Do the well done tribute corvettes hold up to resell? Just asking opinions.

 

'Ain't nothin' like the real thing, Baby...'

And everyone knows it. The 'tributes' generally cost more to build than to buy, and at the end of the day, they're just modified, non-original C3's.

 

Well, it depends on your definitions. A correctly done tribute L88 with a genuine L88 engine with correct original L88 parts, correct J56 parts, real M22, etc will have a higher value than a L88 lookalike that just has maybe the hood and any 427 that’s dressed up. Also everything depends of quality of workmanship. Genuine L88 engines are rare and costly all by themselves.

Put another way, even non original, non matching number cars (any version engine) hold up to resale value when bought at the right price. And so do quality restomods. They increase in value as all things do with the price of inflation and cost of living. They just often have a lower overall value than a nice original car with maybe the exception of well done restomods which can be very expensive, more so than many originals.

Each car is individual and has to be rated on its own merits.

Also, I agree with Sir Keith.

 

What about this L89 https://www.usedcorvettesforsale.com...Top-84461.html

 

I think I remember seeing that car for sale awhile ago.

If the car is a genuine L89 and the tank sticker is not a repro, then the car could have value , IF.....it was restored properly. The pics show it’s missing quite a few things. First the engine block is incorrect, that’s a big deal. If it had a correct 69 4 bolt block it would be a better quality car. No smog equipment but that can be found pretty easily but it’s not inexpensive. The wrong reverse taillights just bother me. Missing headrests. Switched frame? Just another original part gone. If he had all those things then his asking price might be fair.....in my opinion. I personally would probably not buy it but I could see someone buying an L89 and paying in the 60’s if it was ONLY missing the original engine but had a correct replacement. This particular car? Not really sure. Looks nice. But I do feel a genuine L89 without the born with motor would be worth more than just a 390hp car also missing it’s original engine but of the same quality build with similar equipment. This example you are showing is not a tribute car. It’s a resto missing the original engine. A tribute is someone taking ANY corvette and turning it into something else that it wasn’t originally.

And original engine L89s can be found for well under 200k regardless of what that ad says.

 

If someone wanted a "tribute" L-88, they would be better off to build one, themselves. To purchase one from another source, then try to make money on a resale would be risky.

The LUV for 'stock' vintage cars is waning. Old folks [like me] enjoy working on these old relics and making them still function well. The younger breed like the body designs...but they want modern drivetrains and 'turn-key' operation. Drive it...park it...forget it. Take it to a wash rack, maybe have it detailed, put gas in it and take it to a Jiffy Lube. That's about all the 'skin' they put in the game, except for the initial cost. THEY are not looking for a 'clone' L-88.

 

Very well said, thank you

 

I would not think it a good investment for a short term but maybe something to enjoy for a few years and possibly hold its original purchase value if taken care of properly.

 

I also didn't like the switched frame. I also see many cars with rebuilt motors that have the block decked, that removes the stamp, and that seems fishy to me.

 

100 percent agree with this, classic styling with modern reliability is exactly what I want. Though i'm one of the few willing to put some blood sweat and tears in to the process, most people I know don't even know the difference between a spanner and a ratchet, all they know is to ask "how much are the monthly payments and how long is the warranty"

 

What's a 'spanner'? What's a 'ratchet'? Do you keep either of them in the 'boot'?

 

 

It is my dream to build a 69' ZL-1/L-88 Clone...........they were the pinnacle of high performance tech in that era.........and I believe I could build one for less than 80-90k if I started with a VERY nice car.......
That said......there are soooooo many things I would upgrade on the sneaky side that these cars were just archaic on....and some features that were just silly.....like the pathetic exhaust systems and lack of a fan shroud. I really wouldn't want a real one because quite frankly, they ran like **** off the assembly line.
But to buy one for an investment is a no win situation.........it is, and never will be a "blue chip" ride. Don't get me started on intrinsic value........I have mentioned my feelings about million dollar Corvette's many times.....but if someone bought a clone for say...100k, I believe it would be worth 100k always......just because it is a super nice restored Vette.
I have seen a lot of clone crap out there too.......to me, a clone is a 9 or 10 out of ten car that is done right, sits right, runs right and captures the theme of a real L-88/ZL-1.
Ok....so now I just hit the Lotto and build my L-88 clone with a 565 Merlin block

Jebby

 

A bargain for what is there....but I always wonder why people spend that kind of money and work on a car and can't make them sit right.....whole car is about 2" too high.

Jebby