Duntov "signed" car. Enjoy & repaint or save it?

[Jack Katz]

About 5 years ago I purchased a 1966 roadster that was NCRS Top Flight in 1992. The car is still in great shape and has something that I've heard very little about over the years - - apparently when the car was judged in 1992 Zora was present at this particular NCRS event (I've confirmed this fact with NCRS). He signed the left side valve cover in permanent marker (still very clear) and he also signed and dated the owners manual. I find this to be a very interesting fact in that I've never seen other Corvettes on the market for sale with this "rare(?)" aspect.

I've used this car as my driver ONLY when the weather is good, and have enjoyed it. But I know if I keep this up eventually it will get the usual wear and tear and eventually will need to be repainted. Does this car better serve someone more suited to collecting and showing than driving? I'm more of a driver than a collector. I'm not sure what others who have similar cars are doing. Anybody have a similar situation?

[Dennis C.]

Re: Duntov "signed" car. Enjoy & repaint or save i

Jack - Remove the signed valve cover and the owners manual. Put them in your safety deposit box. Then, drive and enjoy the car till you sell it or die. Your wife and/or kids can cash in on the autograph/s. (Replace the Zora valve cover with something that will contain the impending oil leak). Best, Dennis

[Tracy C.]

Re: Duntov "signed" car. Enjoy & repaint or save i

Wow!

I'd photograph the autographed valve cover on the engine and replace it. Put it somewhere safe and dry. You can alway put it back on later.

If your owners manual has your vin typed in it by the factory (protecto plate?)so as to dogmatically tie it to your car, you may have a dilema on your hands as it would add value to a collector.

If not, you really don't have substantial proof the valve cover or the owners manual was unique to your car at the time of the autograph.

tc

[Wayne W.]

Re: Duntov "signed" car. Enjoy & repaint or save i

I dont know that it is all that rare to have a signed item from Zora. He signd a lot of stuff for years when he visited events. I dont think that it will add any significant value to a car, but it is neat to have it. I would save it if I could. I have Zora`s and Shinoda`s on my original bill of sale, and Mitchell`s on a Top Flight certificate.

[Gregory G.]

Re: Duntov "signed" car. Enjoy & repaint or save i

I have a signed Zora Duntov signature on my horn button on my 70,which I applied a light clearcoat finish for longevity.

[Bernard M.]

Re: Duntov "signed" car. Enjoy & repaint or save i

I agree with Dennis. They're unique enough to hang on to. Since they're both removable and replacable items, remove and replace them. I had my L98 aluminum distributor cover from my '91 signed by both Zora and Larry Shinoda at Funfest in 1994. I no longer have that car, but I still have that cover hanging on the wall.

[Jack Katz]

Appreciate all the info. Thanks! *NM*

[Jack U.]

Re: Duntov "signed" car. Enjoy & repaint or save i

I agree you should replace the items and save the signed items.

I'll probably do someothing similar on my '63 Coupe's glove box door signed by Bob Bondurant.

Jack