Perceived value question......mostly original vs modified
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,518
Likes: 37
From: The Woodlands Texas
Perceived value question......mostly original vs modified
So I've had my 72 coupe 350 SB/TH400 for about 6 weeks now (I also have a C2 resto mod in the garage). I really enjoy the car. It's been fully restored (body off) and most everything is original (yes Numbers Matching). The only mods that are in place are:
1) Paint is different than trim tag
2) different intake/carb/distributor set-up
3) Installed different (super quiet) mufflers
So what I'm trying to figure out is should I mod the car or keep it as an original?
I know there are many factors that go into this decision, so one of them I want feedback on is value.
So let's say the car value today is 25k as is. What are opinions on how the value changes if I mod the car?
So here are mods that I would consider:
1) Engine swap....383 maybe, or modify the existing and add TPI FI
2) Rear end gear change to 3.5
3) Tranny swap to 5spd manual
4) Wheel & tire (18")
So if I did these mods, and we fast forward 15 years, what are the opinions on how these effected the value? I'm guessing the best way to quantify this is to establish a future value of the base car (regardless of whether right or wrong). So for arguement sakes, let's just say the future value as is goes to $35k.
With these mods, what do you think the value would be compared to the $35k assumption?
1) Paint is different than trim tag
2) different intake/carb/distributor set-up
3) Installed different (super quiet) mufflers
So what I'm trying to figure out is should I mod the car or keep it as an original?
I know there are many factors that go into this decision, so one of them I want feedback on is value.
So let's say the car value today is 25k as is. What are opinions on how the value changes if I mod the car?
So here are mods that I would consider:
1) Engine swap....383 maybe, or modify the existing and add TPI FI
2) Rear end gear change to 3.5
3) Tranny swap to 5spd manual
4) Wheel & tire (18")
So if I did these mods, and we fast forward 15 years, what are the opinions on how these effected the value? I'm guessing the best way to quantify this is to establish a future value of the base car (regardless of whether right or wrong). So for arguement sakes, let's just say the future value as is goes to $35k.
With these mods, what do you think the value would be compared to the $35k assumption?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,506
Likes: 139
From: Butler Pa
The non-stock paint is going to effect the value more than any of the other mods. They can all be put back to stock relatively easily. It's going to cost quite a bit (maybe $10k?) to repaint it.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,593
Likes: 103
From: Southern Indiana
I also have a C2 resto mod in the garage. I really enjoy the car. It's been fully restored (body off) and most everything is original (yes Numbers Matching). The only mods that are in place are:
1) Paint is different than trim tag
2) different intake/carb/distributor set-up
3) Installed different (super quiet) mufflers
So what I'm trying to figure out is should I mod the car or keep it as an original?
So let's say the car value today is 25k as is. What are opinions on how the value changes if I mod the car?
So here are mods that I would consider:
1) Engine swap....383 maybe, or modify the existing and add TPI FI
2) Rear end gear change to 3.5
3) Tranny swap to 5spd manual
4) Wheel & tire (18")
1) Paint is different than trim tag
2) different intake/carb/distributor set-up
3) Installed different (super quiet) mufflers
So what I'm trying to figure out is should I mod the car or keep it as an original?
So let's say the car value today is 25k as is. What are opinions on how the value changes if I mod the car?
So here are mods that I would consider:
1) Engine swap....383 maybe, or modify the existing and add TPI FI
2) Rear end gear change to 3.5
3) Tranny swap to 5spd manual
4) Wheel & tire (18")
On the other hand, doing more modifying will cost less but only half the money in return is what you will get, but for less of a "now" investment.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,988
Likes: 3,366
From: NYC NY
Did anybody think their house would be worth less today then it was a few years back? 
On a more serious side I think its hard to predict. Look at the 1st and 2nd gereration Camaro market. The well built pro-touring cars bring way more than the "stock" cars but they also have way more money invested in the build then they recoupe when selling (in most cases). If you're in this to keep your money safe you may as well burry it in the back yard. Is any investment really safe at this point? If this is a hoddy for you and not a business it should be about enjoyment. Does golf, bowling, trap shooting, or boating pay you back in the end? Build what you like and fill you're wants/needs and most important enjoy what you have. In the end when it's time to sell you still need to find someone who wants what you have and is willing to pay what you're willing to settle for.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,093
Likes: 2
From: long beach California
Who's to say 15 years from now there is any market for these cars stock or modified? Some poeple think when we're out of the market there will be no market because the new generation's interest lyes in the ricers. Did anybody think their house would be worth less today then it was a few years back?
On a more serious side I think its hard to predict. Look at the 1st and 2nd gereration Camaro market. The well built pro-touring cars bring way more than the "stock" cars but they also have way more money invested in the build then they recoupe when selling (in most cases). If you're in this to keep your money safe you may as well burry it in the back yard. Is any investment really safe at this point? If this is a hoddy for you and not a business it should be about enjoyment. Does golf, bowling, trap shooting, or boating pay you back in the end? Build what you like and fill you're wants/needs and most important enjoy what you have. In the end when it's time to sell you still need to find someone who wants what you have and is willing to pay what you're willing to settle for.
Did anybody think their house would be worth less today then it was a few years back? On a more serious side I think its hard to predict. Look at the 1st and 2nd gereration Camaro market. The well built pro-touring cars bring way more than the "stock" cars but they also have way more money invested in the build then they recoupe when selling (in most cases). If you're in this to keep your money safe you may as well burry it in the back yard. Is any investment really safe at this point? If this is a hoddy for you and not a business it should be about enjoyment. Does golf, bowling, trap shooting, or boating pay you back in the end? Build what you like and fill you're wants/needs and most important enjoy what you have. In the end when it's time to sell you still need to find someone who wants what you have and is willing to pay what you're willing to settle for.
an in 15 years when gas is $32.87 a gallon the 5-6 speed swap cars and natural gas fueled conversions are gonna be the only ones any one is willing to drive
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,223
Likes: 645
From: Port St Lucie Florida
2025 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Who's to say 15 years from now there is any market for these cars stock or modified? Some poeple think when we're out of the market there will be no market because the new generation's interest lyes in the ricers. Did anybody think their house would be worth less today then it was a few years back?
On a more serious side I think its hard to predict. Look at the 1st and 2nd gereration Camaro market. The well built pro-touring cars bring way more than the "stock" cars but they also have way more money invested in the build then they recoupe when selling (in most cases). If you're in this to keep your money safe you may as well burry it in the back yard. Is any investment really safe at this point? If this is a hoddy for you and not a business it should be about enjoyment. Does golf, bowling, trap shooting, or boating pay you back in the end? Build what you like and fill you're wants/needs and most important enjoy what you have. In the end when it's time to sell you still need to find someone who wants what you have and is willing to pay what you're willing to settle for.
Did anybody think their house would be worth less today then it was a few years back? On a more serious side I think its hard to predict. Look at the 1st and 2nd gereration Camaro market. The well built pro-touring cars bring way more than the "stock" cars but they also have way more money invested in the build then they recoupe when selling (in most cases). If you're in this to keep your money safe you may as well burry it in the back yard. Is any investment really safe at this point? If this is a hoddy for you and not a business it should be about enjoyment. Does golf, bowling, trap shooting, or boating pay you back in the end? Build what you like and fill you're wants/needs and most important enjoy what you have. In the end when it's time to sell you still need to find someone who wants what you have and is willing to pay what you're willing to settle for.
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,988
Likes: 3,366
From: NYC NY
You bring up a good point! I would guess there are a lot more C3 owners that are between 55 - 65 than 35 - 45. I wouldn't be surprised if they are driving C5s and C6s.
Maybe we're not getting smarter and wiser with age.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,093
Likes: 2
From: long beach California
Class never changed among people who have it and know what it is. A classic rolls Royce is classy. A Bentley is new and expensive but not as classy in my opinion. Same as the vettes a c8 in 15 years will be awesome but it will never be a breath taking 59 or a early c3. I think there will always be a market for these cars. Did you guys see the recent thread " highschool kids dig my c3" or how ever it was titled? As long as we all keep driving these cars every chance we get they will never go out of style. The c4 on the other hand 
: 
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Last edited by jesse10886; Mar 31, 2012 at 10:47 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 147
From: S Nevada
Well Im not very good at predicting future values. If it is left totally original it would more than likely have more value than if it were modded as suggested earlier.
Also add in the cost to modify it vs leaving it alone.
I am restoring my numbers original 72, modifying it as I see fit. And the hell with future value. I'll let the guys who mange my 401k fund worry about futures.
Also add in the cost to modify it vs leaving it alone.
I am restoring my numbers original 72, modifying it as I see fit. And the hell with future value. I'll let the guys who mange my 401k fund worry about futures.
Last edited by Sunstroked; Mar 31, 2012 at 11:46 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,050
Likes: 124
From: Wichita KS
The car should please YOU.
That said, if you modify a car, then you have to find a NEXT owner that likes your mods (or can easily and cheaply reverse them). The more heavily modded the car, the smaller the base of potential new owners.
As a start, I would consider any modest mechanical modifications to add NO additional value to the car (would not detract either). Period correct paint (colors) would not detract from a cars value. A non original color will reduce the pool of potential buyers somewhat.
IMO (Barring someone with exactly your same taste) Radical modification of mechanical/paint will reduce the price of a car in the amount it takes to reverse the modification.
The only person that needs to be satisfied is YOU - build the car that you want.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,207
Likes: 26
From: Ocean County NJ
Great discussion. If owning a C3 is an investment, as opposed to being a quality-of-life toy to enjoy, keep it original. Anyone can modify any make/model making it unique, but preserving originality can be priceless - it can only be unmolested/original once.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,504
Likes: 312
From: Scottsdale AZ
I've always been in the "purist" camp after 35 years of Corvette ownership, but the `73 I bought from the original owner had been repainted torch red from the original blue/green and frankly, I love the change. How will it impact value? I suppose it depends on how important that is to a future buyer that may view it as I did- love the car- less concerned with the color change that is the only departure from the day it left St. Louis.
So- if you thought originality was the keystone of value, take a look at the resto-mods that came through Barrett Jackson this year. The late 60's and early 70's muscle - Camaros, Chevelles, Mustangs, Goats and 442s commanded big dollars- much higher than an awful lot of the pure originals of the period. So, I'm less certain that my own premise of originality holds true.
As far as an investment, I remember when `78 Pace cars sold new for $25k+ and were stashed away like pirates gold only to see the light of day today and be lucky to fetch 2/3 of their selling price from more than 30 years ago.
Tough market- I guess the message is to follow your own path and enjoy the heck out of the cars- that's what works for me.
So- if you thought originality was the keystone of value, take a look at the resto-mods that came through Barrett Jackson this year. The late 60's and early 70's muscle - Camaros, Chevelles, Mustangs, Goats and 442s commanded big dollars- much higher than an awful lot of the pure originals of the period. So, I'm less certain that my own premise of originality holds true.
As far as an investment, I remember when `78 Pace cars sold new for $25k+ and were stashed away like pirates gold only to see the light of day today and be lucky to fetch 2/3 of their selling price from more than 30 years ago.
Tough market- I guess the message is to follow your own path and enjoy the heck out of the cars- that's what works for me.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,453
Likes: 67
From: Midland Ontario
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Barrett Jackson's last auction on Speed gave me some real insight into valuation of classic muscle cars. It appears, as stated previously, the big money TODAY is in the resto mod class. I do like the idea of having 21st century technology in a 30-40 year old package; but the initial outlay to have a car bring six figures at auction just may be the determining factor when we extrapolate 15 years from now. I have to wonder if the return on investment is as great on that restomod that cost you $100,000 to build compared to keeping it "box stock" for half that..........food for thought. Either way it's a great hobby isn't it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 6,400
Likes: 1,227
From: Tampa Florida
So what I'm trying to figure out is should I mod the car or keep it as an original? Mod the car to your specifications!
I know there are many factors that go into this decision, so one of them I want feedback on is value.
So let's say the car value today is 25k as is. What are opinions on how the value changes if I mod the car? Not worth worrying about!
So here are mods that I would consider:
1) Engine swap....383 maybe, or modify the existing and add TPI FI
2) Rear end gear change to 3.5
3) Tranny swap to 5spd manual
4) Wheel & tire (18")
So if I did these mods, and we fast forward 15 years, what are the opinions on how these effected the value? I'm guessing the best way to quantify this is to establish a future value of the base car (regardless of whether right or wrong). So for arguement sakes, let's just say the future value as is goes to $35k.
With these mods, what do you think the value would be compared to the $35k assumption?
I know there are many factors that go into this decision, so one of them I want feedback on is value.
So let's say the car value today is 25k as is. What are opinions on how the value changes if I mod the car? Not worth worrying about!
So here are mods that I would consider:
1) Engine swap....383 maybe, or modify the existing and add TPI FI
2) Rear end gear change to 3.5
3) Tranny swap to 5spd manual
4) Wheel & tire (18")
So if I did these mods, and we fast forward 15 years, what are the opinions on how these effected the value? I'm guessing the best way to quantify this is to establish a future value of the base car (regardless of whether right or wrong). So for arguement sakes, let's just say the future value as is goes to $35k.
With these mods, what do you think the value would be compared to the $35k assumption?
Enjoy it now and don't worry about future values.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,993
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From: Gig Harbor WA
Jeez, here we go again... I have said before and now again, there will always be a buyer for the perfectly preserved older car, Corvette or any other for that matter. But.....
C3 fanatics (we) are DYING OFF!!!!!!! Fact of life... We LOVE them because we grew up with them. You think kids today are listening to the Beatles, the Stones, Doobie Bros, etc...? Nope.. You REALLY think that generation is going to pay top dollar for a car their Grandpa drove? Nope...
There will always be the few (and getting fewer) exceptions, but this LOVE for older Corvettes is OUR generation! My late Dad loved cars from the 30's and 40's....My Grandfather LOVED Model T's...
I'm just sayin'... don't worry about the "C3 investment" (which it really ain't, with a very few exceptions, and DEFINITELY NOT your '72, SB, auto, coupe...wait a minute, that's MY car!!!) and enjoy your car, the way YOU want to, either original or resto-modded...
C3 fanatics (we) are DYING OFF!!!!!!! Fact of life... We LOVE them because we grew up with them. You think kids today are listening to the Beatles, the Stones, Doobie Bros, etc...? Nope.. You REALLY think that generation is going to pay top dollar for a car their Grandpa drove? Nope...
There will always be the few (and getting fewer) exceptions, but this LOVE for older Corvettes is OUR generation! My late Dad loved cars from the 30's and 40's....My Grandfather LOVED Model T's...
I'm just sayin'... don't worry about the "C3 investment" (which it really ain't, with a very few exceptions, and DEFINITELY NOT your '72, SB, auto, coupe...wait a minute, that's MY car!!!) and enjoy your car, the way YOU want to, either original or resto-modded...
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 12,634
Likes: 15
From: IL, Chicago area.
St. Jude Donor '14-'15-'16
I am not saying numbers matching resto cars are bad, in fact I love them but the mods are fast on the rise.