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I am looking at a 1968 with a 327 Manual, 80,000 miles. A little smoke. Frame looks rust free. Interior has a few minor flaws but otherwise excellent shape. Chrome is in good condition. Winshield needs replaced and needs a paint job. Hasn't been wrecked.
Was wondering if I could have some ideas on price range. Any help would be appreciated.
You can use the C3 for sale section on the Forum as a guide. You might want to look at the '68 327/350hp listed as well as the '71 convertible. Compare the comments (and pic's where shown) and of course, prices, with the car you are looking at.
Condition, preferably backed by documentation is the major factor in determining price. Given you're looking at a northern car....make sure you very carefully check the frame, windshield frame etc for rust. It's a killer.....
Olivier suggested a 30% difference if the 327 isn't the original engine. I think that might be a bit on the heavy side (especially if a "correct" replacement block, with matching casting numbers, date codes etc...) but the comments on paint etc. are, in my opinion, right on. Note the '71 convertible listed for sale is $15k and appears to have a new paint job. Convertibles will always sell for a higher price than a coupe....something to consider!!
I agree with GrandSportC3 I would not pay more then $7k to $8K for a C3, They are all rusted and Rotten I may pay a bit more if the owner can produce valid receipts for any major work done, Like new brakes, new (not rebuilt) engine, most rebuilt engines are junk, numbers match dont mean poopie if you cant drive and enjoy the vette. Keep on looking a lot of good vettes out there But Mostly Junk.
Is the car through a private owner or a dealer? And is there anything else on the car (PS, PB, A/C, working radio?) You can get some local dealer price info from three websites- DMCorvette.net, Midwestcarexchange.com and Corvettecollection.com. The two '68's you'll see are a bit pricey but beauties. You want to see top dollar prices go to Proteam-corvette.com. Depends on what you want. There's nothing like a '68. Let me know if you take a pass on the car (like where it is and how much they want.)
I agree with GrandSportC3 I would not pay more then $7k to $8K for a C3, They are all rusted and Rotten I may pay a bit more if the owner can produce valid receipts for any major work done, Like new brakes, new (not rebuilt) engine, most rebuilt engines are junk, numbers match dont mean poopie if you cant drive and enjoy the vette. Keep on looking a lot of good vettes out there But Mostly Junk.
Talk about a negative view of older Vettes and rebuilt motors :eek:
Thank you everyone for your help. Decided to pass on this one, damn rust plus other things.
BlueL36-I will try to send you the info this evening.
I would never consider to buy any Vette with rusted frame... Not even for $1000
:cheers:
Olivier
P.S. The reason for that is that I don't do any body/frame work myself and it would cost me a fortune to install a new frame or to fix the old one up!!!
P.S. My Vettes have a completely rust free original frame!!!!
BlueL26-If you want that info send me an e-mail and I will give you the details on where the car is and such.
moskovita-To each their own. It all comes down to cost vs. condition.
\The person I was looking at it for isn't willing or able to do major work or repairs (especially a frame off). As far as me, I am rebuilding my 78 from the ground up, and enjoying every minute of it.
The object of the game is to under pay, not over pay. There are a lot of C3s out there, and a lot of owners with inflated ideas of what their car is worth.
So never let yourself fall in love with a particular car. Unless it is something truly rare, like an original L-88, you can easily find ten more just like the one you walked away from.
Another thing: it is almost always cheaper in the long run to buy a car in perfect condition than to restore. Even if you do all the work yourself, do not expect to recover the time you spent restoring. Be happy if you can cover the cost of materials and get to drive a neat old car for a while.
Again, this may not apply to the truly rare and collectible Vettes that most of us do not own.