documentation value
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
documentation value
OK So you are looking at a 68 or 69 corvette .It doesnt matter what the body or options are.How much value does the factory sticker,POP,history add to the value?Your opinions?
Thanks
Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 41
From: Raleigh NC
St. Jude Donor '13-'14
Is there a specific car you are looking at?
CF Community Team
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,330
Likes: 359
From: Delaware
St. Jude Donor '25
The original owner kept, and gave me every shred of original dealer paperwork including the POP, window sticker, BOS, all the "hang tags" (radio card and washer tag), key envelope, even the shim bag.
A potential buyer sent Chuck Berge (NCRS 68/69 GURU?) up from Va to appraise the car. He asked me what "I" valued the docs at. I guessed 2k. He told me he thought I was "light" and told me he valued them at 5k.
Who knows. True story.
PS....the guy never bought it. A man from Jersey did. Hope to see it someday. The BOS was dated the actual date I was born in 68. Kicking myself.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,186
Likes: 41
From: Pinecrest FL
2015 C3 of the Year Finalist
Paperwork doesnt make a shred of difference when comparing a coupe to a convertible, or a vinyl interior to a leather interior.
It does however make a huge difference when adding in a bigger motor or important factory options.
I would rather have a car with paperwork than without, and can definitely see a 3 to 5k premium for paperwork with almost any car. If you are talking about a NOM or 327/300 or 350/300, you should buy the car in better condition and ignore the paperwork. Having paperwork to verify that the car came from the factory with a base engine small block is not needed. The only option I can think of on a 68 or 69 that you would want paperwork for with any engine size would be factory side pipes.
It does however make a huge difference when adding in a bigger motor or important factory options.
I would rather have a car with paperwork than without, and can definitely see a 3 to 5k premium for paperwork with almost any car. If you are talking about a NOM or 327/300 or 350/300, you should buy the car in better condition and ignore the paperwork. Having paperwork to verify that the car came from the factory with a base engine small block is not needed. The only option I can think of on a 68 or 69 that you would want paperwork for with any engine size would be factory side pipes.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,706
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
I agree with all of he opinions above. A document package is worth almost nothing for a good driver that has an LS motor and a Getrag 6 speed but it doesn't make that car any less enjoyable. If, on the other hand, you find an L88 or early LT-1 and are being asked to pay a premium for those options, documents that support that they are original are of significant value. In real dollars, I think that document value has come down since forged documents are readily available and cost less than ever.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 10,189
Likes: 206
2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
2017 C3 of Year
The increased value on a Corvette due to having documentation has lead to many unscrupulous actions.
That being said, I'm interested with cars that are completely documented. Now many of these GM documents can be verified by the NCRS for a small fee.
Not 68/69 but a 1972 LT-1 will have the engine size designated in the VIN. BUT if it's an AC car the tank sticker or build sheet is it's only defense.
Hope this helps
That being said, I'm interested with cars that are completely documented. Now many of these GM documents can be verified by the NCRS for a small fee.
Not 68/69 but a 1972 LT-1 will have the engine size designated in the VIN. BUT if it's an AC car the tank sticker or build sheet is it's only defense.
Hope this helps
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 10,189
Likes: 206
2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
2017 C3 of Year
Paperwork doesnt make a shred of difference when comparing a coupe to a convertible, or a vinyl interior to a leather interior.
It does however make a huge difference when adding in a bigger motor or important factory options.
I would rather have a car with paperwork than without, and can definitely see a 3 to 5k premium for paperwork with almost any car. If you are talking about a NOM or 327/300 or 350/300, you should buy the car in better condition and ignore the paperwork. Having paperwork to verify that the car came from the factory with a base engine small block is not needed. The only option I can think of on a 68 or 69 that you would want paperwork for with any engine size would be factory side pipes.
It does however make a huge difference when adding in a bigger motor or important factory options.
I would rather have a car with paperwork than without, and can definitely see a 3 to 5k premium for paperwork with almost any car. If you are talking about a NOM or 327/300 or 350/300, you should buy the car in better condition and ignore the paperwork. Having paperwork to verify that the car came from the factory with a base engine small block is not needed. The only option I can think of on a 68 or 69 that you would want paperwork for with any engine size would be factory side pipes.
I've heard over ten thousand for a tri powers paperwork! The holder of said paperwork held the doc's. "in ransom" ..........
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,278
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From: Westminster Maryland
Hi sh,
I think documentation and paperwork are really part of 'originality' (and to a degree help determine 'originality').
On some cars, and to some owners/buyers, 'originality' is very important in establishing value.
But for many cars, and for many owners, the issue of originality is meaningless, thus any documentation has little impact on those cars' values, and it's unlikely the buyers are going to pay anything extra for the documentation.
Regards,
Alan
I think documentation and paperwork are really part of 'originality' (and to a degree help determine 'originality').
On some cars, and to some owners/buyers, 'originality' is very important in establishing value.
But for many cars, and for many owners, the issue of originality is meaningless, thus any documentation has little impact on those cars' values, and it's unlikely the buyers are going to pay anything extra for the documentation.
Regards,
Alan
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,186
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From: Pinecrest FL
2015 C3 of the Year Finalist
I dont think that the owner of a low optioned small block would be willing to pay $10k to the person holding the original paperwork. The owner of a highly optioned big block owner might be willing to pay 10k for that paperwork.
Gary
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2005
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2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
2017 C3 of Year
Paperwork for any car is really worth what the owner is willing to pay for it.
I dont think that the owner of a low optioned small block would be willing to pay $10k to the person holding the original paperwork. The owner of a highly optioned big block owner might be willing to pay 10k for that paperwork.
This is exactly why paperwork makes a car worth more. Its not that the actual papers add any additional value, but many people including myself would only buy a documented car.
Gary
I dont think that the owner of a low optioned small block would be willing to pay $10k to the person holding the original paperwork. The owner of a highly optioned big block owner might be willing to pay 10k for that paperwork.
This is exactly why paperwork makes a car worth more. Its not that the actual papers add any additional value, but many people including myself would only buy a documented car.
Gary
Thanks for making my point! Options matter whereas documentation value is concerned!
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,355
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From: Draper Utah
Not saying it's right, just pointing out the facts.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 6
From: Nevada City California
Factory original paperwork that documents how a particular special high-performance Corvette was ordered is extremely valuable if the car in question is still in its original as built configuration.
