Almost brand new 83' Corvette
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1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 1
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Almost brand new 82' Corvette
Im the original owner of a red 82' c3 with almost 300 miles on it. Last driven july of 82'. It has the original paint, wheels and tires, window sticker, plastic seat covers, paper floormats from shipping. Is this thing worth anything yet? Should I keep holding onto it?
Last edited by LittleRickeyutah; Nov 5, 2021 at 08:06 AM.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 526
Likes: 113
From: Seattle WA
If you are broke or otherwise need dough you should sell it.
If you’re not broke you should keep it. You’ve owned it nearly 40 years. It’s a family member at this point.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,282
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Cruise-In VIII Veteran
The early C3's have just recently started to really increase in value. The mid and late C3's, Not so much. I've been in the old car Hobby a long time. Seems to me. once cars turn 50 is when their value climbs. Me I'd hold on another 10 years if I were you.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,822
Likes: 1,728
From: Summerville SC
Last driven in 1982? If that is correct why hasn’t it been driven. I would think a lot must be done if you want to drive it. If it was parked just to keep as an investment you probably still need to put money into it to realize any gain. I have had lots of cars that in hindsight I should have kept. But I also know that the demographics of people really wanting that model is getting smaller every I would probably sell it and if you are really into vettes buy a c5 or 6. And drive it. Right now I have a 78restomod that I have been playing with for about 7 years or. So. But I haven’t driven it since I pulled it into the garage back then. About 5 months ago my wife told me how much fun it would be if we actually had a vette we could drive!,, we went out and bought a 2012 C6 and are having a ball cruising around. I had forgotten how much fun these cars are which is why I bought my first on 50 years ago. Your choice but time to have fun is running out for all of us. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Omaha NE
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You bought a brand new Vette almost 40 years ago and drove it less than 300 miles?
I'd like to see some pics too...
Yeah, it's worth something.
Hagerty's price guide shows an '82 in #1 perfect condition at $32,400.
A #2 car in excellent condition is put at $21,300.
If it's close to factory fresh, once the fuel & brake systems have been serviced you're on the $30k side.
And even though you have 4 tire bombs I'd leave them on. Just don't drive fast or far.
If you decide to sell it chances are the next owner will also never drive it. And he'll want those tires...
I'd like to see some pics too...
Yeah, it's worth something.Hagerty's price guide shows an '82 in #1 perfect condition at $32,400.
A #2 car in excellent condition is put at $21,300.
If it's close to factory fresh, once the fuel & brake systems have been serviced you're on the $30k side.
And even though you have 4 tire bombs I'd leave them on. Just don't drive fast or far.
If you decide to sell it chances are the next owner will also never drive it. And he'll want those tires...
Last edited by SEVNT6; Nov 5, 2021 at 12:43 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,232
Likes: 1,232
From: PHX AZ
Cool you have the ONLY '83 Corvette 'in the wild'....the other is in the Corvette Museum. It's worth a bazilllion dollars!
(you DO KNOW, they never made an '83??????)
As far as owning an 82 crossfire...beside the 24,500 units made, it IS unique because of the miles. As far as a RUNNING/DRIVING USABLE car...I very much doubt it.
It's value is PARTS, until it runs well. You left it sit WAAAAAAAY too long.
Check back when it runs and drives.
I'd like to see pix please.
(you DO KNOW, they never made an '83??????)
As far as owning an 82 crossfire...beside the 24,500 units made, it IS unique because of the miles. As far as a RUNNING/DRIVING USABLE car...I very much doubt it.
It's value is PARTS, until it runs well. You left it sit WAAAAAAAY too long.
Check back when it runs and drives.
I'd like to see pix please.
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Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,532
Likes: 1,185
From: Arizona - If you don’t know CFI, STOP proliferating the myths around it...
This seems rather odd that someone would buy an 82 new and not drive it. I guess it's one of those time capsule cars? If you are wanting to sell it, bring it over here to Barrett Jackson in Scottsdale and see what a brand new 82 brings. At least Hal and I will be able to see it in person. Would love to see pics of it now, color, interior and engine bay. Post em up! 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,232
Likes: 1,232
From: PHX AZ
My main concern about it's real viability is, it has been sitting for nigh-on 40 years.
1. Every seal has taken a set and dried out.
2. The brakefluid has turned to acid.
3. Every bushing is hard, dried out and has taken a set.
4. Tires have been mentioned.
5. Antifreeze looses its buffering ability in about 5 years.
6. Engine oil turns acid and every vestige of the old 'dino' oil is in the pan. (just starting this car oil-wise will take hours.)
7. Tranny fluid and the valve bodies, maybe stuck,
8. A certain number of intake and exhaust valves have been open to air and therefore the attendant cylinders probably have rust in them as well as rust on the valve contributing to burnt valves..
9. Grease may have turned solid and non-lubricious.
10. Gasoline is now VARNISH... I doubt the fuel pump will run and the fuel injectors will even fire off.
If we can learn from the 1978 Pace-car debacle, cars were put away, brought back out years later, found to be worth LESS than they originally were (due to inflation).
As another has said 'Chrome bumper' cars went up steadily, Urethane bumper cars only slightly.
The only way (originally) to win this game was to drive it!
This all seems so strange.
Unkahal
1. Every seal has taken a set and dried out.
2. The brakefluid has turned to acid.
3. Every bushing is hard, dried out and has taken a set.
4. Tires have been mentioned.
5. Antifreeze looses its buffering ability in about 5 years.
6. Engine oil turns acid and every vestige of the old 'dino' oil is in the pan. (just starting this car oil-wise will take hours.)
7. Tranny fluid and the valve bodies, maybe stuck,
8. A certain number of intake and exhaust valves have been open to air and therefore the attendant cylinders probably have rust in them as well as rust on the valve contributing to burnt valves..
9. Grease may have turned solid and non-lubricious.
10. Gasoline is now VARNISH... I doubt the fuel pump will run and the fuel injectors will even fire off.
If we can learn from the 1978 Pace-car debacle, cars were put away, brought back out years later, found to be worth LESS than they originally were (due to inflation).
As another has said 'Chrome bumper' cars went up steadily, Urethane bumper cars only slightly.
The only way (originally) to win this game was to drive it!
This all seems so strange.
Unkahal
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 4,705
Likes: 983
From: Orlando FL
My main concern about it's real viability is, it has been sitting for nigh-on 40 years.
1. Every seal has taken a set and dried out.
2. The brakefluid has turned to acid.
3. Every bushing is hard, dried out and has taken a set.
4. Tires have been mentioned.
5. Antifreeze looses its buffering ability in about 5 years.
6. Engine oil turns acid and every vestige of the old 'dino' oil is in the pan. (just starting this car oil-wise will take hours.)
7. Tranny fluid and the valve bodies, maybe stuck,
8. A certain number of intake and exhaust valves have been open to air and therefore the attendant cylinders probably have rust in them as well as rust on the valve contributing to burnt valves..
9. Grease may have turned solid and non-lubricious.
10. Gasoline is now VARNISH... I doubt the fuel pump will run and the fuel injectors will even fire off
1. Every seal has taken a set and dried out.
2. The brakefluid has turned to acid.
3. Every bushing is hard, dried out and has taken a set.
4. Tires have been mentioned.
5. Antifreeze looses its buffering ability in about 5 years.
6. Engine oil turns acid and every vestige of the old 'dino' oil is in the pan. (just starting this car oil-wise will take hours.)
7. Tranny fluid and the valve bodies, maybe stuck,
8. A certain number of intake and exhaust valves have been open to air and therefore the attendant cylinders probably have rust in them as well as rust on the valve contributing to burnt valves..
9. Grease may have turned solid and non-lubricious.
10. Gasoline is now VARNISH... I doubt the fuel pump will run and the fuel injectors will even fire off
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 9,063
Likes: 2,736
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Restoration
The car will need a restoration to drive it. A car is worthless if it’s not driven…..just another wasted museum piece. I don’t know what to tell you other than a 300 mile car that old is sad. If somebody thought it was going to be valuable……in term of dollars???? Doubtful
Last edited by Shovels and Vettes; Nov 5, 2021 at 04:51 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,423
Likes: 8,231
From: Napa Valley California
I would love to find a 300 mile 82 C3.
I would park it in the garage next to my 73, change the fluids, put on a new set of tires and drive it as a daily driver.
If any of the seals leaked I would fix them as I find them and enjoy every minute I could in that car.
It would get babied.
Lets face it, if it was a western states car that was stored in a garage or even properly stored in the east, it would be a wonderful find.
Continue to store it or not worth anything?
You guys are nuts!
I would park it in the garage next to my 73, change the fluids, put on a new set of tires and drive it as a daily driver.
If any of the seals leaked I would fix them as I find them and enjoy every minute I could in that car.
It would get babied.
Lets face it, if it was a western states car that was stored in a garage or even properly stored in the east, it would be a wonderful find.
Continue to store it or not worth anything?
You guys are nuts!
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 351
I would love to find a 300 mile 82 C3.
I would park it in the garage next to my 73, change the fluids, put on a new set of tires and drive it as a daily driver.
If any of the seals leaked I would fix them as I find them and enjoy every minute I could in that car.
It would get babied.
Lets face it, if it was a western states car that was stored in a garage or even properly stored in the east, it would be a wonderful find.
Continue to store it or not worth anything?
You guys are nuts!
I would park it in the garage next to my 73, change the fluids, put on a new set of tires and drive it as a daily driver.
If any of the seals leaked I would fix them as I find them and enjoy every minute I could in that car.
It would get babied.
Lets face it, if it was a western states car that was stored in a garage or even properly stored in the east, it would be a wonderful find.
Continue to store it or not worth anything?
You guys are nuts!
I'd love a car like that.
Not that people are nuts so much, just differing opinions.
