Most collected (valuable) C3?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 6,397
Likes: 649
From: Saskatoon Saskatchewan
If you're into luxury and ease of driving there's no beating an automatic. Some people want to be able to hold a cup of coffee and drive at the same time. Who are you to be telling anyone what they should like or dislike? Is your self-esteem so low you feel insecure when someone doesn't affirm you by buying the same thing you did?
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 225
Likes: 1
St. Jude Donor '12
Buy one already restored to the level of restoration you want and you will be money ahead. These things are a money pit and unless you are a die hard C3 fan it can be overwhelming restoring them. If your not familiar with corvettes be prepared to do a lot of research and head scratching. The members here on this forum are a valuable asset when doing a restoration but you are the one who will be crawling under it, wishing you were double jointed and trying to figure out what the hell bubba was thinking. You can hire the work done but be prepared to spend a lot of money. If money, time and bragging rights is no object then go for it because its a good family project and a good feeling when you can finally step back and say finished (for now cause your never really finished). If you are more interested in a really nice head turner then there are usually some really nice ones for sell here on the forum. Ether way C3's are great cars and there owners are some of the nicest people I know, with the exception of one or two on here who call people handicapped because they like auto's. I have four ( 73, 76, 81, 04 ) and they are all auto's. I don't like to show off by going fast, I like showing off my cars by going slow.
Last edited by mikecamp; May 23, 2012 at 07:57 PM. Reason: Additonial info
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 326
Likes: 0
Buy one already restored to the level of restoration you want and you will be money ahead. These things are a money pit and unless you are a die hard C3 fan it can be overwhelming restoring them. If your not familiar with corvettes be prepared to do a lot of research and head scratching. The members here on this forum are a valuable asset when doing a restoration but you are the one who will be crawling under it, wishing you were double jointed and trying to figure out what the hell bubba was thinking. You can hire the work done but be prepared to spend a lot of money. If money, time and bragging rights is no object then go for it because its a good family project and a good feeling when you can finally step back and say finished (for now cause your never really finished). If you are more interested in a really nice head turner then there are usually some really nice ones for sell here on the forum. Ether way C3's are great cars and there owners are some of the nicest people I know, with the exception of one or two on here who call people handicapped because they like auto's. I have four ( 73, 76, 81, 04 ) and they are all auto's. I don't like to show off by going fast, I like showing off my cars by going slow.
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Daphne AL
mikecamp,
that has been the best reply i have seen in all the pages of this post. i am 26 myself and have worked on a few older cars, sure not as many as most of the people on this forum, but have noticed that working on a car is very fun but there are times you may really REALLY have to make yourself get under it again and again. LOL, I got lucky and found a 76 that has everything i was looking to be done to one in the price i am looking for. i have been looking for a C3 for many years and have had some bad luck. These are deffinitely a tinker car just like any car that has the years on it that these do. i will soon be looking for advice on what next to do to mine but at the moment i am still in that state of WOW!!
Good luck and safe tinkering
that has been the best reply i have seen in all the pages of this post. i am 26 myself and have worked on a few older cars, sure not as many as most of the people on this forum, but have noticed that working on a car is very fun but there are times you may really REALLY have to make yourself get under it again and again. LOL, I got lucky and found a 76 that has everything i was looking to be done to one in the price i am looking for. i have been looking for a C3 for many years and have had some bad luck. These are deffinitely a tinker car just like any car that has the years on it that these do. i will soon be looking for advice on what next to do to mine but at the moment i am still in that state of WOW!!
Good luck and safe tinkering
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 3
From: Lehigh county Pennsylvania
You asked
What do you all think?
BTW, although not the most collected because there were only 2 made, this one is the most valued as it has impeccable provenance: http://www.rogerscorvette.com/inv/sp...9ZL1/index.htm It and my Vette were 5 jobs apart when they were made September, 11, 1969. I now have its original hood on my car after it underwent restoration in 1986 when owned by Ed Meuller.
Last edited by 69 Chevy; May 24, 2012 at 12:29 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 129
From: Fredericksburg Virginia
Wow, dude. Offering the opinion about automatics is much appreciated by the OP, I'm sure. As well as the statement that he doesn't want your "real" car, but rather a "bloated, plushy, boulevard cruiser". Very objective.
I guess GM went into the business of making boated cruisers since you couldn't get a manual in '82.
Thing is that, while I agree that performance cars are better with manuals, I'm not about to say it like it is an insult. It isn't. It's a preference.
I guess GM went into the business of making boated cruisers since you couldn't get a manual in '82.
Thing is that, while I agree that performance cars are better with manuals, I'm not about to say it like it is an insult. It isn't. It's a preference.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,962
Likes: 5
From: Schererville IN
As to the OP...
That car is far from stock. If you're wanting stock "collectible", based on the body mods alone, I doubt the rest of the car is all that stock either. Are those felt seat covers too?
Aftermarket hood, nose, rocker panels, rear bumper, and mirrors.
What else was modded? Not saying the car is not nice or you shouldn't buy it, only that it's far from original and who knows what works correctly or does not and what a fair price is. I believe you could find another comparable car in better condition, but if this one is the one, then go for it. Just keep in mind that these things are money pits. As for price, who knows without more info. Is the drivetrain all original? I'd say $7-$10K as is.
Last edited by blckslvr79; May 24, 2012 at 01:45 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 129
From: Fredericksburg Virginia
Don't get me wrong...I'm not disagreeing. Those were some slow cars.
My very sincerest of apologies, but I'm falling into the trap of being the on-line etiquette police again.
All I'm saying is that saying automatics are for drivers that are "too uncoordinated to shift for [themselves]" and putting down '80s Corvettes by calling them "bloated" is just mean and unnecessary.
There happen to be many late C3's that are awesome cars. And some, though they are automatic, will outrun mine I'm sure. Properly modified, mind you...my car ain't no slouch.
As for the pictured car, I'm not a huge fan. Tastefully modified is one thing. There is the white 1974 that was just posted...that car is hot. Tastefully modified and very "period".
My apologies, but that I'm not into the look of that red car.
My very sincerest of apologies, but I'm falling into the trap of being the on-line etiquette police again.
All I'm saying is that saying automatics are for drivers that are "too uncoordinated to shift for [themselves]" and putting down '80s Corvettes by calling them "bloated" is just mean and unnecessary.
There happen to be many late C3's that are awesome cars. And some, though they are automatic, will outrun mine I'm sure. Properly modified, mind you...my car ain't no slouch.
As for the pictured car, I'm not a huge fan. Tastefully modified is one thing. There is the white 1974 that was just posted...that car is hot. Tastefully modified and very "period".
My apologies, but that I'm not into the look of that red car.
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Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,962
Likes: 5
From: Schererville IN
Don't get me wrong...I'm not disagreeing. Those were some slow cars.
My very sincerest of apologies, but I'm falling into the trap of being the on-line etiquette police again.
All I'm saying is that saying automatics are for drivers that are "too uncoordinated to shift for [themselves]" and putting down '80s Corvettes by calling them "bloated" is just mean and unnecessary.
There happen to be many late C3's that are awesome cars. And some, though they are automatic, will outrun mine I'm sure. Properly modified, mind you...my car ain't no slouch.
As for the pictured car, I'm not a huge fan. Tastefully modified is one thing. There is the white 1974 that was just posted...that car is hot. Tastefully modified and very "period".
My apologies, but that I'm not into the look of that red car.
My very sincerest of apologies, but I'm falling into the trap of being the on-line etiquette police again.
All I'm saying is that saying automatics are for drivers that are "too uncoordinated to shift for [themselves]" and putting down '80s Corvettes by calling them "bloated" is just mean and unnecessary.
There happen to be many late C3's that are awesome cars. And some, though they are automatic, will outrun mine I'm sure. Properly modified, mind you...my car ain't no slouch.
As for the pictured car, I'm not a huge fan. Tastefully modified is one thing. There is the white 1974 that was just posted...that car is hot. Tastefully modified and very "period".
My apologies, but that I'm not into the look of that red car.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,193
Likes: 176
From: Hillsborough NC
Thanks for the reply that is exactly the kind of input I'm looking for. I will consider that and have it inspected if I pull the trigger. I didnt even catch the spoiler issue and is one of the things I like about the 80-82 so maybe that is a plus for me if it wasnt because the thing was smashed. Is the seam that is supposed to be the two piece bumper easy to see and does anyone have any close of pics of the seam so I can see if it is there and the spoiler was added or if it was in fact a part put on from a 80-82?
What would you place this cars value on the low end average and high end when purchasing?
To my very opinionated friend about the Auto vs. Manual. I could really care less what the shifter is. I'm buying the car for cruising not racing. An automatic is nice to cruise around in but if the right deal in a standard shift comes along I'm good with that also. Since apparently the 69's that I would love to have are manual shift it seems that if I find one I will be shifting just like you. I have seen way too many ppl in high speed car accidents to have a desire to drive in the fast lane. In the end to me it doesnt really matter and everyone has their own needs and wants and the shifter to me just is not in the rankings of what I care about. If you want to sell me your 69 on the cheap Ill be happy to shift it right out of your garage for you though.... lol Maybe I would even be willing to take a little risk and spin those rubbers for ya.
What would you place this cars value on the low end average and high end when purchasing?
To my very opinionated friend about the Auto vs. Manual. I could really care less what the shifter is. I'm buying the car for cruising not racing. An automatic is nice to cruise around in but if the right deal in a standard shift comes along I'm good with that also. Since apparently the 69's that I would love to have are manual shift it seems that if I find one I will be shifting just like you. I have seen way too many ppl in high speed car accidents to have a desire to drive in the fast lane. In the end to me it doesnt really matter and everyone has their own needs and wants and the shifter to me just is not in the rankings of what I care about. If you want to sell me your 69 on the cheap Ill be happy to shift it right out of your garage for you though.... lol Maybe I would even be willing to take a little risk and spin those rubbers for ya.
That rear bumper is definitely from an 80-82 as they were the only years in which it was molded integrally with the bumper. On the 78Pace Car as well as the 79 years, it was a bolt on.
As for assigning a value, I would not hazzard a guess. Value, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. Those mods are not to my taste, so it would be a detractor for me. As long as the frame is straight and the birdcage is fine, most of that stuff could probably be undone for a price.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Thank you all including my opionated friend who is not so careful with his delivery LMAO. I'm still up in the air. I sent a lot of questions on the red car and so far have not heard back. I will keep you all posted.
Have few othere I'm looking at too so still in the shopping phase.
Would you all turn away a car that has body work or collision in the rear quarter panel on a 69 coupe?
Have few othere I'm looking at too so still in the shopping phase.
Would you all turn away a car that has body work or collision in the rear quarter panel on a 69 coupe?
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,962
Likes: 5
From: Schererville IN
Thank you all including my opionated friend who is not so careful with his delivery LMAO. I'm still up in the air. I sent a lot of questions on the red car and so far have not heard back. I will keep you all posted.
Have few othere I'm looking at too so still in the shopping phase.
Would you all turn away a car that has body work or collision in the rear quarter panel on a 69 coupe?
Have few othere I'm looking at too so still in the shopping phase.
Would you all turn away a car that has body work or collision in the rear quarter panel on a 69 coupe?
Depending how hard it was hit, there could also be a bent frame. Just something to consider.