1971 Is it worth it?

[Dave Rifkin (47969)]

Re: 1971 Is it worth it?

I guess it all depends on what your plans are for the car; if you intend to flip it then it would appear that the group suggests that you continue your search. If you want to keep the car forever and like the way the car is equipped then you may want to consider it no matter how upside down you will be when all is said and done.
I bought a factory black with saddle interior '69 L46 that is equipped exactly as I would have ordered it if I was to have ordered a Corvette in 1969. Did I spend too much for the car? Absolutely. Do I intend on selling the car anytime soon? No. Am I upset that I paid too much for the car? A little bit but, hindsight is 20/20. Bottom line is you have the advantage of being able to pick some extremely knowledgeable people's brains (NCRS) and make an educated decision where I made my purchase based upon emotion and some research.

Good luck with whatever decision you make.

[John O'Haire (38127)]

Re: 1971 Is it worth it?

I'm 72 original owner top flight driver/show car. I state this fact because
all the advise we give, past 35 years, doesn't always help when the buyer
has Corvette Fever. A good friend of mine had recently purchase a Proteam
car after many pictures, but it still didn't tell the whole story.
I had strongly suggested that he hire a NCRS member to do a appraisal before
it is shipped/putrchased (even though Proteam has a return policy).
The new owner still had the fever when it arrived and didn't get that expert
to look at it. The $200-$300 would have been well spent. Now we are trying
to make do of it all.
On another note. It was listed in the local paper about 4 months ago.
1972 Convertible LT1 with Air. Owned past 20 years. For Sale $18.500.
I spoke to the seller at length, after car was just sold. It sounded like
it was taken care of. Seller received about 50 calls, however he stood by
the first person who made the financal arrangements etc.
There is more to the story on a personal matter on the seller; however
there still are very good deals for sale if the buyer has the patience
and a little luck. I spent 2 years to buy a trailer, almost ordered a new
one, when a week before a deal of all deals fell in my lap. Happy Camper....

[tom444634]

Re: 1971 Is it worth it?

Joe,

After a year of searching I found a 71 LS5 4spd car that was all original, but needed a mechanical resto. I paid 20k for it including shipping from MI to PA. (paid a restorer $200 to inspect it for me before I made the deal) I rebuilt the entire drive train and suspension (to original specs) running me about 7k or so. I did all of the work myself saving on labor costs. The paint is in good shape with some minor cracking and will need to be redone in the next couple of years. Until then I have a mechanically fresh driver to enjoy.

My point being, I have just shy of 30k into a big block car and I figure that if I had to sell it today I'd be hard pressed to get 30k for it.

I can't see a base 71, eventhough it is a vert, commanding 27k.

Just my opinion.......

PS this is an older picture, It had '68 rims when I got it and I now have the right date coded rims and correct tires on it.

[Joe DeLuca (37862)]

Re: 1971 Is it worth it?

Thanks for all your help.I have been an imulsive person most my life. Can not remember when it was ever a plus.I did call the guy with the 71 and told him I was not interested. I will be 58 this month, I hope this old dog learned a new trick. If not for the sound advice from all of you, that car would more than likely be sitting in my driveway now! Thanks once again for taking the time to help me, Joe

[Jim Trekell (22375)]

Re: 1971 Is it worth it?

Nice looking car Tom, is she driving it now that it has been a couple of years?

[tom444634]

Re: 1971 Is it worth it?

Jim,

She turns 16 next September. As of now, she can't push the clutch in (I keep the seat almost all the way back) and keep reminding her that Corvette seats are NOT adjustable so she won't be able to drive it until she grows more. Now once that happens I'll think up another story.............

Tom

[Jeremy Davito (31374)]

Re: 1971 Is it worth it?

I second that....especially the ones that sit around and colloect dust!!!