I purchased a 1972 coupe a few years ago. Matching numbers, paint code matches the paint, 350, automatic, Posi traction. Great car!! 87000 miles, not a rebuild or a restored. This car looks to be original from the factory in 1972. What would you value its worth? I am currently making small repairs to weather-stripping, window cranks, side view mirror, and rear view mirror. Any tips will be appreciated.

 

Grab the app 'Corvette DNA' on your phone and run it through there.... It gives a pretty decent idea once you punch in its condition and options.

 

Thanks! I ran it through Haggarty and received a wide range...if I remember correctly form 18,000 to 45,000. I would love to find the build sheet on the gas tank.

 

How is the paint? Can you post some pictures under the hood? Is the frame and birdcage rust free? How is the interior?

The answers to these questions and post a few more pictures that would make it easier to give you a more accurate estimate.

I also have a 72 and I recently did some research on its value. The value of these cars will depend on many factors such as time of year, location, condition (see above) and records of the car. I think you are in a good location being in Madisonville because it is about halfway between Houston and Dallas, which are big Corvette towns, so that may be helpful.

If the frame and birdcage are in good shape and the paint is at least a 6-7, I am guessing about 18-22K. Mine has 49K miles and is highly optioned, (A/C, PW, Automatic Transmission, new interior, matching numbers, no rust,) and I would not consider any offer less than 20K. Even with that, I would be losing my rear end.

One last note, You may be aware that the automatic transmission is actually a negative in this case. Many buyers prefer a manual.

 

Thanks Crawfish. I agree at 20, I would be losing too. The paint is in good condition. There are a few flaws, but normal use wear. So, being completely original without any rebuilds adds no value? I think I will keep tinkering and drive this car rather than sell it and be disappointed.

 

 

Yes originality helps, especially if someone wants to get a car judged. The under hood shots look very nice. I see a couple of minor issues but overall it is very nice. The original decals are a big plus.

I see the AC is hooked up. Is it working? If so that is a big plus, especially down here in Texas. Many C3 cars have the AC disconnected or removed because it was not working.

 

I recently replace the high pressure line, pulled a vacuum and charged the system. It blows cold, but the blower seems weak.

 

They all seem weak especially compared to modern systems. If started in the garage it will overcome the Texas heat somewhat. There may not be anything wrong with yours, it could just be the nature of the beast.

 

Thank Crawfish! Must be the beast.

 

If I were selling it, I’d emphasize the originality, popular color and AC. I’d list at low 20s, leaving room for negotiation and hoping to land near 20. Unfortunately the reality is, the market is soft overall, but very soft on coupes. Most land under 20, many disappointingly so.

Nice car though. Don’t be in a hurry to sell it and wait for that guy who falls in love with it. It’s a nicer buy than many chrome bumper coupes.

 

The sad thing is that many buyers do not recognize quality in a C3. They go out and buy a "bargain" and end up spending much more on it than they could have if they would have ponied up some bucks for nice car in the first place. I guess at least they can go around bragging about the deal they got on the car, not mentioning the money they spent rehabbing it. I have put way to much money in mine to even admit, but it is still only worth what I paid for it.. (or less)

 

Vettebuyer,
I'll yield to your knowledge, but IMHO:
I think originality, numbers matching, correct color, etc, is way over hyped. And original air is more disappointing. TV auctions sell the originality hype, but the "average" buyer is looking for his dream driver that can win a plastic trophy at the mall.
I can't figure why the market is soft. The economy can't get much better.

 

Originality and correctness has driven the real world collector car market long before all the newbies discovered TV auctions. They sell the originality because it’s always been the heart of market value. I don’t believe it’s hype.

I think the average buyer has an enormous opportunity these days in the chrome bumper market. It’s the last of the most vintage looking Corvettes, they are great cars and they are terribly undervalued. I agree, I don’t know why the market is soft. I cannot imagine getting into a cool collector car like a 68-72 for the prices these days, especially coupes. I think this is more about the aging of the buyers as opposed to a devaluation of the cars. One guy’s opinion, of course.

 

Oh, you are so right. Nowhere is this more true than in C3s. They seem to attract those buyers whose eyes widen when they see that $4000 project or $8000 later C3 that “only needs paint” and are in the red before they get home. Meanwhile, beautifully restored great buys on cars like yours or excellent original cars like in this thread take longer to sell. I believe the low budget C3 buyer is the least savvy one out there... there’s great, great cars available at a ton more value if you spend just a few more dollars (and you choose wisely).

 

Yup, a white w/ blue chrome bumper sold here for around $13k last week...
The new buyer will be into it in the $20k range before he knows it.
The best advice, offered time and time again here - is buy the most complete, most finished, best car as possible.
It's cheaper in the long run.

 

Great advice and input on the C3, its value, the market, etc. Thank you all so much. When we shopped, we looked and MANY cars. This one was in the absolute best condition for the price.

 

I agree ,buy the best condition one you can afford. I tell people that all the time, with any classic car. much easier and cheaper in the long run.

 

I have the build sheet for my 72. My dad, who I got the car from, said he thought it should add a $1000 to the value but I think it only adds value if it proves the valuable options on your car were put there by the factory. My tank sticker proves they weren't

 

Did you have to drop the tank to get the build sheet?