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At some point (hopefully by mid summer) my girl friend and I are looking to buy a C3 with the following spcs:
1. Convertible
2. Automatic
3. 350 preferred (but open to options)
4. Anything but black exterior (already have one of those)
5. Other options such as PS/PW/PB/Tilt (doesn't really matter)
6. Years 69-75 (I am thinking budget wise the 73-75 may be the better choices)
Bottom line is I am looking for a solid and reliable driver that can be driven daily if need be. It does not need need to be heavily optioned. Possibly taken on few hour trips. I don't mind fixing small things which I am sure there will be, but I am not looking for a full blown restoration/major mechanical issues car.
Budget is 30K.
Would we be able to find something nice and reliable within the budget above?
Also I have been looking at Classic Car Dealerships as well as private sellers. What the advantage of one over the other?
You can do this. A private sale will be your best friend, but absolutely have it inspected by someone in the know. Many issues can lurk under the lipstick that can turn a gem into a pig...come to think of that, this advice applies to many situations.
You can do this. A private sale will be your best friend, but absolutely have it inspected by someone in the know. Many issues can lurk under the lipstick that can turn a gem into a pig...come to think of that, this advice applies to many situations.
Point well taken...
Have been doing a lot of research on what to look for as far as problem areas. Even talked to a local guy who is restoring his own.
IMO,
Agree and for less too depending on what you want. Study much and choose carefully. Not that I was smart enough to do this, but....try to look at say a half dozen Vettes before you buy. Lots of posts here on advice; big block vrs small block, early chrome bumper vrs later more modern C3's, want an expensive museum car or a Sunday cruiser or driver quality where you do not have to worry about a paint chip too much on the highway? DIY maintenance or pay mechanic? Half the fun is looking, so be willing to make a few road trips to check out some.
And check Haggerty, completed ebay sales, Corvette DNA, and Mecum to get a sense of fair market values. Good luck and wishing you super fun!
A 30k Automatic vert should be pretty much in the wrapper for that money......you should be able to find a car that needs absolutely nothing for that.
Dealers are overpriced.....usually 20-30% higher than the market.
IMO,
Agree and for less too depending on what you want. Study much and choose carefully. Not that I was smart enough to do this, but....try to look at say a half dozen Vettes before you buy. Lots of posts here on advice; big block vrs small block, early chrome bumper vrs later more modern C3's, want an expensive museum car or a Sunday cruiser or driver quality where you do not have to worry about a paint chip too much on the highway? DIY maintenance or pay mechanic? Half the fun is looking, so be willing to make a few road trips to check out some.
And check Haggerty, completed ebay sales, Corvette DNA, and Mecum to get a sense of fair market values. Good luck and wishing you super fun!
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
If the Rhode Island housing market is anything like Massachesuetts your condo should sell pretty fast. For $30K I would look for a nice chrome bumper car that gets driven a lot. If its just a garage queen it could have issues just from the sit. You want something that gets out on the road often. I would push for a big block but a small block would be better for fuel mileage and cabin heat, but dont rule out a big block car since its not going to be a primary car. Good luck
Are you open to a 4 speed? I'll have a really nice convertible for sale this spring/summer. I'll be asking $26k.
1975 Corvette Convertible. I’ve owned it for 20 years. Unrestored, very nice, well maintained from new, reliable condition. 24,500 miles. 350/330 hp GMPP crate engine (numbers match engine avail), 4 speed manual transmission. P/steering, P/windows, original Delco Am-Fm Stereo, manual brakes. Original interior in excellent condition. Woodgrain aftermarket steering wheel installed last summer, original GM steering wheel included. Mostly original paint, some touch has been required to maintain. Bonding strips visible like when new. Some paint cracks. Very presentable and still receives cruise night awards. O-ring calipers installed @ 18k, Brake rotors have never been removed, original suspension still tight (new shocks @17k). New front/rear fiberglass bumpers installed 2005 (paint blended into original paint). 1980 rear bumper with 1973 exhaust routed through it. Convertible top in good condition with 1 small tear 1” long on the side. Rear window like new. New top weatherstrips in 2004. New battery in 2020. Installed new radiator, clutch and other maintenance items during engine swap at 17k.
Last edited by crazywelder; 03-06-2021 at 11:46 AM.
Also I have been looking at Classic Car Dealerships as well as private sellers. What the advantage of one over the other?
I would much prefer a private sale. Dealers don't know anything about the cars they sell. And by "knowing" I am talking about the work done in the past, the characteristics of this particular car, where the current owner got it, how long they've had it, and what they've done to it. I believe private owners are more likely to ensure all of the accumulated parts in the garage go away with the car - and maybe contact you later to send that original key they found in the desk. For many Corvette owners, this is their baby, they care about where it's going, and want to make sure the car will be taken care of --- or maybe I'm just projecting.
03-05-2021, 01:01 PM
With a budget of....
