Vette Values

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Dec 7, 2001 | 01:00 PM

jopod

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Vette Values

When does nostalgia start playing a role in the value of cars? 20-25 years is what I've heard, though not sure that's the case with Corvette.
I'm contemplating completely restoring the 86. I'm not talking that concourse stuff, but I'd want to get the car back to 95% of new condition.
Any ideas? Better to let this one go in strong working condition than restore it? As an investment, it's probably not a great idea yet, but this style was my first lust car so there's some sentimental value here too...:)
What have you found in restoring your own personal vettes? Any particularly good or bad experiences?
Thanks.
Joe

Dec 7, 2001 | 03:32 PM

Mark 84ltblu

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Re: Vette Values (jopod)

I'm going on 4 years with our 84. I probably have $14,000 in it including what I paid for it. I don't look at it as an investment of any type. This was the car I wanted in 84 and it will look like new when /if I ever finish.

:seeya

Dec 7, 2001 | 11:46 PM

Gonzo

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Re: Vette Values (Mark 84ltblu)

Good for you Mark, I can't look at the vette as an investment. However it di do far better than my Darn Lucent stock......

Gonzo

Dec 8, 2001 | 12:24 AM

Cigarman

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Re: Vette Values (jopod)

I bought my stock '89 with 33.7K this year and now have 34.2K. It has never been in the rain (according to the previous owner--he swore on a blackbook)and has been babied (17 miles last year and 45 the year before) with original tires, brakes, etc. I wanted a car to drive 2K per year and (hopefully) be a classic.

My prayers are with you--let me know in 4-9 years if you are one of the lucky ones to own a "classic" worth something. If you do, in about 3 years after that I will be the lucky one...

Dec 9, 2001 | 11:33 AM

Two_Black_03

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Re: Vette Values (jopod)

I have a book on Corvettes which provides information on production runs, type of equipment available, engines, etc. Most of the Corvettes which draw high prices are those that were in short supply, or had options that everyone wanted. This seems to hold true regardless of age. Examples of this are the old 427s or the L88s, the 4 speeds after the automatic era, etc. The 1982 model was only available with automatic tranny, for example. The early '80s models were severely hampered by Federal standards for emission control, so the horsepower was low. In 1986, Corvette built the first convertibles since 1975. There were 27,794 coupes built and 7315 convertibles. I'd say the 'verts will be in demand because of the short supply later. Some research should provide you with whether you should pursue this personally or as investment potential.

Dec 9, 2001 | 11:54 AM

Mr Mojo

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Re: Vette Values (92_Polo_Pilot)

I never buy a car for an investment, I buy to drive them. I saw a Grand Sport with 120,000 miles, it's still a Grand Sport and in limited production, it may not be worth as much a never driven one, but it will run better, I gaurantee. Low mileage cars should only be in the junkyard after they've been wrecked. Those with high miles show that the owner did what should be done with all cars-Drive It! Never worry about resale, someone will buy it regardless of miles or condition. It all depends on the market at the time.

High miles on a vette just proves that each car is only as good as teh person who maintains it.

Jim Strathearn has over 200,000 on his '85 and he drives it everywhere, he also drives his '71 everywhere although not as far as the '85 due to mpg and stuff like that.

If you want to restore it for your own personal enjoyment than I say go for it. If you are doing it for resale you will only lose money.

But since so many C4's were produced, only the limited edition cars will command a high price anywhere down the road.

Dec 10, 2001 | 10:58 AM

dgoodhue

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Re: Vette Values (jopod)

Prices are so low on C4's, you be better off buying a mint original 86, if that is what you want.

Dec 10, 2001 | 12:01 PM

vader86

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Re: Vette Values (jopod)

if you want to keep it then restore it, i will replace my interior AFTER my engine mods just because i want it to look even better. But other than the drivers' leather seat and dirty carpet, there isnt anything wrong with the interior. It just costs too much to restore a car. See what you can reuse and what you have to replace altogether and add it all up. After i'm done, ill prolly have spent 10k on my mods and the interior, and then i might still not be able to take a ZR-1.