brassplyer

Found this on Ebay in the Sold items. Has 10,500 crossed out and "Best Offer Accepted", so assuming they got it for under 10k.

Highlights are that it's a '79 with a 454. Car's been through a frame-off with photo documentation with a built motor. Per the description there's still some things to be done to it, but it's a driver as is. Links to more extensive photos and a couple of videos within the listing.

Assuming it's exactly as stated, how good a buy do you see this as?

Just looking to calibrate my deal finder radar with input from people with experience buying Vettes.

1979 Chevrolet Corvette Frame Off 454 Big Block | eBay

bfit

Skid Row Joe

Considering that I sold my 1977 C3 for $9,300 ($200.00 less) than I paid for it new ($9,500) two years prior, that one sure hasn't kept up with 6X inflation in 40 years. Not a collectible C3.

The13Bats

All things considered if its as described it is a good deal if its what the buyer wants,
Since its not just what i want then no, its not a good deal...

Priya

The Lemans blue sure looks good on it.

vettebuyer6369

Easy Mike

No.

Possibly less than average. Other than the color, I would have had no interest in this car.

Skid Row Joe

Yup. Nobody wants the later C3s. Certainly not pay anything for them.

The13Bats

Its not that no one wants them its just they want them cheap, very cheap.
Take this threads car with everything done but make it a 68 to 72

Then ( beides noisy negativists saying its a runined, worthless resto mod ) increase the asking price to 15k and it will be sold within 24 hours if listed well.

But like i said before i wouldnt buy it if i had to keep it and leave it as is unless dirt cheap i dont do coupes or blue or newer than 73 now

LFOTremolo

Interesting--only Senior members of this forum have responded thus far and none are really interested in this car... I am definitely a Junior member, and have had my first Vette (a '77 with a swapped motor and some small custom stuff) for just a year, but that blue big block to me is a killer deal for someone who is capable of doing some wrenching that wants to get into their first C3. Looks like a lot of value for the sales price, and the outstanding stuff needed look to be some not-too-major weekend projects... I am a bit **** about the flat back window thing, but if I was still looking for that first C3 I think I could get over that pretty quick to drop 10.5K on this car. I vote thumbs up on this one!

Bronze85

I too am not a fan of the humpback C3s, but I can appreciate the drive train.

Jebbysan

I think it is worth more than the price of admission....but you have to like it.........I do....I think it would be a rip......but needs a better stance and a few other things I don't care for.....but know this, I would do this for 10k before a stock one for 10k..........

Jebby

The13Bats

"Senior" as in been here a long time, old cats or both

I have a somewhat askew view of some things, ive made car mistakes in my life,
For something to be "amazing" to me it has to really be.

Do this same resto mod build on a 68 to 73 convertible and offer it to me for 10k, sure ill then be amazed.

LFOTremolo

I've learned a ton from posts by the "Seniors" and much appreciate the knowledge passed on. Some members have been through multiple restorations and it's natural that the 68-73's wind up being their drug of choice... But 74-82's need loving too, and maybe aren't the coolest Vettes, but being Vettes are cool by default. I wouldn't mind going through a set of tires on that blue bb. But I would likely always back into any spot I parked (damn bubble window!).

dtamustang

i may be the odd man on this one , i think its a pretty good deal for a couple of reasons , it aint cheap to build a big block for one , and in my opinion only , the bubblebacks are much better looking cars than the 74-77 non convertibles , i have never cared for the "sugar scoop " look of the rear. that goes for the 68-73s as well. the interior of the later ones are a whole lot more creature friendly than the early ones .

The13Bats

You judged me incorrectly, i have zero against 74 to 82, my thing is convertible i dont like like either cove or bubble better,
priya is turning her 79 into a chrome bumper custom check out her build , stunning.
Convertible is a must and yes, people have turned 76 to 82s in rag tops but i really cant stand the stock 74 to 79 rear bumper and in fact when i was hunting in 09 i almost bought a 75 convertible, 80 front and rear bumpers, done very well, 502 with 5 speed and in many ways i wish i had it over my 69 but the seller had just too much ego to deal with an out of state sale in a professional manner so i passed, but what could have been a bigger unloved bastard of the c3 world?
So no i dont care about build date past what that year offered compared to a year that didnt offer it.
Im 54 and since 17 never not had a vette or two but i have always focused on what i like and want,
So yeah the thread car is a good deal "IF" you like it.

Sunstroked

dtamustang

my choice by far is convertible , the noses and tails on the rubber cars is something i don't care for either , but not all that hard to modify. i have zero against 74-79s and think they are probably one of the best deals in the "classic" or "collector" car market as far as bang for the buck goes . i just happen to like the look of a convertible or a hard top on a convertible better than the sugar scoop. i also happen to like the bubblebacks better than than the sugar scoops too. 80-82s are in a class by themselves , simply beautiful cars just as they rolled off the line , no mods necessary. the clincher for me on this particular car being a pretty good deal was the big block , there is a pretty good chunk of money and time just getting that done right

brassplyer

That's what struck me - an already built and installed 454 on an already refurbished chassis and it's a really nice color.

What would make it even better to me would be a 4 speed and A/C.

I know a lot of people like convertibles, I've never had a convertible of any model. I really like the lines on the T-top cars and with them off it at least seems like it's essentially the same thing as a convertible.

Sure I'd love to have a 68 - 72 BB Vette with 4-speed and A/C but I doubt you're going to find one that's in equivalent condition to the above-referenced Vette for any 10K.

The13Bats

Ive owned both, t tops off ( even with pop out rear window) are nothing like the open air feeling of a true convertible,
The hard top convertible c3 really is the best of both worlds
I like the hard top on look the best if one must have a top the slamt rear top glass just works for me.

My desire wasnt a show queen toy, but rather a driver.
My 69 will be except for paint compatible to the threads car
Frame off rebuild, aftermarket suspension, bb all up to par and at about 13k then adding 4 speed and ac ill be at about 14.5k
No. You won't likely find it for 10k or less in 68 to 72, but who knows, if one can do a coupe,
Thing is i simply will not settle for a coupe, my OCD and ADD wont allow it.