C3 General General C3 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

chrome bumper values...bats style

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 29, 2017 | 07:16 PM
  #1  
The13Bats's Avatar
The13Bats
Thread Starter
Race Director
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
Default chrome bumper values...bats style

Yesterday we drove across florida to buy a part i needed,

The fellow now into camaros, was telling me how chrome c3s are up there with c2s, i told him i havent seen that,

Perhaps chrome c3s are going up a little but nothing like c2s,

So got me thinking, you guys know i care nothing of resale value and believe cars should be driven but now i am curious about a couple things,

Will chrome bumper c3s, not restro mods or super rare ones like l88s which already fetch big money but the mass that are out there, like members here own, will they catch up to the prices of c2s and if you believe they will how long will it take?

For example will a base model 70 in good condition be worth as much as say a base model 66?

How will the longer production run of c3s and plastic bumper c3s effect this?

Thanks,
Cheers
B
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2017 | 08:22 PM
  #2  
terry82's Avatar
terry82
Le Mans Master
25 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,664
Likes: 162
From: columbia city in
Default

the 68 to 72 are already getting big numbers.not like the c2 but doing well.The 73 to 75 verts with a big block are undervalued.the 76 to 82 they made a lot of them and don't have the big hp .there value will go up because the others will be so high priced.JMO
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2017 | 08:31 PM
  #3  
crawfish333's Avatar
crawfish333
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,151
Likes: 294
From: Opelousas, Lousiana
CI 6-7 & 9 Veteran
Default

I don't think they will ever catch up with C2s or for that matter C1s. That said, if you listen to the "experts" prices on C2s have moderated the last year or so. I think it is a temporary trend, but I can give an example that might support the idea that they could actually deflate in value.

My wife has always wanted a 55-57 T-bird. At one time, these couldn't be touched (even driver cars) for less that 30 grand or so. For some reason, nowadays I see the really nice examples for that price and the driver quality cars are much less.
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2017 | 08:52 PM
  #4  
LT-1 kid's Avatar
LT-1 kid
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,147
Likes: 284
From: cary Il
Default

the c-3s will never be at the same value as c2s, but the 68-72s have been trending
up nicely over the last couple of years
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2017 | 08:58 PM
  #5  
RMVette's Avatar
RMVette
Race Director
25 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,221
Likes: 118
From: Matthews NC
Default

Originally Posted by LT-1 kid
the c-3s will never be at the same value as c2s, but the 68-72s have been trending
up nicely over the last couple of years
I'm hoping.... I may have to sell my '70 in a couple of years for a college payment! Ahh..... life gets in the way doesn't it?
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2017 | 09:01 PM
  #6  
Richard454's Avatar
Richard454
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Top Answer: 1
Top Answer: 3
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,876
Likes: 3,556
From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
Default

I don't see the run of the mill 68-72 getting big numbers-and I call big numbers 6 digits.

Right now average price on a 66 big block vert is $90K+
An 1970 big block vert about ½ - $45K

Using Hagerty's valuation- best I've seen for values

Everybody says they are trending up- but compared to cost of living- value of the dollar- I think it's a wash.

I still see several decent chrome bumper C3s for sale locally in the teens- and they aren't selling fast.

There was less than 115K C2's made and over a half million of the C3s built-

Just ain't going to happen...

Richard
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2017 | 09:51 PM
  #7  
jr9170's Avatar
jr9170
Race Director
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 13,238
Likes: 1,092
From: YANKEES UNIVERSE 70 454-LS5 500 ft-lbs Torque
Default

Not fair to compare the values of 63-67's to the 68-72's it's like comparing apples to oranges. The really clean original no bs 68-72's are bringing pretty good prices and the parts for them are up also as they are in demand. And documented Big Blocks with AC verts are not easy to find and do well.
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2017 | 10:07 PM
  #8  
The13Bats's Avatar
The13Bats
Thread Starter
Race Director
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
Default

Originally Posted by jr9170
Not fair to compare the values of 63-67's to the 68-72's it's like comparing apples to oranges. The really clean original no bs 68-72's are bringing pretty good prices and the parts for them are up also as they are in demand. And documented Big Blocks with AC verts are not easy to find and do well.
The way i asked is fair, not fruit,
I asked will 68 to 72 corvettes see the prices 63 to 68 do..
I did compare a 66 and 70 in prices, to show the amount i was talking about.

Last edited by The13Bats; Jun 29, 2017 at 10:10 PM.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-7

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Jun 29, 2017 | 10:25 PM
  #9  
bj1k's Avatar
bj1k
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
Default

Originally Posted by crawfish333
I don't think they will ever catch up with C2s or for that matter C1s. That said, if you listen to the "experts" prices on C2s have moderated the last year or so. I think it is a temporary trend, but I can give an example that might support the idea that they could actually deflate in value.

My wife has always wanted a 55-57 T-bird. At one time, these couldn't be touched (even driver cars) for less that 30 grand or so. For some reason, nowadays I see the really nice examples for that price and the driver quality cars are much less.
They used to say that the C2's would never be worth what the C1's were worth but look at them today . Many people prefer the C2's because they have better suspensions and brakes . The same thing has been happening to the 68-72's especially the convertibles and 4 speeds in the last couple years and they continue in their popularity . And the C3's have the same basic chassis and running gear as the C2's .
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2017 | 10:43 PM
  #10  
joewill's Avatar
joewill
Safety Car
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,458
Likes: 331
From: Indy Indiana
Default

i would easlly trade my 70 big block convertible and 20K for a similar condition big block 66 or 67 convertible. it would probably cost me more than 20K..
so, no, the prices are not converging.
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2017 | 10:44 PM
  #11  
The13Bats's Avatar
The13Bats
Thread Starter
Race Director
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
Default

Originally Posted by joewill
i would easlly trade my 70 big block convertible and 20K for a similar condition big block 66 or 67 convertible. it would probably cost me more than 20K..
so, no, the prices are not converging.
Do you believe they will?
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2017 | 10:52 PM
  #12  
Bills17n72's Avatar
Bills17n72
Safety Car
Supporting Lifetime
25 Year Member
Active Streak: 60 Days
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 4,908
Likes: 698
From: grand rapids, lowell mi. area
Default

the13bats, put a front end on that car of yours and it might be worth a chunk of money!!!!!!!!!
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2017 | 11:20 PM
  #13  
The13Bats's Avatar
The13Bats
Thread Starter
Race Director
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
Default

Originally Posted by Bills72n84
the13bats, put a front end on that car of yours and it might be worth a chunk of money!!!!!!!!!
My personal car isnt why i started this thread, i truly do not care what its worth as i wont be selling it,

I have seen so many old cars going up high in price, many spanking the chrome c3s, in fact to me in a way c3s in general seem to still be the bargain in all that,
I actually am a bit lost why c3s are doing a little better.
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2017 | 11:20 PM
  #14  
Chicago Bob's Avatar
Chicago Bob
Pro
All Eyes On Me
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 569
Likes: 40
From: Durham NC
Default

I'm new around here....curious if folks here see "distressed" sales on these chrome bumper cars frequently.
Is it possible to "flip" decent $25-30k ones, consistently, for a few grand profit each? I see a lot of cars getting sold here fairly quickly......hmmm.
Reply
Old Jun 30, 2017 | 03:10 AM
  #15  
Z06LMB's Avatar
Z06LMB
Melting Slicks
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 184
From: Central Bucks County, Pennsylvania
Default

It seems to be a trend As time goes by and the prices of certain new cars go up, their collectible older models develope an upward pace to follow.
I believe Corvettes of C2 and C3 years are trading at a bit of a catch-up and the Chrome bumper years are going through a sort of growing pains right now.
All these car auctions no doubt have an influence on the prices we see. 2nd gen Camaros and Firebirds were made in numbers far exceeding Corvettes in any year, yet they (F bodies) are selling 2, 3
X's or more. Right now 3rd generation F bodies are 50% higher now then just 2 years ago just for project and parts cars.
Reply
Old Jun 30, 2017 | 06:05 AM
  #16  
oldgto's Avatar
oldgto
Safety Car
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 4,705
Likes: 983
From: Orlando FL
Default

Originally Posted by Chicago Bob
I'm new around here....curious if folks here see "distressed" sales on these chrome bumper cars frequently.
Is it possible to "flip" decent $25-30k ones, consistently, for a few grand profit each? I see a lot of cars getting sold here fairly quickly......hmmm.
The tone of past threads is that buying a Corvette as an "investment" is a fool-hardy idea. The few that can be had at a low enough price would require more in repairs than it would sell for.
One of the favorite sayings I`ve seen posted is "It would take 20 grand to build a 10 grand car".
I`d say "Flipping" Corvettes as an investment strategy is a high risk venture. It may be possible to make money on buying & selling.... but it wouldn`t be much, and it wouldn`t be quick.
Reply
Old Jun 30, 2017 | 08:01 AM
  #17  
Faster Rat's Avatar
Faster Rat
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,079
Likes: 314
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Default

I paid $25k for mine in 2004 when NADA said high retail was $32k. I now have $67k into it and NADA is saying high retail is $75k. I realize people do not believe NADA but their data is just as reliable as any insurance company and certainly better than any individual's personal opinion.

What is really happening is devaluation of the dollar. One hundred dollars today is the same as $16.37 in 1970. We should not be fooled by Wrangler jeans at Wal-Mart for $17.

The way I look at it...I didn't pay too much for mine, I just bought it too early.

Last edited by Faster Rat; Jun 30, 2017 at 08:20 AM.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To chrome bumper values...bats style

Old Jun 30, 2017 | 08:43 AM
  #18  
Mr D.'s Avatar
Mr D.
Team Owner
Supporting Lifetime Gold
20 Year Member
Veteran: Navy
Community Builder
Liked
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 44,650
Likes: 1,827
From: Huntsville AL
Default

Originally Posted by The13Bats
Yesterday we drove across florida to buy a part i needed,

The fellow now into camaros, was telling me how chrome c3s are up there with c2s, i told him i havent seen that,
Thanks,
Cheers
B
I own both and can say for sure that there is a wide gap between C2 and C3 chrome bumper prices. The only exception is very special or rare C3's.
Reply
Old Jun 30, 2017 | 09:13 AM
  #19  
joewill's Avatar
joewill
Safety Car
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,458
Likes: 331
From: Indy Indiana
Default

i don't think they will converge. although the fake c2's out there as a percentage of total are
way too much. a very high profit potential. not so much so for a fake c3.
Reply
Old Jun 30, 2017 | 09:24 AM
  #20  
cv67's Avatar
cv67
Team Owner
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Default

hope youd superglued a flare to his mouth or at least threw a centerline at his mother in law?
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:03 PM.

story-0
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-2
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE