golf18

Need some input from experienced owners. I am considering a C2. Thinking of getting an auto but nervous it kills resale. The reason to consider an auto is a health issue I have that will get worse as I get older. I’m already 63 so see this as a pending issue, 5 yrs. I’ve had several 911’s in manual. Hills still make me nervous but I can get over that. My question am I being short sighted by going auto and hurting future resale?

65GGvert

If it hurts resale, it should mean you didn't pay as much up front, so a wash. It really doesn't matter whether you drive an automatic or 4 speed if you want to drive a C2. If it will make it more enjoyable to you, buy it and let the next person make the same choice you had to make. In general, you can find a nicer, less beat on, more optioned car for less money than a 4 speed. Get a C2 with power steering, power brakes, and automatic and cruise around worry free about the hills and valleys. Now you just have to decide on color, conv or coupe, side exh or under car, which wheels, which tires, which engine. If I were you, I'd find the nicest, smoothest running, best optioned automatic I could find and never look back.

Bluestripe67

Are you interested in a coupe or conv, year, engine size? Have you ever sat in or driven one? If your main concerns are aging and health, rethink this. These cars can be a handful in many ways. Comfort is not always used in the same sentence with midyear Vettes. Finding one with auto is difficult because few were built (don't have the number at hand) but they are out there and, ideally optioned with PS, PB at the same time to make driving easier. The basic frame and birdcage potential rust issues must be looked at for any Vette. They need to be driven often and maintenance is required. Sitting does nothing but invite trouble. If you buy smart, resale should not be a all consuming concern. Purchase a couple of books telling the C-2 story. I'm sure other CF members will share their thoughts. Dennis

rtruman

sold this one for 90,000 get the power guild they bringing good money .

Nowhere Man

if your worried about resell then don't ever buy a used car. one of the only reasons a auto values are low is because of the engine choices they came with beside 66-67 427 cars. if a auto will make you enjoy the car more then a manual. then who cares about resell value.

dahogan

with the above.

CorvetteMikeB

I agree with all the above assessments that you recommended. He could still get a 4 speed and do a transmission swam with a more modern 4L60E with automatic overdrive. If he is going for more than 450HP a 4L80E with automatic overdrive will also work. Fabrication of the transmission tunnel will be needed for both swamps. Two speed automatic transmissions Powerglides are not ideal for highway driving and many Corvette forum members have complained of constant transmission leakage problems.

Nowhere Man

Or you could have swapped in a 200R4 or 700R4 and not touch the body but only buy or fab up bolt on parts to convert over.

CorvetteMikeB

True, but you know the old saying GOOD, BETTER and BEST. Why settle for anything less.

MOXIE62

Just my opinion but I think the buying market consists of old farts like us, over 60 or 65. Which means an auto may sell easier then you think due to health conditions. I have a 4 speed and also left ankle arthritis. I was able to find a soft clutch that made shifting easier. I like the 4 speeds but would of purchased my 63 even if it had an auto.

Nowhere Man

good, better, and best of WHAT???? the 200R4 and 700R4 re both proven trans to go over hundreds of thousands of miles and so has the 4L80E. so what makes that best of the other two???? behind a STOCK engine that originally had a powerglide the 200R4 and 700R4 are both capable of handling them along with most other engines on the road today.

C2CorvetteBob

When I was younger I would have wanted a 4 speed, but I actually looked for a powerglide car with PS and PB and love it. In my opinion automatic cars are going to become mere desirable as we get older and have bad shoulders, knees, hips, etc... Just my opinion.

rtruman

Thanks Dennis good reply Wish I could of kept mine for a little longer just to meat you

R66

I wouldn't buy a 4 speed and convert it to a power glide because you will not feel like swapping it back if your health deteriorates. An original Powerglide car is not totally undesirable, especially to those that want a cruiser. With the correct rear gear, it will be a contender. A Powerglide was popular back in the 70s and 80s on the race track due to durability and speed.
Yes, they may bring less from the crowd that wants to brag about their L79 (or what ever) with a 4 speed, but are you buying it for teenage bragging rights or senior citizen enjoyment?
I love a 4 speed, but have had many power glides that performed well and were great cruisers. Buy right and enjoy it.

Randy G.

I specifically looked for a powerglide car and wanted a fully optioned car as well when I found and bought my 67. My '62 was also a powerglide car and I swapped a 700R4 into it and kept the powerglide for the future buyer. The guy who bought it last summer (doctor) was specifically looking for an auto trans C1. The new C7's are heavily tilted auto trans vs manual in sales. The only thing a manual trans is good for any more is as an anti theft device as more and more have no clue how to drive a car with one.

As always, your mileage may vary.

ghostrider20

I see the automatic trans cars bringing more money in the future as the age of interested owners increases.

SI67

I've owned my '67 with Powerglide for 34 years.

Get the car that YOU can enjoy. Don't worry about the next owner.

DansYellow66

I wouldn't worry about getting a PG. In the not so distant future they may start bringing a premium. The vast majority of young adults now have never driven a stick and few probably want to learn too. If you intend to drive the car for a decade or so, by the time you decide to sell it, you may find a larger market of buyers for a PG.

I bought a slightly used Mustang GT350 last year for a daily driver and it had sat on the lot for awhile because everyone who showed an interest in it wanted an automatic and turned it down when they found out it was a stick and that was the only way they came.

One advantage to a stick however is it is sort of a built-in anti-theft system as so many young, punk car thieves can't drive one off.

Tom/99

After owning my 65 powerglide 327, coupe, for 19 years, it's still not worth the $40,000 I have in it. A friend of mine sold his frame off restored 64 Powerglide 327, convertible, for $32,000. Both cars are factory air cars.
If I would have know then what I know now, I would not have bought a powerglide car.

65GGvert

What you and your friend value your cars at is not a true indication of their worth on the market. Junk is bringing 40K now. I sold a 68 Camaro with LS1 engine for $38K and didn't think it was worth more. A man called me a few months later who had bought the car and found my name on receipts. I ask him what he paid and he said "Lets just say more than $60K.