1979 Value Help

[Anthony S.]

A friend has asked for help in determining the value of a 79 that she has, here are the particulars;

Original L82 motor with 12,500 miles currently out of the car; current motor is a 383/350 with 8000 miles

Total milage 20,500

Options: A31, AU3, CC1, C49, C60, D35, D80, F51, G95, K30, L82, MX1, N37, N90, QGR, UN3, U75, U81, UA1 & ZQ2.

Car is a two owner and is all original. Color is light beige with light beige leather interior.

Any information you can provide will be appreciated.

Tony

[Tom H.]

Re: 1979 Value Help

Color hurts it, miles helps it. Hard to say, but let's assume it really, really, really nice. 15K would be ALL of the money in my opinion. Now let's say its just a nice old driver with low miles in average condition. 10K would be ALL of it. Now if it is just a rough old car that is all butchered up.......... 5K.

Just a very rough opinion, sight unseen.

[Anthony S.]

Re: 1979 Value Help

Thanks Tom. From what I have been told it's in very nice condition, always garage kept and driven very little. I'll try to get some photos and post them.

[Tom H.]

Re: 1979 Value Help

Don't take my numbers as gospel, but I think they should be very close. Pictures would help.

[Anthony S.]

Re: 1979 Value Help

Here are some photos, not the best but a representation of the condition. Any input will be greatly appreciated.

[Paul B.]

Re: 1979 Value Help

...with the very low miles for a '79 at 20K miles, the most value would have been if it would have been an all original Bowtie/Survivor type car.

...with the different motor, painted different than stock color, the modifications and such, the "color" of the car, plus the fact that more '79 Corvettes were made than any other year(almost 54,000), so a '79 is the "most plentiful" Corvette out there. In this economy, and the era of "Cash For Clunkers" the demand right now isn't there. The classic/collector/muscle car market is saturated with cars for sale due to job losses, people loosing interest, health issues, etc.

...just my honest opinion, but I think $8k is about right for the car. I've seen "super original low mile" '79s around here sell for $11K to $12.5K in the last few months.

[Oliver B.]

Re: 1979 Value Help

I very much like the color/combo... Very unsual...
So, the only thing is to find the right one willing to buy!

[Anthony S.]

Re: 1979 Value Help

Paul - thanks for the input; to clarify, the car is all original including the color (Corvette light beige exterior - code 59 & Corvette light beige leather interior - code 592) The original L82 motor was removed to keep the miles on it low (12,500) and, if the car is sold, it will be sold as part of the package. I'm not disputing the fact that the economy and availability play a big part in value. Maybe replacing the original motor and going for a Bowtie will make it more appealing if they decide to sell. Thanks again for the input.

Tony

[Terry M.]

Re: 1979 Value Help

Bowtie might be difficult now that the motor has been out. It is next to impossible to wrench on the bolts and not leave marks behind. It is also next to impossible to get each and everything back exactly as the factory had it. There will be marks from where the bolt was and now it is in a slightly different position. The judges will see those marks and go: WTF?? That is NOT good.

Many have said: "It is only original once."

[John L.]

Re: 1979 Value Help

I have that exact car..except for the glass roofs. Bought new November 79 for around $14,500.00 Color is called Frost Beige W/ DoeSkin interior.
Mine has 36,000 miles on it and doesn't look that good, if the paint is in good condition as well as the interior it would bring between $8500 and 11000 here in the Carolinas. I would defitionally replace the correct engine back in it before trying to sell it. Take the 383 and sell it off separately.
Nice car wish mine looked that good