1970 vs 1972
12-31-2018, 06:32 PM
#1
1970 vs 1972
Hey Guys, new here but been a collector for years. I’d like to add a C3 to the collection. Currently looking at a 70 with a 350 and a 72 with a 454 ( oth 4 speeds) Both are numbers matching, excellent condition convertibles.
Questions...
1 How much more valuable is the 454 and what’s a reasonable entry point for each of these cars, again assuming excellent condition...
thanks
Questions...
1 How much more valuable is the 454 and what’s a reasonable entry point for each of these cars, again assuming excellent condition...
thanks
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jackson (01-01-2019)
12-31-2018, 06:49 PM
#2
Safety Car
There were 3 different 350ci engines available in 1970, which one are we talking about?
FWIW Corvette DNA lists the following:
Corvette DNA 4-Speed convertible
$33,000 base engine 1970
$30,500 454 1972
If the 1970 is a L46 bump the price $5000, if it's an LT-1 bump the price $15,000
Anyhoo... points to ponder, how's that for muddying the waters?
YMMV
FWIW Corvette DNA lists the following:
Corvette DNA 4-Speed convertible
$33,000 base engine 1970
$30,500 454 1972
If the 1970 is a L46 bump the price $5000, if it's an LT-1 bump the price $15,000
Anyhoo... points to ponder, how's that for muddying the waters?
YMMV
Last edited by Iceaxe; 12-31-2018 at 07:01 PM.
12-31-2018, 07:01 PM
#3
Le Mans Master
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All 1970 had markedly higher compression compared to 72 ... old cars with higher compression demand higher octane ... "good" gas is not always so available in 2019 ... that consideration has some value also
12-31-2018, 07:19 PM
#5
So I had them switched on my original message, sorry!
The 70 is the 454. I’m leaning towards the 70 but looks to be a 7500 premium over the 72 with the 350. Seem reasonable and in line with pricing?
The 70 is the 454. I’m leaning towards the 70 but looks to be a 7500 premium over the 72 with the 350. Seem reasonable and in line with pricing?
12-31-2018, 09:52 PM
#8
Team Owner
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St. Jude Donor '05
70 BB still more desirable imo LT1 was pretty watered down by 72...still a neat ride but-.
01-01-2019, 09:44 AM
#12
As for the shear collectibility factor between the 2, I'll leave that for the experts.
As it appears that what we're talking about is a base '72 350, the '70 BB would certainly get the nod.
Best of luck.
Last edited by seacliffe301; 01-01-2019 at 09:55 AM.
01-01-2019, 03:24 PM
#13
Race Director
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For me and i speak only for me i wouldnt own a c3 that wasnt bb, convertible and other things you didnt include that some only i like,
My first corvette was a 72 convertible bb 4 speed ac car i have a 69 now but wish i had the 72, as my 69 isnt there yet,
People like sbs the LT1 was a great mouse but just like many when i hear a chromie isnt a bb my crest falls, and for my personal car i would never be content its an OCD thing,
It makes no difference to me if the bb has less power than the sb,
In my case i would rather have my project 69 convertible nom bb car than any driver sb...period.
Im a modder but even as investment goes a bb 72 is gonna trump any base sb chromie of same condition,
People have a thing for bb corvettes.
01-01-2019, 04:24 PM
#14
Melting Slicks
not to hijack this thread but I just bought a 71BB, I use 93 octane, should I be putting any kind of fuel additives in?
01-01-2019, 04:44 PM
#15
Drifting
Having owned a ‘70 bb, a ‘72 bb, and a ‘72 LT-1 convertible, I sold them all except the LT-1 vert. Personally felt most comfortable and I enjoy the LT-1 way more than either of the big blocks.
but we’re probably getting way off track here.
To the OP: is this a choice between a ‘70 454 and a ‘72 350 base motor? Both cars are bone stock and “correct”? If so, here are my best estimates for price for each;
the ‘70 big block: $50-$55k. (I just sold my ‘72 big block perfect car (Coupe) for $43k). So that’s my frame of reference.
’72 base motor vert: $30-35k.
but we’re probably getting way off track here.
To the OP: is this a choice between a ‘70 454 and a ‘72 350 base motor? Both cars are bone stock and “correct”? If so, here are my best estimates for price for each;
the ‘70 big block: $50-$55k. (I just sold my ‘72 big block perfect car (Coupe) for $43k). So that’s my frame of reference.
’72 base motor vert: $30-35k.
Last edited by Tonio; 01-01-2019 at 04:48 PM.
01-01-2019, 05:32 PM
#16
Melting Slicks
the OP is a 70 350, and a 72 BB. don't know how this got reversed.
01-01-2019, 05:54 PM
#17
Le Mans Master
Because the OP reversed himself in post #5.
01-01-2019, 09:23 PM
#18
Instructor
A '70 BB Convertible 4 speed is relatively rare and highly desirable compared to most other '70-'72 C3's due to low production numbers (strike) and the higher output (compression) engines. Options, originality, and condition can cause one "matching numbers" car to be worth twice as much as another. Best to study up on what's worth what to understand what your money is getting you.
01-02-2019, 05:41 AM
#19
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Reversed years, 
From 68 to 72 a bb will always be more sought after and more valuble that a comparible sb, with the possible exception of the LT-1 being more less equal with a bb
So i guess if you are not OCD like i am about bb is a must and you dont feel like a sb is settling then you can save money and grab the sb car
From 68 to 72 a bb will always be more sought after and more valuble that a comparible sb, with the possible exception of the LT-1 being more less equal with a bb
So i guess if you are not OCD like i am about bb is a must and you dont feel like a sb is settling then you can save money and grab the sb car
01-02-2019, 10:25 AM
#20
Melting Slicks