Documentation
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 100
Likes: 19
From: Brighton, Michigan
Documentation
I found a nice 1971 convertible with the stock 350-270 Hp motor. Asking price around $35000. This car has no documentation that comes with it. Do you think that’s a big deal not to have it? Just wondering what you all think. Thanks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Myrtle Beach SC
#2 vehicles could win a local or regional show. They can be former #1 vehicles that have been driven or have aged. Seasoned observers will have to look closely for flaws, but will be able to find some not seen by the general public. The paint, chrome, glass and finishes will all appear as excellent. No excessive smoke will be seen on startup, no unusual noises will emanate from the engine. The vehicle will drive as a new vehicle of its era would. The one word description for #2 vehicles is "excellent."
https://www.hagerty.com/apps/valuati...rolet-Corvette
https://www.hagerty.com/apps/valuati...rolet-Corvette
Last edited by hunt4cleanair; Dec 27, 2019 at 03:56 AM.
Team Owner
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From: Southbound
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Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Indy Indiana
most do not have documentation.
if you require documentation then expect to pay more money..
then, watch out for fake documentation..
also depends on what your definition of documentation is: POP, tank sticker, window sticker, warranty booklet, ownership trail, repair and restoration records, receipts?
if you require documentation then expect to pay more money..
then, watch out for fake documentation..
also depends on what your definition of documentation is: POP, tank sticker, window sticker, warranty booklet, ownership trail, repair and restoration records, receipts?
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From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
Documentation is always considered an enhancement and carries value.
That said, most of these cars have none by now. So, enter that into your valuation calculation.
As suggested the price sounds high, but there’s not enough info provided to really comment.
That said, most of these cars have none by now. So, enter that into your valuation calculation.
As suggested the price sounds high, but there’s not enough info provided to really comment.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,228
Likes: 895
From: Myrtle Beach SC
I know owners with very nice low mileage cars and complete documentation. When the buyer started to whittle down on the price, and both parties settled on the price, he kept the documentation.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
Sounds hi to me ... I have '71 base w/ both tops in SC ... '71 has ineffective heat shielding & cabins are Hot ... hope that $35K specimen has good AC too
Happy, Healthy New Year for all
Happy, Healthy New Year for all
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 15,127
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From: NM
Is it a collector to only go out for car shows and hoping for an increase in future value? If so documentation is very important.
Is it to be a daily driver? Then documentation is not important.
Is it to be an occasional driver, weekends in good weather, and for neighborhood shows? Then documentation may or may not be valuable.
At the $35k price I would assume that it would be a collector/investment car. In that case you want as much documentation as you can get.
Also, as stated earlier, documentation is more important on High option cars and those with optional engines and performance packages.
Tom...
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2012
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From: Slovenia, EU
2017 C3 of Year Finalist
The price is too high for a base car! Only if the car has some seriour history or is really really nice is worth that kind of money. But for that price it should be documented, low mileage up to 3 owners car! Beware! Check the car inside and out!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2017
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From: New York
2017 C3 of the Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '20- '21
And how does a corvette enthusiast separate the documentation from the car? What does that do for you? It has no value away from the car. Stupidity !!! Ike
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
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From: NM
I was the third owner of a 73 big block. The second owner got the car when it was about 3 years old. He tossed the original paperwork as there was no need to keep it for a used car that was out of warranty.
Back then nobody had any idea that these used cars would become a classic/collectible.
Last edited by Tom73; Dec 29, 2019 at 10:38 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 278
From: Olmsted Falls, Ohio
So the seller did not like that the price was getting too low, but he sold anyway. And just for spite he kept the documentation.
WTH was he going to do with the documentation and no car. Stupid and childish.
The owner should have stopped agreeing to a lower price and told the buyer he's not selling.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 6,390
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From: Tampa Florida
Easy. When the car was newer the owner does not see any value in old paperwork so tosses it.
I was the third owner of a 73 big block. The second owner got the car when it was about 3 years old. He tossed the original paperwork as there was no need to keep it for a used car that was out of warranty.
Back then nobody had any idea that these used cars would become a classic/collectible.
I was the third owner of a 73 big block. The second owner got the car when it was about 3 years old. He tossed the original paperwork as there was no need to keep it for a used car that was out of warranty.
Back then nobody had any idea that these used cars would become a classic/collectible.
Bought my '71 in 1975 and it came with some documentation; Corvette repair manual, owners manual, pop, '71 brochure, Fla. emissions tests, etc. I kept everything, along with a copy of the original title. Everything goes to the new owner.
I always give everything to the buyer whenever I sell a car.