I am going to attempt to keep this as short and focused as possible because I know there are an infinite number of variables. A buddy of mine bought a 70 vert off of EBAY. He asked all of the right questions about numbers matching etc. He bought what was represented as a restoration with matching engine, tranny, etc. In fact the exact wording was "original" engine and tranny(4sp). The car does have fresh paint and interior that looks very nice. I have looked the car over and determined that it isn't even a Corvette engine. I believe it is a 305c.i. truck engine(another post has the numbers). It is a non a/c car. Canvas top is in good condition. Does not have the hard top.

My question is: What is the car worth with this engine? I would rate everything else strong 8 out of 10. What would it be worth if it has the right engine which would have been a 350/300?
Thanks,
Scott

ranger338906.2440740741

I'd say in the 20K to 30k range & maybe more. Chrome bumper cars are going up & up.

Alan

Scott, Even though the cost for chrome bumper cars are definately on the rise, I would say the seller mislead your friend. Without knowing what he paid for it , I would at the least expect a price reduction. If it has a possible truck engine what else may be misrepresented ? I've seen some nice 70's from $10,000 (needs work) to some really nice ones with matching numbers between $19,000 to around $28,000.    

Scott, Just wondering if you could post the URL for the ebay item. It would be nice for us to be able to see the description and pics of the car. I would also like to know who the seller was.

Scott:

     I got my 71 convertible in May. It had a 400 small block in it (original engine was also included),  Muncie 4 speed (verified original), a so-so interior (probably 5 or 6 out of 10), and good paint (probably 7.5 - 8 out of 10), and good top (8 out of 10). So far everything is either original or I have the original parts excpet for the rear end, whcih is off an 81 or 82. The 400 engine ended up dropping a valve, and I'm in the process of replacing it (going to keep the original engine untouched). I paid 17.5 for the car, and even though the motor went bad, I don't feel cheated. Hope this gives you some help.

If you need to find a price on it.   See NADA under Classic car.   This will help in a price.   But if it's not the 'original' motor.   I would not of bought it.   I would of sent an appraiser out to see what or if it's in the condition the seller put on the ebay auction.

To me I would of paid $13,000 for it.   Then look for a better motor.

Best of Luck with the vette.

[QUOTE=Iron82]

If you need to find a price on it.   See NADA under Classic car.   This will help in a price.   But if it's not the 'original' motor.   I would not of bought it.   I would of sent an appraiser out to see what or if it's in the condition the seller put on the ebay auction.

To me I would of paid $13,000 for it.   Then look for a better motor.

Best of Luck with the vette.

[/QUOTE]

All of the above was done with the exception of sending an independent appraiser to Oregon to look the car over. The seller stated that an appraiser had already verified all of the numbers. I have bought a lot of Vettes and all the right questions produced all of the right answers from this seller. The seller even read the engine numbers over the phone. The car arrives and the numbers were not even close. This car was shipped all the way across the country. I know what the car is worth as is. I am just trying to shore up that opinion using your knowledge. I feel bad because I coached my buddy along on this car. Again, all of the right questions were asked. Cosmetically the car is beautiful. He just paid way too much for it because he was told that the engine and tranny were original.
Scott
ranger338905.7092476852

[QUOTE=ranger3]All of the above was done with the exception of sending an independent appraiser to Oregon to look the car over. The seller stated that an appraiser had already verified all of the numbers. I have bought a lot of Vettes and all the right questions produced all of the right answers from this seller. The seller even read the engine numbers over the phone. The car arrives and the numbers were not even close. This car was shipped all the way across the country. I know what the car is worth as is. I am just trying to shore up that opinion using your knowledge. I feel bad because I coached my buddy along on this car. Again, all of the right questions were asked. Cosmetically the car is beautful. He just paid way too much for it because he was told that the engine and tranny were original.
Scott
[/QUOTE]

Ah....  I see.   Well you did your best and I as a friend taken your word for it.   Wish he still sent an appraiser in.   I never trust anyone when I can't see the car myself.   Especially on ebay.  

Tell him good luck with the vette and make sure he comes on here so we can help him in anyway.  

Thanks Mike(Iron 82),
I bought a couple off of Ebay and had no problems at all. I feel confident when all is said and done my buddy will get most of his money back or either get a reasonable reduction in the price. Ebay has pretty straight forward fraud protection. If that doesn't work there are both civil and criminal remedies. I just feel so bad because I assisted my friend in this transaction.
Scott
ranger338905.8442939815

Sounds to me your friend will come out good in the long run.   You did your job and he will do his.   Good job on picking out a C-3 for him.