Values
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Values
Hey,
Was on here several years ago and I've got the C3 bug again. My question is about value and what's been done to a C3. Is a correct original matching numbers 1980 more valuable than say a 1980 that has had engine work to gain horse power vs one that has had an engine change and some other custom items done. I'm looking at a 1980 l48 all original, 27,000 miles, one repaint original color, silver, seats have been recovered, new steering wheel and newer dual exhaust. Any opinion of what it's worth?
Was on here several years ago and I've got the C3 bug again. My question is about value and what's been done to a C3. Is a correct original matching numbers 1980 more valuable than say a 1980 that has had engine work to gain horse power vs one that has had an engine change and some other custom items done. I'm looking at a 1980 l48 all original, 27,000 miles, one repaint original color, silver, seats have been recovered, new steering wheel and newer dual exhaust. Any opinion of what it's worth?
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 150
Likes: 42
From: mountains of N.E. Georgia Georgia
The lower miles, the closer to original, the more it's worth. L82's more than L48's...4 spds more than autos. That's what I found when I was looking.
I wanted a 78 s/a car and found what I was looking for...considered a 1980 but didn't research the values.
You probably already know this but sitting will kill a vette. Double check the brakes, and all vacuum operated items.
A low mile car is great but if it's sat for 5 or so years, you'll probably be putting in brakes, repairing vacuum systems and dealing with engine oil leaks in the first 5,000 miles.
Good luck on the Vette. Enjoy!
I wanted a 78 s/a car and found what I was looking for...considered a 1980 but didn't research the values.
You probably already know this but sitting will kill a vette. Double check the brakes, and all vacuum operated items.
A low mile car is great but if it's sat for 5 or so years, you'll probably be putting in brakes, repairing vacuum systems and dealing with engine oil leaks in the first 5,000 miles.
Good luck on the Vette. Enjoy!
Pro
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 651
Likes: 45
From: Raleigh area, NC
Probably depends where in the country you are for value also but if it is rust free underneath, mostly everything works, drives and looks nice but not perfect I would guess low teens.
I was looking for months for a 74-81 manual trans in good shape due to my budget. Found most of these year cars ranged from $7000 to $17,000. Like others stated L82 and manual trans rarer and more valuable.
I found my 75 coupe, 2 owner car, 80k miles, numbers matching but L-48 and 4-speed settled on $12,500 from $15k asking price. It has one good repaint, original interior with some trim needs, good driver, detailed engine and underside.
Most nice ones near me were low teens. Good news is there is a lot out there and great support here, and plenty of parts!
I was looking for months for a 74-81 manual trans in good shape due to my budget. Found most of these year cars ranged from $7000 to $17,000. Like others stated L82 and manual trans rarer and more valuable.
I found my 75 coupe, 2 owner car, 80k miles, numbers matching but L-48 and 4-speed settled on $12,500 from $15k asking price. It has one good repaint, original interior with some trim needs, good driver, detailed engine and underside.
Most nice ones near me were low teens. Good news is there is a lot out there and great support here, and plenty of parts!
Last edited by pmr2000; Jan 31, 2017 at 08:14 PM.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Thanks for the feed back. I'm in Florida and I agree that the $7k-$17k range fits here. I'm looking at 1976-1980 to fit my budget. The asking price is $14,500, I was thinking it was worth $13k to me. Wel'll see.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,028
From: eastern NC
If you found one selling for even $5000, you could easily spend $10,000 on a paint job and a new interior alone. When you look at it in that manner, all of a sudden $14,500 doesn't seem so expensive. Especially if it has a nice paint job and the interior doesn't need any work.
Do you have any pictures you can post of it?
Good luck and let us know how it works out... GUSTO
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 4,097
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From: Madeira Beach, FL
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I think with C-1's reaching the prices of a summer home and mid years the price of law school..... a c-3 sounds awful affordable.
I've driven my buddies 65 and this was the causation of me buying a corvette.
I looked for a nice 65-67. Just cant see paying 45+ for a car I get out once a week and enjoy for a day.
My 68 BB for much less provides the same level of enjoyment for half the investment.
Soon C-3's will be the new mid years. Get one while they are still within reason.
Next generation of enthusiasts will be limited to a nice C-4.
And so it goes on.
I would not mind a nice 78 Pace Car 4spd.
Marshal
I've driven my buddies 65 and this was the causation of me buying a corvette.
I looked for a nice 65-67. Just cant see paying 45+ for a car I get out once a week and enjoy for a day.
My 68 BB for much less provides the same level of enjoyment for half the investment.
Soon C-3's will be the new mid years. Get one while they are still within reason.
Next generation of enthusiasts will be limited to a nice C-4.
And so it goes on.
I would not mind a nice 78 Pace Car 4spd.
Marshal
