1977 Value?
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3
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1977 Value?
Hello all! I'm trying to figure out a sales value for my neighbor's 1977 Corvette.(He can no longer drive.) Here are the details:
1977 L-48 4 speed manual
18 original miles (he is the original owner -bought it new in 1977)
HASN'T RUN in 30 YEARS! Last registered in 1987. Garaged (covered in junk!)
All tires are flat. No battery.
Brake pedal, when depressed, goes right to the floor. Clutch also feels weak.
Appears to have had some fluid leaks over years (bad seals?)
Filthy, but original. Will probably take a lot of work to get it going again. Looking at comparable vehicles, my guess is in the 4-6 k range as is, but I'm not sure. Any input as to current value/estimated cost to get it running and road-worthy again would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
1977 L-48 4 speed manual
18 original miles (he is the original owner -bought it new in 1977)
HASN'T RUN in 30 YEARS! Last registered in 1987. Garaged (covered in junk!)
All tires are flat. No battery.
Brake pedal, when depressed, goes right to the floor. Clutch also feels weak.
Appears to have had some fluid leaks over years (bad seals?)
Filthy, but original. Will probably take a lot of work to get it going again. Looking at comparable vehicles, my guess is in the 4-6 k range as is, but I'm not sure. Any input as to current value/estimated cost to get it running and road-worthy again would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
Hello all! I'm trying to figure out a sales value for my neighbor's 1977 Corvette.(He can no longer drive.) Here are the details:
1977 L-48 4 speed manual
18 original miles (he is the original owner -bought it new in 1977)
HASN'T RUN in 30 YEARS! Last registered in 1987. Garaged (covered in junk!)
All tires are flat. No battery.
Brake pedal, when depressed, goes right to the floor. Clutch also feels weak.
Appears to have had some fluid leaks over years (bad seals?)
Filthy, but original. Will probably take a lot of work to get it going again. Looking at comparable vehicles, my guess is in the 4-6 k range as is, but I'm not sure. Any input as to current value/estimated cost to get it running and road-worthy again would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
1977 L-48 4 speed manual
18 original miles (he is the original owner -bought it new in 1977)
HASN'T RUN in 30 YEARS! Last registered in 1987. Garaged (covered in junk!)
All tires are flat. No battery.
Brake pedal, when depressed, goes right to the floor. Clutch also feels weak.
Appears to have had some fluid leaks over years (bad seals?)
Filthy, but original. Will probably take a lot of work to get it going again. Looking at comparable vehicles, my guess is in the 4-6 k range as is, but I'm not sure. Any input as to current value/estimated cost to get it running and road-worthy again would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,151
Likes: 294
From: Opelousas, Lousiana
CI 6-7 & 9 Veteran
I assume the "18 original miles" is 18,000? If this is the case, I think you need to post pictures in order to get a close estimate on value.
Some pictures that would be helpful:
Condition of frame and birdcage. Believe it or not, there could be rust even if it has been stored in the garage. Pictures of frame would be helpful.
Pictures under hood and interior.
Picture of body.
Without this, any estimate is a wild guess.
One thing I have learned is that low mileage cars can have a lot of engine oil leaks because of dried out seals and gaskets. (ask me how I know
)
Some pictures that would be helpful:
Condition of frame and birdcage. Believe it or not, there could be rust even if it has been stored in the garage. Pictures of frame would be helpful.
Pictures under hood and interior.
Picture of body.
Without this, any estimate is a wild guess.
One thing I have learned is that low mileage cars can have a lot of engine oil leaks because of dried out seals and gaskets. (ask me how I know
)
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 182
Likes: 27
From: Somerville Alabama
I don't know enough myself but your guess of 4 to 6 thousand is probably in the ballpark... if undamaged condition.
To fix the brakes on mine was about $900, repair shop work not me.
With it not being on the road, engine stagnant, most of it is an unknown except appearance outside and in.
No way of knowing condition of engine, transmission, drive train, suspension, radiator, electrical, etc.
A lot of expense if any or all of that needs repair. Could be upwards of same $4000 to $6000 extra. Or extra value if all good. I might be way off so don't only listen to me.
I've got to question the "18 miles" claim. Sounds like the car was registered for around 10 years to be driven and then something happened to be put away. Since odometer doesn't count above 99,999 miles it would be more likely to have hundred thousand (or 2, 3?) added on there.
I just can't imagine anyone would buy a 1977 Corvette that isn't "special" (unlike 1978 Anniversary, Pace Car) and not drive it.
To fix the brakes on mine was about $900, repair shop work not me.
With it not being on the road, engine stagnant, most of it is an unknown except appearance outside and in.
No way of knowing condition of engine, transmission, drive train, suspension, radiator, electrical, etc.
A lot of expense if any or all of that needs repair. Could be upwards of same $4000 to $6000 extra. Or extra value if all good. I might be way off so don't only listen to me.
I've got to question the "18 miles" claim. Sounds like the car was registered for around 10 years to be driven and then something happened to be put away. Since odometer doesn't count above 99,999 miles it would be more likely to have hundred thousand (or 2, 3?) added on there.
I just can't imagine anyone would buy a 1977 Corvette that isn't "special" (unlike 1978 Anniversary, Pace Car) and not drive it.
