72 value of original engine

[Joe Lecce]

I recently bought a 72 convertible w/ 4 speed and 454. This car did come with a 454 but the 454 motor that is in the car is not the original. As far as I have determined as of now everything else is original. the condition of the car is a "good" to high "fair". My question is... is it worth the money to try and track down the motor that came in the car (long shot) or a correct dated motor. Or will the gained value of the car not be worth the investment. I will be using it as a driver but may show it for the fun of it. Thanks for your feedback.

[Davemak]

Re: 72 value of original engine

I'm sure the "hard core" guys are not going to like this....But, unless you are planning to go all the way and bring everything up to NCRS standards, I don't think I would try. From a pure "investment" stand point, you are going to have to spend a bunch of dough to get everything right, until then, you will be in no mans land. You know the type.... 72 vette, big block, $25,000 invested, asking $19,0000. If your smart and can do everything yourself, you may break even when its done. In that case, your doing it for the love of the car. I do happen to think that is a good reason.

Good luck

Dave Mak, owner of a #'s match 72 with a 350. Wrong color paint on the body though, looks good though, so it will be a long time before I write that check.

[Chuck G.]

Re: 72 value of original engine

I would certainly try to find the original motor. Contact the previous owner, etc. He may have it sitting in the shed. I found the OM from my 54 after 28 years...it was sheer dumb luck. Have a good friend here in MD who bought a 64 roadster with the wrong motor. Rebuilt the car as his driver..painted it non original color, non original interior. Had 67 bolt-on wheels on it. It was absolutely killer gorgeous, but totally "incorrect" from an NCRS point of view. Did a title search, talked to a previous owner twice removed from his purchase and learned that the fellow had the original 327/300 motor sitting under the work bench in the garage. It had a spun bearing years ago, and he replaced the OM with another he had sitting around. He bought the motor.... Chuck