Another L88 crosses the auction block
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Team Owner
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From: Southbound
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FWIW: I saved this pic on 10/3/2008 and I am fairly certain I pulled it down from a post here on the forum. Someone could check the archives. If memory serves, one of the Corvette magazines, probably Vette, did an article on this car at the time ProTeam acquired it.
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To not state that it is the original motor with an otherwise very detailed description makes me suspect that it's not. It's either a very glaring omission or it's not the original motor. I have no personal knowledge of the car and it looks like a very nice L-88.
Melting Slicks
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From: Savannah GA
The original owner states he could see 95-100MPH in first gear... I don't have the math, but with M22 and 3.08 as stated in article, can anybody compute the engine RPMs at 95 MPH in first?
Pro
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From: hernando fl
so what if it does not have the original engine.....its a documented l-88.those are not growing on trees........maybe its not worth as much as it would be if all original ,but still worth a whole lot more than most anything out there.
and if most of the people poo pooing it were honest they would admit they would LOVE to have it.iknow i would
and if most of the people poo pooing it were honest they would admit they would LOVE to have it.iknow i would
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Melting Slicks
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Lots of great observations and viewpoints so far, even though most of us can only dream of owning a real L88. The public auction of this car brings to light many of the discussion points that seem to pop up regarding collector car values and what is important. The pool of buyers bidding on a rare "Survivor" L88 are probably not the same as those willing to bid on a car that has been put together. Put me down for a SWAG of $325k high bid/no sale on this one.
Racer
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From: Fort Worth Texas
Lots of great observations and viewpoints so far, even though most of us can only dream of owning a real L88. The public auction of this car brings to light many of the discussion points that seem to pop up regarding collector car values and what is important. The pool of buyers bidding on a rare "Survivor" L88 are probably not the same as those willing to bid on a car that has been put together. Put me down for a SWAG of $325k high bid/no sale on this one.
It will be very interesting to see what it sells for, and if it doesn't sell ...where the reserve may be.
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Pro
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From: C3 Forum, Colorado
I really don't have an opinion whether this car is original or not. But from a restoration stand point, would painted exhaust manifolds and unpainted heads be correct?
Melting Slicks
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From: S Nevada
I have an opinion, people like Terry Michaelis do not pour hundreds of thousands of dollars in restoration costs into a purported L88 car. It was documented by experts, not Internet forum know it alls who have never laid eyes on it. I have no dog in this fight. But it is what it appears to be, I'm guessing 550k at auction.
Team Owner
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I know, who in their right mind would want a red on red sport car...much less a red Corvette.
Melting Slicks
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From: Savannah GA
I see an Internet bidder going as high as $700K and it will meet reserve, or the reserve will be withdrawn. Whatever the current mechanical state, the car has "provenance", has been "done" to what appears to my inexperienced eye a HIGH standard, and the story of it's early life is "salty" as all get out. Only having connection to someone like Steve McQueen or the like could raise the testosterone level...... it is a very desireable ride.
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No one mentioned orignal engine, simply whether it's numbers matching or not. According to the photo, it appears to match perfectly.
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I'm aware of that, and that's my point. It wasn't mentioned in the description. My focus is more on whether it's the original motor than the re-stamp/numbers matching issue.
Melting Slicks
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From: Raleigh NC
St. Jude Donor '13-'14
http://www.corvetteblogger.com/2008/...ertible-Racer/
And the article from Vette: http://www.vetteweb.com/features/vem...e/viewall.html
Team Owner
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From: Southbound
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LeMans Pete's link above specifically mentions a warranty replacement engine.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Dec 28, 2012 at 08:23 AM.
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Melting Slicks
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So the plot thickens. Just noticed another L88 convertible will be crossing the auction block at Kissimmee. This one appears to have documentation, not just provenance...and more prestigious awards, including Duntov. Supposedly low mileage and the description includes the ambiguous "matching numbers" statement regarding the engine and tranny. One would think the same set of buyers would be interested in either car and be present for both bids. We'll see if red trumps white, etc.
http://www.mecum.com/auctions/lot_de...=FL0113-143487
http://www.mecum.com/auctions/lot_de...=FL0113-143487
Safety Car
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From: Barrington IL
As an owner of a real documented and original drivetrain L88, I have been watching the market closely over the past 25 years and much more closely within the last year as prices have spiked up at least at auction. I know of some private sales over the last few years of real deal cars that traded for 600k. Now with the public sales of 4 more cars at various sales over the past year in the 600 range, it seems like owners want to cash out. It will be interesting to see if the demand is able to meet the supply of the two cars at Mecum, two at BJ, one at Gooding and the last one at RM. My guess is that prices will come down as supply will exceed the demand for these cars. I did talk to a very large collector and he feels that L88s have become world market cars and that collectors around the world will want one in their collections. I guess time will tell as to who will be right.
Last edited by SBR; Dec 28, 2012 at 12:24 PM.