Well fellas.... you have certainly given me alot to think about, i.e.,

1. Do I really want an "investment grade" car that I cannot really drive or one that I am not afraid to drive?
2. Do I want a '68 considering the problem with one-off year parts availability?
3. Perhaps better to go with a '69 (fewer parts problems and '68 bugs worked out) or '70 (rarer due to the shortened model year).
4. Maybe a later year model with more "creature comforts"?

Guess maybe I might have been a little bit hasty. My brother got me interested in the '68 - '70 chrome bumper models so I went over a couple of weeks ago to Corvette Warehouse in Dallas and looked at this:

http://www.corvettewarehouse.com/Upload/catalog/detail.asp?iPro=493

I know that it has some issues with originality, e.g., sidepipes were not available in '68, vents on sides have aluminum inserts, steering wheel is not correct, and aftermarket ignition parts on engine. Plus it needs it's rally wheels back. It probably has other "originality" issues that I am not yet aware of.  How much do these affect value?  I was told that it was not a matching numbers only because of the casting numbers on the heads (heads not original). He said that the engine and tranny were matching. I have not verified any of the numbers on the car.

Also in the beginning they told me that they had original docs for the car, e.g., Tank sticker, protect-o-plate, owner history, etc. However after several e-mails back and forth they finally informed that they did not have *any* original docs. Car has been there for several weeks. They said they originally priced it at $44k and now it is down to $36.5k. It begs an answer then as to why they have had it so long if this one is so desireable.  Guess I need to educate myself a little more before I make a "mistake".

Finally "Hey neighbor" to Joel in Duncanville and Mick in Irving (I grew up in Irving!).  It's good to know you guys are close by. Either of you plan to go to the NCRS Texas regional weekend after this?

Regards,
Roger

P.S. I made a mistake in my last posting. I meant to say that My wife would ***NOT***have objected to buying back the '65 Mustang Fastback that we dated in.

 

Roger -

Roger , from the pictures this car looks well done. I wouldn`t worry too much about the matching numbers  alot of us have crate motors and engine modifications. that price doesn`t seem unreasonable at all. check the under chassis and see if the trailing arms, brakes and suspension have all been done too. It would be worth $100.00 or so to have a unbiased expert go check it out with you and give his opinion. VETTERBOB2007-10-18 09:47:15

Wow...I just want to step in here and thank the members for helping out Roger.  I just a few days, this has become what I think is a very useful thread for Roger (and anyone else in the future that has a similar situation). It is always nice to see when the veteran members are quick to help out the "newbies"!

Keep up the good work, gang!
And good luck on the hunt, Roger.  Keep us posted!

Oh, and by the way Roger, if you and your wife are social types, you'll be happy to know that the annual C3VR Member gathering is heading your way for 2008.  If you get your C3 by then, you'll certainly have to join us! (Of course, you could join us anyway, but it is always nice to see more C3s there). Owning a C3 gives you the added benefit of enjoying the C3VR world! 

Very nice looking ride!  If you can afford it I have but two words to say.  "Why not!"  It will be a head turner.  Of course, I'm partial to 68's!   Nice  color and as we say in the business "Resale Red".  The pipes look great.  Who cares if they didn't come on a 68 originally.

Roger, just FYI........I have heard that Corvette Warehouse is NOT a PLACE to buy a Corvette.  I don't remember all the particular's, but more than several people were ripped off by that place.  I've talked to a bunch of folks around here and the only place I've heard anything good about was Corvettes of Dallas, which is off of 35 on the east side.  You might want to check them out and see if they have any bumper cars.  There is another one in Houston (same company) so you might want to ask the Corvette Dallas place to check their stock in Houston also.

Thanks for that.  I'm going to PM you.

Hey there Roger:

You have one of the most knowledgeable guys on here close to, Joel (Adam's Apple). If you twist his arm he might look at one with you, or at least he will help you out here for sure, he knows his stuff.