cor66vette

My friend's widow has decided to sell it. I am trying to help her. They bought it new. She drives it every now and then. It hasn't been just sitting around. Pictures will be posted when she gets them to me, but for the time being, consider the car in like new condition. Here is the description she provides:


1986 Corvette Convertible red with white top.

5.7 Liter (350 CID), V-8 Engine 4-speed Auto. Overdrive trans.

This was the pace car in the 500 Indy Race. Only 7315 were
made that yr. Have decal package.

This car was 437 off the assembly line.

Mileage – 12,560

Hagerty valuation says:
#1 - $20K
#2 - $15.1K
#3 - $7.6K
#4 - $4.8K

Thanks for any assist on determining a fair and reasonable asking price.

belairbrian

IIRC every convertible for 86 was a "pace car" regardless of color. IMO that kind of kills the special value of the "pace car edition" in 86.

bosshog8

There were significantly less convertibles built in other C4 years so in my opinion there nothing "special" or "rare" about an 86 convertible. I know nobody wants to hear that but it's the truth. As for Hagerty, I would love to see them try and sell that car for the #1 price. Anyway, if you/she has time, aim for the stars. The lack of phone calls will soon determine the market. If a quick sale is needed then I would think 15k would be a great sale price for her if it's in the "great" shape that's claimed. But it never is. In reality I would expect somewhere in the 10k to 15k range.

VikingTrad3r

CCRed

Patsgarage

If she has all the paperwork from new and the car is spotless and she can wait for the right buyer, maybe $15-17k, but if she just wants it gone figure on $10-13k.

pacoW

The "collector value" for that car just isn't there right now, maybe in 5-7yrs. Best bet for top dollar right away is national exposure via flebay or autotrader classics. Maybe try mecum if they come to a town nearby.

cor66vette

I passed along your comments to the owner. Thank you all for the input.

mickey5

If the Indy still has its original tires a spirited test drive could turn into a real problem.....

cor66vette

Here's the one picture she sent. Thoughts? Thanks.

pacoW

I can't speak for the FL market, but that's an $7-8k car tops here in the northeast if you need to sell it within a couple weeks. I think your best bet is to find someone who's looking at it from a "collector's view", someone who had the car new and want's to relive that experience or someone who is going to put it away for some time until the value appreciates. That's going to take time and effort to find a buyer like that. List it on some collector car sites, check out collector car auctions coming to your area.

73n95

If you are buying it thinking its a good investment forget about it. The value to this car are the "one owner" and low miles. It will not be a one owner car and you will put miles on it making it less valuable. Assuming its basically a base model automatics are worth less. For a driver it will be a pretty good deal 1, if you can get for less than $8k (there are a ton of nice Corvettes for sale in Fla), 2, providing you are handy. This car is 31 years old and will suffer the typical old car problems involving deterioration of rubber parts, chassis, electrical and drive train. Its a great car and will give you a lot of fun but I caution you to go in informed.

cor66vette

Thanks for the feedback. I am NOT interested in the for myself. I am trying to get a reasonable asking price and opinions from knowledgeable C4 folks, so the seller has a better idea on her options.

mickey5

An original owner roadster in "like new" condition with 12K miles should bring 12 to 15K this spring. If you need to sell it fast now try 10K+. Watch out for the sharks looking for a quick buck and a low ball 7 to 8K offer.

Look at ebay; there are currently about 200 '86 to '96 C4s listed. Don't bother with the first 2 years. You'll see pretty quick where the sweet spots are based on condition and mileage.

rocco16

Unfortunately, it's an Original Owner's Car only as long as your friend owns it. The buyer will not be able to say it's an original owner's car.

With good LT-4's and late LT-1's going for the $8000 - $10,000 range, that L-98 car will be going very well to bring $6000....which is a lot for a 1989 Chevrolet.

Mr. Peabody

My personal view is that it is a $6K - $8K car. due to it's age. I just don't see someone buying it for a collection... it will be someone who wants a a driver for <$10K.

That being said in the one picture your friend sent you, the car to looks like it's in very good condition. I would suggest to you to advise your friend to find the best photographer she knows and post a half dozen really nice photos. The best pictures will really help to sell the car.

mickey5

If the condition is like new original with 12K+ original miles I'll offer 6K$ sight unseen. Just let me know where to pick it up with a clear title. I'm serious.

cor66vette

Bobby Simone

Auction it on bringatrailer.com. If the seller and the BAT agree on a fair reserve price, most it would cost you is 100 bucks to sell. Due to the low miles and original owner status, I feel the car would have a great chance of doing well.

cor66vette

Many never post follow-ups to their threads, so if anyone cares how this turned out ...

The lady sold her car for $17.5. She had all sorts of original documentation and maintenance paperwork, and accessories which her husband never put on/in the car. I did see the car in person, and I must say that not too often have I seen a used car in such pristine condition. If I were a C4 guy, I'd be all over it.

Thanks again for the dialogue.