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Old Dec 21, 2018 | 09:51 AM
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Default 1971 Corvette

Looking at LS5., matching numbers original drivetrain, no hit body, matching frame and suspension. Only drawback, car was stolen in 12/1979 and recovered 5 states away being driven in 4/1980. appx. 4 months later and returned to state stolen from. Car was in tact and being driven. State police then had to put an assigned vin tag on car. Any input?
I spoke to the State Patrol in the state it was stolen from and they researched it for me and supplied the info to me.
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Old Dec 21, 2018 | 10:32 AM
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My advice is to check with your DMV to determine whether they would have any issues with the theft recovery VIN.
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Old Dec 21, 2018 | 11:32 AM
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Matching numbers 454 car. 40k if really nice. That is without the VIN issue. I would think 25 to 30 tops as-is, assuming it looks like 40k. Cuz it will be discounted when you want to sell it. Look at other LS5 cars in similar condition to get a base line or to buy instead.
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Old Dec 21, 2018 | 12:52 PM
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Car has been restored frame off, frame , drivetrain matching numbers. Body was stripped and repainted to original specs.
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Old Dec 21, 2018 | 01:01 PM
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you make no mention of coupe or convertible, type of transmission, mileage, other options, so if you are looking for a value hard to provide.
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Old Dec 21, 2018 | 01:19 PM
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Sorry, coupe ,4 speed 365hp, AC, Power Steering, Power brakes, power antenna, appx 66,000miles
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Old Dec 21, 2018 | 01:40 PM
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Originally Posted by thelal1
...Car has been restored frame off, frame , drivetrain matching numbers. Body was stripped and repainted to original specs...
Doesn't much matter if you find you can't title it.
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Old Dec 21, 2018 | 04:10 PM
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Default 1971 Corvette

Corvette has had a clear title and still has a clear title since 1981. As far back as I could check before pondering on buying. State Police said they put their tag on it when it was recovered and sent back to the state it was stolen from. Who ever stole it must have done something with the vin tag on it because it was recovered with a plate on it being driven.
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Old Dec 22, 2018 | 07:21 AM
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Old Dec 22, 2018 | 08:57 AM
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make sure the title is clear and marketable in all 50 states, else you will have trouble selling it, and you will have to continue to discount the car until your find a buyer.
as a result, if you are going to buy the car, make sure you pay the discounted price for it due to its history and possible marketability questions.

C3 big block cars usually have an asking price far above what they sell for.
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Old Dec 22, 2018 | 11:29 AM
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Originally Posted by thelal1
Sorry, coupe ,4 speed 365hp, AC, Power Steering, Power brakes, power antenna, appx 66,000miles
Using the Corvette DNA app I come up with a value of 27,900 to 31,000 not considering any potential impact of the VIN issue.
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Old Dec 22, 2018 | 11:37 AM
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If its legit I dont see the problem with buying it? So come resale time I bet youll find most are not so squeamish about it if they have been around cars for awhile. If youre going to want "all the money" then perhaps it isnt the car
I go buy condition over anything else...Without pics Id also go with 20s to 30.
Couple years ago it was common to see restored cars of all types going for 30-40k not so much today. Guys wanting "appraised value" good luck!!lol

Last edited by cv67; Dec 22, 2018 at 11:39 AM.
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Old Dec 24, 2018 | 09:07 AM
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Originally Posted by MelWff
Using the Corvette DNA app I come up with a value of 27,900 to 31,000 not considering any potential impact of the VIN issue.
really?

According to NADA, my L48 (270 HP 350/auto) rings 36-45

I'd think the LS5 would be at least 20% more?

IDK. Part of the "do it" was getting mine for 23 in pristine condition (even new BFGs) ... lacking only an operative air cond and in need of weather stripping. Guess I wouldn't really know until I offer to sell it ... or actually sell it. (no plans for that, though)

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Old Dec 24, 2018 | 10:58 AM
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Originally Posted by thelal1
Looking at LS5., matching numbers original drivetrain, no hit body, matching frame and suspension. Only drawback, car was stolen in 12/1979 and recovered 5 states away being driven in 4/1980. appx. 4 months later and returned to state stolen from. Car was in tact and being driven. State police then had to put an assigned vin tag on car. Any input?
I spoke to the State Patrol in the state it was stolen from and they researched it for me and supplied the info to me.
Why purchase a '71 LS5 with an assigned vin tag when you can purchase one with no issues and never stolen? There are plenty of nice ones out there.
Good luck.
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Old Dec 24, 2018 | 12:03 PM
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Who pays NADA though? Appraised value?
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Old Dec 24, 2018 | 12:12 PM
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Sometimes cars like this show up with the correct vin plate. If original motor makes it so easy, just illegal. I know of a original killer 67 435 that happened to
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Old Dec 24, 2018 | 01:43 PM
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Originally Posted by shaark92
really?

According to NADA, my L48 (270 HP 350/auto) rings 36-45

I'd think the LS5 would be at least 20% more?

IDK. Part of the "do it" was getting mine for 23 in pristine condition (even new BFGs) ... lacking only an operative air cond and in need of weather stripping. Guess I wouldn't really know until I offer to sell it ... or actually sell it. (no plans for that, though)
You state you paid 23 K for it and you really believe that NADA number? Dont know what you car has but with AC and 4 speed, the Corvette DNA app for a Excellant and high mileage (<75k) shows $26,325.
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Old Dec 24, 2018 | 02:52 PM
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Originally Posted by shaark92
really?

According to NADA, my L48 (270 HP 350/auto) rings 36-45

I'd think the LS5 would be at least 20% more?

IDK. Part of the "do it" was getting mine for 23 in pristine condition (even new BFGs) ... lacking only an operative air cond and in need of weather stripping. Guess I wouldn't really know until I offer to sell it ... or actually sell it. (no plans for that, though)
You'd be lucky to get 36-45 for an original LS5 4 speed convertible with low miles.
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Old Dec 25, 2018 | 09:44 AM
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Probably will have salvage history but that is just paperwork. The car will probably be ok.
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Old Dec 25, 2018 | 09:51 AM
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Originally Posted by 71 Green 454
Why purchase a '71 LS5 with an assigned vin tag when you can purchase one with no issues and never stolen? There are plenty of nice ones out there.
Good luck.
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