skatsuf

I have been looking for a C3 chrome bumper car and am wondering how much more a vert should cost than a comparable T-top?

capevettes

All things being equal the convertible is worth about 3 to five thousand more than the Coupe, give or take a couple of grand. I prefer the coupe. Less body flex and you can still enjoy open air motoring.

markdtn

Depends on options and SB/BB etc. $5k is a good ballpark number.

joewill

You have to think of the year also, in 68 they made almost twice as many verts than coupes, 69 was about 57/43 coupes, 70-71 was about a third verts, 72 was about a fourth verts, 75 was about 1/7th verts.. pretty rare... the book states about 20% more $$ for a convertible, but one should factor in the year and the options and take into account the rareness of the options...
for example, a convertible with air is probably more rare than a coupe with air and some people will pay more than 20% for that..

but given the exact same options and condition.. then figure 20% more for a convertible... at least 69-75..

Roughrider

As already said, all things being equal the vert will be several thousand more than a coupe, but rarely are all things equal so you have to take into consideration the differences between individual cars and what's needed to get them into the condition you want.

What do YOU want? Do you want a vert over a coupe or vice-versa? Decide on which you prefer and concentrate on looking for that or you may never be happy with what you buy. If you're looking for the best chrome bumper car you can find for what you're willing to spend, then convertible or coupe doesn't matter.

I have a '69 L71 convertible and had a '78 L82 coupe. The coupe was a much more civilized car to drive...the '69 is a beast. I'm 6'3" and as much as I enjoyed the coupe, I was quite cramped in it with the tops on and windows up. I have no such issues in the '69...even with the soft top up.

Things like that can help make your decision.

Alan 71

I never thought twice when I bought my coupe in 71, it was my only car and the coupe seemed more sensible.
But now I wish it were a convertible not because of the value but because the convertible gives you such a different driving experience than the coupe.
I guess the convertible just seems like more fun.
Regards,
Alan

early shark

I think the general consensus among the Corvette community for early C3 models is that the convertible model is slightly more valuable. I prefer the coupe model. I like the body lines better, particularly those sail panels, this style just has a wickedness appearance to it. I also really enjoy the combination that can be had with removeable roof panels, removeable rear window or any combination thereof with the side windows.

I would agree with capevettes remarks as well.

Paul L

Check here at Manheim Gold. For my 1974 it looks like a 40% difference in favour of the convertible.

http://www.manheimgold.com/car_lo.html

standup

Verts are priceless

crazywelder

Either way these are cool cars. But IMO you get the most enjoyment and fun from the vert. It would be hard for me to go back to a coupe.

Paul L

This may be sacrilege but I enjoyed driving the 1974 last year more than my 1967 coupe (2003-08).

Easy Mike

I have one of each. The convertible musses up your hair more. Gotta wear a hat.

Paul L

You need a Windjammer.

crazywelder

Or shorter hair.

Paul L

Mike may be one of the lucky ones who still has hair .

crazywelder

Yeah, maybe. My first Vette and last Vette, drop tops the best way to fly.

vettebuyer6369

Not much debate that the convertibles have a significant value bump over the coupes... every bit of $5-7k+ in the occasion of the bumper cars.

However, do not underestimate the difference in the ability to SELL a roadster as opposed to a coupe, even in the bumper cars. Ive seen pretty nice chrome bumper coupes for sale just go nowhere, even reasonably priced. This is not usually the case with the convertibles.

Just get away from saying "vert" and you are all set. (J/K)

Paul L

Or "roadster." I had a 1962 MGA MKII-1600 that was truly one.

vettebuyer6369

True.

But at least Corvette convertibles have been called "roadsters" within the hobby at least since the early 70's, technically incorrect or not. "Vert" is the epitome of "newbie."

People say say whatever they like.

Paul L

OK, I give up the Old Farts' side. Knurled screw-on ***** doing up the side-curtains (plastic windows) on a real roadster.