Newbie ... I have a question
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Newbie ... I have a question
Hey there everyone ! and greetings from tennessee , I just recently traded for my first corvette ( needs paint , needs seats re-upholstered , good interior cleaning) it's a 1980 all matching numbers stingray , This car is a california car (3221 or something like that produced for california emissions equipped with the 305) it's also an original dark green /doeskin car (there was only 844 dark green produced in total that year ) So my question is , How does this effect the value , considering its pretty rare in 2 senses . Any input would be greatly appreciated , before I start doing a full on restoration . The car runs great Im currently daily driving it.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 54,142
Likes: 9,451
From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2015 C2 of Year Finalist
I owned a 305 car once. a loaded tri-axle dump truck would out run me I do not think to many people are on the hunt for a 305 Corvette no matter what color it is. also the last year for the Stingray badging was 1976
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,744
Likes: 278
From: Akron OH
I agree with Revi and Nowhere Man about the undesirability of the 305 engine. The positive side of it being a California car is that they typically don't have the frame/birdcage rust issues that plague cars from other areas of the country with wetter climates.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,303
Likes: 4,391
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi SS,
First off WELCOME!!!!
I'll have to agree with the first 3 posts BUT:
It's still a Corvette and you must be pretty excited to have it.
We always like to see people's 'pride and joy'!
So how about a few pictures?
Good Luck as you get to know it, and I hope it gives you LOTS of pleasure.
Regards,
Alan
First off WELCOME!!!!
I'll have to agree with the first 3 posts BUT:
It's still a Corvette and you must be pretty excited to have it.
We always like to see people's 'pride and joy'!
So how about a few pictures?
Good Luck as you get to know it, and I hope it gives you LOTS of pleasure.
Regards,
Alan
Pro
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 681
Likes: 31
From: Nebraska
Green is a GREAT color for a Corvette. Love to see it, hurry with the pics.
Also...There are not a lot of 305 fans out there, but that is really a good engine. Not especially powerful from the factory, but nonetheless I like the 305. I had one in a Trans-Am that would do 167 mph.
Also...There are not a lot of 305 fans out there, but that is really a good engine. Not especially powerful from the factory, but nonetheless I like the 305. I had one in a Trans-Am that would do 167 mph.
Last edited by COOLTED; Sep 4, 2015 at 05:11 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,346
Likes: 41
From: Toronto
There really isn't much monetary value to any 1980 corvettes, let alone a green 305.
If you do a full retoration you're going to lose money...the more you do (assuming you have someone do it for you), the more you'll lose.
But they look good, and are still cool to drive.
Just don't try racing a camry...or anything else for that matter lol.
And before anyone jumps all over me, I own a 1980....Canadian car, white with claret interior and a 4 speed...pretty rare combo there, too, but value....
The value comes from the fun of owning it, driving it, and working on it
If you do a full retoration you're going to lose money...the more you do (assuming you have someone do it for you), the more you'll lose.
But they look good, and are still cool to drive.
Just don't try racing a camry...or anything else for that matter lol.
And before anyone jumps all over me, I own a 1980....Canadian car, white with claret interior and a 4 speed...pretty rare combo there, too, but value....
The value comes from the fun of owning it, driving it, and working on it
Last edited by hzz; Sep 5, 2015 at 09:14 AM.
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Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 54,142
Likes: 9,451
From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2015 C2 of Year Finalist
Green is a GREAT color for a Corvette. Love to see it, hurry with the pics.
Also...There are not a lot of 305 fans out there, but that is really a good engine. Not especially powerful from the factory, but nonetheless I like the 305. I had one in a Trans-Am that would do 167 mph.
Also...There are not a lot of 305 fans out there, but that is really a good engine. Not especially powerful from the factory, but nonetheless I like the 305. I had one in a Trans-Am that would do 167 mph.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,652
Likes: 80
From: Lakeland Florida
Hello and welcome
Check out the SEARCH function at the top strip when you need to look for information on something specific for your car. You may find that this feature is one of the best help functions there is.
kdf
Check out the SEARCH function at the top strip when you need to look for information on something specific for your car. You may find that this feature is one of the best help functions there is.
kdf
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 12,146
Likes: 2,038
From: Easton, PA
St. Jude Donor '10
Welcome to the forum. One thing you will learn here pretty quickly is many forum members have opinions and are not afraid to express them. I am excited for you and I suggest you keep doing what you just did, ask lots of questions, take input for what it is sometime and that is only another persons opinion. Value is whatever that car means to you, and I hope it means a lot. I personally have never seen a 305 California 1980 Corvette so I would be intrigued to see pictures when you can share some.
And as for Green, I am all over that. My 71 Brands Hatch Green Coupe is my pride and joy no matter what anyone else feels.
I do like the shape of the 1980 as well, so show it off and be proud of it.
And once again, welcome to the forum, we are glad to welcome you.
David Howard
AllC34Me
And as for Green, I am all over that.
My 71 Brands Hatch Green Coupe is my pride and joy no matter what anyone else feels. I do like the shape of the 1980 as well, so show it off and be proud of it.
And once again, welcome to the forum, we are glad to welcome you.
David Howard
AllC34Me
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 6,400
Likes: 1,227
From: Tampa Florida
Did I hear Brands Hatch Green?
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
congrats on becoming a vette guy. if you want more performance out of the car, first find out what you have to comply with in your state emissions-wise, then find a 350 for it. take the orig 305 and put it in the back of the garage. having the orig motor for it come sale day will raise the price by more than the 200 or so bucks you can get for a used 305. if happy with the way it runs, look elsewhere on the car to spend time and money. one possibility, somebody in calif might need some of those emissions parts for their car.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 550
Likes: 58
From: Columbus Mississippi
I remember in late 1968 when the new body came out the resale on mid year cars dropped. No one really wanted them . Things change. You could always store the original 305 and drop in a crate motor. In 20 years who knows what they will be worth.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 695
Likes: 55
From: Palm Desert California
Welcome Stingraysean and congrats on your Vette. I looked up the color and it seems to be close to a '91 vert that I had with tan interior.
It's a great combo, a real head turner. We gotta have pics !
It's a great combo, a real head turner. We gotta have pics !