Low mileage 85, need a value to make an offer.

[Edward M.]

Hi all;

I just located a very low mileage, one owner, never damaged or repaired 1985 Corvette, white with a graphite interior.

The car has 10,490 miles on it. It was bought new in Maryland and has been owned by the same person all along. The car has never been damaged or repaired / repainted. It is all original. It even has the original tires on it, they are dated 43rd week of 1984 and they still look good.

I would not drive the car on the original tires, but I would certainly keep them for survivor judging. Another set of factory wheels and new tires is the plan if I get the car.

The owner passed away, and the spouse is wanting to sell the car. No price has been identified yet. I am trying to determine the current market value before making an offer. I will make a fair offer since the owners are acquaintenances of mine.

OK, the BIG question ... what is a 1985 Corvette like this worth? Everything works on the car so it is essentially a new 1985 Corvette.

So what do you all think? I need a fair market value of the car, I can determine my offer from that value. Thanks.

Ed McComas

[Michael J.]

You could look at recent sales on BringATrailer, seems prices are between $14K and $20K for low mileage types with a 4 speed.

https://bringatrailer.com/search/?s=1985+Chevrolet+Corvette

[Mark E.]

It's low mileage but what's its condition? Any sun damage? Does the interior look new? Or a bit faded? Does EVERYTHING work?

'84-'85 are the least valuable C4s (higher production, less refined, more rattles, lower HP, no 6 speed or ABS). With that said, it's rare and cool to see one that isn't worn out or abused.

If #1 condition (as new, with paperwork and all accessories work), retail for an auto $13-17k; add $1-2k for the 4+3. Deduct for any repairs and deferred maintenance. And add whatever you want if you really want it... they're cheap at twice the price compared to other cars.

[Gary C.]

Ed,

Max $4k IMHO. If any of the unreplaceable items break such as the Overdrive, like Dave said, the car becomes valueless.

Gary
....

[Mark E.]

Ed,

Max $4k IMHO. If any of the unreplaceable items break such as the Overdrive, like Dave said, the car becomes valueless.

Gary
....

Nonsense. A #3 car would bid higher at a local wholesaler auction.

[Paul H.]

With that mileage, probably 10 to 15 if in like new condition. The 85 was upgraded to Tuned Port Injection from the Crossfire of 84. Beware of the 4 plus 3 transmission. It was beyond problematic.

[Mark E.]

My brother's first new Corvette was a Red/Charcoal '85. He special ordered it with the 4+3, cloth sport seats (because he felt they breathed better; very rare choice), Bose, Bilstein shocks (but not Z-51 because he wanted a comfortable ride for his touring car) and HD cooling. He didn't want the rear defrost because he didn't like the wires in the hatch. Tom was a very particular and knew exactly what he wanted and didn't want.

I remember when he brought it over for me to see. It was like a space ship compared to my '73 L82.

He drove it daily for 6 years and 80k miles with minimal issues, and thoroughly enjoyed it. He sold it in '91 because he wanted a convertible and found a beautiful low mileage '87 silver/grey. That was his pride and joy until he passed 13 years later.