Hey guys,

I'm wiriting here to check if my assumptions are realistic or not.
Let me explain my situation:
I am from Germany and currently looking for a Chrome bumper C3 Coupe. Of course I could walk to a dealer in Germany, but I would like to make the experience of getting a car from the states.
My favourite Modelyears are 68 and 69, but I do like the following as well. The C3 shouldnt be younger than MY 1973, since i prefer the chrome-bumper look (1973 still has the nice rear-end).

What i am looking for:
- MY 1968-1973
- Manual transmission
- I do not care too much about matching numbers, a replaced engine is no problem and it can have some modification. A nogo would be big, modern styled rims.
- I think the smallest engine is already enough to make me happy, so it doesn't need to have the biggest engine. But if it's in my budget: Why not?
- Ext. color: I would prefer black, dark blue, dark green or red
- Int. color: black or red
- Condition: I do not want a perfect car, since this should be a LITTLE project on which i could work with my dad. He has always been working on cars and has just retired and now is the time. We can do smaller things like brakes, suspension, engine (depends), interior etc..., but what we do not want to take care of is heavy bodywork and painting. So the car shoul NOT have big rust problems etc.. and the painting should be in OK condition.
- Additional info: I like the BB-hood and sidepipes. I wouldnt mind to do these modifications myself, but if there is a car around for sale that aleady has them that would be a plus.
- I wouldnt mind to pay for a professional appraisal, since i do not want the risk of getting a total different to what was written/seen on pictures.

Now the important question:
My budget is limited, since there are many costs before i have the car in germany I want to stay under 20k$.
Is that realistic?

Thanks in advance!

 

If $20K and under is the limit you have set for yourself, that range becomes realistic for you.

Good luck with the hunt.

 

I think $20k will get you a very nice small block chrome bumper coupe in the US. Enjoy the search as the chase is half the fun!

 

No doubt there's many people better placed than me to make this comment, but in regards to buying the car from America;

I'm from the UK, and looked at importing a car. I'm not sure what Germany does about import taxes and duty, but perhaps this will apply.

It seems that whatever the car cost in dollars, by the time you've got it imported/duty paid etc then you'll be paying the same number in Euro's.

I.e. if the car costs $20,000 in the US, by the time it's imported you'll have paid at least €20,000 (about $26,000!).

 

It's not the cost of the car, it's the money you spend after

 

You have set a very realistic budget.

If I was in your situation, I would be looking for a car in the $15k price range. You should be able to find exactly what you want, and have money left over for shipping/taxes.

1) I would not consider a 68 - 68's have MANY one year only parts, and living in Germany would make it very hard/expensive to get those parts.

2) I would look for a car with a fairly recent crate motor engine. You will get both the benefit of a newer motor, and reduced cost of a NOM.

3) I would start by looking in the Southwest, and avoid the Northeast, at least at first.

Cars in the Southwest should be less likely to have rust issues, and will be less expensive, cars in the Northeast are more likely to have rust, and will also be more expensive.

Cars in the Southeast and Midwest will be more likely to have rust than the Southwest, but will be priced about the same as the Southwest.

West coast cars will be less likely to have rust, but will be more expensive.

4) When you find a candidate car, get someone familiar with C3's to take a look at it. I would start out by posting a thread on CF.

5) TAKE YOUR TIME! You have a good budget, and should be able to find what you are looking for without much problem. So take your time.

 

Hello,

Thanks for your answers, that helps a lot.
@C3-JB: You got a point there, i am aware that a car that costs 20k$ will probably cost even slightly more than 20k€ until transport, taxes etc... are paid. But I have the feeling, that i can get a better car for 20k$ in the States than what i get for 20k€ in Germany. And of course the US market offers much more cars.

@MrJlr: If the price stays under 20k$, I still have some money to deal with repairs/running costs.

@Mashman: Thanks for your advice. I think a crate engine would be perfect for me. Also with a crate engine i dont have to be afraid of losing the NM-status if the engine blows up some day.

 

Keep us updated in this thread so we can see how it progresses.

I hope you get a great car!