C3 prices
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,753
Likes: 721
From: Lafayette Louisiana
C3 prices
I am thinking from looking at the various ads for c3's, that despite what the Corvette magazines would have you think, the c3's prices are still in the tank.
Oh well, great time to buy
, not a very good time to sell 
!!!
Still a buyers market by a very long shot!
And not likely to change anytime soon I would guess.
Reactions? Anybody with a crystal ball out there??
Oh well, great time to buy
, not a very good time to sell !!!Still a buyers market by a very long shot!
And not likely to change anytime soon I would guess.
Reactions? Anybody with a crystal ball out there??
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,079
Likes: 315
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
The only reason C3 prices are so low is because many of the people who would buy the average C3 have either lost their jobs or are worried about losing them. There are more desperate sellers than motivated buyers.
Despite government claims to the contrary, inflation has been with us for quite some time. Hyper inflation is just around the corner. When new vettes cost $100,000 or more, the average C3 will be dragged along kicking and screaming.
I am no economist, but I did spend last night in a campground...which was no Holiday Inn Express.
Despite government claims to the contrary, inflation has been with us for quite some time. Hyper inflation is just around the corner. When new vettes cost $100,000 or more, the average C3 will be dragged along kicking and screaming.
I am no economist, but I did spend last night in a campground...which was no Holiday Inn Express.
CF Community Team
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From: Cape Cod, Mass.
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Historically, classic cars and Corvettes mirror the state of the economy. When the economy recovers, so will the prices. It's a very good opportunity to buy right now, if you can.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,500
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From: Scottsdale AZ
I think there's a distinction in the C3 market between chrome bumper cars and `74 on...with `73 being something of an anomalie. The well maintained relatively stock `68-72 cars are bringing better prices and in our market, showing a soft increase.
Cars from the midwest and east generally carry concerns about rust, but the well cared for cars of the southwest seem to do a bit better, IMO.
Cars from the midwest and east generally carry concerns about rust, but the well cared for cars of the southwest seem to do a bit better, IMO.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Orlando FL
Also while inflation goes up and the prices for c3's increase, so will gas, bread and housing. Many will be making choices between these items and unfortunately many c3's may take a back seat. The 'rare' ones or highly sought after ones will skyrocket in price as those with $ will still be able to afford them. But the rest will likely stagnate in price IMO.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,743
Likes: 289
From: Chardon Ohio
I am thinking from looking at the various ads for c3's, that despite what the Corvette magazines would have you think, the c3's prices are still in the tank.
Oh well, great time to buy, not a very good time to sell !!!
Still a buyers market by a very long shot!
And not likely to change anytime soon I would guess.
Reactions? Anybody with a crystal ball out there??
Oh well, great time to buy
, not a very good time to sell !!!Still a buyers market by a very long shot!
And not likely to change anytime soon I would guess.
Reactions? Anybody with a crystal ball out there??
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: YANKEES UNIVERSE 70 454-LS5 500 ft-lbs Torque
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Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: YANKEES UNIVERSE 70 454-LS5 500 ft-lbs Torque
Most C3 prices are still down,BUT alot are up.A friend of mine recently sold a 427/400 vert,auto,NCRS Top Flight,for 80k,which is a big number.At the BJ Vegas auction a 70 454 and 71 454,both coupes sold fo 60k each which bare great prices.I still believe the original,unmolested,documented C3's will always bring the money,they always do.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,988
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From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
I agree that I'm seeing the 68-72 chrome bumper cars still selling pretty well, especially convertibles. The later C3s are still great cars, but the prices are pretty soft.
I also think its possible the later C3 owners are more likely to sell cheaper in this economy. Chrome bumper owners are less likely to panic, and are more likely to just be patient, it seems.
I'll think about selling mine in about 2 more election cycles!
I also think its possible the later C3 owners are more likely to sell cheaper in this economy. Chrome bumper owners are less likely to panic, and are more likely to just be patient, it seems.
I'll think about selling mine in about 2 more election cycles!
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,753
Likes: 721
From: Lafayette Louisiana
Oh well,
Oh well, I originally planned to sell the 76 to finance the 72 project, but....think I will sit tight for awhile. I believe the economy will be back good again, but not anytime soon.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,096
Likes: 990
From: Sierra Foothills CA
Hagerty is who I insure my 69 Vette and 70 Z28 through. They recently added a valuation tool to their website and I'm curious as to how accurate you guys think it is. Here's the link-
https://www.hagerty.com/valuationtools
https://www.hagerty.com/valuationtools
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,548
Likes: 379
From: Woodinville WA
the car is worth what the seller will pay. C3s will go up in price, as did C2s and C1s.
In the early 80s, my dad could have bought one of several 57-59 Corvettes for less than $2,000. Used car lots had tons of C2s. Good luck finding one for 10x that now - still would be a **** poor investment. In the same period Microsoft stock appreciated 1000x....
The price goes up as they become more scarce. They certainly have mostly overcome the gold chain, unbuttoned shirt image that seemed associated with them.... I swear, it's been at least 2 weeks since someone has made a snide comment like that to me about mine...
In the early 80s, my dad could have bought one of several 57-59 Corvettes for less than $2,000. Used car lots had tons of C2s. Good luck finding one for 10x that now - still would be a **** poor investment. In the same period Microsoft stock appreciated 1000x....
The price goes up as they become more scarce. They certainly have mostly overcome the gold chain, unbuttoned shirt image that seemed associated with them.... I swear, it's been at least 2 weeks since someone has made a snide comment like that to me about mine...
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,079
Likes: 315
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Only as good as the data input.
I looked at my car, a '69 L36 coupe. Values as of Aug '12 ranged from $14,700 to $61,000...depending on condition from "1" thru "4" with no allowance for options, documentation or anything else regarding originality or correctness.
NADA values as of Sep '12 for my car, with side exhaust and 4 speed, ranged from $27,220 to $54,395...depending on condition from "Low Retail" thru "High Retail" with no allowance for documentation or anything else regarding originality or correctness.
Evidently Haggerty paints the picture with a broader brush than NADA.
I really see no way that any on-line valuation tool can take into account all the variables regarding any particular car, in any particular location, at a given point in time. Use of a dart board would probably be more accurate. Ahhh...if only my car was a black convertible.
I looked at my car, a '69 L36 coupe. Values as of Aug '12 ranged from $14,700 to $61,000...depending on condition from "1" thru "4" with no allowance for options, documentation or anything else regarding originality or correctness.
NADA values as of Sep '12 for my car, with side exhaust and 4 speed, ranged from $27,220 to $54,395...depending on condition from "Low Retail" thru "High Retail" with no allowance for documentation or anything else regarding originality or correctness.
Evidently Haggerty paints the picture with a broader brush than NADA.
I really see no way that any on-line valuation tool can take into account all the variables regarding any particular car, in any particular location, at a given point in time. Use of a dart board would probably be more accurate. Ahhh...if only my car was a black convertible.
Last edited by Faster Rat; Oct 17, 2012 at 07:24 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 987
Likes: 7
From: Surrey British Columbia
C3 owners are typically older Baby Boomers. We seem to have enough disposable income and patience to keep our cars on the road. Younger drivers go for the quick fix of a newer Vette.
In 10 years there will be less C3's (and older Baby Boomers) on the road than there are today and the price will jump accordingly. It happened to the C2's. And as each new generation of Corvette is released by GM, the C3 will gain a little more value. I'm confident that when I pass my '80 on down to one of my kids, it'll have more value than it does today.
As for now, I don't give a rat's patootie what my car is worth to anyone else because it's irreplacable to me.
In 10 years there will be less C3's (and older Baby Boomers) on the road than there are today and the price will jump accordingly. It happened to the C2's. And as each new generation of Corvette is released by GM, the C3 will gain a little more value. I'm confident that when I pass my '80 on down to one of my kids, it'll have more value than it does today.
As for now, I don't give a rat's patootie what my car is worth to anyone else because it's irreplacable to me.