I've been looking for an "affordable" '69 to '72 coupe. I found one on CL that's about 500 miles away from me. It appears to be pretty nice and the owner has described it to be in pretty good condition. He said the paint is not the original color and looks good from about 20'. The interior looks awesome. However, it's listed really low due to two "issues":

1. The front end has been replaced with a Monza style one piece with the recessed headlights
2. The motor isn't matching #'s

Details from the add:
1972 with 76,000 miles, 350 auto, ac, GM side pipes, tilt wheel, new gas tank/brakes/battery, runs great




The owner has accepted my offer of $7000. I just had it inspected by a mechanic today to check it over before I commit to buying it and driving it the long haul home. The inspection went well and they said there are no major concerns, just basic maintenance (serp. belt, rad. hoses, etc.). Otherwise there is basic surface rust on the frame and suspension, but no corrosion through the metal anywhere. Fiberglass seems to be good and the engine/tranny run strong.

What do you guys think about my offer? Is this a good price? It seems reasonable as I haven't been able to find a running '72 or earlier C3 for less than $12k anywhere near me.

It doesn't bother me personally, but how much does it affect the value to not be #'s matching (to me it's more important that it be a strong runner)? I've read mixed reviews about it's impact on the price. I'm hoping to return it to its original front end someday before it gets repainted. Thanks for the help!

 

Since you been looking you are probably a better expert on pricing than I am and you seem to be happy with the deal.

I personally would not drive the car 500 miles with mait issues (belts, hoses etc,). How old are the tires? It'll cost you to get out there and cost you to drive home,(plus time), why not put that money towards hauling it?

 

Looks like a good deal from the info you supplied. I say go for it.

If the 500 mile is a major concern, getting it back to your house and you have means to tow it home, then I suggest renting a Uhaul car hauler trailer. Best 120 dollars spent.
Good Luck.

 

The car looks nice however the first thing that jumps out at me is the vents on the side. The 72 has the egg crate grills. This has the 73 - 74 grill in it. Also the mirrors are not the style of the early 70"s. The pics arent close up enough to look at other details that may tell but I would say check the vin to be sure that it is a 72. As for the steering or even if the vents have been modified if the car is mechanically fit and drives and handles well the price doesnt seem bad. Just make sure you are buying a 72 and not a something else. Be sure to verify the serial # on title to the car.
Rodney

 

The front clip has been change. So it's probably why it has later side vent and the long hood.

 

Aren't those pretty big fender flares????
Thing is its so modified that you have to watch putting any money in it because its going to be hard to find a buyer if an emergency come up where you need money quick.

 

I'd question a mechanic who said it needed a 'serp. belt'. dont remember one for a 72

 

What we think is a moot point and makes no difference to anyone. If you're happy and the seller is happy, write the check.

 

For 7k sounds pretty damn good to me.
Cant get a smashed up project for that money out here.

 

Buy it. Drive it "as is" for a while to see how you like it. If it works for you, dandy.

If it doesn't....sell it as it sits; don't try to refurb it into a 'factory condition' car. You'll go broke and pull your hair out, if you do. You might turn a profit and can go find a car that's right for you.

 

Buy it and drive it like you stole it. If it's in as good condition as it sounds, I think you did. But as others have said, it will never be a car you want to try to restore to original condition.

 

Thanks for all the replies guys! I did confirm with the VIN that it is a 72. The side vents caught my attention right away too. I actually like the look of it. You don't see many war bonnet gold Vettes around. The mechanic said that even the maint. suggestions he made are not serious issues yet. Just something to watch for in the future. I'm comfortable with making the trip and the drive back, I just needed to make sure it was safe enough to make it back. I can actually fly out and get a cab to the car for only $100.

I feel even better now. Thanks for the feedback!

 

Congrats on finding the deal you wanted!

As for driving an unfamiliar Vette home, I just tried that a few weeks ago with my 1981...and only made it ~80 miles into a 600 mile ride home. (more here if you feel like reading). All indications beforehand appeared the car was fine for the long trip home.

I knew it would be a fun trip if the car made it, so I won't go as far as to say you shouldn't...but make sure you have some contingencies lined up in case something goes wrong!

 

I would disagree with your contention that a strong-running engine is more important (valuable) than a numbers matching one - there's a grand total of one numbers matching (not-restamped) engine in the world for each car... there's about a million cheap motors out there that run just fine. (just my opinion)

That said, it doesn't really apply to your car. Everything about it is modified, from the nose to gills to lights to color to engine to mirrors... you get the picture. This is precisely the car you shouldn't care about the numbers... or the correctness of the color for that matter. It's way past that.

From the sounds of it, I think you made an offer that reflects the modified condition of the car... exactly what a buyer should do when these things arent important to them. Use that to your advantage and buy cheap. Without seeing the car in person it sounds like you did well.

 

Hi ena,
I think there is so little of the original 1972 car there that you need to think of it as a neat looking toy.
My bet is that it will take some effort and $$ to get it all sorted out, but it would take a fortune to make it a 72 again....
If you like what it is, and the way it looks and drives, then you did O.K..
Regards,
Alan

 

Since you already did your looking, made an offer, agreed to buy it and paid a mechanic to inspect it the question is kind of moot...those questions should all be part of the prior to negotiation process. if you liked it well enough to buy it then just do it and drive it. If that motor has a serpentine belt on it it has been either replaced or heavily modified cause they didn't use 'em in those days to the best of my knowledge.

If you liked it well enough to do all of the above on an obviously heavily modified car then relax, get it home and enjoy it.

It does not matter what we think. Alan said it probably best.

Lance P.

 

The cheapest Corvette U buy may be the most expensive Corvette U will ever buy

 

You have just introduced good common Corvette sense into the thread.

 

I wouldn't buy that car.

 

Seems like a pretty good deal to me....


And as far as flying in and driving it home?


I bet the guy would be willing to pick you up at the airport, so you can jump in and have a trip worth writing home about if the car does, or doesn't, make it....






Sometimes you just got to live on the edge.....