Latviajoe

Hi,I am 71 years old and just retired I am just in the process of buying and importing. 1961 c1.I haven’t ,as yet done the deal as i was looking for advice as I have never owned a vette before.I have owned bel air ,Pontiac bonneville ,Chevy biscayne ,dodge kingsway and couple of f150 Lightning’s but this is a whole new ball game for me.The car in question Is a 61 with replacement l82 350 power plant Harrison rad and close couple 4 speed with added air con.soft top is tatty and no hard top.Asking $48k.What do you all think?I have then to import it and pay taxes .Any advice gratefully received as Cant get out to view with this pandemic

GTOguy

I think you should have the car inspected by a pro before the purchase if you can't get there yourself. Be advised that a '61 Corvette will feel like driving a tractor compared to the other GM cars you have owned. They are hard to get in and out of, have manual everything, and ride a bit harsh. You should for sure drive one before buying one.

old60c1

Sounds like a fun car but be advised that with "radical" upgrades like a 350 SBC, you may find lots of mystery work that will be difficult to absorb. It all depends on who, or what, shade tree mechanic performed the work. I would grill the seller to divulge the details of when and by whom, the mods were performed and, if possible, speak with the perpetrator. From where is this being imported and are you sure it will pass the import inspection?
Good luck, you have chosen a wonderful icon to fall in love with.
Phil

Latviajoe

thanks for that.only prob seems nobody feels safe with this virus going about.what do you think of price ? it was advertised at $57.5 k and i offered 46 ,he came back with 48.Really would like it ckecked out as spending most my retirement cash on it (against my wifes wishes lol) just know i cant get this price in uk ,chased a 62 in online auction last week in uk ,it sold for £51 k = $63k + 8% buyers premium.was a bit nicer but ?? $68k

old60c1

48 k is a great price.

Muttley

Regardless of what you may decide on this car, I would encourage you to contact the NCRS UK chapter. I was a member in the early 2000s when I lived over there, and it's a good group with a lot of knowledge. I think they will have a feel for value, and also be aware of cars available locally.

https://www.ncrsuk.com/

jimh_1962

You offered 46 and the seller offered 48 so I think you are there. 48 does not seem that unreasonable if it is in good condition. Its hard to say... Also, you should see about test driving it and seeing if you like it. It might be worth a trip to check it out first. The other option is find an appraiser who can check it out for you but that might mean more money...

Latviajoe

Hi Phil.i have wanted a corvette as long as i can remember i love the c1 and c2 but dont know enough about them.I virtually rebuilt a 56 belair years ago and pretty proficient with the f150 lightnings but this is something else.Im not even sure i will be able to get my old bones into it ,and the wife says i will look like a clown driving it.Nevertheless i will try to live my dream.It is located in Oaklahoma ,didnt know about import inspections ,is that when it gets to uk?or before it leaves usa?Just shows what i know lol.I am ok stripping down an engine and i used to spray firetrucks years ago so ok(ish)with paint jobs.so can make allowances for some faults just need to make that decision

Pop Chevy

Fair price but you NEED to have somebody check it over if you haven't seen it in person. Especially look at the frame. Where is the car now?

tgtexas02

Agree

Without revealing too much, if it is in the states there maybe a forum member that is close who has owned one and experienced all the issues of owning and maintaining these older corvettes...maybe they could check it out for you or hire a person that specializes in appraisals. Watch your emotions!

Dreaming60’s

You're a novice, as I was with my 1st 62 three years ago. I didn't drive it or have it inspected and got taken to the cleaners IMHO. Even had a repaired frame that was still bent. So much can be wrong that the inexperienced buyer will miss and it could make your purchase a nightmare instead of a dream fulfilled. Driving it is good, as you may or may not like the ride, but since you know little to nothing about vettes (like me 3 years ago), just driving it you can miss sooooooo many problems. There are tons of C-1's out there not selling. Dealers are asking way more than these cars are bringing and I see the same old car months or even years later unsold. I'm sure there is someone to inspect it for you. Even if you still buy it after an unfavorable inspection, you'll know what you bought and go in with your eyes wide open.

As Bill F told me: They're rude, crude, but beautiful cars.

PS: I'm having a ball with my 2nd car, so the right car is VERY important.

wib1961

Please, please LISTEN and HEED all this good advice. These are wonderful cars to own IF the car is sorted out right. If not the aggravation factor creeps in and the fun goes out. I personally have owned my '61 for 50 years and have been lucky enough to be a very happy owner. BUT owning an old car means occasionally having to fix or upgrade to suit your passion. Yes they are fun to have and do often impress other people, but if you buy without knowing what you are getting, this could lead to a major mistake, not to mention a major loss of money and fun time. Good luck

Latviajoe

Thanks for the advice.i have contacted a couple of appraisers who will check out car for a price.To be honest a concourse one is well out of my reach .i will be happy if the chassis is good and it runs ok i think i can handle most minor issues.I know it needs new soft top and would be a bonus if could locate a hard top.I will probably only take it out of the garage on sundays ,if its not raining,little ride round then back in the garage.Thats enough to put a smile on my face

Latviajoe

By the way your c1 looks amazing,I should be so lucky

elwood13

I see the car is Oklahoma. There may be some members who know a corvette inspector there. Make sure you’re inspector knows what to look for on that model. Good luck.

68hemi

With a screen name like yours I would guess you are a little bias. How can you state a value with the sketchy description of a NOM car with not even one picture? There are a lot of late C1s for sale right now in the high $30s up right now.

verle

LatviaJoe,

I am in Oklahoma and own a 57. I know lots of Corvette people here who would be willing to look at the car for you.
If you want to explore this send me an private message.

If it is not too far from me I can look at it.

And, no, I am not interested in buying a car. :-)

Robert61

There is a professional inspector that is a member here. If I were in a foreign country I know for certain it would be money well spent to have him advise you.

old60c1

Sounds like you're well qualified to take on this project. My post was just to bring up a few issues to which you may not have given much thought.
Good luck with your dream. BTW, I am also 71 and, after five years of looking, I finally bought my first Corvette, a 1960 C1 which I purchased, site unseen, and I simply love it. A dream come true. Don't let the negaroos discourage you.
Phil

old60c1

Sir, from a poster's byline you are able to determine the extent of his valuation expertise regarding old Corvettes? You are truly gifted.
Phil