Morning......New to the C-3 forum, usually on the C-2 site, but I am going to look at a '72 LT-1. This is a convertible and has been sitting for 10 yrs in a decent garage from what I was told. What would the value be for this vehicle if the frame and bird cage are good but has a replacement engine? Has original engine? I know the brakes and fuel system will need attention as may the electrical. Paint appears to be 6/10 and so is the interior. I understand with out pics not easy pricing so give it your best shot and after I view the car I will get back here and give an update. I don't want to wast my time if he is way out of the ballpark.
Thanks
Ric

 

In December 2021, I sold our '72 LT-1 coupe for $31K. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ilver-red.html

How do the options on the one you're looking at compare with ours?

 

I wish I could answer your questions, but the owner passed away and I am dealing with people that have no clue about options or anything else about the car. So far I am going on what they have told me and until I see the car in person very vague. Other than being a convertible and LT1 I would be just guessing.

Ric

 

These are Hagerty's July '24 numbers on a '72 LT1 Roadster with an original motor...

#3 good condition..$34,600
#4 fair..$20,900

If by some freak chance it has A/C add $7k, another $1850 if it has a hardtop..

 

Being a ‘72, the VIN will confirm if it’s an LT1. I believe it has to have an L engine code in the VIN. Without pics, hard to place a value. My guess, anywhere from $20-40k. Original engine obviously affects value. Some say without original engine, it’s just another small block car. I disagree. Factory born LT1s are rare cars especially as a convertible. Being a true LT1 car gives it more value than a comparable base car in my opinion. Keep us posted.

 

Thank you for those numbers that gives me a starting point. Doubt it has A/C but ZR-1 option would be nice.

Ric

 

They did read me the vin from the registration 1Z67L2S........

Ric

 

LT1..

 

As the owner of a '66 427 as well I can say the thrill of driving an LT-1 is out there on its own so while the one you're looking at may be missing it's original LT-1 motor it's still an LT-1 so 30 to 40k seems right to me.

My '71 LT-1

 

I'm sorry but I have to disagree..................... it's NOT an LT-1 without the original motor. Call it whatever you want, fact is, what makes it a desirable "LT-1" Corvette is the born with LT-1 motor. . Now it's just a regular no match 1972 & a lot more common. I wouldn't pay anywhere near $35 - $40k for a no match stock 72 still needing paint ( 6/10 ) to boot, Without pics, & only random guess i'm in the $20K + or - area to start.

But fools are parted with their wallets everyday................ just my .02

 

Yup.

And again, people are asking for a price evaluation without any pictures.

So, I'd say it's worth somewhere between 1-20 grand.

 

Do you know how to check the engine code and partial VIN on the pad in front of the passenger side head to confirm it's the original engine?

 

If I recall correctly, LT1's were only available with a 4 speed and came with 370 or 411 gears. Only a few 72's had ac. Not that this applies to your car, just things I remember about them.

Here is an interesting story some my like. 45 years ago I was a field service tech in CT. I drove all over the state working on Bridgeport mills. Back then the local paper to buy cars was the Bargain News. I would also look at vette ads. One day there was a 71 Blue LT1 convertible for sale in the town on Southington, CT. I happened to be working in the town and called about the car. It was owned by a Dentist who had no clue about the car, he bought it on a whim. After a short time found it wasn't the car for him and put it up for sale for $4,000. I checked the car and it was a decent blue/blue, white top car. The engine was not the original LT1, it was a passenger car engine. I showed the Dentist the numbers and had a black book with me. He was 100% positive it was an original LT1 car, possibly buying it from the original owner, I don't recall. Anyway, we talked about it and he said my local mechanic is the best around and forgot more than I will ever know. Now, that might be true but since he insisted the engine was the real deal I drove to the garage in town to speak with the genius mechanic. The owner came with me. He knew the owner and car and said it was brought in for an engine issue and it was cheaper to put in a good used engine so that is what he did. I asked what happened to the original LT1, figuring this guy grabbed it for himself. No, it was out in back with about 10 other used engines sitting in the dirt. I checked the numbers and that was the original engine. The mechanic didn't care, the owner was shocked. I guess they forgot more than I knew. At the time the car was not worth $4,000 without the original engine and while I should have bought it, I passed on it. I still drive by that garage on Rt10 in Southington. The building is there and fenced in dirt space where the engines were is still there, but the business, the vette, and probably the Dentist are long gone now.

Again, this has nothing to do with your car, just something I never forgot. I have met many, many people who had similar experiences with people working on their cars.

 

I am quite sure I can check the pad for the assembly info and vin. Once I get to see the car I will post some pics of the exterior, interior and pad.
Thanks

Ric

 

I think the LT1 value thing without original motor was discussed before. But if a verified born LT1 car is now considered just a base car, I think the market in general thinks otherwise. Most VIN’d 138 Chevelle true SS cars still command more $$ than a comparable base Chevelle with the same replacement engine. Likewise for a true documented Hemi Cuda, Boss 302 or X33 69 Z28. They are not valued as 6 cyl base cars or even base V8 cars. Would they be more valuable with the original born engine. Yes. For sure. Also, I believe even the NCRS will accept dated correct replacement blocks as matching nowadays.