C3 low cost
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 51
Likes: 3
From: Arlington Texas
C3 low cost
I bought my '77 for $7,500 and thought: what a deal!! In retrospect, I might have paid about $1,000 too much But what surprises me is how our C3 are so inexpensive! My C3 is a daily driver and almost weekly it seems I have someone drooling over it, taking pictures, telling me the C3 is their favorite car of all time!
So here's my question: why ARE our C3 so inexpensive? They seem to have a great demand, a great following, and a great history! Non-corvette people don't believe me when I say they can pick up a good condition later model C3 for less than $10k.
Not that value really matters to me - I'm going to be buried in my C3 when I die
So here's my question: why ARE our C3 so inexpensive? They seem to have a great demand, a great following, and a great history! Non-corvette people don't believe me when I say they can pick up a good condition later model C3 for less than $10k.
Not that value really matters to me - I'm going to be buried in my C3 when I die
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 14,062
Likes: 602
From: Henderson Nv-Rohnert Park/Sonoma C o. ca/born in NY Rockaway Beach.
I paid 7500 for m 77 5 years ago just like you and it too was a driver, but a weekend driver for me I had another car...Our cars are just not chrome bumper cars. and our cars werent a 1 of- car. we are just plain old 77... we are though the last year of the best corvette years the notch back...
on that note...after new zz4 crate,r& r front and rear suspension rebuilt trans,everything just about new. new custom red paint with painted underside od the hood with airbrushing, I have over 35k and counting(new gears and trans coming soon) in my 77 C3 and I know im going to be buried in mine cause no one is going to pay me what I want for it if I ever was to sell it.. but that ait happening ...
on that note...after new zz4 crate,r& r front and rear suspension rebuilt trans,everything just about new. new custom red paint with painted underside od the hood with airbrushing, I have over 35k and counting(new gears and trans coming soon) in my 77 C3 and I know im going to be buried in mine cause no one is going to pay me what I want for it if I ever was to sell it.. but that ait happening ...
Last edited by ptroxx; Jan 28, 2012 at 01:44 PM.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 278
Likes: 14
Sorry but you bought a 1977
. That yr was of the least desired yr's for C3's. This will explain why you purchased it a $7k'ish. Also you haven't mentioned what type of shape its in.
Now if you go to the crome bumper C3's with a BB, your talking more $$ than 7,8,9K In fact it would be 3or4 times more then what you paid.
. That yr was of the least desired yr's for C3's. This will explain why you purchased it a $7k'ish. Also you haven't mentioned what type of shape its in.Now if you go to the crome bumper C3's with a BB, your talking more $$ than 7,8,9K In fact it would be 3or4 times more then what you paid.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,520
Likes: 11
From: Hinckley OH
Blame the government. They required catalytic converters (which resulted in low power) and crash bumpers (although you could argue that they are better than chrome). I could afford a chrome bumper car but I have two rubber bumpers (74 and 76) and I'm happy.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 741
Likes: 46
From: Hebron IN
Sorry but the C3 (especially the soft bumpers) are dime-a-dozen. I think they were making up to 50K a year. I don't see a great demand, actually the supply far outnumbers the demand. I can spend days browsing ebay and craigslist and not even make a dent in seeing all that's available in the US.
The only advantage the C3 had over the rest of the slow moving piggish slugs of the 70s was that the indestructible body panels didn't dissolve into a pile of rust within 10 years. That's why we see so many today...of course many are now super nice looking death traps with hidden structural rot.
Imo a nice surviving 77 Vega is a lot more special than any 77 Corvette.
The only advantage the C3 had over the rest of the slow moving piggish slugs of the 70s was that the indestructible body panels didn't dissolve into a pile of rust within 10 years. That's why we see so many today...of course many are now super nice looking death traps with hidden structural rot.
Imo a nice surviving 77 Vega is a lot more special than any 77 Corvette.
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Drifting
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,748
Likes: 0
From: Titusville FL
When it comes to classic cars (not just C3's), I would say the vast majority of enthusiasts are upside down on what they have into them. This is a hobby, and hobbies eat $. Hell, I have friends that have more into golf clubs and greens fees than I have total into my 72. And of course if anybody owns a boat
Once I accepted this fact, I have enjoyed my 72 much more!
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,839
Likes: 45
From: nassau co. new york
i understand where the op is coming from and have experienced the same things.7k purchase,everyone that views it drools and will tell you how hot the car looks and that they always wanted one.unfortunately the people making the comments are not the ones who buy the cars.those that spent so much more for their chrome bumper cars might be a little jealous of the attention given to our cars.this might lead to comments that are above and soon to follow.chrome bumper cars are nice too but way overpriced for my $.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,714
Likes: 1,896
From: LONG ISLAND
2025 C3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Sorry but the C3 (especially the soft bumpers) are dime-a-dozen. I think they were making up to 50K a year. I don't see a great demand, actually the supply far outnumbers the demand. I can spend days browsing ebay and craigslist and not even make a dent in seeing all that's available in the US.
The only advantage the C3 had over the rest of the slow moving piggish slugs of the 70s was that the indestructible body panels didn't dissolve into a pile of rust within 10 years. That's why we see so many today...of course many are now super nice looking death traps with hidden structural rot.
Imo a nice surviving 77 Vega is a lot more special than any 77 Corvette.
The only advantage the C3 had over the rest of the slow moving piggish slugs of the 70s was that the indestructible body panels didn't dissolve into a pile of rust within 10 years. That's why we see so many today...of course many are now super nice looking death traps with hidden structural rot.
Imo a nice surviving 77 Vega is a lot more special than any 77 Corvette.
BUT.........if you feel that way, maybe you should get a 76'
then you can have a Vette with a Vega steering wheel
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Sez who? Nothing wrong with 77s. Last year for the tunnel back; first year for the new console and center cluster; standard leather. Record sales.
vairxpert: you need to brush up on your Corvette history.
vairxpert: you need to brush up on your Corvette history.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Jan 29, 2012 at 10:00 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,709
Likes: 3
From: Savannah GA
Large production numbers, spotty build quality, few "rare" option codes, low HP numbers and the lack of recognition in the hobby all contribute to the low demand/low pricing of our cars. I find that an advantage since even I can afford to buy/build/maintain a true American grand tourer and automotive icon. Later C3s have become an uncommon enough sight on the road to generate high interest when they are encountered... just not high prices at resale and I'm OK with that!
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 476
Likes: 6
I owned both a Vega and a 77 vette given the pick I'll take the vette.The best thing about the vette hobby is it can be affordable to anyone if they wish.At present I have a 69 big block car that needs a great deal of work.I will take my time and enjoy the fun.I had my 77 for 6 years it too was a great deal of fun.Many a bright eyed person stopped to look at the car most would not know the difference if was crome or rubber,to them it was a clasic vette.Popularity is only in the mind of the buyer enjoy the car.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,381
Likes: 415
From: N J
Nothing wrong with a rubber bumper vette. Good luck with it. My next vette will be a 74-77 car. I have a big fat motor and 5 speed trans all ready to drop into it. They are a lot of fun for not a lot of $$$.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 8,246
Likes: 114
From: Watkins Glen NY
Sorry but the C3 (especially the soft bumpers) are dime-a-dozen. I think they were making up to 50K a year. I don't see a great demand, actually the supply far outnumbers the demand. I can spend days browsing ebay and craigslist and not even make a dent in seeing all that's available in the US.
The only advantage the C3 had over the rest of the slow moving piggish slugs of the 70s was that the indestructible body panels didn't dissolve into a pile of rust within 10 years. That's why we see so many today...of course many are now super nice looking death traps with hidden structural rot.
Imo a nice surviving 77 Vega is a lot more special than any 77 Corvette.
The only advantage the C3 had over the rest of the slow moving piggish slugs of the 70s was that the indestructible body panels didn't dissolve into a pile of rust within 10 years. That's why we see so many today...of course many are now super nice looking death traps with hidden structural rot.
Imo a nice surviving 77 Vega is a lot more special than any 77 Corvette.
When it comes to classic cars (not just C3's), I would say the vast majority of enthusiasts are upside down on what they have into them. This is a hobby, and hobbies eat $. Hell, I have friends that have more into golf clubs and greens fees than I have total into my 72. And of course if anybody owns a boat
Once I accepted this fact, I have enjoyed my 72 much more!
And since you put it that way, that fact makes ME feel better about my corvette hobby as well!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
I'm glad the later C3s are so affordable. When I bought mine, I was searching for another '80-'81 Z28. When I saw I could get a same year Corvette for the same price, I changed my mind started looking for Corvettes.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 741
Likes: 46
From: Hebron IN
Currently there are five '77 C3s on CL within minutes of my house.
Also was there something inaccurate about my comment on the C3's fiberglass body being another reason so many are still on the road?
I know how much of a fan you are when it comes to these cars, however there is nothing rare or special about a soft-bumper C3. It's sorta funny when you have to make something appear rare by stating how many were made with a specific color, trans and options combo....because there were 49,213 cars made in that specific year.
And 49K+ is pretty close to my comment of 50K built a year even though I didn't specify 1977.
So please enlighten me on what I need to brush up on.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,207
Likes: 26
From: Ocean County NJ
I spent more in annual membership fees at my golf club than I paid for my first Vette purchase 2 years ago. Realizing I could buy a C3 cheaper than membership fees, I now own two Vettes and play less golf and couldn't be happier!
Racer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 344
Likes: 5
From: oak harbor wa
beg to differ
i chose a 77 because 1st year without the retarded center console that is rare to find in half way decent shape,, also my 77 is a 1 off... Easy mike saw pics of my car and its the rare ZJ1 code interior i wouldnt say its worth more money than any other 77 just there are rare ones that people dont even know exist.
Code Color Quantity
10 Classic White 9,408
13 Silver 5,518
19 Black 6,070
26 Light Blue 5,967
28 Dark Blue 4,065
41 Chartreuse 1
52 Bright Yellow 71
56 Bright Yellow 1,942
66 Orange 4,012
80 Tan 4,588
72 Medium Red 4,057
83 Dark Red 3,434
Code Color Quantity
10 Classic White 9,408
13 Silver 5,518
19 Black 6,070
26 Light Blue 5,967
28 Dark Blue 4,065
41 Chartreuse 1
52 Bright Yellow 71
56 Bright Yellow 1,942
66 Orange 4,012
80 Tan 4,588
72 Medium Red 4,057
83 Dark Red 3,434
Last edited by lowes-yellow77; Jan 29, 2012 at 07:04 PM.