65 Value???

[Mark Pejsa]

I have an opportunity to purchase a 1965 convertible. It is minus engine and tranny. The body has been stripped down to the bare fiberglass the interior is rough body panels look basically good....this car was an SCCA racer and only has 12,000 miles on it. The owner states the frame is "rock hard" I have not been able to see the car personally because it is located out of state from me.

Originally Glen Green w/tan interior, radio delete, 365hp 327 4spd. Trim Tag: Trim 420B (saddle vinyl, B=convertible) Paint G-G (Glen Green, AO Smith body) Body Build K08 (Tuesday, June 8th/65) Body # A-6427 Tops 19 467 (Chevrolet Corvette convertible) No eng/trans, rad, bumpers, emblems, hubcaps, missing most headlight stuff.

What do you guy's think is a reasonable price for this?

thanks for your help!

Mark

[Mark J.]

Re: 65 Value???

Mark,

I recommend you break out the catalogs and estimate how much it will cost to replace all the missing stuff and get it painted. You may be amazed at how expensive and time-consuming these projects become.

I have found that it's less expensive in the long run to buy a Corvette that is already restored and you can drive it the same day. I once purchased a '64 coupe for a "bargain price". Then, a year later and $18,000 more in parts and labor, I questioned the bargain. Since then, I bought a '66 roadster that was drivable on day one.

Granted, I learned a lot from assembling the '64. But comparing the two experiences, the latter is more enjoyable because I can see how many of the factory-installed components look. You will always be wondering what the factory assembly looked like if only start with a frame and shell.

Mark R. Johnson

[Mark Pejsa]

Re: 65 Value???

thanks for your input - I actually did start looking up some prices and was amazed at how much just a bumper cost! However I do want a project car I want to take my time with it and build it back up. I enjoy working on mechanicals and need something to relax with after work (yes some say I am crazy).

[Craig Thompson]

Re: 65 Value???

Mark,

I totally agree with Mark Johnson. I'd look at the car and check out the frame in person.

Craig

[Ed Jennings]

Re: 65 Value???

Keep in mind that someday you (or your estate) will want to sell your project. Look at all the ads that read "$40,000 in receipts, sacrifice for $2X,XXX". Or something to that effect. I personally wouldn't want to be in the position of placing an ad like that.

[Sheldon S.]

Re: 65 Value???

Mark, Is this car located close to Buffalo in Canada as it sounds like a car I was looking at about a year ago. It was originally from the US and then imported into Canada and raced almost all of its life. I was looking for a project car as well but found one in San Francisco that was mostly complete except for the engine. I paid $12000.00 for mine but have spent quite a bit on it doing a full resto and a lot because a lot of the engine was missing. Let me know if it is from the same area. Sheldon Sands

[Mark Pejsa]

Re: 65 Value???

Hello Sheldon - Yes I do believe this is the same car. Did you look at it?? what did you think?

thanks

Mark

[Dennis Churchill #31836]

Re: 65 Value???

Mark, I agree with others, after you are done, you will have more in the car than you may be able to sell it for. However, if you are like me, you won't be wanting to sell it. I bought a "driver" 64 roadster a couple years ago for not much more than than the car you are looking at. It needed work, (and still does), but I can drive it while I'm working on it. Keep in mind with out an engine or transmission, 12,000 miles doesn't mean too much, especially if it was raced. Just my $.02. Dennis