emccomas

OK, here is the scenario..

Suppose someone has $45K to spend on a toy. The toy must be a C1
(1956 and up) or C2 Corvette. It has to be a nice driver car, basically needing nothing to hop in and drive.

Not a show car, not a numbers matching car, not a rare car, and automatic is preferred. Also, no black cars.

Now, given this information, what is the best bang for the buck?

Obviously a 63 coupe, or a 67 435 car is NOT an option.

Realistically, what decent driver car can be purchased for $45K. What is the best car for that kind of money?

And, there really is a point to this question, but for now it is theoretical.

Powershift

Gonna be tough to do, but I would probably look at a 64-65 car, base engine, coupe (or convertible). Obviously not restored, but well maintained.

Problem is, you might spend 1/3 of that $$$ flying or driving around chasing leads.

Larry

Frankie the Fink

A very nice '64 silver coupe was sold by a forum member on here for $47K a few months ago - I looked at it and nearly bought it but held out for a split window coupe.

It sold right after my inspection... Matching numbers, needed nothing -- started, idled, drove, stopped, turned and shifted perfectly. 300hp/4-spd.

C2Jeff

Too bad you want an automatic bc Conte's Corvette has a numbers matching '66 convertible with factory A/C, power steering and aluminum knockoff wheels. Very much a driver. Asking $47,900 but can be bought for $45K, I'm pretty certain. But, it's a 4-speed.
http://www.contes.com/en/for-sale/car/view/15/123

zeus337

Nothing!

Zoomin

Without question the best bang for the buck is a 64, and they are very cool cars.

65 Pro Vette

My son has a 66 blue cp original 300 hp with auto KO wheels and a never hit body, very nice car for 45K. original engine, wrong valve covers, perfect bird cage and frame. Old lacquer paint job but very nice.

emccomas

Please keep the suggestions coming. The 64 coupe low hp motor car doesn't surprise me. And a 300 hp powerglide car is a nice crusiing car.

Again, originality is not a criteria, but not a deal breaker either.

Also, manual trans is not a deal breaker, but I figured auto trans cars would be cheaper.

Haven't had anything about a C1s yet. Nothing decent in the $45K range?

emccomas

That is a good looking car.

62Jeff

Last Sunday a new forum member bought this 62 for $41k
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1586072486-post8.html

C2Jeff

It certainly is and the dealer has an excellent reputation for honesty and fairness. I almost bought this car but decided I wanted one with fresh paint and interior. Anyone who wants to see closeup detailed photos of the defects in the paint and chrome on this car, PM me and provide your email address as Conte's sent them to me at my request. I wasn't happy with it being a 10-footer so I decided to pass on it but it's a great car and a good value.

vettebuyer6369

Most mid 40's C1s are going to have a 350 and need paint or chrome or gauges or something else thats expensive. Parts on those cars can be surprisingly high. I spent a ton on door/windshield posts and '58 only gauges.

SledgeHammer 2.0

You can buy this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevrolet-Corvette-CONVERTABLE-CONVERTABLE-Manual-Coupe-/291036426961?forcerrptr=true&hash=item43c31f72d1&item=291036426961&pt=US_Cars_Trucks

856666

http://winstonsalem.craigslist.org/cto/4312445332.html

The hood needs work but it's meets your requirements

Phil

gbvette62

There are plenty of Mid-Years out there, for less than $50,000.

I did a pre-purchase inspection of the 66 at Contes, that C6Jeff posted the link for. It's a very nice driver quality car, and is numbers matching and has factory AC. There were a couple issues with the car, but Joe is supposed to be correcting them.

In less than 5 minutes, on Craigslist from Philadelphia and New York City, I found the following cars. There's a full mix here of coupes and convertibles, numbers matching and wrong engines, and stock and modified cars.

https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/4322624596.html

https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/4295717654.html

https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/4270134373.html

I think this car, belongs to a Forum member. Even if a car modified this much, isn't your taste, the pictures are fun to look at!

https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/4285253134.html

This car is a numbers matching, automatic.

https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/4289199245.html

http://newyork.craigslist.org/que/cto/4319313390.html

http://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/cto/4319297411.html

http://newyork.craigslist.org/stn/cto/4314440147.html

TPIC427

You can buy my 64 coupe and have 6k left over!

65 Pro Vette

As much as I like 63-64 there is nothing like factory side pipes and 4 wheel disk brakes.

Gman58

Well you could buy my 58 for less then 45k. There are quite a few spares as well. Greg

Vetteman Jack

I would agree that for a nice driver C2, the '64 would be the one most likely to be in that price range.

99mallett

I was thinking about selling my '64 vert this spring...haven't decided for sure, but it would be close to your price range.
Full nut & bolt resto in '03. 6K miles since resto. 327/365hp, 4 speed, 3.70 rear. Numbers match, engine was rebuilt and lightly detuned for street driving (slightly lower compression & hydraulic lifters) but still pushing about 330bhp. Red paint, white top, red interior. Only thing wrong is that the radio quit last summer and I haven't fixed it yet (probably loose ground). Drives great, wins local shows. I have too many cars/bikes & thinking of thinning the herd a little...
A few more pics in MY GARAGE.
PM if interested.