what's a good deal

[72greg]

I have run across a '68 coupe auto 427 that I don't know much about, but, will be finding out more about on monday. So far I've been a vette owner of a 72 coupe "mutt" (aka, non numbers matching driver) and haven't been concerned with the "investment" value of my car or even what it's worth. The value I've assigned to my car is that I drive it and enjoy it and like working on it. For what I have invested, I've lost more on stocks and not had nearly as much fun. Now, What I'm thinking about is trading buggies. The '68 is $11K, which seems pretty good to me on the surface. Corvette Fever had their latest issue cover "values" of vettes for all the years and in "fair, good, excellent" condition - but, gave no description for "fair, good, excellent" - there's a lot of variablity in general assignment of value with this method to be sure,..

My question is, how would I go about determining if the car is a deal at the price?

From talking to the owner , it seems he doesn't know much about the car, which makes me suspicious somewhat because most owners of older vettes I've run across know quite a bit about their cars (in general).

Also, how do you assign value to the different parts of the drivetrain that have matching #'s?

From what I learned buying/restoring my current vette, I understand the prices/effort for fixing stuff - but, I don't have any clue as to the "intrinsic" value of the #'s matching - or, if it's the correct block/heads/etc but, non-numbers matching - etc. It would seem to me that as long as the car is "correct" (right block, accessories, etc) and in general good mechanical condition, this would be a deal regardless of whether or not the numbers match.

Your insight is greatly appreciated!

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[Tony Hurtado (22683)]

Re: what's a good deal

"72greg"

There is another price guide in the latest "Cars & Parts Corvette" magazine, or so I am told. (I will be picking up my copy at the bookstore tonight.) I believe that this guide rates cars from 'parts car' to 'perfect' and four other levels in between these extremes. There may even be a good description of what qualifies each car for each of these levels.

I have recently subscribed to this C&P Corvette magazine, but have not yet received my first mailed issue. I think this magazine is an EXCELLENT one so far and I would recommend it to anyone interested in the Corvette hobby.

Tony

[Tony Hurtado (22683)]

Re: what's a good deal

"72greg"

There is another price guide in the latest "Cars & Parts Corvette" magazine, or so I am told. (I will be picking up my copy at the bookstore tonight.) I believe that this guide rates cars from 'parts car' to 'perfect' and four other levels in between these extremes. There may even be a good description of what qualifies each car for each of these levels.

I have recently subscribed to this C&P Corvette magazine, but have not yet received my first mailed issue. I think this magazine is an EXCELLENT one so far and I would recommend it to anyone interested in the Corvette hobby.

Tony

[Wayne]

Re: what's a good deal

Corvette Fever's ratings of Fair, Good, and Excellent most likely are taken from the CPI price guide, which is a respected value guide and uses only those three definitions for pricing.

Excellent: nearly perfect condition, usually as a result of professional restoration to the highest standards, but a few exceptionally well cared for original cars may qualify. All components are original or exact replacement. Most "excellent" cars are not driven, or driven only a few miles per year.

Good: Very nice condition, in fact most casual observers would describe the vehicle as "excellent". Shows little wear and is driven sparingly as a weekend driver. Many older restorations fall into this category.

Fair: Presentable condition. Runs and drives and will pass a state safety inspection. May be driven daily. Generally in need of a cosmetic restoration, but not a "basket case". Many cars on the road fall below this category and are commonly referred to as "beaters" and are usually not worth restoring because the cost would far exceed the finished value.

Hope this helps.

[Wayne]

Re: what's a good deal

Corvette Fever's ratings of Fair, Good, and Excellent most likely are taken from the CPI price guide, which is a respected value guide and uses only those three definitions for pricing.

Excellent: nearly perfect condition, usually as a result of professional restoration to the highest standards, but a few exceptionally well cared for original cars may qualify. All components are original or exact replacement. Most "excellent" cars are not driven, or driven only a few miles per year.

Good: Very nice condition, in fact most casual observers would describe the vehicle as "excellent". Shows little wear and is driven sparingly as a weekend driver. Many older restorations fall into this category.

Fair: Presentable condition. Runs and drives and will pass a state safety inspection. May be driven daily. Generally in need of a cosmetic restoration, but not a "basket case". Many cars on the road fall below this category and are commonly referred to as "beaters" and are usually not worth restoring because the cost would far exceed the finished value.

Hope this helps.

[Tom Barr (24014)]

Re: what's a good deal

72greg,

I've used the CPI guide, and the descriptions that Wayne mentions for Excellent, Good, and Fair are good to follow.

Also, in SOME places, there seems to be more than one idea for "numbers matching". The least matches the engine block/stamp pad to trim tag/VIN tag, and the most matches everything (as well as DATES). Obviously the more numbers match the less expense to return to original. If you can, figure it into your purchase. Take along the 1953-1972 Pocket Spec Guide and check as much of the car over as the owner will allow (or help with!).

As a 68 owner, and since it appears your idea is to "up-grade", then one expensive thing you might want to watch for is the AIR emission system. Many are gone/missing as owners "pitched" this system early on and numbers matching orignials are hard to find, especially for 68. As a 72 owner you may already be aware of that.

Just more information. Best wishes. Tom #24014

[Tom Barr (24014)]

Re: what's a good deal

72greg,

I've used the CPI guide, and the descriptions that Wayne mentions for Excellent, Good, and Fair are good to follow.

Also, in SOME places, there seems to be more than one idea for "numbers matching". The least matches the engine block/stamp pad to trim tag/VIN tag, and the most matches everything (as well as DATES). Obviously the more numbers match the less expense to return to original. If you can, figure it into your purchase. Take along the 1953-1972 Pocket Spec Guide and check as much of the car over as the owner will allow (or help with!).

As a 68 owner, and since it appears your idea is to "up-grade", then one expensive thing you might want to watch for is the AIR emission system. Many are gone/missing as owners "pitched" this system early on and numbers matching orignials are hard to find, especially for 68. As a 72 owner you may already be aware of that.

Just more information. Best wishes. Tom #24014