Rare? Collectible?
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,390
Likes: 24,797
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Really hard to say if they will become collectible - too soon to know that. If I had to guess, I'd say chances are they may end up a bit more desirable than the other '99 models, but not by much.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,163
Likes: 6
From: Oceanside California
I really see the Z06 being the sought after models to enthusiasts years down the line. It will be like the SS models of Classic Chevys that are worth far more than their base package. I see them all going up in value like any sports car if well maintained, but the Z06 will be like the numbers matching big block equivalent to the way things are now with 60s and 70s camaros, vets, chevelles, cudas, etc.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,488
Likes: 1,743
From: Knoxville Tn
I usually takes at least 30 years for a car to become a "collectable". With that said there are several things that are working for and against the price appreciation of any C-5.
Pro:
In some ways the C-5 would be compared to the C-2.
It is a complete retool of the brand.
Better in almost every way.
It is essentially the same car as a C-6 just like the C-2 was essentially the same as a C-3.
For it's time, it was pretty much state of the art in the automotive industry.
Cons:
Very many were made. Long production run.
Some electronics are unrepairable.
Specifically, a production run of over 4000 of any body style is hardly a rarity. The FRC was often called the 'Billy Bob' of the Corvette world. Options are limited, HP is nothing special, and it was not particularly adored by the buying public.
Many people like it simply for it's styling and the fact that it only comes in a 6 speed.
Enjoy your car, but don't mistake it for a retirement fund.
Car appreciation is a gamble of love, not finances.
Pro:
In some ways the C-5 would be compared to the C-2.
It is a complete retool of the brand.
Better in almost every way.
It is essentially the same car as a C-6 just like the C-2 was essentially the same as a C-3.
For it's time, it was pretty much state of the art in the automotive industry.
Cons:
Very many were made. Long production run.
Some electronics are unrepairable.
Specifically, a production run of over 4000 of any body style is hardly a rarity. The FRC was often called the 'Billy Bob' of the Corvette world. Options are limited, HP is nothing special, and it was not particularly adored by the buying public.
Many people like it simply for it's styling and the fact that it only comes in a 6 speed.
Enjoy your car, but don't mistake it for a retirement fund.
Car appreciation is a gamble of love, not finances.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,962
Likes: 254
From: Richmond, Ky
I think you have to look at the 99 and 2000 cars as a group. A total of a little over 6000 cars. Except for the wheel and color options they are all the same. I also think that the Z06 cars will always come in at a higher value even though there was more production over twice as many years. The FRC cars would be worth more in the future if they had more distinctions from the other models than just the body style and option availability. If they had went ahead with the "BillyBob" idea and produced a model that had features only available on the entry level car the collect-ability would have went way up.
We have already seen the the willingness of some to pay a premium for low production colors and as the supply dwindles due to attrition values will rise. The collect-ability of the car is assured, due to people like me who prefer the hardtop to the other body styles, but the associated dollar value will be determined by the market as time progresses.
We have already seen the the willingness of some to pay a premium for low production colors and as the supply dwindles due to attrition values will rise. The collect-ability of the car is assured, due to people like me who prefer the hardtop to the other body styles, but the associated dollar value will be determined by the market as time progresses.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
From: Missouri
I agree with what the other have said, the only thing that would really help is in 30 years how many are still on the road. As for "color" a speedway white Z06 with red interior would be the one to hold onto, it has the best chance of being a collectors item. Some will say the yellow Z06 will be a car the collectors will want, but I wouldn't count on it, they are hard to sell.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Pro
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 536
Likes: 2
From: Brisbane Queensland
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,500
Likes: 312
From: Scottsdale AZ
I think that the pristine examples will always bring more than the basic coupes and convertibles - -but again, not big money.
Time will tell . . .
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 12,413
Likes: 502
From: Rio Rancho NM
A c5 collectible? Hell no they are a dime a dozen. I could maybe see a z06 in 20 or 30 years but even thats up in the air. If your gonna get a frc car then you are gonna get a z06. The frc is the bastard child of the c5 line up and Chevy knew it that's why they axed them.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,962
Likes: 254
From: Richmond, Ky
A c5 collectible? Hell no they are a dime a dozen. I could maybe see a z06 in 20 or 30 years but even thats up in the air. If your gonna get a frc car then you are gonna get a z06. The frc is the bastard child of the c5 line up and Chevy knew it that's why they axed them.
I'll take 2 dozen bastards please, at least one of each color.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,789
Likes: 3
From: Jacksonville FL
A c5 collectible? Hell no they are a dime a dozen. I could maybe see a z06 in 20 or 30 years but even thats up in the air. If your gonna get a frc car then you are gonna get a z06. The frc is the bastard child of the c5 line up and Chevy knew it that's why they axed them.
Another thing that factors into this whole thread is whether we are talking about totally stock cars or modded. Once modded, it is a different thing altogehter. Not too many of us around here don't mod. If I have to choose between modding or preserving value to someday have a collectible/valuable C5... I will take the mods!!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,185
Likes: 641
From: Garland TX
Am I the only one who could careless if my Z06 becomes collectible? Regardless, if they do I'm sure it will be long after I'm dead and gone. My daughter can reap the benefits of any value it holds. She's going to make a killing either way since she will be getting it for free 99