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Ok here's my question : I've located a 72 convertible big block. The current owner started a restoration on the car (which in my opinion was not performed well), but enlarged the wheel wells , changed over to plexiglass headlamp assemblies. The car already has new paint, but is still completly dismantled, can't be checked upon mechanical condition (not running) nor can the numbers be check.
As an indicator I bought a '72 BB Auto Vert two years ago privately for $29,000. It has matching engine number but the color is wrong (I knew it), and I would say it was 85% original although now I have it about 95% after $10,000 spent.
Hope this helps.
What is your ultimate goal? Retro-rod or an original?
The general rule of thumb is to do a price research on a NCRS medal car of the year & configuration you are interested in, then determine the cost to put your dream car into that shape. The delta is the maximum you are going to pay unless testosterone overdose overwhelms you, which is not uncommon.
Given your location and availability of cars, you may pay more than average; not only for your initial investment but for any parts and work.
At the end of the day, if it makes you happy DO IT.
2025 C8 Z06/7/E-Ray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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2021 C8 of the Year Finalist Unmodified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C1 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2017 Corvette of the Year Finalist
2016 C2 of Year
2015 C3 of Year Finalist
Based on your more complete description and price over on the NCRS Tech forum it sounds like a car I would pass on unless you are looking to build a hot rod/street racer type Vette.
Depends on your skill level, time and $$ resources available. You see it often mentioned on CF about buying the best car you can afford vs. a project. This definitely looks like a major project.
On the other hand, this car is an opportunity for you to do a complete restoration, if you are up to it and can do a lot of the work yourself. What documentation comes w the car and how original and useable are the mechanicals and interior?
A well documented original # matching 72 BB Vert can be worth $40k or more. A car like my 72 BB Coupe, altho mostly matching #, is more of a driver, since I have no tank sticker and less than desirable documentation. For starters, check the VIN, as 72 is the first year to indicate engine type. The BB VIN should start w 1Z37W, where W=454 ci, 270hp.
A big factor for me would be whether the new paint is to my satisfaction or not. If so, is it a paint that is easily matched as you take the wheel wells back to stock? IMO you are taking a huge risk w this car, namely that you will dump your heart, soul and cash, Euro or otherwise, into a car that may not ever be worth all that you put in.
Maybe this fella got in a little too deep on the reconstruction and is looking for someone to bail him out. First, you would need to determine "Is it all there?" Or, if not, "What's missing and what would it cost to replace the missing stuff?" If the frame restoration is complete and done pretty well, and your not put off by the mods he has made, perhaps you could make him a lower offer [for the reassembly work you will have to do]. Think about it and figure out how much your time is worth for reassembly. Remember, you can always find another one that is already running. The question for you should be, "What is the better deal?"