C4 Value
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 11,470
Likes: 764
Just for what it's worth. YES, I've restored MANY cars over the years. Maybe 35 at least. I've been around Corvettes most of my life. I've turned many worn out cars into show winners and made a good money at it. Mostly muscle and antique cars. So, YES, I do know what I'm talking about. I don't do so much "wrenching" any more as I have a full life and not much time to do even the basics in repairs. I do have the money to pay skilled mechanics. Yes, I've lost money on cars, but I do know how to make money at this hobby. I don't sit around a moan about a car I might own that's not going any where in value. I sell the darn thing and move on. As far as my 85? It's a car I really like because of a lot of facts and reasons. I don't own it or keep it immaculate just because of what I "might" think it will be worth some day. That's just dumb in todays goofy economy. I've owned and still own many cars,. The 85 C4 is just one I have a soft spot for.
come to think about it, I haven't owned 35 cars....
P.S. ...doesn't take much to impress me -
Last edited by Joe C; Feb 1, 2015 at 09:21 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,426
Likes: 229
From: Pennsylvania
35 cars - my apologies. I didn't mean to imply or infer that you didn't know what you were talking about. restoring 35 cars, some of which were show winners - I'm impressed! that's a feat only some of the country's top car builders can state. in the last 40 years, I've only restored two, although I've reconditioned probably a half dozen. if you made money in this hobby, and on some of those cars, good for you - I don't think I've made a penny on any of mine. I am also impressed you have a full life, and have reached the financial position to hire skilled mechanics to wrench on your many cars. hell, I can't find a skilled mechanic, and it's all I can do to keep my 85 and 90 running. still not counting on taking the proceeds from the sale my C4 to buy a beach front condo! most likely i'll just sit around and moan about it.
come to think about it, I haven't owned 35 cars....
come to think about it, I haven't owned 35 cars....
I've owned so many cars that the State I live in wanted to know if I was a car dealer operating with out a license! It's amazing how fast they can get involved with that, but how slow they are to get my income tax refunds. I like most any make of car, but I prefer old school Mopars to fix up and restore. Good money can be made in those old Mopar muscle cars. Never lost a dime on them.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,735
Likes: 412
From: WV
I've owned so many cars that the State I live in wanted to know if I was a car dealer operating with out a license! It's amazing how fast they can get involved with that, but how slow they are to get my income tax refunds. I like most any make of car, but I prefer old school Mopars to fix up and restore. Good money can be made in those old Mopar muscle cars. Never lost a dime on them...WW
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 936
Likes: 51
From: Post Falls ID
Im a young Corvette owner that bought my first vette when I was 17. I bought what I could afford and that was a $3000 1987 Corvette that "ran". Everything about it was thoroughly trashed; no brakes, no lights, over heating, thrashed interior, etc. Over 3 years as I had the money I fixed replaced or upgraded every inch of the car piece by piece as I was able. About $18,000 later I have a beautiful almost show worthy cruiser. This is now my 5th year with the car and honestly I'm ready to update to a newer gen.
Now that I laid a little backround lets get to what Id like to know.
In a nutshell, we've been watching the appreciation of mostly early C3's over the last few years. When do we expect our early C4's to start gaining some value back? Or do you all think they will ever gain any value at all? I dont drive my C4 much these days so should I sell cheap to fund the update or should I wait for the market on them to get better?
Now that I laid a little backround lets get to what Id like to know.
In a nutshell, we've been watching the appreciation of mostly early C3's over the last few years. When do we expect our early C4's to start gaining some value back? Or do you all think they will ever gain any value at all? I dont drive my C4 much these days so should I sell cheap to fund the update or should I wait for the market on them to get better?
Start by saving another $18k over the next three years and see what kind of deal you can get on that ZR-1. At that point, if it's just out of reach and you still have your 87, sell it or trade it in on the next car.
You won't make a killing on any of them, unless someone gives one to you.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
You learned an expensive lesson let it be the reminder and enjoy the car
Welcome to hot rodding
Rarely are you investing in a car youre merely spending it
how many FS ads do you see asking a pie in the sky price with "I invested xxxx amount " blah blah. The guys gonna lose his butt
Plus things are tough out there, toys are selling for stupid cheap right now
I quit doing cars for profit in the 90s, when new cars had more tech and power, unless someone was gung ho on a certain car they would always buy the newer one same goes today
Lotta the "old guys" with the C3s have had them forever and bought when they were cheap fwiw
Many of us say "Boy if Id just hung on to that car today it would be worth..." BS. They would be rotten rusted or deteriorating...even the frame offs I had would probably be looking like they needed a redo.
They dont stay in the same condition for 20-30 yrs I sure havent.
Just some random thoughts; if it were me sell the car and go buy what you really want, life is short. You can always make more money but not more years on your lifespan
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,708
Likes: 266
From: indy indiana
[
They dont stay in the same condition for 20-30 yrs I sure havent.
Just some random thoughts; if it were me sell the car and go buy what you really want, life is short. You can always make more money but not more years on your lifespan[/QUOTE]
Amen brother.
They dont stay in the same condition for 20-30 yrs I sure havent.
Just some random thoughts; if it were me sell the car and go buy what you really want, life is short. You can always make more money but not more years on your lifespan[/QUOTE]
Amen brother.
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Lewes DE
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Racer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 257
Likes: 2
From: high point nc
I got my 84 for 600. It had been on fire but thought I could save it. So after a year and lot of parts. I got it running and drives great Just wish I could get it painted without paying out my nose.