Inspecting a '67 Corvette Convertible

[Oliver S.]

Hello,

I live in Germany and I'm going to inspect a '67 Corvette Convertible (with L 79, Sidepipes, power breaks and steering, Rally Wheels) here on Saturday.
I talked to the owner on the phone about the car. He said that it came 1991 to Germany from San Fransisco. It had received a partial restauration including a paint job in the USA (no documentation available about that). He maintains the mechanics by himself. According to him the car is # match (there's a reference in the Corvette Restaurers Guide Vol.2 to the VIN and engine code) beside a non original radio. Now to my questions:
1. The car seems to have a crack in the frontal area which, according to the owner, isn't that uncommon for Vettes. I know that this can be true but I don't know in which frontal area exactly cracks are normal and what appearance these cracks have (on contrary to cracks due to accidents).
2. The owner demands € 46000 = $ 48000. Would this be a realistic price in the US (in Germany the prices are lower although you have to pay 26% tax and toll if you import a Vette from the US)?
Thanks in advance.

Regards
Oliver Schoenhaar, # 33229
Germany

[John Thomas]

Re: Inspecting a '67 Corvette Convertible

I own a 67 coupe. Bought it new in 67. It has never cracked anywhere.

[Tom Merkel]

Re: Inspecting a '67 Corvette Convertible

Ollie - Also bought '67 new and it ain't cracked anywhere.

Tom

[Mike Yager]

Re: Inspecting a '67 Corvette Convertible

Based on the condition you have described, I would say the price would be $10K to $15K less here in the US. Factor in the taxes, etc. that you describe and you begin to get close to $48K. I am assuming the import taxes were paid by him and that you do not have to pay them again.

You may want to check out this price calculator for guidance:

http://www.corvettemagazine.com/cgi-bin/calculator.asp

[Jack H.]

Consider a 'local' expert opinion on the subject!

NCRS has an active chapter across the channel in the UK. Their judging chairman, Tom Falconer, is an author of various books on Corvette + he runs a shop south/west of London (Claremont) where parts are for sale, used Corvettes are available, general repair/maintenance is done, and full turn-key restoration services are offered.

Why not do a couple of things:

(1) Consider joining the UK chapter just to build a 'nest' of European Corvettte-savvy friends to help you with the 'care and feeding' issues associated with your intended purchase.

(2) Consider contacting Tom to see if you can use him in the capacity of pre-sale buyer's agent to assist you in assessing the condition and economics of your purchase.

On issue #1, contact Chris Sale, UK Membership Chairman (cjsale@dialpipex.com)

On issue #2, contact Tom Falconer, UK Judging Chairman (ClaremontC@aol.com) or phone 01634-244-444 (and tell him 'Uncle Jack' from the States referred you).

[Joe T.]

Re: Consider a 'local' expert opinion on the subje

unless you've had a vette before be careful about paying that much for a car that is frequently counterfeit in it "numbers matching", to check prices you can lo on to www.hemmings.com and view hundreds of vettes for sale, the dealer prices are crazy, the private sale prices are more reasonable, call on of the people who have sold a 67 with the same options that this car has and compare what they actually got for the car, in my limited view the US market has softened a bit sinceaugust, good luck