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68' L89 value?

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Old Mar 16, 2017 | 10:54 AM
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Default 68' L89 value?

Ive not been able to locate a decent resource for finding a price for a fairly good condition 1968 L89 coupe. I see hagerty, nada, and auctions that have sold but i dont think any of the really represent a true cost refection. Is there any place i can get a decent estimation?
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Old Mar 16, 2017 | 11:01 AM
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Originally Posted by Lreynolds
...Is there any place i can get a decent estimation?...
Have you considered having your car appraised?

Last edited by Easy Mike; Mar 16, 2017 at 11:01 AM.
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Old Mar 16, 2017 | 11:09 AM
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Hi L,
I'd think that with an L89 car it's condition plays LESS of a part in determining it's value than the documentation for the car, and the originality of ALL the parts that make it a L89.
Regards,
Alan
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Old Mar 16, 2017 | 11:29 AM
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It's a car that i have the opportunity to buy before he tries selling it on the open market. It has been sitting for over 20 years untouched, so most all documentation is long gone. I know what he's asking and a few photos of the car currently, i was just trying to gather any and all info before i actually go see it.
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Old Mar 16, 2017 | 11:36 AM
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Originally Posted by Lreynolds
It's a car that i have the opportunity to buy before he tries selling it on the open market. It has been sitting for over 20 years untouched, so most all documentation is long gone. I know what he's asking and a few photos of the car currently, i was just trying to gather any and all info before i actually go see it.
The only way to get help on this forum is to post lots of pictures of the car and any other information that would affect the value.
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Old Mar 16, 2017 | 11:39 AM
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Originally Posted by Lreynolds
...It has been sitting for over 20 years untouched, so most all documentation is long gone...
Are you sure? Certainly would not hurt to ask him for any documentation he may have.

...I know what he's asking...
Do you think his asking price is reasonable? If so, it might be worth going and taking a look if you're interested in the car.

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Old Mar 16, 2017 | 11:48 AM
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first, its a rare car, next it is a rare car that would have it's original engine and heads, next it would have to be impeccably documented with history, original and judged to the hilt. Then it would have to be for sale.. as such cars are not for sale and in collectors hands.

then you are talking prices all over the place.. maybe 75-125K, whatever you are willing to pay since such a car would be very rare. if the car has ANY excuse, subtract 50-75%.

there are about 8 in the mecum auction in the past that are searchable. mostly selling for 50-55K, a couple are 75 K, the highest is 120K.. just don't now if any of them have excuses.
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Old Mar 16, 2017 | 11:48 AM
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I'm actually waiting to hear back from him because i had a few other questions as well. I think it's more than reasonable if it's all correct and my mental calculator is close. That's why i was just trying to see if there was anything i could check against. If its all original and unrestored with only 36k miles i think the price really low. Again though that's just based off what i can find that's sold at auction (which i dont trust)
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Old Mar 16, 2017 | 12:00 PM
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Originally Posted by Lreynolds
I'm actually waiting to hear back from him because i had a few other questions as well. I think it's more than reasonable if it's all correct and my mental calculator is close. That's why i was just trying to see if there was anything i could check against. If its all original and unrestored with only 36k miles i think the price really low. Again though that's just based off what i can find that's sold at auction (which i dont trust)
Consider that the price is likely low for a reason. Most people who have these cars know what they have and won't sell for a song. And with no documentation, you will always be fighting an uphill battle.
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Old Mar 16, 2017 | 12:15 PM
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Hi L,
Do you have the information you'll need to begin to determine if the car appears to have been an L89 car when it left St.Louis?
If not, I recommend you buy a copy of the NCRS 68-69 Technical Information Manual & Judging Guide.
Are you familiar with 68 BB cars in general?
Might be a nice find!!!
Regards,
Alan

I think I'd make a list in advance of things to look at, and also a list of the casting numbers/ part numbers, dates, and configurations of items you'll be looking at see what the car actually is.

Last edited by Alan 71; Mar 16, 2017 at 12:19 PM.
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Old Mar 16, 2017 | 12:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Alan 71
Hi L,
Do you have the information you'll need to begin to determine if the car appears to have been an L89 car when it left St.Louis?
If not, I recommend you buy a copy of the NCRS 68-69 Technical Information Manual & Judging Guide.
Are you familiar with 68 BB cars in general?
Might be a nice find!!!
Regards,
Alan
I dont quite have that yet. That's part of what i was planning on getting before making travel arrangements. Unfortunately, i'm not very familiar with C3's, I'm fairly competent with C2's since thats what ive been looking for before i stumbles into this.
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Old Mar 16, 2017 | 12:29 PM
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Hi L,
You certainly need to have a knowledgable person look at the car with you.
They can pretty quickly tell you IF you should take this car seriously, and then after some more observation, tell you HOW seriously you should take it.
With an L89 you don't want to get 'fooled', but you also don't want to let one 'get away'!!!
Regards,
Alan

Last edited by Alan 71; Mar 16, 2017 at 12:31 PM.
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Old Mar 17, 2017 | 08:27 AM
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good luck, I hope its real and you found a beauty. Let us know how it goes
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Old Mar 17, 2017 | 04:53 PM
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The "values" of these rare specialty items is whatever the buyer is willing to pay...when the seller decides to sell it. There is NO WAY to make any reasonable assessment of 'worth' before the dealing begins.

In general, I would tell you that the value of vintage 'stock configuration' cars is on the downward trend. Most younger buyers want modern 'resto-mod' drivetrains and amenities these days. Yes, the L89 is rare. But, how many folks want to pay big money for it so that it can sit in a museum? Many big-time collectors are divesting themselves of these cars. The level of demand for them is waning.

Last edited by 7T1vette; Mar 17, 2017 at 04:55 PM.
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Old Mar 17, 2017 | 06:35 PM
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So Update:
From what we can tell, it appears to actually be an L89. Unfortunately, it looks like it now has a counter exchange block. Unsure right now if it has a tank sticker or not. Every looks original other than the block, not sure if they spun a rod or what happened... this sure doesnt help me gauge its worth and if i want it.

Last edited by Lreynolds; Mar 17, 2017 at 07:00 PM.
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Old Mar 17, 2017 | 11:31 PM
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Originally Posted by Lreynolds
So Update:
From what we can tell, it appears to actually be an L89. Unfortunately, it looks like it now has a counter exchange block. Unsure right now if it has a tank sticker or not. Every looks original other than the block, not sure if they spun a rod or what happened... this sure doesnt help me gauge its worth and if i want it.
If it doesn't have the original block and there is no documentation, how can you say "it appears" to be an L89? Anyone could have purchased the AL heads. To my knowledge if you don't have the block or the docs, there is nothing left to conclusively tell you it's an L89. What info do you have?
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Old Mar 18, 2017 | 09:10 AM
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Originally Posted by bb62
If it doesn't have the original block and there is no documentation, how can you say "it appears" to be an L89? Anyone could have purchased the AL heads. To my knowledge if you don't have the block or the docs, there is nothing left to conclusively tell you it's an L89. What info do you have?
Im in the process of getting it taken tonhave the tank dropped out to see if the sticker is intact. I understand that people can do all of what you mentioned, which is why I said appears to be, not conclusively that it is.
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Old Mar 18, 2017 | 09:37 AM
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from what I know, which ain't much, there would be no way to tell if a car was just a 427 car or a L89 without the tank sticker.

once the original block is gone, which you said it is, then I say value takes a significant hit.
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Old Mar 18, 2017 | 09:48 AM
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Originally Posted by Lreynolds
...counter exchange block...not sure if they spun a rod or what happened...
FWIW: at this point, what happened to it no longer matters other than there may be a story there.

Originally Posted by Lreynolds
...in the process of getting it taken tonhave the tank dropped out...
Before going to the expense of dropping the tank, try peering around the fuel filler collar to see if you can see anything.
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Old Mar 18, 2017 | 10:36 AM
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when the engine has been replaced and if the tank sticker does not exist or has crumbled to dust, and no other doc, then you have to rely on condition, and the sum of its remaining parts to come up with a value. rust? correct cast code and date of the GM heads?, tripower/intake is worth 5 grand right there. need paint? total restoration? the OP did state fairly good condition.
a 427 tripower with aluminum heads is worth a good amount.. not L89 money though, unless you can prove it.

The chance of a C3 novice stumbling upon a real L89 is pretty low..
but weirder things have happened.. Good luck.

Sort of like the guy last year that was convinced he had found a ZR1.
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