Topic: need help
in Forum: All Vettes Discussion
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Westerly, RI - USA
Joined: 5/26/2005
Posts: 133
Vette(s): 77 L48
Original paint
True dual stainless exhaust
Edelbrock intake manifold
and Thunder series carb
Distributor has an pern upgrade
I am viewing a 1960 vette and need some help or supporting facts for a fair price offer. The vette had the original engine removed and replaced with a 327 ? crate engine many years ago. There is between 30,000 and 50,0000 on the current engine. There is a minor crack in the rear from an accident in the 70's. The front and rear emblems have been removed and the holes epoxyed. Why I don't know. The engine starts but will only run for about 1 min so there is some problem there. The total interior needs replacing including the dash. Been under a tarp for two years in Vt. mostly outside.
Any help guys. He says that by looking in hemmings he would price it between 13,000 and 20,000. I know thats way out of range but need specifics. Seller says no rust and encourages me to bring a mechanic.
Seems to be an honorable person.
A WORK IN PROGRESS
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No offense, but they all seem honorable, until you get the car home, then they become the D!&E PO.
If you take corvette enthusiast's word from their Feb 07 mag (orange 69 shark on cover), on page 93 they state the following:
An original, unrestored 1954 model in street driven condition, Polo White (the lead color for 54) sold at $30,000 (they state this is below market value)
Two 1959 Roadsters, both with the orig 283-270 and four speed manuals, in restored condition sold for $55k and $67k respectively.
A 1961 with a 283-270 sold for $65k.
These are all in driveable and complete condition, original motor/transmission (which as you know is unreplaceable).
Since you know there is a crack, it could be from a harder hit that was "fixed" and is just starting to grow.
I would use Paragon for my prices to replace everything you see or even suspect as bad. You can also plan on all mechanicals for the front and rear end I would suspect if it has been outside that much.
I would think Hemmings is out the window as they probably don't have a near POS condition. These cars can be brought back from almost nothing (mags show build ups from fires once in a while), but it ain't cheap.
Probably need to hear from Joel and others with regard to a thought from an NCRS type perspective what their thoughts are as well.
I'll be watching this one closely as the wife wants a straight axle and 60-62 is where we want to look at. Probably too rich for my blood, but ya never know!
If you take corvette enthusiast's word from their Feb 07 mag (orange 69 shark on cover), on page 93 they state the following:
An original, unrestored 1954 model in street driven condition, Polo White (the lead color for 54) sold at $30,000 (they state this is below market value)
Two 1959 Roadsters, both with the orig 283-270 and four speed manuals, in restored condition sold for $55k and $67k respectively.
A 1961 with a 283-270 sold for $65k.
These are all in driveable and complete condition, original motor/transmission (which as you know is unreplaceable).
Since you know there is a crack, it could be from a harder hit that was "fixed" and is just starting to grow.
I would use Paragon for my prices to replace everything you see or even suspect as bad. You can also plan on all mechanicals for the front and rear end I would suspect if it has been outside that much.
I would think Hemmings is out the window as they probably don't have a near POS condition. These cars can be brought back from almost nothing (mags show build ups from fires once in a while), but it ain't cheap.
Probably need to hear from Joel and others with regard to a thought from an NCRS type perspective what their thoughts are as well.
I'll be watching this one closely as the wife wants a straight axle and 60-62 is where we want to look at. Probably too rich for my blood, but ya never know!
Former Member
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
If the car is essentially complete, depending on what you might want to do with the car, maybe you can make deal for it. It may be worth it simply to resell for a profit, but there's no guarantee on that.
Last August at Corvettes at Carlisle, I saw a '57 Vette on a trailer for sale...allegedly an original fuelie. It was missing the entire front clip, no interior, no engine or tansmission, missing the convertible top with just some of the bows present, and mismatched door...the owner wanted $35k for it! I have no idea if someone eventually bought it or what an actual sales price could have been, but it does show what some of these cars go for.
Sounds to be like a candidate for a custom or resto-rod...disc brakes, custom wheels and interior, fuel injected or supercharged engine, etc. A full restoration is out of the question...it would merely be original in appearance, not actuality. That alone would reduce its future value while making ot the most expensive way to reconstruct the car.
Last August at Corvettes at Carlisle, I saw a '57 Vette on a trailer for sale...allegedly an original fuelie. It was missing the entire front clip, no interior, no engine or tansmission, missing the convertible top with just some of the bows present, and mismatched door...the owner wanted $35k for it! I have no idea if someone eventually bought it or what an actual sales price could have been, but it does show what some of these cars go for.
Sounds to be like a candidate for a custom or resto-rod...disc brakes, custom wheels and interior, fuel injected or supercharged engine, etc. A full restoration is out of the question...it would merely be original in appearance, not actuality. That alone would reduce its future value while making ot the most expensive way to reconstruct the car.
I bought my 77 on only pictures. It had been tarp-ed outside in New Hampshire for 12 years. It was rough and rotting away from the inside out. I did an NADA and took the worst condition and used that as my baseline. It did start run and drive. He was asking $3000 less than the lowest value so I bought it and had it trailered to me in Tennessee. It was a basket case but thats what I wanted. It really depends on what you want to get into and how many $ you want to throw at it. As said above, they can all be brought back
!!

This car has the potential to be worth a bundle!! Below gives you an idea. Keep in mind the prices below assume original drive train
. Sounds like the one you found has had some modifications.

I'm no expert by far but this approach worked for me. But it's all about what your comfortable with.
I'm sure the pros here will give you some good advice to. Hope this helps and good luck!!
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Mel
Lifetime Member #90

Greensburg, IN - USA
Joined: 9/24/2003
Posts: 5188
Vette(s): Previous: 1984 Silver / Charcoal Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe / 1989 Artic White Coupe / 2001 Speedway White Roadster / Present:1976 Stingray Black / Black, Auto, 350 slightly modified (355 hp) Luxor Wires Redline Tires. / 1989 Roadster Bright Red...
I trailered a 60 back from Ohio a couple years ago for a friend of mine that he bought for 21K. It was all original with the exception that it had been repainted (org color) only flaw was a slight crack in the windsheild. My buddy spent over a year lookin before he located such a car. It was completely drivable and he had fun takin it to car shows and drivin his grandson around in it. He has since repaired the crack and done total body off (because he has the time, money, & wants to).
That being said there are cars out there that can be bought with some work needed for a reasonable price. I would say from your description if you could get it bought for around 15K you can come out on it. A well as drive it around for some fun. Course if ya wanna build one o them near perfect number cars then prepare to spend spend spend. That would be your choice.... just my .02.
That being said there are cars out there that can be bought with some work needed for a reasonable price. I would say from your description if you could get it bought for around 15K you can come out on it. A well as drive it around for some fun. Course if ya wanna build one o them near perfect number cars then prepare to spend spend spend. That would be your choice.... just my .02.

Indianapolis, IN - USA
Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2429
Vette(s): Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed
Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses.
2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible
Before I bought my 74, everything I read told me to get one that was as complete and functional as possible. I did, and I payed more than I wanted to, but I'm not sorry. There's lots of things that I still want to upgrade, improve or flat out fix, but there's nothing that keeps me from driving the car, enjoying it, showing it, and even winning a show here or there.
manget1 2007-01-20 10:21:54
It all depends on what you want the car for. If you're looking for a project, and like Tux's friend, have the time and money (and patience) to work on it, then that's something else.
BTW, in the July 2006 edition of Corvette Magazine, the list the following price for 1960:
Show-Ready - $75,000
Good - $55,000
Average - $39,400
Needs TLC - $23,000
They also say to add $1,800 for hardtop and that the 1960 had a 3% increase in prices over 2005.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!

Westerly, RI - USA
Joined: 5/26/2005
Posts: 133
Vette(s): 77 L48
Original paint
True dual stainless exhaust
Edelbrock intake manifold
and Thunder series carb
Distributor has an pern upgrade
Thanks for the information. At least I have somewhere to start. The owner is in no hurry. I know one of his neighbors and he knows we only travel up there once a year.
Any more help I would be glad to accept.
A WORK IN PROGRESS
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Moderator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
The price range sounds reasonable to me, even as a basket case. Solid axle cars are goin up in value every day...even non-orig. eng. cars.
The questions you need to ax yourself are, what would I do with it, and can I afford to do it? Solid axle hardware can be $$$, and so can interior parts. If you want something to do a "resto-rod", then none of that would matter. If you want to put it back as close to original condition as possible, then you should be prepared for the financial consequences.
Absolutely take a knowledgeable solid-axle guy(or gurl) with you to look it over. Who knows how many "Bubbas" have worked on this car in the past?! The frames are just as susceptible to rust as any other early 'Vette, and the cowl area is also easily damaged by rust, and the weight of the windersheild/frame assy. A good solid axle person will be able to guide you, and let you know if it is feasible to put it back on the road, and at what cost. You could easily wind up with a $45,000 car that you spent $75,000 on. If you want to keep it, then the money isn't the real issue. If you plan on selling it, you might wind up taking a bath.
There are no solid answers...ya gotta go with what ya feel!(as long as the "banker" says it's OK!!!)
Any chance of getting some pics?Adams' Apple 2007-01-20 18:14:31
The questions you need to ax yourself are, what would I do with it, and can I afford to do it? Solid axle hardware can be $$$, and so can interior parts. If you want something to do a "resto-rod", then none of that would matter. If you want to put it back as close to original condition as possible, then you should be prepared for the financial consequences.
Absolutely take a knowledgeable solid-axle guy(or gurl) with you to look it over. Who knows how many "Bubbas" have worked on this car in the past?! The frames are just as susceptible to rust as any other early 'Vette, and the cowl area is also easily damaged by rust, and the weight of the windersheild/frame assy. A good solid axle person will be able to guide you, and let you know if it is feasible to put it back on the road, and at what cost. You could easily wind up with a $45,000 car that you spent $75,000 on. If you want to keep it, then the money isn't the real issue. If you plan on selling it, you might wind up taking a bath.
There are no solid answers...ya gotta go with what ya feel!(as long as the "banker" says it's OK!!!)
Any chance of getting some pics?
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
in Forum: All Vettes Discussion
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