not. It's a base model with the least desirable transmission in pretty rough shape.
Me personally, I couldn't see myself paying $8k for that car numbers or not. It's a base model with the least desirable transmission in pretty rough shape.