1969 C3 Prospect
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 314
Likes: 20
From: Wareham, MA
1969 C3 Prospect
I am a C4 owner looking to purchase my first C3. I am looking at 69 350/300 90K miles 4 speed car. Silver/Black. No options, car is all there never restored mostly original. It is complete, runs good, needs brake repair. Looks like some surface rust in the birdcage area but no rot. The suspension components are worn.
My guess is the engine will need a rebuild in the futures, suspension, and brake work. My goal is to make it a reliable driver quality car. The paint and fiberglass is not perfect but not bad either.
The asking price is $15K, my thought is $12K based on the work I think it needs. I don't want to insult the owner but know that I probably have to invest 5-7K.
I would appreciate you thoughts since I lack experience with C3's.
Thanks
My guess is the engine will need a rebuild in the futures, suspension, and brake work. My goal is to make it a reliable driver quality car. The paint and fiberglass is not perfect but not bad either.
The asking price is $15K, my thought is $12K based on the work I think it needs. I don't want to insult the owner but know that I probably have to invest 5-7K.
I would appreciate you thoughts since I lack experience with C3's.
Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,151
Likes: 294
From: Opelousas, Lousiana
CI 6-7 & 9 Veteran
Is this a matching numbers car? This may not be important to you, but it does affect the price of the car. If it is and everything else you are saying is correct, (and the frame and birdcage are not rusted) I would say that 15K is a more than fair price for the car. Personally, if it were my car I would not go down to 12K, but you never know.
Last edited by crawfish333; Aug 21, 2018 at 11:43 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 242
Likes: 10
I am a C4 owner looking to purchase my first C3. I am looking at 69 350/300 90K miles 4 speed car. Silver/Black. No options, car is all there never restored mostly original. It is complete, runs good, needs brake repair. Looks like some surface rust in the birdcage area but no rot. The suspension components are worn.
My guess is the engine will need a rebuild in the futures, suspension, and brake work. My goal is to make it a reliable driver quality car. The paint and fiberglass is not perfect but not bad either.
The asking price is $15K, my thought is $12K based on the work I think it needs. I don't want to insult the owner but know that I probably have to invest 5-7K.
I would appreciate you thoughts since I lack experience with C3's.
Thanks
My guess is the engine will need a rebuild in the futures, suspension, and brake work. My goal is to make it a reliable driver quality car. The paint and fiberglass is not perfect but not bad either.
The asking price is $15K, my thought is $12K based on the work I think it needs. I don't want to insult the owner but know that I probably have to invest 5-7K.
I would appreciate you thoughts since I lack experience with C3's.
Thanks
Rich
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 1,096
Likes: 213
From: The Buckle of the Bible Belt. Joplin Mo
Sounds like a fair price, but without pictures merely speculation. A 12,000 dollar offer is not an insult in my opinion. Good luck, and let us know how things turn out.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,151
Likes: 294
From: Opelousas, Lousiana
CI 6-7 & 9 Veteran
For what it is worth, I checked with Corvette DNA to get a better idea. With the only option being a wide ratio 4 speed, the price it calculated was 12.5K for a project (complete, but needs significant work) and 23K for a driver quality car (good example with acceptable wear.)
Some pictures could provide a much better estimate. remember, almost any C3 you buy (unless it is a recent restoration) will require some work. These cars are pushing 50 years old.
Some pictures could provide a much better estimate. remember, almost any C3 you buy (unless it is a recent restoration) will require some work. These cars are pushing 50 years old.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,857
Likes: 332
From: Cartersville GA
As others have said...If the frame and birdcage are solid and the fact it's numbers matching I think 15 is a bargain. I paid 13,300 for a 72 about 3 years ago in much the same shape except it has A/C but wasn't numbers matching and I think I got a good deal. Really look the frame and birdcage over well.....See if the owner will allow you to pull the kick panels and maybe even the header/side post inside trim pieces. I suggest getting someone that is very familiar with rust issues on the C3's to look it over as well.
Good Luck with your hunt...
Brian
Good Luck with your hunt...
Brian
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,151
Likes: 294
From: Opelousas, Lousiana
CI 6-7 & 9 Veteran
Is the hood ajar in this picture? Not an expert, but it appears to have some "fit and finish" issue with the body if not. Some of these issues can be a bear to correct.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Southbound
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Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
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From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Read the 10 things to know sticky in the genearal section if you havent already. I would haggle with him a little. He wont budge on the engine if it runs and isnt blowing smoke. If the brakes dont work then thats an isssue. How do you know the suspension is shot? he may come down a thousand but a chrome bumper car, origianl motor, in MA that isnt a heap is generally going for higher. It looks okay so far, get us more picks. Good luck, keep us posted.
Last edited by Rescue Rogers; Aug 22, 2018 at 05:39 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 1,096
Likes: 213
From: The Buckle of the Bible Belt. Joplin Mo
Nice Vette.!! But I am biased, I like them all. From the picture you posted I see a clean car, but not one good gap can be seen. I would use that to my advantage if you really like this one. Explain to the owner, if he doesn't know already that this is usually an indication that a restoration is in order. Mounts and cage will likely need attention.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
Nice looking car! FWIW, Hagerty price guide says $11,400 in Fair condition and $20,300 for Good condition. Plus add 10% for the 4-speed. So $15K may be fair for both buyer and seller.