When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I appreciate any guidance I can get on this forum and I know I'm opening a bit of a can of worms. I recently fell into a very good deal on a 1971-C3 Mulsanne blue Corvette. I'm not quite sure how much to insure it for, please give me some feedback after reading the following description:
Hardtop convertible with recessed rag top (not original), numbers matching L48 engine, bored 30 over during a off frame restoration in 1995-96. Approximate mileage is 102,000 as the odometer stopped working at 100,706 but after conferring with both previous owners they believe that that number is correct. Paint is about 9 out of 10 some scratches and small rock chips and one imperfection at the front of the hood are visible. Current radio does not function.
Muncie clutch and 4 speed transmission, 3.36 rear, and new paint added during restoration. Car has been driven approximately 11,000 miles since May of 1996. I have all service and maintenance records including parts, paint etc. since 1993. Literally under cover and garage stored when not driven by both previous owners.
Last edited by Blaz41; Jun 25, 2025 at 11:32 AM.
Reason: formatting
You really need to have it inspected by a professional. The big items to check are the frame and birdcage for rust. Also, what options does the car have? PS, PB, AC, leather seats, etc? Have you driven it? How is the suspension, rear, trailing arms? Have the brakes ever been sleeved in stainless steel? Jerry
Yes, PS, PB, Seats are vinyl, brakes are good as of work in early 2024. Drives really well, suspension is good and stiff. No rust underneath, engine compartment clean, Birdcage is good, no separation in the fiberglass. It was inspected earlier this month.
Regarding brakes, adding stainless steel calipers to a C-2 or C-3 Corvette can save the owner up to a few thousand dollars in doing a brake job. Coupled with O-rings, stainless steel calipers easily last many years. For the NCRS members, it makes no difference. For the average owner, it can be a big deal. Good luck with the car, and have it inspected by a knowledgeable C-3 professional. Jerry
An "Agreed Value" caveat that I don't recall being addressed:
While your insurer may readily agree to almost any value you choose; in the event of serious damage, and where you might prefer the vehicle is "total loss", it will be much more difficult to achieve a high level of damage to rate "total loss", and you might find yourself "stuck" with repairing a vehicle you might otherwise not choose to repair. If ya choose to overvalue it, that could backfire.
bumper car T-shirt.
Value question
