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I own a 1971 LS5 Convertible, 2nd owner, that is ground up professionally restored to factory original by Performance Auto Crafters located in Locust Grove, VA. It is numbers correct, trim tag correct, is stored covered in temperature controlled space and is trailered to local shows/meets. Actual miles are 74,6XX, 454cid/365hp/4 spd, removable hardtop, disc brakes, White softtop, am/fm radio, rally sport 15 inch wheels w/beauty rings and center hubs. Paint is HOK 2 stage Ontario Orange buffed to mirror finish, White dated top, restored original radio/clock/gauges/tach/speedo. It is not driven on the street nor has it been exposed to inclement weather. Yes, for those who love to drive their Classics it is a "Trailer Queen"! I have a written appraisal in hand that rates the cars' condition at "better than #1". How can this car best be marketed? Private sale? Consignment to Corvette specialist? Auction house like Barrett Jackson or Mecum? I need a four seater Classic so that our teenage grandkids can accompany us to shows/meets/drive ins.
Before you do anything determine what price you're comfortable with. If your expectations are too high or too low you will be disappointed.
I'm a person who does a lot of research and actual data results collection prior to undertaking anything this important. I've already collected actual sales numbers from #1 / high #2 condition 1971 LS 5's sold in 2013 at Mecum, Barrett Jackson, Pro Team Corvettes, and other quality Corvette sales dealers/consignors. Accumulated are 17 total sales ranging from $73.7k to $59.7k including coupes/t-tops/convertibles/automatics/4 speeds. All were driven, all restored to a high level, and included sales on both coasts as well as mid-America. I omitted any other sales as I wanted to compare only the latest data. I also only wanted to look at "sold" 1971 LS 5's as the asking price is almost irrelevant for this purpose. What I learned is that the average sale price was $66k and the average net to the owners was $60.7k. Except for being a private sale, I believe this comparison data to be spot on. If marketed properly, the prospective buyers field will be quite narrow as most will prefer a driver quality Vette. I'm almost decided to contract the sale of this beauty to either Barrett Jackson or Mecum.
I'm a person who does a lot of research and actual data results collection prior to undertaking anything this important. I've already collected actual sales numbers from #1 / high #2 condition 1971 LS 5's sold in 2013 at Mecum, Barrett Jackson, Pro Team Corvettes, and other quality Corvette sales dealers/consignors. Accumulated are 17 total sales ranging from $73.7k to $59.7k including coupes/t-tops/convertibles/automatics/4 speeds. All were driven, all restored to a high level, and included sales on both coasts as well as mid-America. I omitted any other sales as I wanted to compare only the latest data. I also only wanted to look at "sold" 1971 LS 5's as the asking price is almost irrelevant for this purpose. What I learned is that the average sale price was $66k and the average net to the owners was $60.7k. Except for being a private sale, I believe this comparison data to be spot on. If marketed properly, the prospective buyers field will be quite narrow as most will prefer a driver quality Vette. I'm almost decided to contract the sale of this beauty to either Barrett Jackson or Mecum.
Regards,
Bob
You can view photos of my `71 at Albums - Bob's 1971.
Yeah, I would think b-j Scottsdale would be a good venue. Or mecums in Kissimmee. Contrary to what many think of the b-j, the Scottsdale auction really brings out some nice cars. It helps that goodings, Russo and Steele, And a few other high end auctions take place that week in the valley. It brings buyers with money. I've attended many times. And I've attended the las Vegas b-j too. Not much comparison, Scottsdale has better overall quality cars.
BV interesting you are so negative with the pro team folks, not that I've ever dealt with them but do know a few who have. They purchased some very nice cars. Maybe at a premium, but it didn't take 14 yrs and mucho Internet drama to find a worthy car.
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Yeah, I would think b-j Scottsdale would be a good venue. Or mecums in Kissimmee. Contrary to what many think of the b-j, the Scottsdale auction really brings out some nice cars. It helps that goodings, Russo and Steele, And a few other high end auctions take place that week in the valley. It brings buyers with money. I've attended many times. And I've attended the las Vegas b-j too. Not much comparison, Scottsdale has better overall quality cars.
BV interesting you are so negative with the pro team folks, not that I've ever dealt with them but do know a few who have. They purchased some very nice cars. Maybe at a premium, but it didn't take 14 yrs and mucho Internet drama to find a worthy car.
What did I say that was so negative? It is a reference to others that speak about them in a negative way.
If you didn't like my drama the ignore feature works great here on the forum. Why you tolerated for all these years if you didn't have to, I have no idea.
...I would think b-j Scottsdale would be a good venue...
Keep in mind Barrett-Jackson juries cars for their big auction (or used to). They pick and choose what goes across the block. Scottsdale is a No Reserve auction. The highest bid purchases the car, regardless of what the owner might think it was worth or was hoping to get.
I'm a person who does a lot of research and actual data results collection prior to undertaking anything this important. I've already collected actual sales numbers from #1 / high #2 condition 1971 LS 5's sold in 2013 at Mecum, Barrett Jackson, Pro Team Corvettes, and other quality Corvette sales dealers/consignors. Accumulated are 17 total sales ranging from $73.7k to $59.7k including coupes/t-tops/convertibles/automatics/4 speeds. All were driven, all restored to a high level, and included sales on both coasts as well as mid-America. I omitted any other sales as I wanted to compare only the latest data. I also only wanted to look at "sold" 1971 LS 5's as the asking price is almost irrelevant for this purpose. What I learned is that the average sale price was $66k and the average net to the owners was $60.7k. Except for being a private sale, I believe this comparison data to be spot on. If marketed properly, the prospective buyers field will be quite narrow as most will prefer a driver quality Vette. I'm almost decided to contract the sale of this beauty to either Barrett Jackson or Mecum.
Regards,
Bob
It appears as though, you've done your homework, and are more knowledgeable in the value of your car than the greater majority on here.
That being said, I don't understand this post. Is it merely to promote/expose your car to potential buyers on this site?
There is a cars for sale section on this site, if that is the case, rather then the general discussion.
Good luck in the sale of your car, you obviously know the options.
There are usually premier auctions held every month by the biggies, RM, Mecum, BJ, AA etc in different parts of the country and contrary to popular belief they take just about any vehicle. Most are nothing special, that's just a lot of marketing hype that uninformed people have read about. Of course the best or better cars get the best spots and you can't take your rusted out 68 Ford Galaxy.
Short of having a retail private buyer, one of these auctions is probably your best bet.
Don't know what part of the country you're in and how far you will ship, but in fact there are around 11 classic car auctions in January alone.
And like this, even if consigned, there is nothing stopping you from promoting your car on your own for increased exposure.
I'm a person who does a lot of research and actual data results collection prior to undertaking anything this important. I've already collected actual sales numbers from #1 / high #2 condition 1971 LS 5's sold in 2013 at Mecum, Barrett Jackson, Pro Team Corvettes, and other quality Corvette sales dealers/consignors. Accumulated are 17 total sales ranging from $73.7k to $59.7k including coupes/t-tops/convertibles/automatics/4 speeds. All were driven, all restored to a high level, and included sales on both coasts as well as mid-America. I omitted any other sales as I wanted to compare only the latest data. I also only wanted to look at "sold" 1971 LS 5's as the asking price is almost irrelevant for this purpose. What I learned is that the average sale price was $66k and the average net to the owners was $60.7k. Except for being a private sale, I believe this comparison data to be spot on. If marketed properly, the prospective buyers field will be quite narrow as most will prefer a driver quality Vette. I'm almost decided to contract the sale of this beauty to either Barrett Jackson or Mecum.
Regards,
Bob
Since you have asked for input, for the sake of discussion I would also offer that while you are researching and comparing cars you make sure you are comparing apples to apples. For instance, someone's "better than #1" appraisal, I think, should have more input as many appraisals are subjective. You also mention the car is "numbers correct", which (I'm guessing) tells me they are not matching? If that's the case, comparing them to actual sales data for venues and prices for sales of matching number cars may not be exactly accurate.
If it is matching, I'd say so very clearly in your marketing information.
I dont know anything about your car and it may be "better than #1" but if you are making decisions on pricing, marketing etc based on comparables, make sure the rest of the market agrees with the comparison.
Hi Bob,
I agree VB about the 'lingo' used to describe cars and used in the selling of cars. So many of the words and phrases are so overused that they have become trite and almost meaningless.
I think that high definition pictures and basic descriptions are what buyers are first interested in seeing, and then use that info to decide if this might be a car they need to know more about.
The car needs to be given a chance to, and usually will, tell it's own story.
Good luck as you market your car.
Regards,
Alan
Yeah, I would think b-j Scottsdale would be a good venue. Or mecums in Kissimmee. Contrary to what many think of the b-j, the Scottsdale auction really brings out some nice cars. It helps that goodings, Russo and Steele, And a few other high end auctions take place that week in the valley. It brings buyers with money. I've attended many times. And I've attended the las Vegas b-j too. Not much comparison, Scottsdale has better overall quality cars.
BV interesting you are so negative with the pro team folks, not that I've ever dealt with them but do know a few who have. They purchased some very nice cars. Maybe at a premium, but it didn't take 14 yrs and mucho Internet drama to find a worthy car.
I have decided to sell my car through Russo Steele so I could set a reserve I have a 1969 427/435 L71 coupe with your car you might might want to check that out
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Hey guys - the OP has been a forum "member" for 5 years and has made 5 posts - 3 of which are on this thread. I have a feeling he is simply trying to sell his car not looking for advice. And now he seems to have vanished.
Hey guys - the OP has been a forum "member" for 5 years and has made 5 posts - 3 of which are on this thread. I have a feeling he is simply trying to sell his car not looking for advice. And now he seems to have vanished.
Originally Posted by armstrrw
My 1971 LS5 convertible has just returned from a 18 month restoration. I question the manifold / carb / distributor / headlights / wiper door vacuum configuration. Particularly on top of the engine, under the air breather housing. Does anyone have an example of a '71 LS5 (454ci/365hp) properly (original) plumbed for vacuum? Clear digital pix of the top of the engine with the air breather removed would be great. My Vette has no power steering, power brakes booster, or AC. It is equipped with a HD 4 sp. Muncie. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
regards, bob
I went to see the other posts. IF this is the same car, there are NO power options at all it seems. This would considerably affect the sale price. This needs to be considered in determining an asking price.
I own a 1971 LS5 Convertible, 2nd owner, that is ground up professionally restored to factory original by Performance Auto Crafters located in Locust Grove, VA. It is numbers correct.................I have a written appraisal in hand that rates the cars' condition at "better than #1".................