BigTea

I currently don't have all the extra cash but will be in the market in 3-4 months. I'm looking to spend $9000 tops for a car that has been mostly restored. The last thing I'm concerned about is originality, I'd rather have reliability.

Wish list
-Color: Black or yellow, but can settle for anything other than white/silver. Paint does NOT have to be showroom condition, I'm fine with a small ding here or there
-Minimal rust: recently coated or painted frame/undercarriage would be a HUGE plus
-Powertrain: Engine and transmission must either be recently rebuilt or replaced with relatively new (less than ~20k miles on them)
-No autos! Extra bonus points if it comes with an unoriginal 5 speed
-Newer brakes (calipers, rotors, pads, lines, all that good stuff)
-Decent interior, doesn't have to be brand new but no torn seats please
-Newer suspension (bushings, control arms, bearings, etc)

I'm not looking for perfect condition, just something I can daily drive in the northeast. Please don't kill me. I understand that this is an older car and things will go wrong, but I'd like to minimize that as much as possible. And I don't want to ruin an all original/collecter by driving it so often. Would it be possible to find all/most of these things around this price point with a little patience?

Dose11

Anything is possible.

This car is for sale right now
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3s-...e-century.html

BigTea

I actually saw this one, but was concerned about it being the "deal of the century." I'm patient but not that patient! If I had all the money in hand I'd be awfully tempted to bite, but I'd still prefer 78-81 and not silver.

Thanks for the input though.

micks69

Thats OK its already met reserve on ebay. You will invest 5-10k in anything less but I guess you have to experience that to beleive it. There is also a nice 76 for 12k on here I beleive.

micks69

Heres one. No silver, 8k, 4 speed, 1980, 2" rear lift ?, member since Oct 2011.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3s-...-c3-t-top.html

vettebuyer6369

I think you can find a decent driver for that kind of money. Many Corvette people are unrealistic, but your general plan is not. The main thing is that you do not care about matching numbers, which you can turn dramatically in your favor when buying.

Burnt71

Where you located ? I can give you a sweet deal on yellow 82

BigTea

What is the purpose of a rear lift? It does look nice though!

Massachusetts. The reason I didn't want an 82 is because I was under the impression that auto was the only option that year, but obviously if you've replaced the transmission with a standard that would be fine. Any more info on this car?

That's good to hear, I'll definitely make a point of that to try and lower some prices. Unfortunately most people think they're sitting on a pile of gold and it's hard to convince them otherwise without offending them. I can't blame them though, I'd love to get the most I can for my current car when I sell it. Wish me luck!

Deandarien

I have my listing on eBay 1978 corvette stingray brown. Check it out and if you want to know more let me know. Thanks dean.

Deandarien

I have a listing on Chicago craigslist. 1978 Brown wih Doeskin interior. I'll try to get it listed here. thanks Dean

bunkle

contact me if you are still looking . I have an 81 completely stock except for the radio .has all ops but cruze control tons of pics .needs paint and a few other minor things to bring it back to it's orriginal glory

Griff3rd01

You can certainly get what you're looking for at $9k you just might have to make a bit of a trip to get it. I have a black '79 4 speed that I will be listing up here in the spring and I'm only asking 8k. PM me if you want some pics and more details, I plan on getting it out of storage in March or April.

Uncle Maddog

Looks like the reason that C3s are so low in price is that many sellers are asking way too little for their nice rides. Granted, when you need to sell, you will be willing to take quick cash instead of holding for a better offer. Unfortunately, that only drives the price down for all the rest of us who are trying to get the best money we can for all our efforts in bringing a nice one up to snuff. No offense! Thanks

3rd_Vette

Im really shocked to see the amount of C3's on the market here in the west.. Just a note... You mentioned you wanted an original "5" speed.. Well, unfortunately the "5th" gear in a C-3 is reverse.. (sorry, but I couldn't resist). Anyway, I have a few that I, scoping out this weekend. If I find something close to what you are looking for, ill chime back in..
Best of luck with your search..
I just sold a Beautiful 80 for$10k and my 79 4 speed for $5500.. The deals are out there!

AGVI

Actually, he wrote, 'an unoriginal 5 speed'.

3rd_Vette

My bad... Guess my eyes are getting worse since the last birthday..