Finally ! in position for my first Vette
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 207
Likes: 31
From: Fishers Indiana
Finally ! in position for my first Vette
So i'm finally in a position to be able to purchase my first (c3) Corvette at 48 years of age. My kids are almost out of house and i'm ready to do this for myself..
Have my heart set on a 68 to 75 Vert in driver quality.
Don't care about original parts so much as 'bang for the buck' with respect to mechanically sound and paint/interior condition.
i've been reading posts here in the For sale forum as well as Craigslist and Autotrader Classic looking for something that speaks to me.
A question though - I am getting the sense that a good quality driver runs anywhere from say $18k for something closer to 75 all the way up to $37k for something closer to 68. Am I in the right ballpark there ? Trying to dial my budget in...
One other last question - i saw a nice (for me) color combo in a 75 vert of black paint with oxblood interior. was that an original option ?
car is here https://classics.autotrader.com/clas...ette/100735600
Have my heart set on a 68 to 75 Vert in driver quality.
Don't care about original parts so much as 'bang for the buck' with respect to mechanically sound and paint/interior condition.
i've been reading posts here in the For sale forum as well as Craigslist and Autotrader Classic looking for something that speaks to me.
A question though - I am getting the sense that a good quality driver runs anywhere from say $18k for something closer to 75 all the way up to $37k for something closer to 68. Am I in the right ballpark there ? Trying to dial my budget in...
One other last question - i saw a nice (for me) color combo in a 75 vert of black paint with oxblood interior. was that an original option ?
car is here https://classics.autotrader.com/clas...ette/100735600
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,387
Likes: 123
From: CA.
hi and welcome, i have not posted on here in a long time since i sold my 72 about 5 years ago but i read the for sale section every day. im also looking for a vette for the last 2 years but im pretty picky, anyway 75s did not come in black exterior but that 75 looks really nice in pics. price doesnt seem bad either. make sure you check the birdcage and frame really good. as we all know fiberglass dont rust but the rest does,lol. good luck, Nutsy
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
The biggest bag over the head, punch in the face one can get with the c3's is finding our dream car and it looks super and closer inspection shows all kinds of hidden rust...there is a sticky thread on buying a c3 that shows some really horrible examples of rust.
the other thing is from 68-82 the c3 changed a lot it's heart and soul still might be a beast but as they moved forward they got more and more refined,
A 68-72 or a 73 then 74-75 are very different creatures and looks,
I was like you in a way I had to have a convertible this time, most all my vettes have been, but I was on a far smaller budget than you have,
Take a good look at say a 69 convertible and then a 75 convertible I can almost bet one style will look better to you,
For me I didn't care I knew I was going to mod my car into what I wanted...my 69 looked like a 73 when I got it and hiding rust has caused a near full restoration....
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 4,705
Likes: 983
From: Orlando FL
Last edited by oldgto; May 8, 2016 at 06:39 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 207
Likes: 31
From: Fishers Indiana
You guys are a welcoming bunch! thanks for the replies 
on the 6 cylinder mention in the online posting...I noticed that too.. emailed the owner to clarify ...
Am also looking for feedback to my two original questions -
1) is my budget i mentioned seem appropriate for what i'm looking at
2) someone already clarified that black wasn't a standard color offering in the 75. Is what the owner calling "oxblood" interior the same as "dark red" ?
on the 6 cylinder mention in the online posting...I noticed that too.. emailed the owner to clarify ...
Am also looking for feedback to my two original questions -
1) is my budget i mentioned seem appropriate for what i'm looking at
2) someone already clarified that black wasn't a standard color offering in the 75. Is what the owner calling "oxblood" interior the same as "dark red" ?
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,857
Likes: 332
From: Cartersville GA
Go look at every Vette within driving distance even if you know you are not interested....Take lots of pics and try to learn what to look for when it comes to rust issues. Post the pics here and ask for advice. Enjoy the hunt it may take awhile.
Good luck...
Brian
Good luck...
Brian
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,106
Likes: 168
2018 C2 of Year Finalist
That is a pretty nice looking '75. The interior looks like the dark red from that year. Make sure whatever you buy is solid. Check the frame, body mounts, radiator support and birdcage. If you are looking for a base car the 74/75 can usually be bought in the mid to upper teens with the '73 slightly more. 68-72 cars will usually be mid 20's to low 30's. Expect to pay more for a four speed. These are ballpark driver prices. Selling price is usually not asking price. Good luck.
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,597
Likes: 7,046
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
A perfect driver would be great, but...............It's better to buy one with suspension problems or paint problems than to buy one with RUST problems!
Racer
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 468
Likes: 20
From: Warrenton VA
Always good to read the advice above. One thing I've noticed is that the pics you see on your computer don't always translate in person, no matter how flawless they seem to be. Went to look at a '65 coupe and the pics were great! Body lines were great. Everything under the hood looked clean and correct. Went to look at the car in person...drove the car down the street only to find the car pulled to the left during acceleration and breaking, the paint had tape marks in places you'd never see until you walked up on it, and after the test drive the motor started tapping (had just been rebuilt).
Moral of the story, please figure out how much money you'd like to spend. Go look at the car and test drive it. Take someone knowledgeable with you, if need be. And be prepared to spend a little more after the purchase...for all the unknowns. Have fun and good luck!
Moral of the story, please figure out how much money you'd like to spend. Go look at the car and test drive it. Take someone knowledgeable with you, if need be. And be prepared to spend a little more after the purchase...for all the unknowns. Have fun and good luck!
Pro
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 607
Likes: 122
If I was getting another car, I would look hard and long at this one.
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/esd/cto/5560027759.html
Don't know the guy, but man is that worth a look.
Actually looking at it, the console decal says 390 hp 427, but it should be higher if thats a true tri power.
If you get it, you owe me a beer!
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/esd/cto/5560027759.html
Don't know the guy, but man is that worth a look.
Actually looking at it, the console decal says 390 hp 427, but it should be higher if thats a true tri power.
If you get it, you owe me a beer!
Last edited by Lobzila; May 9, 2016 at 02:45 AM.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,212
Likes: 9,352
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
Oh my god!!!! I would have gotten that over my 68 verte. WOW!
Back to your question. What part of the country are you looking in? What is your max budget?
Coupes are generally cheaper. The market is kinda full in my area on CL so the prices have come down alittle compared to a month ago. I just searched again and theres a good selection on vertes here now.
http://boston.craigslist.org/search/...auto_year=1975
Theres a good selection here on the forum.
This one in vermont is really nice. Its listed here
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...rtible-vt.html
I would have bought this if I had the cash over mine
Back to your question. What part of the country are you looking in? What is your max budget?
Coupes are generally cheaper. The market is kinda full in my area on CL so the prices have come down alittle compared to a month ago. I just searched again and theres a good selection on vertes here now.
http://boston.craigslist.org/search/...auto_year=1975
Theres a good selection here on the forum.
This one in vermont is really nice. Its listed here
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...rtible-vt.html
I would have bought this if I had the cash over mine
Last edited by Rescue Rogers; May 9, 2016 at 10:26 AM.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,212
Likes: 9,352
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
New post cause I keep editting my other
This one has a pic of the birdcage body mount. You dont usually see those pics on craigslist. It maybe from this car or someone elses. But it is a goood example of a nice mount.
http://hartford.craigslist.org/cto/5571067392.html
And its a great price if it checks out too
Editing again
You want to check door gaps as well on vertes as it could be an indication of the rear framecondition, body sag or just bad door alignment
This one has a pic of the birdcage body mount. You dont usually see those pics on craigslist. It maybe from this car or someone elses. But it is a goood example of a nice mount.
http://hartford.craigslist.org/cto/5571067392.html
And its a great price if it checks out too
Editing again
You want to check door gaps as well on vertes as it could be an indication of the rear framecondition, body sag or just bad door alignment
Last edited by Rescue Rogers; May 9, 2016 at 10:43 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 207
Likes: 31
From: Fishers Indiana
I'm in Central Indiana. I am most comfortable at or under $20K but would go higher for a great value.
So this raises an interesting point - say the San Diego listing that was shared...are there forum members who regularly makes themselves available (for a fee of course) to "scout" out vehicles for others ?
If so - is there a protocol for asking/reaching out ?
So this raises an interesting point - say the San Diego listing that was shared...are there forum members who regularly makes themselves available (for a fee of course) to "scout" out vehicles for others ?
If so - is there a protocol for asking/reaching out ?
Pro
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 607
Likes: 122
I'm in Central Indiana. I am most comfortable at or under $20K but would go higher for a great value.
So this raises an interesting point - say the San Diego listing that was shared...are there forum members who regularly makes themselves available (for a fee of course) to "scout" out vehicles for others ?
If so - is there a protocol for asking/reaching out ?
So this raises an interesting point - say the San Diego listing that was shared...are there forum members who regularly makes themselves available (for a fee of course) to "scout" out vehicles for others ?
If so - is there a protocol for asking/reaching out ?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 207
Likes: 31
From: Fishers Indiana
sent you a private mail...
Where that car is at is very close to where I live. I could go look at it, but I am not a professional by any means. I have done a frame off restoration and know what to look for in the way of major issues, but what is acceptable to me may not be acceptable to you. I think your best bet is see it in person, or hire an appraisal service. I would look at it just to kick its tires and talk to the owner though and give you my opinion of it.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 32
Likes: 3
So i'm finally in a position to be able to purchase my first (c3) Corvette at 48 years of age. My kids are almost out of house and i'm ready to do this for myself..
Have my heart set on a 68 to 75 Vert in driver quality.
Don't care about original parts so much as 'bang for the buck' with respect to mechanically sound and paint/interior condition.
i've been reading posts here in the For sale forum as well as Craigslist and Autotrader Classic looking for something that speaks to me.
A question though - I am getting the sense that a good quality driver runs anywhere from say $18k for something closer to 75 all the way up to $37k for something closer to 68. Am I in the right ballpark there ? Trying to dial my budget in...
One other last question - i saw a nice (for me) color combo in a 75 vert of black paint with oxblood interior. was that an original option ?
car is here https://classics.autotrader.com/clas...ette/100735600
Have my heart set on a 68 to 75 Vert in driver quality.
Don't care about original parts so much as 'bang for the buck' with respect to mechanically sound and paint/interior condition.
i've been reading posts here in the For sale forum as well as Craigslist and Autotrader Classic looking for something that speaks to me.
A question though - I am getting the sense that a good quality driver runs anywhere from say $18k for something closer to 75 all the way up to $37k for something closer to 68. Am I in the right ballpark there ? Trying to dial my budget in...
One other last question - i saw a nice (for me) color combo in a 75 vert of black paint with oxblood interior. was that an original option ?
car is here https://classics.autotrader.com/clas...ette/100735600