I think you are incorrect a base 4-speed is 1 sec slower in a 1/4 mile and 5 sec slower to 100 mph then a 4-speed LT-1 with the same rear end ratio.

 

Add me to that list. Why is a mid '70s Trans Am worth at least twice that of a mid '70s Vette?
Maybe the C8 is sucking some air out of the Vette market.
For anyone who didn't see it, a 2-week old 9 mile C8 with a $68k list sold for $97k at Mecum.
And if you go up to C8 this isn't uncommon. I would think we're talking about 2 different kinds of buyers here but who knows.
One thing's for sure. The C8 is the Vette everyone wants right now....

 

Not me. The C8 looks like a Lambo wannabe (that's not a compliment), and if it doesn't have three pedals, it will never have a place in my garage. Even Porsche saw the light and brought back a proper manual in the latest 911. I may be a dinosaur, but I know what I like. C & D made the argument well in their 'Save the Manuals" article in the most recent issue.

 

I haven't seen a C8 in person yet, but I agree. A mid-engine layout meant there was going to be a whole new look.
But like a Lambo? Or a McLaren P1? Or a Ferrari F8?
Oh well....
Now back to regular programming....

 

I've seen one on the road. Personally, they look better in the wild than they do in pics.

 

How about the David Howard misses "Sparty" memorial fund charity. Couldn't find a better second home.
All kidding aside, your car inspired me during my Sparty build, and still remains my all time favorite. Good luck with your sale.
David
AllVettes4Me

 

I think the LT1 is still getting attention, at least more collectible attention, than most of the base models. Without question the market is saturated with our C-3's now and the future does not look as promising as I had once hoped for any C-3; minus the rare ones. Using the Haggerty valuation tool you would see that the trend has been consistently downward for a number of years and unfortunately I don't see that changing any time soon. If you haven't used the tool just google the term and you can give it a look. Very helpful.
Good luck with your decision.
David
AllVettes4Me

 

It does not feel like there is ever going to be a good collector market for C3's. Anyone who buys one as an 'investment' is probably making a big mistake. Things are also swaying toward the restomod cars... That is being seen all the time at the auction houses... I believe the only people that care about 'originality' are those who want to get theirs judged or feel it is more important than it really is... Outside of some current C3 owners I believe no one really cares about any of that any longer.... With exception of maybe L88's and the like....
Heck.. I have an original '70 big block convertible and almost hope my engine goes out so I can resto it !! Cant imagine driving it with all the modern improvements that are out there now.

 

can't really buy these cars as an investment unless you are looking at the very high end cars that only sell thru word of mouth.
acquisition costs above and beyond the purchase price are the killers.
sales tax, title transfer, registration, 1st years insurance, shipping, dealer fees, inspection, all end up close to 10%.
if you buy it at auction, your immediate costs are plus 10% above the sentence above.
you can break even if you can resell at 20% above what you paid for it. which will very rarely happen.
Then you have initial costs after you take possession. need tires, oil change, tuneup, valve cover gaskets? Little nickel and dime stuff that adds 5% to get the car the way you like it..

I think prices are way down due to various factors mentioned in the posts above. . Asking prices on most cars are unrealistic where so many cars only get bid up to maybe 50% of the asking price.
BAT and Mecum do try to only accept cars with realistic reserves, but Ebay makes money on listing fees and there is no incentive to realistically price the car..

and just try to guess at how many 'Matching Numbers' advertisements are truly original.

 

In addition to having been a in few LT-1's over my lifetime, I'll add this.

I've got a collection of Car & Driver and Road & Track magazines that span from the late '60's to mid 70's. In 1970 the LT-1 was the subject of a shootout between a Porsche 911 and an LT-1. The author claimed the LT-1 was the closest contender on the road to a 911 in terms of handling & performance. The LT-1 was by far the finest American sports car on the road. In '71 there was a product comparison between an LT-1, an LS-5 454 and a base 350. Again, the LT-1 took the flag as best all round best sports car in terms of weight distribution, handling and power. The LS-5 was the most powerful, the best car for 1/4 mile runs. On curved roads, it paled in comparison to the LT-1 and base 350 due to the disproportioned weight under the hood. The base car was simply just fun to drive.

I own a '72 base 350, 4spd that handles great and is a joy to drive. An LT-1 it is not.

 

F bodies get more $ as theres a bigger audience. Vettes is smaller...younger people arent into them so its the old guys who have, had or know what they may be worth. Its near the end guys.

 

One of my customers sold a national top flight (96.3%) 71 LT1 roadster for 60k last fall (warbonnet over black std)
It lasted MAYBE 3-4 weeks, honestly I didn't think he would sell it so quickly and get that number.
That being said I have seen some really good buy numbers on some really good cars.
I deal with a LOT of Camaros and a 70-72 z28 which has the same engine as a LT1 is a 50% premium over a LT1 in similar condition.

 

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15141356/1971-chevrolet-corvette-road-test/

 

The 1970 LT1 is the one to buy as it was a real performer in my humble opinion. I had a buddy who bought one and paid a lot for it. He was very disappointed when my 427 with a 3.36 rear beat him by several lengths. His LT1 had a four speed and 4.11 rear end. I drove the LT1 and it was like any other C3 to me, I never felt any advantage other than less weight on the front wheels.

Prices will come back in time. There are fewer and fewer of these Corvettes out there. Especially the ones with chrome bumpers and Big Blocks in them.

I bought my 1968 for less than $7k (in 1991) and today it is worth a whole lot more than I paid for it. It started life as a L71 and is now running an EFI system. It is the standard Early 1968 made in the first week of October 1967 and still has it's Hard top. When I bought it the market for 1968's was not that great. I went to Corvettes@Carlisle and I was surprised by the blatant dislike that so many folks had towards the 1968 Corvette. Corvettes@Carlisle even went so far as to skip the "Silver Anniversary Tribute" to the 1968 Corvette. In it's place they honored the identical 1978 pace cars. Everybody wanted a 1969 or later due to the body gaps and other one year parts used on the 1968 Corvette. I replaced the worn parts and the Corvette has been a fun car to drive for the last 29 years.
I also love the 427 as it is one of the best revving Big Block engines made. With headers and a Chambered Exhaust it does sound ferocious.

We bought a 1988 C4 to use and drive on a regular basis, it is much nicer with AC and a good stereo. The C3 is for fun...