Market value of mint 99 FRC
#21
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Glossing over the fact that there were only 1034 Nassau Blue cars produced in 1999 across the three models, 202 of which were FRC's. This is a rare car, and ever more rare in that is has a HUD. Expensive? Certainly. Worth it? To the right buyer, absolutely. FRC's are adored among the enthusiast part of the community, and Nassau Blue is one of the most sought after colors for the C5.
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#22
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Since only 202 Nassau Blue 1999 FRC's were ever produced and that there is one available with only 4K miles it is very unlikely that there is a better one available or another NB FRC that is even close to the condition and mileage of this one. This is not the car to buy to daily drive or modify because it will lose a lot of its current value pretty quickly. I think that the selling price will depend on how badly someone wants this specific car. If I was the seller I would wait for the right buyer and not budge on that price. That said, I would not be the buyer.
When I purchased my first C5 it was between a 1998 Silver Convertible with 29K miles and a 1999 Nassau Blue FRC with 20K miles both in excellent condition with clean titles. This was back in 2002 and they were both in the mid $20K's then. I bought the Silver Convertible with Black Top but would have really liked to have a NB Convertible with Black Top. Tough to find one even back then.
When I purchased my first C5 it was between a 1998 Silver Convertible with 29K miles and a 1999 Nassau Blue FRC with 20K miles both in excellent condition with clean titles. This was back in 2002 and they were both in the mid $20K's then. I bought the Silver Convertible with Black Top but would have really liked to have a NB Convertible with Black Top. Tough to find one even back then.
Last edited by Mike98SilVert; 01-19-2022 at 10:05 PM.
#23
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Thanks for all the replies, I appreciate the feedback. The car market (new, used, collector) due to covid is completely distorted and likely not to change anytime soon. As was mentioned finding an FRC in this condition, with the ultra low miles and the sought after Nassau blue will add a nice premium to this car. I still don't think the seller will get 36K, but you never know. I could definitely see "around" 30K. Just to put things into perspective, that buys you a loaded Honda Civic today.
All the new cars are getting bigger, heavier, complicated, over burdened with tech and much more expensive. The FRC hits a lot of strong points that I really like. Small, light weight, relatively simple, limited tech, manual trans, etc. Enthusiasts are really going after a lot of these cars from that era. These are the last analog, driver's cars you'll likely ever get. I'll be keeping my eye on this car to see where it ends up.
All the new cars are getting bigger, heavier, complicated, over burdened with tech and much more expensive. The FRC hits a lot of strong points that I really like. Small, light weight, relatively simple, limited tech, manual trans, etc. Enthusiasts are really going after a lot of these cars from that era. These are the last analog, driver's cars you'll likely ever get. I'll be keeping my eye on this car to see where it ends up.
#24
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It's funny you clal them "analog." I remember contemporary reviews comparing the c5 to cars like the Porche, and saying in comparison that the c5 was loaded with high-tech "wizardry" like active handling, suspension, had the first ever digital gas pedal (common now) (though I admit I'm not sure if the FRC came with active handling/ suspension) The c5 is more "digital" than you think.
#25
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
It's funny you clal them "analog." I remember contemporary reviews comparing the c5 to cars like the Porche, and saying in comparison that the c5 was loaded with high-tech "wizardry" like active handling, suspension, had the first ever digital gas pedal (common now) (though I admit I'm not sure if the FRC came with active handling/ suspension) The c5 is more "digital" than you think.
#27
I hear you there!!! I'll let future C8 restorers worry about sourcing some of those electronic "nannies" when they need the parts!!!
#28
Melting Slicks
It's funny you clal them "analog." I remember contemporary reviews comparing the c5 to cars like the Porche, and saying in comparison that the c5 was loaded with high-tech "wizardry" like active handling, suspension, had the first ever digital gas pedal (common now) (though I admit I'm not sure if the FRC came with active handling/ suspension) The c5 is more "digital" than you think.
#29
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The enthusiasm for the C5 reminds of the same for the Chev tri-five coupes, when I started buying cars in the late 60’s. They were plentiful, cheap compared to a new car, and considered very cool over a decade later than manufacture.
I look at C5’s from that same perspective: still very cool, plentiful, and affordable. I bought my fully loaded m6 mint condition 2004 coupe with 26k miles a year ago for $18k. That’s hobby money. Still, there comes a point they are no longer reasonable, and I hope that isn’t already happening.
I look at C5’s from that same perspective: still very cool, plentiful, and affordable. I bought my fully loaded m6 mint condition 2004 coupe with 26k miles a year ago for $18k. That’s hobby money. Still, there comes a point they are no longer reasonable, and I hope that isn’t already happening.
#30
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Absolutely no way I would pay $36K for a '99 C5 FRC even with 4K miles, but today's market is absolutely insane.
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My Vette Life (01-21-2022)
#31
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Many models and colors are rare because of demand. Few WANTED TO BUY THEM and they are not collectable. This vehicle was a poor investment for the original owner will likely be the same for the next owner at that price.
#32
Safety Car
I don't even want to say a price value "yet" Anyways that's a dealer price and not street prices and that makes a difference.
Even though I can make money with todays used car prices I can't even justify on selling my C5. I would rather trade it for 1 specific guitar or even a few instead of money.
Even though I can make money with todays used car prices I can't even justify on selling my C5. I would rather trade it for 1 specific guitar or even a few instead of money.
#33
Safety Car
Corvette is far behind on the used price inflation. I see people selling POS trash trucks for 20k+ and even old 80's POS square body trucks with a POS junkyard 4.8/5.3 and being pasted off as an LS1 for 30k+ with everything else being all stock.
I found it super funny when someone selling a 70 C10 for 80k with an LS1 and claimed it had custom interior. But in fact the only interior on those truck are 2 door panel and a bench seat which was just covered.
#34
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
All good points. Keep them coming. Was buying the 99 FRC and only driving it 4K miles in 23 years a bad investment? If that's all you were concerned about, the answer is yes. I'm sure savvy investors have the vast majority of their money in stocks or RE. Cars like this make up a small portion of their net worth and are play toys and garage eye candy. I think this car will likely end up with a collector. Paying around 30K for a "rare", mint, low mileage, unmolested corvette isn't the end of the world.
I haven't seen an FRC on the road in ages, maybe close to 15-20 years. I would consider that a rare car. They built a little over 6000 of these cars in 99 and 00. Only 391 were Nassau Blue. I am very curious where this car ends up.
I haven't seen an FRC on the road in ages, maybe close to 15-20 years. I would consider that a rare car. They built a little over 6000 of these cars in 99 and 00. Only 391 were Nassau Blue. I am very curious where this car ends up.
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Mirek (01-24-2022)
#35
Safety Car
All good points. Keep them coming. Was buying the 99 FRC and only driving it 4K miles in 23 years a bad investment? If that's all you were concerned about, the answer is yes. I'm sure savvy investors have the vast majority of their money in stocks or RE. Cars like this make up a small portion of their net worth and are play toys and garage eye candy. I think this car will likely end up with a collector. Paying around 30K for a "rare", mint, low mileage, unmolested corvette isn't the end of the world.
I haven't seen an FRC on the road in ages, maybe close to 15-20 years. I would consider that a rare car. They built a little over 6000 of these cars in 99 and 00. Only 391 were Nassau Blue. I am very curious where this car ends up.
I haven't seen an FRC on the road in ages, maybe close to 15-20 years. I would consider that a rare car. They built a little over 6000 of these cars in 99 and 00. Only 391 were Nassau Blue. I am very curious where this car ends up.
Is a car that has been driven with over 120k miles better or worse than one that has been sitting for X amount of years with 4k miles?
#37
Melting Slicks
And to add a little piece to the pile in favor of the price....
You can never pay too much for some cars...you may have just bought it a bit early.
These cars are rare and interesting Corvettes....for a collector they are very difficult to find in any color. Collectors are not buying to flip by the way, they are buying to hold. Not getting a car you WANT is a very hard pill to swallow and if you have the money in hand is kinda silly to let it go. I;ve bought a few lesser things by overpaying and ultimately I am not sorry I did it. Things are scarce sometimes. As the value of money adjusts to inflation, get used to larger "numbers" being paid for cars that are special...
You can never pay too much for some cars...you may have just bought it a bit early.
These cars are rare and interesting Corvettes....for a collector they are very difficult to find in any color. Collectors are not buying to flip by the way, they are buying to hold. Not getting a car you WANT is a very hard pill to swallow and if you have the money in hand is kinda silly to let it go. I;ve bought a few lesser things by overpaying and ultimately I am not sorry I did it. Things are scarce sometimes. As the value of money adjusts to inflation, get used to larger "numbers" being paid for cars that are special...
#38
Melting Slicks
Glossing over the fact that there were only 1034 Nassau Blue cars produced in 1999 across the three models, 202 of which were FRC's. This is a rare car, and ever more rare in that is has a HUD. Expensive? Certainly. Worth it? To the right buyer, absolutely. FRC's are adored among the enthusiast part of the community, and Nassau Blue is one of the most sought after colors for the C5.
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Mirek (01-25-2022)
#39
Burning Brakes
I racked my brain about another model to drop potentially my drivetrain into. The FRC is just so clean, mean and light !
#40
Pro
I paid $18k for my 2000 Nassau Blue Coupe in 2016 from the original owner with 4,574 miles on it - I've driven it sparingly in good weather and it now has 9,700 miles. Never have I had any issues with the car - but it's hardly a daily driver and I did replace the wheels/tires (upgraded to polished Y2K's and new tires), belts, fluids, etc. I also have a 71 340 Duster that shares drive time with the C5 in nice weather - my mind was blown when a similar car to mine went off at $71,000 in Kissimmee - the world has gone nuts. As far as this guy asking $36k for his FRC? Good for him, I hope he get's it....
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Mirek (01-25-2022)