1972 Stingray Convertible Value
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
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A tool to use is Corvette DNA, a free app you can download. It tends to be a controversial tool concerning its accuracy, trending low. You can compensate for that by manipulating the mileage and/or condition of the car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Chapel Hill NC
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As stated- need more pics, especially of the fender with lifting paint. Agreed $8k seems low.
Le Mans Master
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From: Omaha NE
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Even in #4 fair condition Hagerty puts it at $17,900. But that's for a running/driving/stopping car...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2021
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From: Minnesota
Mechanical issues on these cars are significantly easier and cheaper to do than anything cosmetic or related to rust. Drivetrain and suspension wise this cars are very similar to other GM cars of the era.
I would check the frame and birdcage, specifically around the rear wheel well kickup area and the windshield frame. Post #107 of this thread shows what people look for when buying a C3, and would help determine the value of this one. If it’s solid even if it’s not running or driving I think you could easily get 12 if not 15.
If you do sell it for 8 though, put me on the short list of potential buyers.
I would check the frame and birdcage, specifically around the rear wheel well kickup area and the windshield frame. Post #107 of this thread shows what people look for when buying a C3, and would help determine the value of this one. If it’s solid even if it’s not running or driving I think you could easily get 12 if not 15.
If you do sell it for 8 though, put me on the short list of potential buyers.
Last edited by Piersonpie; Jun 27, 2025 at 12:07 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: LONG ISLAND
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You can't replace that car for $8,000 not even anywhere close. Stab in the dark with out more detailed photos, & info on matching numbers or not, what documentation may come with it & rust etc. $20,000 to $25,000 ballpark
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
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From: Virginia
The best way to determine the value of a vehicle is to sell it at auction with no reserve.
Take a bunch of photos, and put the car up for auction at Bring a Trailer (you can find sold comps there, too). Or you can try your luck with a local auction.
If the car is worth $8K, the inheritor who wants it can simply win the auction. If it's worth $30-$35K, they will get enough from the auction to buy a $8K Corvette.
Good luck!
Take a bunch of photos, and put the car up for auction at Bring a Trailer (you can find sold comps there, too). Or you can try your luck with a local auction.
If the car is worth $8K, the inheritor who wants it can simply win the auction. If it's worth $30-$35K, they will get enough from the auction to buy a $8K Corvette.
Good luck!
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Pro
Joined: May 2005
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From: Grosse Pte. Mich.
I agree that 8k is low, that figure would buy you a basket case requiring everything be replaced/restored. Your car does not appear to be in that kind of condition.
Unless the frame and/or motor are toast I would be thinking at least 15k, maybe 20, it really depends on what is wrong & right with this car. If possible try and find a qualified individual in your area specializing in Corvette's that can inspect your car.
This information could prove to be invaluable as you try and assess an accurate value to this car. Good luck.
Unless the frame and/or motor are toast I would be thinking at least 15k, maybe 20, it really depends on what is wrong & right with this car. If possible try and find a qualified individual in your area specializing in Corvette's that can inspect your car.
This information could prove to be invaluable as you try and assess an accurate value to this car. Good luck.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2017
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For reference a buddy of mine recently bought a 72, high miles, running and driving, rust free, mostly stock for 20k. Auto, coupe.
yours is not running/driving, but manual and convertible command a higher premium. No idea the extent of the paint damage or status of rust.
I would think you’re at least 15k, if some of the above mentioned things are bad, easily 20k if the car is in good shape.
yours is not running/driving, but manual and convertible command a higher premium. No idea the extent of the paint damage or status of rust.
I would think you’re at least 15k, if some of the above mentioned things are bad, easily 20k if the car is in good shape.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 455
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From: Hill Country TX
OP, sorry about the family disputes but I concur that you require an independent judgement as to the existing condition and value of this car. My initial suggestion is to contact the local to you Corvette club(s), someone there is likely a member of NCRS. Either they or someone they know will be very familiar with ins and outs of the chrome bumper C3s. Plus their judgement as to the expected expense to get this car up and running should prove valuable. IMO best case would be to find a NCRS C3 judge to evaluate this car. A typical classic car appraiser will not be knowledgeable enough on C3 Corvettes to give accurate info.
Pro
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 515
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From: Grosse Pte. Mich.
Good Day All:I’m seeking assistance in determining the current value of a 1972 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible that has been in our families possession since 1982. The vehicle is equipped with a 200HP, 350 cubic inch motor paired with a 4-speed manual transmission, it has after market wheels as well. It has between 5-70K miles on it (VIN 1Z67K2S504413)
OP, sorry about the family disputes but I concur that you require an independent judgement as to the existing condition and value of this car. My initial suggestion is to contact the local to you Corvette club(s), someone there is likely a member of NCRS. Either they or someone they know will be very familiar with ins and outs of the chrome bumper C3s. Plus their judgement as to the expected expense to get this car up and running should prove valuable. IMO best case would be to find a NCRS C3 judge to evaluate this car. A typical classic car appraiser will not be knowledgeable enough on C3 Corvettes to give accurate info.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
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From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
I agree that 8k is inappropriately low, albeit without seeing the car.
However, you said what the car is “equipped with” for an engine, but didnt say whether its the original or if the numbers match. I think that detail would be significant in assessing this car’s value.
Assuming the engine is original and theres no scary rust /body damage to find, Id guess it to be around 13-15 in its current inoperable condition.
However, you said what the car is “equipped with” for an engine, but didnt say whether its the original or if the numbers match. I think that detail would be significant in assessing this car’s value.
Assuming the engine is original and theres no scary rust /body damage to find, Id guess it to be around 13-15 in its current inoperable condition.
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
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From: US-PNW
Given these conditions, I would greatly appreciate your professional opinion or guidance on how best to assess the vehicle's value in its current state. Any recommendations on appraisal services (that deal specifically with corvettes), or potential next steps would also be welcomed.
Unfortunately this car is part of the family trust, and a couple family members (who know nothing about cars) are trying to access it with an outrageous cash value. This car has extreme sentimental value to one of the children and want to keep, but I feel it is not right for an unrealistic cash value be assigned to the vehicle and deducted from that family members portion of the trust.
Unfortunately this car is part of the family trust, and a couple family members (who know nothing about cars) are trying to access it with an outrageous cash value. This car has extreme sentimental value to one of the children and want to keep, but I feel it is not right for an unrealistic cash value be assigned to the vehicle and deducted from that family members portion of the trust.
For the child who wants to keep it, I hope they understand that the money to get it safely operational will likely be a couple-three thousand as long as the engine, trans, and rear diff are fine. Just tires, brakes, fluid changes, and troubleshooting could use that up. After that, while these cars do appreciate in value, they have far less return on investment than other strategies. The sentimental value though can't be quantified, so just make sure they know the real costs of owning the car.
For those children wanting to offset the car's value from the divvied assets, it's not a cut and dried value. These things are highly dependent on geographic location, options, originality, and the like. No two appraisals will be the same.
-For those children wanting to offset the car's value from the divvied assets, it's not a cut and dried value. These things are highly dependent on geographic location, options, originality, and the like. No two appraisals will be the same.
Do the two sides have an idea of what value is acceptable to each? (Are things amicable?) Bottom line is that it really doesn't matter what an appraisal comes in at if both sides can't agree on the same number. One side needs to offer up a number to see if the other side will find that acceptable to balance the asset distribution.
What geographic area is the car? That may assist with connecting with someone who can look at the current operational state of the car.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,642
Likes: 1,868
From: LONG ISLAND
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The best way to determine the value of a vehicle is to sell it at auction with no reserve.
Take a bunch of photos, and put the car up for auction at Bring a Trailer (you can find sold comps there, too). Or you can try your luck with a local auction.
If the car is worth $8K, the inheritor who wants it can simply win the auction. If it's worth $30-$35K, they will get enough from the auction to buy a $8K Corvette.
Good luck!
Take a bunch of photos, and put the car up for auction at Bring a Trailer (you can find sold comps there, too). Or you can try your luck with a local auction.
If the car is worth $8K, the inheritor who wants it can simply win the auction. If it's worth $30-$35K, they will get enough from the auction to buy a $8K Corvette.
Good luck!
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,880
Likes: 4,468
From: Virginia
Bike, sorry I kinda gotta disagree with ya here. The person that has an interest in keeping the car is "FAMILY" he should catch a little break over full retail auction values, nor waste additional funds for the buyers premium, & most likely shipping both ways. This car from the minimal info / photos provided looks to be in decent shape, & been garaged, taken care of & not outdoors rotting away. You never know, it could be just a new battery, some fluid flushes, some dry rotted hoses replaced & maybe a leaky caliper or two, to get her going / we don't know ! It's also possible, but unlikely that the motor was blown & then parked ??? even so $8K would still be very low. A nice condition hard top alone is $1500 - $2000. The OP has provided very little in the way of, info / details or location. Awaiting his return ..................
The buyer does get a break over full retail auction. Minus the auction fees, if the OP is the auction winner, they would get back a fraction of the selling cost, equal to their share (4 siblings? 25% discount, etc).
Perhaps a variant of the first, or second-price, sealed-bid auction could work between the siblings. A Vickery auction, for example, encourages bids equal to the true value of the car. If the other siblings really think the car is worth a fortune, they are free to bid it up, and then find out how wrong they are when THEY resell it at an open auction.
Hopefully the family members can agree on a fair price in line with some of the estimates given (~$12K was my guess).
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: LONG ISLAND
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So Sad, I say the greedy faaaaakers, should just give the kid the car ( HAPPY BIRTHDAY ) or ( MERRY CHRISTMAS ) No one else wants anything to do with it, just the money !!! $30,000 split who knows how many ways will be minimal, vs a smile on a kids face, not to mention the sentimental value ( PRICELESS ) !!!!
