emccomas

I have a 1956 Corvette project car, running and driving (street legal) but needs restoration.

It is getting harder and harder to work on it (old age).

I am thinking about trading it for a nice C5, which I prefer to the C6.

Is this a feasible idea? Trading makes more sense, tax wise, then selling and buying a C5.

Here is the 56 I am talking about...

Thoughts?

jrose7004

If you ever get rid of that car, you'll regret it forever!

James2002z06

I would agree with Rosé here .... Good god how much are you asking for the 56 ?

f6john

I am sure someone would love to get their hands on that 56. I'm sure it will take a boatload of money to finish the the 56 too. As much as I appreciate the C1 I wouldn't give up my FRC to own one. If the fire and drive to finish the 56 is gone you could do a lot worse than trading for a C5.

Leo23

While I love my C5, and admit it's a way better car to drive on a regular basis than 1st generation vette, that 56 is a once in a lifetime type of car. It does look like it needs lots of work, time, and money to be "finished", and if doing that is becoming difficult for you, a C5 would give you a great car you can drive and enjoy right now. But once that 56 is gone, you will never find another one. Tough decision, good luck with it.

roadbike56

Yes you could trade it provided you find the right person and you like their C5. I'm not into red, but those 56 Vettes in red with with white were beautiful cars. IMHO, much nicer than the 53-55 Vettes.

whitesmokels1

If I hadn't spent the last 3 years modding my C5, I would trade you in a heartbeat. You should be able to get a very nice C5 even C5Z for your 56. The question is, will you miss it down the road? There are plenty C5s out there but its hard to find a C1 and they are only going up in price.

CQRT

Do it.

You cansell outright, then buy a really nice C5 and put cash back in your pocket and enjoy the heck out of driving a Corvette again and going places you simply can't go with that one.

I'd suggest finishing a primer coat on that one and making it as presentable as possible . . . then go for the moon on price- there simply aren't that may of those cars still in one piece and someone will pay a strong buck for one that can get finished up as a show piece.

Just my .02 - - - been there.

fishbust

Trading is tough, not easy to find what you are looking for and the other person to also want to trade for that particular vehicle.

I would think just sell it and buy what you.
I am sure there are more people looking to buy a C1 than owners with C5's looking to trade into one. But you never know, offer it up for trade and also post everywhere for sale.

Maybe the new owner will send you pics of the finished C1 and you will get to enjoy driving a C5.

Good luck. :-)

calvins

As already pointed out; finding someone with a C5 that you like that would be willing to trade's gonna be tough.

Here's one tool to guestimate what yours would be worth if you take it to various condition levels

http://www.hagerty.com/valuationtool...ort?vc=1207009

PhysicsDude55

I would trade it. Its a shame to have to get rid of a C1, but if you don't think you'll finish it, you'll be much happier owning a C5 that will give you a lot of enjoyment right out of the box.

C5s are an absolute blast to drive, and more economical than most people think.

I say go for it! 20-25K will buy a top condition C5.

emccomas

As you all can tell, I am struggling with this.

I have always wanted a 57 Vette, never owned one. This is my third 56Vette, all three of them were / are project cars.

I wish this car wasn't so original, or so complete. I wouldn't feel bad about chopping it up then.

The "value" is somewhere between $25 and $30 K. I have a LOT of original parts with this car.

Vetteman Jack

I too think you would have an easier time selling the car yourself rather than trying to find someone with a C5 willing to trade for it. But you never know - and if you're not in a hurry, try the trade route first.

oh1vette

Take it to Barrett Jackson - you'll get a million for it!!!!

If it was I'd try to figure a way to pay someone to complete the resto if the works getting to much...


Good Luck...

stingraymyway

There are thousands of C5's out there. Get the '56 finished and keep it. There will be plenty of C5's to choose from.
Even in the condition your '56 is in, it's a beauty.

RetiredSFC 97

Yeash I would sell and then buy the C5. You might find someone with a C5 that would trade but it will be harder. I wish you luck

calvins

as for what you should do... the only person who can answer that question is who you see when you look in a mirror. What does your GUT tell you to do? Be realistic and honest with yourself on the rebuild and your desires.

What I'd do doesn't mean spit.

RMB97LS1

The best of luck in whatever you decide to do. That's would be a hard decision for most people.

arkus

DansVette

Wow, that would be hard to part with.

I know what you mean though about old age. It's so hard for me to not only physically get up and down, and under and out around cars, but I find it harder and harder to get mentally up for repairs and resto jobs.

I also notice that it will take me days to get things accomplished on a car, that used to take a few hours. These days, I would rather sit inside on the computer where it's warm, or drive a car that needs absolutely nothing.

Damn I wish I was 30 years old and had the money I have today. I can only imagine what I would get accomplished.