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So I'm looking at possibly buying this 69 Vette.
All original, one paint over, all numbers matching, 350/350, 4 speed, no air, in OEM condition...just under 40k miles...asking 30k...but NADA has it list at a lot more..is this a good price for this car if its really in that great of a condition..?
Well, 30 large is a bundle.
Looks like a pretty nice car.
But you sure couldn't build one like this for that.
One question: Is this the car you want?
I really like the style of this car and the features....I've heard that the Vettes of the early 70s I should stay away from due to all the emissions crap...Do you have other suggestions...?
Eric - My advice to you is learn all about these cars before you sink a bunch of $$ into one. My education is bought and paid for many times over.
Basically, these are old American cars that cannot compare to modern cars in reliability, comfort, etc.
Emissions depends on where you live.
Personally, I like mostly original cars without getting into the "matching numbers" crap. My car is a mostly original 68 L36 Roadster. I have $50K easily into my car; realistically it is worth 25 to 30.
For a 1969 Corvette it is a good price for $30,000 in Excellent condition for a Condition 1 car they have it up around $47,000 so I think it is a good price.
I like to use Haggerty Insurance Valuation Tool to check the value of a car. The insurance companies have a top end on the value they will agree to when they insure a classic car. Here is their report on this car.
Eric - My advice to you is learn all about these cars before you sink a bunch of $$ into one. My education is bought and paid for many times over.
Basically, these are old American cars that cannot compare to modern cars in reliability, comfort, etc.
Emissions depends on where you live.
Personally, I like mostly original cars without getting into the "matching numbers" crap. My car is a mostly original 68 L36 Roadster. I have $50K easily into my car; realistically it is worth 25 to 30.
Don't feel bad ..... I d say a good percent of guys are in the same boat ..
But it's about more than money....it's a hobby ....I don't belong to a country club or ski, or other stuff ....not an investment for me ...total pleasure
Great looking car Jeff. Hmm, $50k in your vette? I have at least that in mind and it "needs" paint! Mind you I sort of like the fact that its the original paint, even if its a bit on the "ratty" side. It means I am not afraid to drive it anywhere!
I guess in a way it doesn't matter as I will never sell the old girl. She's "mine"!
Seems like a deal ...if the frame and everything is good .
So, If I buy the car I thought of installing the fuel injected 4 barrel type carb unit and then electronic ignition.....That should give me some additional HP...Right?
1. 30 is a lot for a coupe
2. NADA is the absolute last number to reference for value
3. If its so original, why would it have rocker panels from a later model car?
Id want to look under the hood and at the interior and inspect numbers before I believed anything further about it being "OEM."
There are a ton of things to check. Since I am in the middle of my 69 restore I have come across many things that were not original. Radiator type for what model it is( copper/alum.), #3 and 4 body mounts, rockers like mentioned, water pump, alternator #, carb. #, rear end#, transmission #, trim tag code, eng,# to Vin. Look closely at windshield trim for any signs of poor fit. Body off restored ?. Build sheet, rear window shelf for rear window, hood insulation at nose of hood, expansion tank if alum radiator. type of shocks, f41 rear leaf (7 or 9)
need more. Take you time. car is very nice and 30k is a strong price. Needs to have everything to support that price. If it were me I would also check in the wheel wells in the front for hand molded fiberglass or vendor stickers embedded in the glass. Wells should be smooth, other wise clip has been replaced. These are all things I missed and am now correcting. I would not change the things you mentioned for extra HP. The 350/350 is already a strong running car. Hey you asked!
Good Luck
Roger
Hi erock,
It looks like a nice car in the picture.
If it is in fact a "nice" car, $30,000 seems like a very good price. Maybe too good.
But no one can really determine that from your brief description and just one picture.
It looks like a dealer's picture. Is the car at a dealer? That will affect it's price too.
"OEM condition" is "mixed LINGO". "OEM" refers to the SOURCE of replacement parts that are now on the car, while "condition" describes the degree to which a car or part has deteriorated or been damaged.
It's really 'salesman talk'.
You should really consider finding someone who is very familiar with 68-72 Corvettes to look at it with you if you're serious about spending $30,000 on a 44 year old car. He will quickly see things that indicate what this car is and therefore what you should pay for it….or if you should buy it at all.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
You should really consider finding someone who is very familiar with 68-72 Corvettes to look at it with you if you're serious about spending $30,000 on a 44 year old car.
Bingo! If you do not "know" C3 Corvettes, have someone who does go with you or look at it for you. Good luck.
Great info, thanks...!
I'm headed to look at the car tomorrow...is there anything special I should look for that's specific to Vette issues...?
Eric
Yes, there are many issues specific to a Corvette. First & foremost are frame & birdcage issues. These cars were prone to problems related to the frame. You could find yourself spending 30k on a beautiful Vette, only to find out that your frame has the structural integrity of cardboard. Search this forum on this subject. There are many horror stories.
My advice is to find someone qualified to inspect the car from stem to stern. Im not sure where you are located, but if you're in or near a large city, someone who restores Corvettes could possibly help. Also check to see if there is a local NCRS chapter in your area. They may have some referrals for you. You say you're going to look at the car. If you're really interested, offer to leave a refundable deposit, based on the outcome of an inspection. If the seller is legit, they should have no issue with this. Best of luck!
Last edited by seacliffe301; Nov 9, 2014 at 08:17 AM.
So, If I buy the car I thought of installing the fuel injected 4 barrel type carb unit and then electronic ignition.....That should give me some additional HP...Right?
Eric
From this statement it seems like you want a modified car. Maybe this is not the car for you. You could save a lot of money with a car that does not have the original engine. Really look at your wants and needs in a car like this. Do you or have you ever owned a classic car from the 50s 60s 70s?
Great info, thanks...!
I'm headed to look at the car tomorrow...is there anything special I should look for that's specific to Vette issues...?
Eric
If you have to ask, then you need to have an expert do an inspection if you are still interested after your visit. These car are over 40 years old and can have a lot of issues other than rust. Sellers can use misleading terms and can hide problems. Know what you are buying esp for 30k. And be patient, it took me 3 years to find my dream corvette. The early C3's are Good Luck
So I'm looking at possibly buying this 69 Vette. All original, one paint over, all numbers matching, 350/350, 4 speed, no air, in OEM condition...just under 40k miles...asking 30k...but NADA has it list at a lot more..is this a good price for this car if its really in that great of a condition..?
Thanks, Erock
Uh oh- here we go again. What does all numbers matching mean to you?
If it's all original, how can it have a repaint and other things obviously replaced?
Originally Posted by erock61
So, If I buy the car I thought of installing the fuel injected 4 barrel type carb unit and then electronic ignition.....That should give me some additional HP...Right?
Eric
Wrong. Not one HP. Guess you're new to the old car hobby huh?
Originally Posted by erock61
Great info, thanks...!
I'm headed to look at the car tomorrow...is there anything special I should look for that's specific to Vette issues...?
Eric
You have a classic case of your pants brain telling your upper brain what to do with your wallet. Most times we do dumb things like this when there's women involved, cars are a close second. Rushing headlong usually results in tears.
Hire a knowledgeable Corvette guy to look at this car for you.
I will find a local expert (In the Chicago area) to go with me and inspect the car....
Personally, I've been buying, restoring and selling vintage motorcycles for some time now and have recently ventured into cars.....
My 1st and current project is a 52' MG TD....See Pic...Which is an extremely easy car to work on...and there were a few small surprises all of which were inexpensive to correct.....