Jasonb86

Though I'm knee-deep in fun restoring my '70, I came across a car for sale locally I thought was interesting - a well done '82 convertible conversion done on a 1972 convertible. The car is red on red and looks like it is in good condition with the original 1972 drivetrain (incl 4 speed) and everything else changed to look like an 82. The car has 1969 side pipes on it, which look great and would look even better on my 70! I was thinking about getting this car for my Dad as a retirement gift so he can cruise around to the Corvette shows with me. Do these conversions have any value for resale? I imagine the market is small for such a car, though it is good looking and unique. The seller is asking just under $9k for the car as is, and has done a lot of work to it -new suspension and trailing arms most recently.

Here's some photos:

F22

That's certainly an intriguing 'Vette, that's for sure! It'd be darn near one-of-a-kind, but yet, still Corvette-like. The price is good too IMHO. I like it!

jaxlt1

Looks good for under 9K. Not my cup of tea, but doesn't look bad at all.

Black & Tan

There may be a little resale appeal of the '82 look as a convertible, but probably more than offset by the deletion of chrome bumpers, etc. from a '72. It should be discounted from a '72 vert in like condition and also discounted from an '82 in like condition due to the 10-year older drive train, etc. It's one-of-a-kind, but not sure there's any value to it in this case.

Easy Mike

Not my cup of tea, but I admire good work. Nice job on this conversion.

esierra

Thats alot of car for the money, looks like its in Florida. Im interested any other info ?

Paul L

That's a nice car for $9,000 assuming the frame is fine. It is hard to see what is 1972 on it. I would guess it is the frame and running gear.

v2racing

You buy a car like this because you like it, not because of it's value. If it is in good shape and you like it, go for it. $9000 isn't bad for any decent convertible, Corvette or not. It's likely you can get them to come down in price too. Just check the car out really well so you don't end up with a money pit.

Alan 71

Hi Jason,
I agree that a person should buy a car like this one because they like it. Not because it presently has any value beyond what you pay for it. The price the buyer agrees to is the only thing that can determine it's actual value.
If it's solid rust wise, and runs well, it seems like it can be convertible fun for not too much money.
Regards,
Alan

Easy Mike

Trim tag.

Priya

Assuming the car is in reasonable condition its very low risk at $9000. I would think you should have little trouble selling it for what you paid down the road if you decide it isn't for you.

vettebuyer6369

I used to have an '81 conversion in the early 90s that I actually sold for pretty good money, but it had just been featured in Corvette Fever magazine. Like the others, I say you buy something like this because you like it and understand that resale could go either way.

I will say it looks nice and for <$9k it's not very much $ risked in the first place.

My personal opinion is that the attraction to these cars is the fact they were never made and the cool thing is the stock "appearance." That said, I think wrong year sidepipes hurts the look dramatically- it quickly turns it into a whatever-year custom instead of the convertible GM failed to make in '82. Again, JMO.

Priya

Remember, "She who snoozes loses.". If you're interested, check it out for integrity quickly and don't wait if you think its for you.

Jasonb86

I agree with the side pipes comment. They would be taken off and set aside to go on my car anyway. The car was apparently built for a lady back in the 80's who owned the '72 and liked the look of the 'newer' cars better. No hit/no rust according to the seller. Comes with some extra parts and is decent enough to use as a DD. Has 108k miles on it and it shows, but is a good driver as is. I'll talk it over with my dad tonight and see if it's something he's be interested in. Thanks for all the good comments so far. It is certainly an interesting car.

tailskid

Are you sure that isn't an 80 or 81 that's been made into a convertible? Those late years sure do make beautiful rag tops though!

theblackvette

Wow that car actually looks awesome!!!!!!!!!!

I say go in with an offer of $7500 bucks and see what happens!!!!!!!

That is totally a show stopper corvette. People will be asking about it.

Good luck!!!!!!!!

Paul L

Yes, I would verify VIN and trim tag to see what this car really is. Then verify if it can be registered. Then buy. I like it! I would.

theblackvette

Heck, this car can't be far from me. I am gonna find it and make an offer myself.



j/k

Billem

That was the story I got from the seller (broker?) in Daytona last Thanksgiving. Can't remember the price wanted but I think it was a little more than $9000, maybe $11,000 or so. It actually looked pretty good. Have a great weekend, Bill

Paul L

Last Thanksgiving?? And was not sold? Must be a story here....