Corvette Market Fall 2007

1 Corvette Market Premier Edition! 187 Corvettes Rated By Our Experts Keith Martin's Insider's Guide to Collecting, Investing, Values, and Trends 427ci, 435hp $467k TOP 100 Corvette Sales of All Time Fall 2007 Full Bloomington Gold Coverage Full Bloomington Gold Coverage Six Industry Leaders Six Industry Leaders Sound Off on the Marketf on the Market C4 Fright Pig Sells for $2,050 C4 Fright Pig Sells for $2,050 www.vettemarket.com

Publisher's Publisher's Publisher's Note Coming of Age Corvette collectors are demanding more documentation as prices rise. CM will be a key part of your resource library by Keith Martin C orvettes have been very good to me. Although I've owned many over the years, two especially stand out—a black removable-roof 1992 6-speed LT1 that I drove from Portland, Oregon, to Fairbanks, Alaska, and a silver 1963 4-speed 327/340 Split-Window I recently drove on my honeymoon, and is still parked in my garage. It has only been in the past few years that the collector car market at large has discovered Corvettes, both vintage and new. For decades, the focus of collectors was on foreign cars, usually Italian, German, and English. Nearly everywhere, if a car didn't have an an all-alloy, multi-cammed and carbureted powerplant, it was dismissed with disdain. Everywhere, of course, except on the race track, where for 50 years Corvettes have been showing their rear ends to these foreign intruders. But as collectors have become more sophisticated, they have discovered Corvettes, and prices have gone through the roof. Key players weighed in So when key players in the Corvette market, including Mike Yager of Mid America Motorworks and Dana Mecum of Dana Mecum Auctions, talked with us about the possibility of starting a magazine that focused entirely on the Corvette market, we paid attention. Having published Sports Car Market for nearly 20 years, we had the staff and resources in place to analyze the Corvette market. Our database had already tracked over 2,000 Corvette transactions (see them in a free sneak preview at www.vettemarket.com); our price guides had followed Corvettes for nearly two decades. All that (plus assembling a top-flight team of Corvette specialists) led to this, the premier issue of Corvette Market. In every issue, you'll find first-hand reports of over 100 Corvettes that we have examined at auctions, complete with accurate condition reports, VINs, bid prices, and our thoughts on the results. In addition, there will be profiles of Corvettes from C1 to the present, with market opinions, written by those who really know these cars. Plus, each issue will have “top sales” lists compiled from our database. As the Corvette market continues to mature, and collectors are demanding ever more docu- mentation as they are asked to pay higher prices, CM intends to become a part of your own personal collecting resource library. Calling it as we see it We will report the facts as we see them, give you our opinions on the present market, and our predictions for the future. We can't claim that we will always be right, but we can promise the primary focus of Corvette Market will be to help you, if you are buying, to determine which Corvette is best for you, and how much you should pay for it. If you are selling, the data in Corvette Market will help you decide just how much to ask for your car. We've found Corvette owners to be among the most knowledgeable enthusiasts anywhere, and your comments and questions are welcomed. Email me at keith.martin@vettemarket.com. Thank you for joining us in this inaugural issue; as you stick with us, we promise you will enjoy the ride. ■ 6 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com Corvette Market Keith Martin's Volume 1 . Issue 1 . Fall 2007 Publisher Keith Martin V.P. Business Development/ General Counsel Rob Sass Art Director Kirsten Onoday Executive Editor Paul Duchene Managing Editor Stefan Lombard Auction Editor Jim Pickering Auction Analysts B. Mitchell Carlson Linda Clark Tom Glatch Daniel Grunwald John Clucas Dave Kinney Richard Hudson-Evans Norm Mort Contributors Carl Bomstead Marshall Buck Colin Comer John Draneas Peter Frye Mike Mueller Donald Osborne Web Design Valarie Huston Information Technology/ Internet Bryan Wolfe Controller Jimmy Carter Financial Manager Nikki Nalum Editorial Assistant Jennifer Davis ADVERTISING SALES Advertising Exectives Cindy Meitle cindy.meitle@vettemarket.com 877.219.2605 x 262 John Scharff john.scharff@vettemarket.com 314.802.8139 Cody Wilson cody.wilson@vettemarket.com 877.219.2605 x 213 Sales and Marketing Coordinator Valarie Huston valarie.huston@vettemarket.com 877.219.2605 x 211 SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions Coordinator Nikki Nalum To order new subscriptions 800.289.2819 Current subscriptions 877.219.2605 x 207 service@vettemarket.com 503.253.2234 fax CORRESPONDENCE Fax 503.253.2234 General P.O. Box 4797 Portland, Oregon 97208 FedEx/DHL/UPS 401 NE 19th Street, Suite 100 Portland, Oregon 97232 Corvette Market magazine (ISSN# 1939-6481) is published quarterly by Automotive Investor Media Group, 401 NE 19th Street, Suite 100, Portland, OR 97232. Periodicals postage paid at Portland, OR, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Corvette Market, PO Box 4797, Portland, OR 97208. The information in Corvette Market magazine is compiled from a variety of reliable sources. However, we disclaim and deny any responsibility or liability for the timeliness, use, interpretation, accuracy, and completeness of the information presented. All material, data, formats and intellectual concepts in this issue © 2007 by Keith Martin's Corvette Market, LLC, Automotive Investor Media Group and Automotive Investor in this format and any other used by Corvette Market magazine. Copyright registered with the United States copyright office. PRINTED IN USA John M. Vincent

Corvette Market Keith Martin's Volume 1 . Issue 1 . Fall 2007 Profiles 26 1953 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster “The car sold for $212k last year, and we said at the time there was a small amount of movement left. Thirteen months later, at $396k, the seller obviously made a handsome profit.” by Carl Bomstead 28 1967 Corvette L71 Convertible “The typical price range for these is about $100k to $200k. At $467k, buyers clearly appreciated the quality of this car.” by Thomas Glatch 32 1969 L36 and Base Corvette Convertibles “One sold and one didn't. The difference was in the options rather than the details, an instance where Survivor status mattered less than engine size.” by Thomas Glatch 34 1984 Coupe “The car stood out like some part of a circus freak show. You felt compelled to look, but everything about it hurt your eyes.” by Stefan Lombard 36 2003 Chevrolet Corvette Le Mans Safety Car “They only made four of the things, so on a coolness scale, this C5 coupe was definitely an eleven.” by Dave Kinney 38 C6 Mini Profiles “This was the least expensive, clean-titled, non-wrecked, bent, folded, spindled, mutilated, or flooded C6 on eBay.” by Geoff Archer Market Reports 42 Mecum, Belvidere, IL—High Performance Auction 43 of 87 'Vettes sell for a $1.3m total. by B. Mitchell Carlson and Dan Grunwald 52 Mecum, St. Charles, IL—Bloomington Gold Auction 72% sell-through means $8.2m at this Corvette mainstay. by Dan Grunwald, B. Mitchell Carlson, Thomas Glatch, and Linda Clark 72 Global Roundup 30 Corvettes sell here and there, with total results of $1.4m. by CM Market Analysts 26 1953 Roadster 36 36 2003 Safety Car On the Cover: 1967 Corvette L71 Convertible. Photo: Mecum Auctions 10 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com

52 52 Bloomington Gold Departments 6 Publisher's Note 12 Contributors: A few of the faces of CM 14 Industry Roundtable: Six heavyweights sound off on the state of the market 16 Events: Things to do and places to be with your Corvette 20 Q&A: Slow C1s, C2 fit issues, and knock-off knockoffs 22 Affordable Classic: 1974–77 Stingray, looking better as time goes by 23 20 Year Picture 47 Mystery Photo 80 Vette-o-bilia: Sting Ray for a penny, surely that's a record 82 Trick Stuff: Bolt-on power, updated ignition, and a C1 couch 84 Books & DVDs: Six essential books and a 'Vettespotter's guide to the best and worst movies 86 By The Numbers: Top 100 Corvette Sales of 2007, Top 100 All-Time, Top 5 by Generation 96 Resource Directory 98 In Miniature: 1953 Roadster, 1957 SS, Grand Sport Coupes www.vettemarket.com FALL 2007 Corvette Market 11

Corvette Market Contributors Carl Bomstead Automobilia Specialist and Auction Analyst Carl Bomstead bought his first car when he was 14 and reckons 100 or more have passed thought his garage since then. These included classics, sports cars, hot rods, and a C1 and C2 Corvette. The 1954 was recently traded, a decision he immediately regretted. In addition to writing for Sports Car Market magazine, Bomstead has judged at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance for the past 13 years. He has also been Head Judge for two CCCA Annual Meetings and at other national Concours d'Elegance. He has an extensive collection of automobilia, and he currently owns five collector cars, which he drives regularly on events such as the Copperstate 1000 and CCCA CARavans. Thomas Glatch Contributing Editor Thomas Glatch has been contributing stories and photographs to automotive publications since 1983. He was seven when he saw his first '63 Split-Window, and that started it all. He began contributing to Corvette Fever magazine in 1989 and met his wife, Kelly, photographing a 1958 Corvette. Their work has appeared in Corvette Fever, Corvette Enthusiast, Vette, Corvette & Chevy Trader, and Corvette Magazine. Glatch still drags out his huge Sinar 4x5 view camera occasionally, but both typically shoot digital. Their photographs appeared in the Bloomington Gold 2005 and 2006 calendars, and The Corvette Bible, by KP Books. They live in Elm Grove, Wisconsin, with their children, Sean, 8, and Keara, 13. Daniel Grunwald Auction Analyst Daniel Grunwald's father was a Buick dealer in the mid '50s, and the seeds of the old car disease were planted. At age 16, Grunwald bought his first car, a Morris Minor, blew it up, and traded it for a succession of GM products that he hot-rodded. In 1972, Grunwald traded in his 1967 SS396 Chevelle for his first classic Corvette, a 1963 Split-Window coupe. His current collection consists of a '72 El Camino, '49 Chevrolet 3100 pickup, '67 Corvette 427/435 coupe, '66 Nova project car, 1939 BMW R12, 1972 and 1999 Triumph motorcycles. Grunwald has been an auction analyst for SCM since 2001. He and his wife Martha live in St. Charles, Illinois. Jim Pickering Auction Editor Jim Pickering grew up studying high-performance cars from the '60s and early '70s, and being a Chevrolet guy, Corvettes have always been at the top of his list. He spent several years as a mechanic before coming to Corvette Market, and during that time had hands-on experience with all generations of Corvette—from solid-axle cars all the way up through C5s. Pickering spends short, intense periods at Portland-area drag strips in his 12-second 468-ci '66 Caprice, and when he's not doing that, can be found sneaking up on Mustangs in his '01 Camaro SS. 12 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com

Insider's View The current state of the Corvette market Industry Roundtable The Corvette market has many facets, and in each issue, Corvette Market magazine will present the viewpoints of the movers and shakers in the Corvette market arena Dana Mecum President, Mecum Auctions Corvettes are a mainstay in the collector car marketplace. Those from the 1950s through the mid '60s were collectible as early as the 1970s. The one aspect I have always liked about Corvettes is the broad marketability—you can sell a Corvette in anytown USA. We look at our collector cars as invest- ments and expect them to appreciate in value. The added value of a Corvette is its liquid ability to be sold again. You may not get your appreciation in a quick sale, but you can hold onto your money forever. I think it's a good hunch that Corvettes outperform mid- and long term stock funds. The Corvette market today shadows strong investment luxury items like art and antiques and precious stones. Average or common merchandise sells for average prices; great merchandise sells for astounding prices. A great Corvette today must fit the fol- lowing categories: 1. Original or great restoration 2. Judging credentials 3. Factory documentation 4. Ownership history To explain #4—it's just like artwork. A Corvette's prior owners add value. If it's been in a great collector's hands, that adds special value and comfort for the new owner. The Corvette market overall is very stable. Common car values are constant, while the best investment-grade cars continue to climb in value. Who ever thought we'd see million-dollar Corvettes? 14 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com Drew Alcazar President, Russo and Steele Auctions There has been a huge run of the midyears (or first generation Sting Rays of 1963–1967) that has compounded their value exponentially in the last 24 to 36 months. Most enthusiasts will remember the run of the L88 in the '80s that mirrored the present run of the midyear Corvettes. Thanks to this increase in value, there has been a proliferation of cars with matching numbers, but undocumented. The 427/425 flavor of the moment has created a plethora of Corvettes that have attempted to meet this demand, but have resulted in more supply and less demand. I see a cooling trend with two exceptions: the 1967 435-hp car when it is all original, numbers-matching, documented (i.e. tank stickers, dealer invoices…not affidavits that look like ink stains on bar napkins or other figments of overactive imaginations) and the 1963 Split-Window because of its enduring hallmark status. Mike Yager President, Mid America Motorworks America's love affair with the Corvette continues to grow, and that means prices are steadily ticking up. Even base model, 1968–72 “chrome bumper” Corvettes—once considered entry-level investments—are now appreciating quickly. It is still possible to find a car in this category under $20,000, but I'd be surprised if that holds true much longer. The good news is that it's not too late to join the party. Here are two opportunities that make sense right now: Bargain hunters may want to consider a 1973–1996 Corvette, which have become the new starter models for Corvette enthusiasts. These range from $4,000 to $20,000, and should prove to be a good long term investment. Just as importantly, they will serve you very well as a daily driver that gets noticed. Another opportunity is any non-stock, non-matching numbers 1967 and earlier Corvette. I've noticed that enthusiasts are snapping up these cars to build “RestoRods,” with crate motors, C5 suspensions, and other performance options. They are great examples of a car that has a lower value as a collector's piece becoming a perfect starting point for a unique custom Corvette.

Jim Jordan President, County Corvette Without question, 2007 has brought a correction to the Corvette market. Mediocre Corvettes that were trading last year for six figures are now stagnant. The good news is that high-quality cars are trading at all-time highs and cars with solid authenticity and condition will significantly appreciate. Another gauge is the market for Corvette restoration. The cost of restoration has a considerable effect on the value of these cars. With the average restoration exceeding $125k–$150k, higher value cars will continue to climb. We average 65 to 75 Corvettes in various states of restoration or repair, and the backlog for high-end restorations has never been longer. It's amazing how many unrestored big-block cars exist. While there has been a decline in high- end cars, driver-quality and high-quality small-block midyears are very strong. The market for mediocre cars will soften while “no-stories” cars will stay strong. It's a buyer's market with great deals to be had. Buyers of high-horsepower cars, especially midyears, should be sure to authenticate cars and paperwork. Documentation can add as much as 25% in value and build sheets, Protect-o-Plates, and other pieces can be replicated. The rapid rise in value has led to the re-creation of many documents. On the upside, speculators are moving onto the next hot commodity, leaving the hobby to the enthusiast. Terry Michaelis President, ProTeam Classic Corvettes The Corvette market today is seeing a resurgence of true collectors and enthusiasts who are choosing to buy these classic vehicles to drive and enjoy. Demand is definitely growing as evidenced by the rising prices, and it's outstripping the availability of nice cars, which should drive prices up further. Older Corvettes, especially 1953 to 1972, have a solid pattern of growth that dates back to the early 1970s. Today's market is a world market and not just restricted to North America. From the United States to Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan—and now Russia, Hungary, Croatia, South America, and soon China—enthusiasts are digging deep into their pockets to purchase a classic. Additional factors, such as the disposable incomes of Baby Boomers, will lead to continued demand for Corvettes. This group has the time and money to enjoy a classic car, and I see the Corvette market growing more each year. Colin Comer President, Colin's Classic Automobiles The high-horse C2 (midyear) cars have really come on strong recently. Always near the top of any 'Vette list, 1967 435-hp cars have gone from $75,000 cars seven years ago to recent sales approaching half a million dollars. While it takes a special car to achieve those numbers, even a garden variety '67 435 convertible is $200,000 today, over twice what it would have cost in 2000. Only time will tell if these prices for higher production cars can be sustained. After all, they built almost 3,800 427/435 cars in 1967. C1 cars have seen steady price increases, and I think these are the value leaders. Most C2 cars have also gained. Documented cars are charging to the front as educated buyers walk away from suspect merchandise. The ultra-rare cars (L88, L89, tankers, air box, big brake, race history, etc.) are seeing much deserved gains and are multiple times the cost of regular 'Vettes. C3s have been moving up rapidly as buyers get priced out of C1 and C2 cars. Some special C3 cars like L88s, LT1s, LS6s, etc. have doubled or tripled in value. Corvettes have been collectible since nearly new, and thousands of clubs exist (like the NCRS, with over 26,000 members). There are several aftermarket parts suppliers and Corvette magazines, and huge shows like Bloomington Gold ensure that documented and proven cars will always be strong. ■ www.vettemarket.com FALL 2007 Corvette Market 15

Event Guide Send your Corvette event listing to cmcalendar@vettemarket.com. Corvette Calendar Know where you need to be in the months ahead with our nationwide calendar of Corvette events and auctions Arkansas 10.4.07–10.7.07 Eureka Springs Corvette Weekend, Eureka Springs The event will feature a fuel economy run, seminars, a car show, autocross, poker run, and midnight cruise. Free. www .eurekaspringscorvette.org Arizona 9/29/07 Historic Prescott Corvette Show, Prescott A Corvette show hosted by Prescott's Vette Sette Club and featuring trophies for all six generations. $20 fee covers a T-Shirt and the club's charity donation. www.prescottvettesette.org California 9/22/07 5th Annual Smith Corvette Show, Turlock This annual all-Corvette show runs all day. The Western States Corvette Council meeting will take place during the show. 10/7/07 CCC/NCRS Fall Meet, San Luis Obispo www.ncrs.org 10/18/07–10/20/07 American Le Mans Series, Laguna Seca In the final race of the season, the Corvette Connecticut 9/21/07–9/23/07 MASACC Fall Event 2007, Lime Rock The Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Solid Axle Corvette Club will host a BBQ and allow C6.R will do battle in America's premier sports racing series against cars from Aston Martin, Porsche, Audi, Panoz, Ferrari, Acura, and more. Tickets range from $15 to $55. www.americanlemans.com. members a lap or two of the Lime Rock circuit, with a fun drive through the Berkshires to follow. www.masacc.org. Florida 9/1/07 14th Annual Corvettes@The Pier, St. Petersburg Held by the Indian River Corvette Club, with awards given to the top three cars in class for all six generations of Corvette, plus customs. Don't miss the door prizes and live band. www.ircorvettes.com. 9/22/07 10th Annual Dimmitt Corvette Show, Clearwater Presented by the Bay Area Corvette Club of Clearwater, expect this year to be bigger and better than ever, with great music, breakfast onsite, door prizes, vendors, goodie bags, and polo shirts to the first 100 pre-registered entrants. www.baccvette.us. C6Rs race into darkness at Laguna Seca 16 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com 10/27/07 Roger's Cruz'in 2007, Orlando Roger's Corvette Center and the Central Florida Corvette Association (CFCA) will host this event to benefit the Russell Home for Atypical Children in Orlando. Features a low-pressure judged show with hoods down Richard Prince

and a separate People's Choice show for CFCA Members, plus music, door prizes, BBQ, charity auction, and more. www .rogerscorvette.com. 10/27/07 Corvettes at the Springs, Silver Springs Sponsored by the Marion County Corvette Club, this annual show is held at Silver Springs Nature Park. This year will feature a concert by Bobby Vinton which is part of the admission to the Show. $30 per car or $15 per person. www.ocalacorvettes.com. 10/27/07 3rd Annual Vettes at the Village of Baytowne Wharf, Destin Last year over 250 'Vettes came out, and this year expect over 300 on display. Cash and door prizes totaling over $10,000, plus many vendors and tons of Corvette information on site. Free. www.playgroundcorvetteclub.com 11/3/07 Corvettes in Paradise, Islamorada Hosted by the Florida Keys Corvette Club, the event will feature over 300 Corvettes with 20 judged classes. Dave McLellan, former Corvette Chief Engineer, will sign his great book, Corvette from the Inside. Registration ranges from $20 to $40. www .flkeyscorvetteclub.com. 11/10/07–11/11/07 Corvette Garden Party, Winter Haven Held by the Bay Area Corvette Club at Cypress Gardens, with raffles, vendors, music, food, and judging for several classes. Limited to 250 cars. www.baccvette.us. 1/17/08–1/20/08 NCRS Florida Regional Meeting, Kissimmee www.ncrs.org 1/19/08–1/27/08 Corvette Lovers Panama Canal Cruise, Ft. Lauderdale This event invites all Corvette enthusiasts to an eight-night cruise from Ft. Lauderdale with special guests Dave Hill, retired C5–C6 Corvette Chief Engineer, and Werner Meier, owner of Masterworks Automotive Services. Prices range from $690 to $2,270. www .catchawaveproductions.com. Iowa 8/31/07–9/3/07 Summer Festival, Council Bluffs The Cornhusker Corvette Club hosts this event with people's choice awards, funkana, rally, poker run, fuel economy run, and seven autocrosses. www.cornhuskercorvetteclub .com. SEPTEMBER 8/30/07–9/4/07 KRUSE, www.kruseauctions.com Auburn, IN 9/1/07 SILVER, www.silverauctions.com Sun Valley, ID 9/8/07 KRUSE, Edmonton, CAN 9/8/07 MECUM, www.mecumauctions.com Canal Winchester, OH 9/14/07–9/16/07 KRUSE, Murray, KY 9/15/07 ICA, www.icaauctions.com Sioux Falls, SD 9/15/07 SILVER, Eaton, CO 9/21/07–9/22/07 CAAA, www.classicautomobileauctions.com Fredericksburg, TX 9/22/07 MIDAMERICA, www.midamericaauctions.com Blaine, MN 9/28/07–9/29/07 KRUSE, Little Rock, AR 9/28–9/29/07 SANTIAGO, www.premierclassiccars .com TULSA, OK OCTOBER 10/5/07–10/6/07 CARLISLE, www.carlisleauctions.com Carlisle, PA 10/5/07–10/6/07 CAAA Biloxi, MS 10/5/07–10/7/07 MECUM, St. Charles, IL 10/6/07 SILVER, Spokane, WA 10/11/07–10/13/07 KRUSE, Hershey, PA 10/12/07 RM, www.rmauctions.com Hershey, PA 10/19/07–10/20/07 COX, www.bransonauction.com Branson, MO 10/19/07–10/21/07 RM, Toronto, CAN Auction Calendar 10/20/07 ICA, Louisville, KY 10/20/07 SILVER, Portland, OR NOVEMBER 11/2/07–11/4/07 KRUSE, Auburn, IN 11/3/07 SILVER, Seattle, WA 11/10/07 KRUSE, Atlanta, GA 11/10/07 POTTS, www.pottsauction.com Atlanta, GA 11/16/07–11/18/07 LEAKE, www.leakecarauction.com Dallas, TX 11/16/07–11/18/07 MCCORMICK, www.classic-carauction .com Palm Springs, CA 11/23/07–11/24/07 ICA, Gilbert, AZ 11/23/07–11/24/07 ICA, Houston, TX 11/24/07–11/25/07 KRUSE, Las Vegas, NV 11/30/07–12/2/07 MECUM, Kansas City, MO DECEMBER 12/7/07–12/8/07 SANTIAGO, Oklahoma City, OK 12/15/07–12/16/07 KRUSE, Houston, TX JANUARY 2008 1/4/08–1/6/08 KRUSE, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 1/13/08–1/20/07 BARRETT-JACKSON, www.barrett-jackson.com Scottsdale, AZ 1/16/08–1/20/08 RUSSO AND STEELE, www.russoandsteele.com Scottsdale, AZ 1/18/08 RM, Phoenix, AZ 1/18/08–1/19/08 KRUSE, Concord, NC 1/18/08–1/21/08 SILVER, Fort McDowell, AZ 1/25/08–1/27/08 KRUSE, Scottsdale, AZ www.vettemarket.com FALL 2007 Corvette Market 17

vent Guide Send your Cor Event Guide Send your Corvette event listing to cmcalendar@vettemarket.com. Send your Corvette event listing to cmcalendar@vettemarket.com. Candlelight tour of America's favorite home—the Biltmore Estate. There will be a sunrise photo shoot and two runs on the Tail of the Dragon during the weekend. Registration is $220 per person, and includes a year-round pass or $40 gift certificate, breakfast, dinner, and admission to the grounds of the estate. www.corvettesatbiltmore.com. New Hampshire 9/6/07–9/9/07 34th Annual Mountain Melee, Lincoln This long weekend event has a road rally, new Corvette giveaway, Show-n-Shine, costume party, and a Yankee Swap, with gourmet meals and plenty of entertainment. www.seacoastvettes.com Mid America Motorworks Corvette Funfest, Effingham, IL Illinois 9/21/07–9/23/07 Mid America Motorworks Corvette Funfest, Effingham America's biggest free Corvette party returns with over 14,000 Corvettes. Three Dog Night will play Saturday night, and George Barris will host a technical seminar during the weekend. Corvettes from years ending in “7” will have their own display. And it's all FREE. www.mamotorworks.com. 11/17/07–11/18/07 26th Chevy Vettefest Nationals, Rosemont The indoor show features a swap meet, car corral, the coveted Triple Crown and Gold Spinner Concours awards, with special awards for modified Corvettes. Pre-event tickets are $12 and $14 at the door. www .chevyvettefest.net. Kentucky 8/10/07–8/12/07 26th Annual National Corvette Homecoming, Bowling Green This annual pilgrimage to Bowling Green will include an all-Corvette parade, drag races, car corrals, plant tours, vendor areas, a swap meet, seminars, judged car shows, museum visit, and more. Judged car registration starts at $15. www.corvettehomecoming .com. 9/8/07 6th Annual Corvettes on the River, Paducah Last year, more than 130 Corvettes came out. Expect games, club competion, food, and a judged show with trophies for the top three in ten different categories. $20 to register. www.fourriverscorvetteclub.com. 18 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com Massachusetts 9/30/07 Vettes to Vets, Bedford Come out to show your support for those who've given up a significant part of their lives for our freedom. Entrants get a commemorative pin, and one car will be awarded the Veteran's Choice Trophy. No admission cost, but organizers ask for a small goodie bag of donated items to benefit wounded vets. www.vettes1.com. Maryland 9/16/07 All Corvette Drag Racing & Fun Show, Crofton Held at Capitol Raceway. Get set for quartermile bracket drag racing and a people's choice fun show for Corvettes, with six different classes. $40 to race, $20 to enter the car show, $10 for spectators. www.corvetteclubofamerica.org Mississippi 9/30/07 The 2nd Annual David Coward Memorial Poker Run, Madison Lane A charity poker run that traverses the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway, with five draws throughout the day. A dinner at Cock of the Walk will follow. Each poker hand costs $20. www.mscorvetteclub.com. North Carolina 11/16/07–11/20/07 Corvettes @ Biltmore 2007, Asheville Drive America's sports car for a Christmas Nevada 9/28/07 Summer's End Corvette Gathering & Show, Sparks A gathering of 'Vettes from all over the West at John Ascuaga's Nugget Casino. The charity event benefits local organizations, and all pre-registered entrants are encouraged to bring a donation for the Saturday night raffle. $88 per person. www.corvettecruzin.com. New York 10/07/07 Vettes @ the Vanderbilt, Suffolk County This all-Corvette show will feature a judged show with People's Choice award. Entry is $20 to $30. www.longislandvettes.com. Ohio 9/22/07 Corvettes for the Troops, Sandusky Lake Shore Corvettes will host this one-day social event with four car shows and a 1967 Corvette car corral. You don't have to be a member, and proceeds from the $20 entry and 50/50 charity help benefit America's brave troops. www.lakeshorecorvettes.com. Pennsylvania 8/24/07–8/26/07 Corvettes at Carlisle, Carlisle The biggest Corvette show in the east returns with a Callaway Reunion, 1957 Reunion, burnout competition, autocross, NCRS Gallery, NCCC judged showfield, free seminars, and more. The Corvette Market gang will be there, so stop in and say hello. Admission is $12, with kids under twelve free. www.carlisleevents.com. 9/9/07—Autumn Vettes '07, Monroeville Sponsored by the Corvette Club of Western

PA, this judged all-Corvette show will have trophies in 18 'Vette classes, a DJ, 50/50 charity auction, dash plaques, door prizes, and plenty of refreshments. $10 pre-show, $15 at the door, with spectators welcome and free. www.ccwp.org. 10/21/07 York County Corvette Club AACA Museum Show, Hershey Bring your Corvette to the AACA Antique Auto Museum for goodie bags, dash plaques, trophies, food, and door prizes. Each registered car receives two admission tickets to the museum. Pre-registration is $20, $25 at the door. www.yccc.us. 10/28/07 American Legends at Long's Park, Lancaster This Corvette and all-GM vehicle fun show is sponsored by the Lancaster County Corvette Club and Faulkner Chevrolet to benefit the Spina Bifida Association and Christmas Angels project. Goodie bags and event souvenirs are limited to the first 250 registered vehicles. Pre-registration is $15, $20 at the door, with spectators free. www.lcccpa.com. South Carolina 10/13/07 8th Annual “Street Thunder” Open Car, Truck, & Bike Show, N. Charleston Sponsored by the Coastal Carolina Corvette Club at the Texas Roadhouse, this event features participant judging, cash giveaways, and hundreds of door prizes. All proceeds benefit local children's charities. www.4cccc.com. Tennessee 9/16/07 10th Annual Corvette Show & Drag, East Ridge Trophies will be awarded for the top 20 cars at the show, plus 1st through 5th places in the various drag races. Also expect door prizes, a silent auction, a 50/50 drawing, and plenty of vendors. Registration is $25 for show or race, or $35 for both. www.mountaincitycorvetteassociation.com. Texas 9/15/07 Vettes and Jets on the Lex, Corpus Christi The Corpus Christi Corvette Club is sponsoring this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, along with the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay, to see how many Corvettes they can fit on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier. Be a part of this world-record attempt. Tickets are $12 for adults, less for seniors and kids. www.vettesandjetsonthelex.com. 10/25/07–10/27/07 NCRS Texas Regional Meeting, Waco Hosted by the NCRS Texas Chapter, this annual event is expected to attract over 125 new and classic Corvettes from all over the nation. The public is welcome, and many of the 'Vettes will be flight judged. Expect lots of Corvette-only parts and automobilia vendors. www.ncrs.org. 2/15/08–2/17/08 30th Annual Corvette/Chevy Expo, Houston This is the largest indoor Corvette and Chevy-only event in the Lone Star State, with over 125,000 sq-ft of Bowtie good stuff. Expect plenty of cars for sale, major parts and accessories vendors, and a Miss Hawaiian Tropic Bikini Contest. www.corvettechevyexpo.com. Virginia 9/16/07 Corvettes at Sterling, Sterling The Old Dominion Corvette Club will host this show as a fundraiser for charity, with participant voting for the top three Corvettes, plus a Dealer's Choice Award. www.olddominioncorvetteclub.org. 12/1/07–12/3/07 MASACC Holiday Extravaganza 2007, Williamsburg Join the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Solid Axle Corvette Club for a trip to Colonial Williamsburg, and be there for the Grand Illumination of the historic city. www.masacc.org. Washington 9/13/07–9/15/07 NCRS Northwest Regional Meeting, Leavenworth www.ncrs.org. ■ National Corvette Homecoming, Bowling Green, KY www.vettemarket.com FALL 2007 Corvette Market 19

Questions &Answers Please send your questions to questions@vettemarket.com. All submissions subject to editing. Dreaming of the Motorama Tell your neighbor that you bought the '54 because the exhaust note reminds you of your vintage Chris-Craft by Colin Comer Forget space and pace, just go with grace I recently purchased a beautiful '54 Pennant Blue Vette with the Blue Flame Six. It is a great car but has a distinct lack of power. Between the six in a row that doesn't go and the lethargic Powerglide 2-speed automatic, I fear stoplight challenges from hybrid cars with dead batteries. To add insult to injury, my neighbor recently bought a Pennant Blue '55 Vette with the 170-hp V8. I think I saw him driving out of his garage in reverse gear faster than my car will go in either of its two forward speeds. What are my options to wake up this '54? Are they all like this or is mine just sick? Please help; even the kid down the street claims he can beat me on his skateboard.—RSK, Bridgehampton, New York. No, you likely do not have a particularly sick '54. To use a line they taught me in dealership mechanic school, “They all do that.” The '53–'54 'Vettes are beautiful cars that just look a lot more sporty than their powertrain allows them to be. Even when tuned to perfection, a Blue Flame Six might produce around 110 hp in real world numbers. By the time that power goes through the torque converter and the cast-iron Powerglide, not much grunt is reaching the rear wheels. A reasonably common modification years ago was to install a manual transmission, which will really transform the car. However, given the value of the car and the expense of this conversion, it is not something I recommend. A period supercharger would help somewhat but would require many modifications and I haven't reference books as you can, take the time and drive a few cars before you decide you really want one. Sometimes the reality doesn't live up to the dream. However, I think you will find if you buy a really good car, it will. Give no quarter checking knockoffs I own a 1966 convertible with knockoff wheels. At a 1954 'Vette, slow and stylish seen one for sale in years. Time tested hot-rodding tricks like a better camshaft and engine work would help, but this is also a lot of money for a limited return. My best advice is to enjoy the car for what it is—a great looking remnant of the GM Motorama days that makes up in style what it lacks in absolute performance. That, or hide from the skater kid and tell your neighbor that you picked the '54 because the exhaust note reminds you of your vintage Chris-Craft boat with the Hercules Six. Make sure you fit in a midyear I am a “newbie” to the hobby but know my first collector car purchase has to be a midyear Corvette. I have been smitten with the design since I first saw one in 1963. What kind of tips can you give somebody looking to buy their first collectible Corvette?—MLG, Barrington Hills, Illinois. Good choice. I love midyear (1963–1967) 'Vettes, espe- cially the coupes. As with any car, don't look for a bargain; find a trusted Corvette expert and have 20 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com him help you find a really good car. There is a lot of junk out there, and many 'Vettes are not what they appear to be. Join your local NCRS chapter and check out the NCRS newsletter for cars for sale. Go to a few club meetings and let them know you are interested in finding a great car. Don't be afraid to pay a premium for the right car in the right color; it is always money well spent buying the right car rather than an “almost.” Also, take your intended use into consideration. As funny as it sounds, make sure you fit in a midyear. If you are tall, don't consider a '63 or '64 until you have driven one; the steering column is rather low and nonadjustable. In '65, GM changed the ergonomics slightly and the '65–'67 cars have more legroom. A host of other improvements came on line in 1965, including disc brakes. If you don't have to have a '67, look at other years, as '67s always command a premium. If you intend to drive the car much, consider a small-block car over a big block. Air conditioning is a great option for warmer climates and was available from the factory. Ask around, see what others recommend, read as many local show a Corvette “expert” told me my wheels were not original but were in fact reproductions. How do I tell the difference? —DWM, Scottsdale, Arizona This has been a problem for many people. Original Kelsey-Hayes knockoff wheels are extremely valuable and the reproductions have become so good it is hard to tell if you don't know what to look for. Unfortunately, many people have paid a premium for a car with “original” wheels only to discover later that they have repros. Here are a few simple tests that will flush out most of the repros without much trouble: Look at the finish on the outside edges of the “vanes” of the wheel (not between the vanes). Original wheels have a dull finish, while the reproductions have a shiny, glittery finish that almost appears metallic. Also, look at the thickness of the vanes; original wheels have a very thin spoke while the repros have a noticeably thicker one. If in doubt, go to the last (and foolproof) test—the “quarter test.” Take a quarter and try to insert it between the vanes of the wheel. It won't fit on a reproduction wheel with the thick vanes, but a quarter will fit between the thin vanes of an original wheel. I can hear change jingling and garage doors opening right now. ■

Affordable Classic 1974–77 Corvette Not Much Bang, But Not Much Bucks, Either 1975 was the low point. Output of the base L48 motor sank to 165 hp— the lowest since Chevy abandoned the Blue Flame Six in 1955 by Rob Sass T he 1970s included some high points for the Corvette; 'Vette people still get weak in the knees at the mention of the L88 and L71 engine options. Unfortunately, those were the other '70s, the pre-disco, Vietnam-era, early '70s that were really more like a brief holdover from the '60s. The real 1970s, the post-Vietnam, Watergate/disco '70s, were not especially kind to America's only sports car. The twin whammies of bumper and pollution legislation hit all the major manufac- turers with full force in 1974, and most responded with varying degrees of success. Nobody got it completely right. But for a retrofit to a design that dated to the early '60s, the Corvette's urethane-covered bumpers (front only in 1973 and front and rear for 1974) were well integrated, if not as attractive as the thin chrome pieces they replaced. Not as successful was Chevy's approach to emission control. Where more expen- sive European rivals like Porsche went with Bosch electronic fuel injection for 1974, Chevy stayed with a carburetor and relied on lean running, air injection, retarded timing, and lowered compression to tackle emissions regulations. Letting down the legion of fans As a result, the 1974 version let down the legions of Corvette fans used to the pavement-pounding cars of the '60s and early '70s. The LS4 454 option expired (along with real dual exhaust) after 1974. But by the last year of the big block, it was down to just 270 net hp, or, adjusted for net vs. gross horsepower, little more than what the base small block put out a few years earlier, and just 20 hp more than the L82 350. 22 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com News was worse for the base L48 motor. Its output sank below 200 hp; it was rated at just 195 hp for 1974. Nineteen seventy-five was the low point. Output of the base L48 motor sank to 165 hp (the lowest since Chevy abandoned the Blue Flame Six in 1955). The “hot” L82 gave only 205 hp. Four-speeds became relatively rare and sadly, the convertible was dropped after 1975 when it looked like the U.S. would outlaw convertibles; truthfully, the model had been sagging in popularity. Recession, inflation, and post-Vietnam malaise, rising insurance rates, and stringent pollution regulations made for sad times in general. It's no wonder people constantly had to remind each other to “have a nice day.” The only good news was that everyone was suffering and even the 1974–77 Corvettes were among the fastest and most powerful cars of their respective model years. And a few undeniably positive things occurred during these years. Former options like power steering, power brakes, and leather upholstery were made standard. And lamentable as these 'Vettes may be to fans of mid-year cars and early C3s, they really aren't that bad to live with, nor are they as pitifully slow as one might think.

Not as slow as you might think Most road tests reported 0–60 times in the mid-sevens to the low eights and quar- ter-mile times in the mid-15 second range, depending on the engine option. This meant they were as quick as a contemporary Porsche 911, Jaguar E-type V12, or Ferrari 308 GT4 and considerably quicker than a Datsun 280Z. Handling was as good as the C3 platform got when the Gymkhana suspension option was ordered. There was no domestic car of the era worth the comparison, as the Mustang was virtually missing in action with the Pinto-based Mustang II. Ford's real sports car, the Italo-American DeTomaso Pantera, with a 264-hp 351, cost double a Corvette, was half as practical, and twice as troublesome. Accident damage and frame rust are the primary issues to look for with any C3 Corvette. Feel behind panels to make sure the factory bonding strips are still there. Rough or poorly finished areas indicate fiberglass repairs. Headlights should go up and down in unison and fit well when retracted. Another quick way to check for accident damage is to open the fuel filler lid. The gas cap should be roughly centered. If the frame has been tweaked at some point, the tank and the filler neck will have shifted, moving the cap drastically off center. Panel fit on Corvettes should be reasonably good. Doors and hoods were often ground or trimmed to fit when the cars were being assembled. Finally, a certain amount of waviness is acceptable on the sides of the car. They are, after all, plastic rather than steel. While Corvette bodies don't rust, chassis certainly do. The most likely places are just in front of the rear wheels and where the frame curves up over the rear suspension. Always have an expert check the condition of the chassis and the “birdcage”—the steel windshield and cowl support. Corvette interiors present no particular restoration issues. There are no expensive wood veneers to refinish or wool carpet to replace. Leather seat covers generally cost a few hundred more than vinyl. It's a nice upgrade, as the vinyl patterns on some of the 1974–77 cars are not particularly attractive. A complete interior can be purchased inexpensively and an advanced do-it-yourselfer is capable of installing it. Corvettes are notoriously robust mechanically. Cast iron pushrod engines are tough as nails. If the C3 Corvette has an Achilles heel, it is the rear suspension. Hubs, half shafts, wheel bearings, and differential mounts should be looked at carefully, 20 Year Picture $25,000 1974–77 Corvette L82 $20,000 $15,000 1974–76 Pontiac Trans Am $10,000 especially in 454 cars, although with significantly less horsepower and torque, this isn't as much of a problem as in earlier big-block cars. Starting to look better as time goes by While no match for the '68–72 cars, the '74–77 Vettes are starting to look better as the years go by, especially cars with the handsome slotted aluminum wheels that became common after 1975. They are certainly plentiful enough and at the prices they are trading for, it makes no sense to buy a project. From a collecting standpoint, a 4-speed LS4 convert- ible from 1974 probably stands at the top of the heap, followed by a similar coupe. Expect to pay well over $20,000 for a good big-block convertible. After that, a 1974 L82 convertible would be relatively desirable. But any well-optioned coupe with air in a funky 1970s color like Orange Flame or Bright Yellow would be a pleasant driver. In general, 1974–77 Corvettes have been appreciat- ing modestly. A few years back, they were plentiful in the $6,000–$7,000 range for a standard coupe without issues. Now, $8,000–$9,000 is more like it. For that money, they represent a tremendous bargain. While perhaps an underachiever for a Corvette, you still get V8 rumble, good looks, and reasonable performance. When your alternatives for an under-$10,000 V8 “performance” car from the 1970s include a Mustang II Cobra, the Corvettes of 1974 to 1977 look fairly compelling. ■ ROB SASS has been collecting affordable classics since age 16. He has written for the New York Times and Business Week Online. Prices are for cars in excellent condition. This information is provided by Black Book and Cars of Particular Interest Collectible Vehicle Value Guide, www.blackbookusa.com. $5,000 1978 Datsun 280Z 1988 1993 1998 2003 2007 www.vettemarket.com FALL 2007 Corvette Market 23

C1 profile 1953 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster Despite lack of creature comforts and a 2-speed automatic, early Corvettes show surprising power—at least at auction by Carl Bomstead T he Corvette was introduced at the General Motors Motorama at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York and it was a sensation. Its two-seater body was wrapped around the conventional perimeter frame chassis with independent front suspension and live rear axle. The body itself was a revelation, constructed from a revolutionary material called fiberglass that was only beginning to establish its reputation for light weight, strength, and efficient low-volume manufacturing It was powered by Chevy's proven overhead valve inline 6-cylinder engine. Fitted with three single-throat, side-draft Carter carburetors, mechanical lifters, 8:1 compression, split exhaust manifold and dual exhaust pipes, it made 150 hp and drove through Chevy's 2speed Powerglide automatic transmission. The 1953 Corvette offered here is number 120. It has been lovingly and carefully restored with special attention to preserving many of its most unique individual features and markings that are characteristic of the earliest Corvettes. The original Blue Flame Special 26 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com engine, LAY512502, has been removed and is preserved in carefully restored condition on a rolling engine stand. Many of the original markings put on the Corvette's parts by vendors and the Flint line have been discovered and protected during its restoration. These include number 120 written on one of the headlight buckets, a rubber-stamped date above the driver's door post, and red ink markings on the driver's side door pillar. A 1953 Corvette is a rare and highly desirable addition to any collection, but a 1953 Corvette with originality, history, and careful preservation is almost never available for public sale. CM Analysis This car sold for $396,000 at the Worldwide Group's Houston Classic Harley Earl's interest in sportier two-seater cars was apparent in his dream cars auction held at Seabrook, Texas, on May 5, 2007. of the early 1950s. The LeSabre of 1951 and the Buick XP-300 that was shown a year later featured a wraparound windshield, a toothy oval grille, and a low sports car stance. A low-priced sporty car was definitely in the works. Apart from its fiberglass body, the car (code named “Project Opal”) used off-the- shelf parts. It met with the approval of GM President Harlow Curtice and Chevrolet Division GM Thomas Keating and was presented at the 1953 Motorama. The Corvette was a resounding success, and after a few hectic months, full production began in a temporary facility in Flint, Michigan, in June 1953. Photos: The Worldwide Group

300 Corvettes hand-built Chevrolet manufactured only 300 hand-built Corvettes for 1953 and they were carefully placed with handpicked celebrities in order to gain maximum exposure. Briggs Cunningham bought one for his wife. John Wayne wanted one, but found the Corvette too small for him. The striking styling aside, the Corvette could not find its niche with the general public. Fish or fowl? Boulevard cruiser or European-style sports car? Neither side flocked to the car. The awkward side curtains, clumsy inside door latch, and poor water sealing made it a tough sell to the former, and the latter scoffed at the thought of a 2-speed automatic and anemic 6-cylinder engine in a sports car. Furthermore, all 300 came with AM radios and heater, which pushed the list price to $3,734, compared to the selling price of $3,345 for the Jaguar XK 120. As a result, production for the following year, which moved to St. Louis, was scaled back from the projected run of 10,000 and the decision to switch to steel bodies was delayed. Few would argue with the idea that while the early C1s were styled with an appeal- ing and attractive body, the build quality was marginal at best, and the performance with the Blue Flame Six was disappointing. That said, how do we justify the $396,000 that was paid here? We have several other recent sales of 1953 Corvettes to further confuse our analysis. Two were sold at the June 15–17 Mecum Bloomington sale, with #107 making $296,625 and #210 selling for $283,500. Based on these sales we can easily conclude that someone got a little carried away to the tune of $100,000 or so at the Houston Classic. But then look at the sale of #157, which sold for $440,000 at the recent RM Ponder sale, while the #003 Corvette sold at Barrett-Jackson in January 2006 for $1,080,000. Muddying the waters To further muddy the waters, this actual car sold for $212,000 (CM# 41422) at the April 2006 Branson auction, with the Sports Car Market analysis stating that “…this car was well bought and sold with possibly a small amount of movement left.” The seller here obviously made a handsome profit for his 13-month ownership, but does the new owner have anywhere to go from here? Even as the early Corvettes continue to reach new high-water marks on the value charts, it's hard to imagine 1953s consistently selling in this range. The Mecum sales appear to be more the rule Year/Make/Model 1953 Corvette roadster 1953 Corvette roadster 1953 Corvette roadster 1953 Corvette roadster 1953 Corvette roadster Company 1953 C1 Details Years Produced 1953 Number Produced 300 Original List Price $3,498 SCM Valuation $250,000–$350,000 Tune-up $300 Distributor Cap $25 Chassis # Driver's side door post Engine # Stamped on machined pad rear of distributor Club National Corvette Owners Assoc. P.O. Box 777A Falls Church, VA 22046 More www.ncoa-vettes.com Alternatives 1951–54 Jaguar XK 120, 1954 Kaiser Darrin, 1951–54 Nash-Healey SCM Investment Grade B and this and the Ponder sale the exception. So overall, this auction result should be considered a very good one indeed, for the seller. ■ CARL BOMSTEAD customized his first car, a 1948 Plymouth, when he was 15. He has since served as a judge at Pebble Beach, Kirkland Concours, and various Classic Car Club of America national events. Top C1 Sales in the CM Database at www.vettemarket.com Price Location $1,080,000 $396,000 $297,000 $212,000 $210,600 Barrett-Jackson The Worldwide Group Barrett-Jackson Cox Auctions Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, AZ Seabrook, TX Scottsdale, AZ Branson, MO Scottsdale, AZ Date 1/14/06 5/5/07 1/26/05 4/21/06 1/22/04 CM# 40401 45314 37010 41422 32424 www.vettemarket.com FALL 2007 Corvette Market 27

profile by Thomas Glatch C2 profile 1967 Corvette 427/435 L71 This car is not limited production, it's not an L89 or L88, and those are the only '67s we've seen over $500,000 (except for Gus Grissom's car) I n the Corvette world, three models have dominated the collector market: the 1957 with fuel injection, the 1963 Split-Window Sting Ray with fuel injection, and the 1967 Sting Ray with the top horsepower 427 en- gines. Other years may have offered better performance, superior features, or better styling, but this threesome tops the value list. Demand for the 1967 427 Sting Ray has resulted in this model hitting the sweet spot of performance and style. That's ironic, since this Corvette almost wasn't built. The curvacious Mako Shark-inspired Sting Ray introduced in 1968 was supposed to be the 1967 model. That car was delayed a year, mainly over indecision on the coupe's roof design. The rush to bring a 1967 Corvette to market was eased by the fact that both the '67 and the '68 rode on the same chassis. The new series of powertrain options readied for 1967 could sit under 28 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com either body, so the majority of the engineering was done. The base 300-hp 327 carried over from the '66 car. So did the L79 350-hp small- block option. But the big news were the five 427 monsters on the option list. The 390-hp L36, with its mild cam, single Holley 4-barrel carb and lower compression, was a carryover from 1966, and was designed for easy cruising. Next came the new 400-hp L68, essentially an L36 with the addition of the new 3x2 barrel tri-carb setup. Like the L36, the L68 could be had with automatic transmission and air conditioning. But the press fell all over themselves about the new L71 435-hp engine. This replaced the 1966 L72 427 as the top street engine in the lineup. High compression, wild cam, and the tri-carb ensured legendary performance. GM's concern for reliability meant that automatic transmissions and air conditioning were not available on the L71. At $437.10, the L71 package was expensive, yet 3,754 (16% of Corvette production that year) were ordered. The L71 was an evolution of the L72, which produced a claimed 425 horsepower (SAE gross). The L71 replaced the single Holley 4-barrel of the L72 with three Holley 2-barrel carburetors, similar to what Pontiac had offered since the early 1960s. With the tri-carb arrangement, only the center carburetor was functional during normal Photos: Mecum Auctions

driving. But stomp the accelerator and the vacuum-activated outer carbs delivered a torrent of fuel to the hungry big block. Chevrolet rated the L71 at 435 hp, but many thought the rating of the L72 was conservative (in fact there is data to suggest the L72 the faster of the two). What the L71's tri-carbs did deliver was better fuel economy in daily driving, since it was essentially a 2-barrel engine until the need for speed hit. Since the only automatic transmission available to Chevrolet in '67 was the aging 2-speed Powerglide, the L71 was only available with the superb M21 Muncie 4-speed manual, making this an engine for serious drivers. Two other little-known options were available. RPO L89 added aluminum heads to the L71. No increase in horsepower, but a reduction of 200 lbs over the front wheels gave the L89 about the same weight bias as the 327 engine. Adding $368.68 to the L71 drove the cost of the L89 Corvette over the $5,000 mark, but it was the ultimate in street performance that year. Just 16 were built in 1967, making the L89 the rarest option. The other rarity was the L88. Generating over 500 hp, the L88 engine was hand-built at the Tonawanda, New York, plant to blueprinted racing standards. Many of those cars were purchased for street use, but the L88 was intended for racing only. With 12.5:1 compression, a wild high-lift cam, and a huge single Holley 4-barrel, the L88 inhaled 103 octane race fuel with abandon, and bucked and snorted at anything less than serious rpm. Details Years Produced 1967 Number Produced 3,754 (L71) Original List Price $5,160 SCM Valuation $108,000–$186,000 Tune-up $150 Distributor Cap $19.99 Chassis # Driver's side base of windshield Engine # Stamped on machined pad passenger side of block, front of cylinder head Club National Corvette Owners Assoc. P.O. Box 777A Falls Church VA 22046 More www.ncoa-vettes.com Alternatives 1970–73 Hemi 'Cuda Coupe, 1963–64 Shelby Cobra 427, 1957 Fuelie Corvette SCM Investment Grade A But at the 1967 24 Hours of Le Mans, Dick Guldstrand topped 171.5 mph on the threemile Mulsanne Straight with a near-stock L88, and led the GT class until the stock connecting rods failed. Since the Chevrolet Studio was busy with the next generation car, styling changes to the '67 were minimal. A new hood for the 427 cars was developed, with a “power bulge” that anticipated the '68 design. Federal mandate eliminated knockoff hubs, so the factory alloy wheels were modified with a large hex nut. Other trim was cleaned up, and new side vents added to the front fenders, an easy task with the Corvette's fiberglass construction. In the opinion of many, this was the second generation's best year for style. Anticipation of the 1968 Corvette may have kept sales of the '67 down. Only 22,940 were built (14,436 convertibles, 8,504 coupes), versus 27,720 in 1966 and 28,566 in 1968. But in the collector market, the L71 or greater '67s have excelled. During the heady days of the Corvette collector “explosion” in the late '80s, these were some of the first to cross the $100,000 milestone. CM Analysis This Corvette L71 convertible sold for $436,000, including commission, at the Mecum Auction at Bloomington Gold in St. Charles, Illinois, on June 16. This was an exceptional Corvette, which attracted by far the highest price we've seen for a '67 L71. A number of factors made this car special, and it was owned by the late Roby Price, a prominent Corvette collector who was the Team Leader for 1967 Corvettes in the National Corvette Restorers Society. 29,000 miles and all manuals This car has only 29,000 miles on the odometer, and is fully documented with the original Protect-o-Plate, warranty book, owner's manual, radio operating instructions, and previous owner's registration. The engine and drivetrain are original, along with the battery, keys, and alloy wheels. Tires are correct NOS Firestone Redlines. It was restored correctly, as evidenced by its numerous awards: 1989 Bloomington Gold Certification, NCRS Top Flight awards in 1989, 2002, and 2003, and invitation to the 1991 Bloomington Gold Special Collection. If you were to own just one collectible Corvette, this might be it. However, auctioneer Dana Mecum felt the Roby Price car would sell for $100,000 more than it did. Typical price range for these cars is $108,000 to $186,000, so buyers clearly appreciated the quality of this car. But this is an L71 (3,754 made), not the scarcer L89 (16) or L88 (20), and the only '67s we've seen over $500,000 (with one exception) are L88 or L89 cars. This Corvette was also restored. Yes, it was correctly done, and its many awards are proof of that, but it is still restored. There are a handful of Corvettes that have received Bloomington Gold Benchmark awards, as a car that has earned both Bloomington Gold Survivor for being at least 50% original and Bloomington Gold www.vettemarket.com FALL 2007 Corvette Market 29

profile C2 profile Certification for being within 95% of “typical factory production.” Can't be counted a disappointment Rare cars that are both perfect and original are all the more valuable. But a Benchmark L71 reached $340,000 at Bloomington Gold last year without selling. The highest-priced restored L71 went for $275,000 at the Russo and Steele auction last January, but that car was once owned by astronaut Gus Grissom. The last 1967 Corvette built, an L36 coupe, sold at Barrett-Jackson for $660,000, the highest ever for a non-L88/89 Corvette. While the Roby Price car is exceptional, quite frankly, there are Corvette collec- tors with buildings full of comparable cars. These cars don't change hands often, but they are out there. So $400,000 for this car can't be counted a disappointment. Will a 1967 L71 Corvette break the $500,000 barrier? It will someday, but it's going to take a car that's rarer and more original than the Roby Price L71. ■ TOM GLATCH and his wife Kelly, have written for Corvette Fever, Corvette Enthusiast, Vette, Corvette & Chevy Trader, and Corvette Magazine. He recently contributed photographs to the upcoming book Corvette Bible, by KP Books. Year/Make/Model Top C2 Sales in the CM Database at www.vettemarket.com Price Company Location 1967 Corvette Sunray DXL88 coupe 1967 Corvette “Last Sting Ray” coupe 1967 Corvette L88 coupe 1967 Corvette L89 convertible 1967 Corvette L88 convertible $900,000 RM Auctions $660,000 Barrett-Jackson $645,750 Mecum Auctions $393,750 Mecum Auctions $321,000 RM Auctions Monterey, CA Scottsdale, AZ St. Charles, IL St. Charles, IL Monterey, CA Date CM# 8/16/02 28923 1/18/07 44187 6/27/03 31535 6/24/05 38511 8/14/98 10967 30 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com

When It Was New The L71 hit the road just as the psychedelic part of the '60s got underway. With its bulging fenders and crisp creases, it was America's strongest styling statement, as well as its most potent sports car. Top News Stories from 1967 From Around the World: Military Coup in Greece; Six Day War; First Heart Transplant From the U.S.: St. Louis Cardinals beat the Red Sox in the World Series four games to three Top Songs of 1967 1. Kind of a Drag The Buckinghams 2. Ruby Tuesday The Rolling Stones 3. Love Is Here and Now You're Gone The Supremes 4. Penny Lane The Beatles 5. Happy Together The Turtles 6. Somethin' Stupid Top Movies 1. The Dirty Dozen 2. You Only Live Twice 3. Casino Royale 4. A Man for All Seasons 5. Thoroughly Modern Millie 6. Barefoot in the Park 7. Georgy Girl 8. To Sir With Love 9. Grand Prix 10. Hombre Top Television Shows 1. The Andy Griffith Show (CBS) 2. The Lucy Show (CBS) 3. Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. (CBS) 4. Gunsmoke (CBS) 5. Family Affair (CBS) 6. Bonanza (NBC) 7. The Red Skelton Show (CBS) 8. The Dean Martin Show (CBS) 9. The Jackie Gleason Show (CBS) 10. Saturday Night at the Movies (NBC) (News, Music, and Movies of 1967 from www.HistoryCentral.com.) www.vettemarket.com FALL 2007 Corvette Market 31 Nancy Sinatra & Frank Sinatra 7. The Happening The Supremes 8. Groovin' The Young Rascals 9. Respect Aretha Franklin 10. Windy The Association

profile by Thomas Glatch the Corvette—at any speed. Tires whining, the awesome rumble of the exhaust sweeping through the cockpit, the emission pump pulley screeching, the fiberglass body creaking; sounds of a genuinely exciting vehicle.” 6. L89 427-ci 435-hp tri-carb. Take the classic muscle Chassis number 194679S124513 “V ariety is the spice of life,” it's said, and in the late 1960s Chevrolet gave us the entire rack. From mild oregano to screaming hot curry and jalapeño, the 1969 Corvette could match any taste. First choice was the body: convertible or the hot new T-top that acted like a convertible when the panels and rear window were removed. Either way, the C3 Corvette was a stunning car in its day. Said Car and Driver magazine: “It's a brutal, masculine looking machine with a shape that suggests a slightly overweight Group 7 sports racer or one of the Le Mans Ferraris when they were winning…” Other options could dress the Corvette in many distinctive ways, from chrome trim for the fender louvers to side pipes and the gorgeous but heavy alloy wheels. Inside, there were plenty of choices, too, from the standard vinyl interior to the Deluxe option with leather surfaces. But the real decisions came when ordering the Corvette's power, with no less than seven distinct options: 1. Base 350-ci 300-hp. Nothing to apologize for here, the standard small block could move the '69 Corvette with authority, or idle in traffic with no problem. 2. L78 350-ci 350-hp. While not in the same league as the late lamented Fuelies, the L78 was a joy to drive, with better balance than the big-block cars. 3. L36 427-ci 390-hp. Chief engineer Zora Duntov intended the L36 to offer effort- less cruising, with automatic transmission and air conditioning options not hurting the car's performance one iota. 4. L68 427-ci 400-hp tri-carb. The three deuce setup, similar to the one Pontiac used on the GTO for years, gave the 427 better driveability and fuel economy. Unlike the higher horsepower cars, you could still get automatic transmission and air conditioning with the L68. A true Grand Tourer. 5. L71 427-ci 435-hp tri-carb. The legendary L71 was the top street performer of the bunch, but with its wild cam and high compression, hardly a refined driving experience, as Car and Driver found: “Despite any efforts to soften its latent toughness with such niceties as power windows and an AM/FM radio, our Corvette came across as one thundering, hammering brute of an automobile. Its giant exhaust pipes, its fat, blackwall tires, and its disheveled surface gave it a fierce countenance indeed, but the incredible power of the beast didn't become apparent until its giant engine began to thump away and its wheels began to roll. Then it became a truly visceral experience to motor along in 32 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com of the L71 and add aluminum cylinder heads, and it came back: balance. The alloy heads shaved 200 lbs off the weight of the engine. The average motorist would not notice the transformation, but someone driving an L89 would—quicker turn-in, better braking, that satisfying feel of balance. Road & Track magazine commented: “No question about it, the Corvette is one of the best handling front-engined production cars in the world, under the specialized conditions for which it was designed. What the car is designed for is going fast on a smooth track, and for this it can be bettered only by cars with less polar inertia (mid-engine cars). ” 7. L88 427-ci 430-hp. A factory race car, and nothing less, its hand-built engine was rated a laughable 430-hp to discourage buyers from using it on the street. The L88's element was places like Daytona, Le Mans, and Elkhart Details Years Produced 1969 Number Produced 10,531 L36 (coupe & convertible) 16,633 Base Original List Price $4,969 L36 $4,747 Base SCM Valuation $31,500–$61,500 L36 $24,300–$48,500 Base Tune-up $150 Distributor Cap $19.99 Chassis # Top of instrument panel at base of windshield Engine # Front of block below right cylinder head Club National Corvette Restorers Society More www.ncrs.org Alternatives L36: 1965–67 Shelby Cobra 427, 1969–70 Boss 429 Mustang, 1966–1971 Pontiac GTO Base: 1963-67 Shelby Cobra 289, 1961-69 Jaguar XKE, 1963-67 Austin-Healey 3000 SCM Investment Grade B C3 profile 1969 L36 and 1969 Base Corvettes When you're going for the gold at the Bloomington auction, sometimes options win out, whatever the condition

Chassis number 194679S727531 Lake, propelled with over 500-plus raw horsepower. In 1986, Road & Track took an original 1968 L88 to Willow Springs International Raceway and discovered “the thinrim steering wheel extends back to the driver's chest, the controls are heavy if quick, and the idling is something the radical cam doesn't allow. There's no shroud for the radiator and traffic must be driven around, while summer heat comes pouring in. On the open road the car is warm and noisy and leaves no road irregularity undetected. None of this is a surprise, indeed it mostly serves to remind us that when Duntov told the public not to buy the L88 for use on public roads, he was giving good advice.” Quite simply, all seven Corvettes have a purpose; it depends on how the owner intended to use the car. Corvette enthusiasts could easily call them The Magnificent Seven. The Corvette marketplace, however, tends to ignore anything with less than 435 hp. Owners of documented, above-average L71, L89, and L88 Corvettes can just about write a six-figure meal ticket. Own one of the other fine Corvettes from this era and the expectations are much lower. That's great for buyers who appreciate what these cars were intended for and are looking for a fine vintage driving experience. But for those trying to sell one of these cars, well, it's more like The Magnificent Three. CM Analysis Chassis number: 194679S124513 This 1969 Corvette L36 427/390 convertible (lot F57) sold for $38,850 at Mecum's Bloomington Gold Auction on June 15, 2007. With excellent resprayed Riverside Gold paint, this was otherwise an original car, with a good original interior, worn and frayed top, clean engine compartment, and original window sticker—a strong car with loads of originality. This '69 Corvette had the same owner since 1971, who clearly pampered it over the years. For me, the L36 and L68 427s are the best all-around Corvettes from the era, at least if you are going to drive them on a regular basis. While not as original or as clean as a few '69s at the auction, this is still a very nice driver that shows well. Some details that made this car stand out from a number of similar Corvettes were the clean engine compartment and the correct reproduction tires—something a surprising number of sellers failed to take into consideration. It didn't have the pedigree of a Bloomington Gold Survivor, but the owner made the car look as original as possible, which I believe buyers appreciated. With Bloomington Gold rating I suspect the bidding could have gone higher than the other car in this profile, since this is a more desirable 390-hp 427 car. My examination of this car Year/Make/Model 1969 Corvette L88 coupe showed what looked like a high degree of originality, but my cursory look is no comparison to a team of Bloomington Gold judges reviewing every aspect of this vehicle. As it was, this car sold for well below market value for a 1969 L36 convertible, but it sold. A real bargain for a car of this quality. CM Analysis Chassis number: 194679S727531 This 1969 Corvette 300-hp convertible (lot F94) was bid to $55,000 but did not sell at the Mecum Bloomington Gold sale on June 15, 2007. It had original paint, engine, top, and interior, all in almost flawless condition. The engine was factory smog-equipped as a California car. It was a Certified Bloomington Gold Survivor. This car was stunning. A Survivor needs to be at least 50% original, but this one was clearly closer to perfection. It was fully documented with tank sticker (build sheet) and Protect-o-Plate. Even the factory paint lacked the usual flaws (rivet bumps above the front bumper, for example). Perhaps its only shortcoming was the 300-hp base 350 engine with smog equipment. Buyers recognized the quality of this Corvette, since bidding was much above what similar cars were getting, but the reserve was higher yet. These buyers missed out on an absolute gem, but for a 300-hp car, the owner was expecting too much. Had this been a 435-hp car, the outcome would likely have been different. ■ Top C3 Sales in the CM Database at www.vettemarket.com Price Company Location 1969 Corvette L88 convertible $265,000 Mecum Auctions St. Charles, IL 1969 Corvette L88 coupe 1969 Corvette L88 coupe Date CM# $334,800 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, AZ 1/14/06 40326 6/24/05 38512 $237,600 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, AZ 1/14/06 40327 $181,125 Mecum Auctions St. Charles, IL 6/25/04 34233 1969 Corvette L88 convertible $169,560 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, AZ 1/22/04 32419 www.vettemarket.com FALL 2007 Corvette Market 33

profile C4 profile 1984 Coupe I was taken by the car and considered bidding, even though it looked like it had been used as a kennel in Death Valley by Stefan Lombard T hroughout the 1970s, Corvette sales grew steadily each year, despite increasingly stringent federal regulations that stripped the C3 of all the things owners had come to expect—power, noise, and acceleration. By 1980, enthusiasts wondered what had happened to their beloved Corvette. GM's engineers and stylists had long kicked around a host of replacement options for the aged C3, including a serious push by Zora Duntov and other design managers for a mid-engined V6. But with the brand so recognizable as a long-nosed, low-slung, front-engined V8, cooler heads prevailed—namely, the millions of Corvette enthusiasts who knew a good thing when they drove it—and the mid-mount V6 idea was passed off to Pontiac, where it eventually became the Fiero. Thus, the goal for the C4 was to return Corvette to the top of the performance pile while still adhering to federal regulations—no easy task. To beat the gas-guzzler threshold (then set at 19 mpg), Chevrolet worked with Doug Nash Inc. and BorgWarner to introduce a 4+3 manual transmission that would get the C4 under the EPA's radar. The complicated unit would appear toward the end of the 1984 model year. Only one engine was offered on the new car: a 205-hp 350-ci V8 featuring the fuel-saving cross-fire injection system first introduced for 1982. It sat further back in the chassis, creating a favorable weight balance front to rear. Chevrolet's revolutionary fiberglass composite monoleaf springs, also carried over from the last of the C3s, provided a weight savings of over 40 pounds at each corner over traditional steel. Gone was the familiar T-top; the body came only as a targa top coupe, with a single removable roof panel. With a 65-degree windshield and long, curved back glass, the C4 offered a slippery .34 drag coefficient, the lowest for any Corvette. Up front, the 34 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com Details Years Produced 1984–1996 Number Produced 51,547 in 1984 Original List Price $21,800 SCM Valuation $6,700–$10,600 Tune-up $500 Distributor Cap $21.75 Chassis # Driver's side dash at windshield Engine # Pad forward of cylinder head on right side Club Corvette Club of America PO Box 9879 Bowling Green, KY 42102-9789 More www.corvetteclubofamerica.com Alternatives 1983–85 Ferrari 308 GTSi QV, 1983–86 Porsche 928 S, 1984–86 Ford Mustang SVO SCM Investment Grade D

radiator sat at a 15-degree angle, a position that not only maximized airflow, but also significantly reduced the distance at which a C4 Corvette could be picked up by police radar. The folks in engineering clearly knew how their new car was going to be driven. The C4's cockpit featured a state-of-the-art flat- panel liquid crystal display for the gauges, and standard equipment included air conditioning, power windows, side window defoggers, electronic seeking AM/FM stereo, reclining bucket seats, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, and a starter-interrupt anti-theft system. Though Chevrolet failed to deliver its redesigned Corvette for 1983, the brief delay proved worth the wait, and it was uniformly praised by the motoring press. The fourth generation car was the first radically changed Corvette since 1968, and along with its new body, chassis, and innards, it represented a new sporting philosophy that would return “America's Sports Car” to its rightful place among the world's best performance machines. CM Analysis This C4 sold in St. Charles, Illinois, on June 17, 2007, at Mecum's Bloomington Gold auction for $2,050—all the money and still a bargain. The first Corvette I ever drove was a 1984 model. I was sophomore in high school, and by then the car was already nine years old, but I'll never forget the experience, brief as it was. The car belonged to my girlfriend's father Bryan, who'd begun to warm up to me the moment I asked him about it. It was light blue over medium blue with the automatic, and every time I pulled up behind it in their driveway, I was struck by the width of those Goodyear tires. After a couple months of my being a stand-up boy- friend to Lisa, his only daughter, Bryan mentioned that if I wanted to drive the car to the prom, that was okay with him. I had no intention of going to the prom, and had begun to realize that Lisa and I were not going to last… but I really wanted to drive that Corvette. Lisa arrived at my house one afternoon in the car— perhaps as if she sensed what was coming and pulled out all the stops in an attempt to salvage things. “You can drive it, if you want,” she said, and I think I was sliding into the low, curvy seat before she'd even finished the offer. As I turned the key and the big V8 rumbled to life, the audible differences between it and the V8 in our family van were night and day. Plus, the van didn't have tires like those Goodyears. Lisa waved as I backed out of the driveway, and off I went. I didn't have time to get out of my Chicago suburb to any long, straight, country roads, so I made a bee-line for the dead-end street at the edge of my neighborhood. There I spent ten minutes pushing myself into the seat doing burnouts with the steering wheel in various states of rotation—burnout to the left, burnout to the right, burnout straight ahead, and the always pleasurable burnout-to-doughnut combo. When at last it came time to return the car, I believe I saw 70 mph—a ridiculous figure down my 25 mph street. Lisa had to get going, and shortly after she pulled away, I remember seeing two police cruisers trolling past my house, no doubt hunting the madman in the two-tone Corvette. A week later, Lisa and I had our sloppy, melodramatic break-up. The worst Corvette ever The Red Rat pictured here stood out among the rest of the Corvettes at Bloomington because of its sheer state of decay. If you looked hard enough, you'd swear the fiberglass was rusting. CM Auction Analyst Dan Grunwald called it the worst Corvette he'd ever seen at auction, but he did note that the handbrake handle seemed to be in good shape. I was taken by the car, and for a while considered bidding. It looked like it had spent its life as a carcass in Death Valley, and the interior appeared to have been used as a kennel. With its lone Firebird alloy wheel nicely offsetting the three correct Corvette ones, this mongrel begged to be put down, yet there it was, occupying its rightful place as a Corvette on the lawn among 3,000 other Corvettes. So, what to do with a C4 like this? Though it did in fact run, restoring it—even as a father-son bonding project—was out of the question. Only a fool would turn it into a racer, and it didn't even make sense as a parts donor, since everything looked worn out. The answer: Cover the seats in sheepskin (burlap, Hefty bags, carpet samples— anything), disinfect the steering wheel, and drive it until the other three wheels fall off. The 350 will be hard to kill and, assuming the steering still works, it should be good for at least one afternoon of burnouts to the left, right, and maybe even a few burnout-todoughnut combos. The buyer, brave as he was, did just fine on this beater as long as he counts the fun factor and simply walks away, leaving the keys in the ignition when the first thing breaks. ■ STEFAN LOMBARD is the Managing Editor of Corvette Market and Sports Car Market. His writing has appeared in Road & Track and online at forbes.com. Year/Make/Model 1984 Chevrolet Corvette coupe 1985 Chevrolet Corvette coupe 1985 Chevrolet Corvette coupe 1984 Chevrolet Corvette coupe 1985 Chevrolet Corvette coupe Top C4 Sales in the CM Database at www.vettemarket.com Price Company $18,150 RM Auctions $17,200 eBay/Kruse $9,500 Location Phoenix, AZ eBay/Kruse $7,551 RM Auctions $7,400 eBay/Kruse Ft. Lauderdale, FL New Braunfels, TX Toronto, Ontario, CAN Hot Springs, AR Date CM# 1/17/03 30244 1/4/02 25201 3/16/02 26563 4/16/99 7870 3/9/02 26216 www.vettemarket.com FALL 2007 Corvette Market 35

profile by Dave Kinney C5 profile 2003 Corvette Le Mans Safety Car When the car sold for much less than a standard Anniversary coupe, my heart sank to the bottom of my wallet Chassis number: 1GYY22GX35108983 C orvette has a long history with racing and race events. Anyone with a passing familiarity with Corvette knows of the long association with the Indianapolis 500, as Corvette has paced the Memorial Day weekend event nine times, including the streak of four years from 2004 to 2007. But Corvettes have long been associated with other races, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, arguably the most storied, important, and indeed, sexiest race in the world. The 24 Heures du Mans is not, nor has it ever been, a race where the fastest car fin- ishes first; instead it is about endurance as well as performance. All cars are required to conform to rules set forth by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest, the race's sanctioning body. Although the rules change from year to year, the race has been held annually (with a ten-year break surrounding WWII) since 1923 on public roads near the town of Sarthe, France. While Corvettes, both close to stock and highly modified, have run the Le Mans circuit for years with various class wins and occasionally mixed results, the only domestic brand to have won overall at Le Mans is Ford with its GT40s. A Safety Car serves many of the same functions in both Formula One and at Le Mans as a Pace Car does in domestic races. Similar to the F1 setup, the Corvette Safety Car has both yellow and green lights attached to the bar behind the T-tops. The green light allows the driver behind the Safety Car to pass. When the lead car is positioned behind the safety car, the yellow light is deployed and no passing is allowed. Le Mans also uses a Pace Car, but once the race is started, the Safety Cars are the ones to watch. 36 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com Details Years Produced 2003 Number Produced 4 Original List Price N/A SCM Valuation $20,000–$30,000 Tune-up $500 Distributor Cap N/A (8 coils @ $72.12 each) Chassis # Driver's side dash at windshield Engine # Pad forward of cylinder head on right side Club Corvette Club of America PO Box 9879, Bowling Green KY 42102-9789 More www.corvetteclubofamerica.com Alternatives 1999–2003 Le Mans Safety Cars, 2004-2007 Corvette Indy Pace Cars SCM Investment Grade D Photos: Richard Prince

CM Analysis This car sold at auction at Barrett-Jackson, West Palm Beach, Florida, When I first saw this car at Barrett-Jackson West Palm Beach, I assumed it was on March 29, 2006, for $26,460. a display car or a replica of one of the actual Safety Cars used in the 2002 Le Mans. A little investigation revealed that it was much more than that. The car on offer was indeed the real thing. On the coolness scale, to me this C5 Anniversary Edition coupe was definitely an eleven. Think about it—it's almost the final year of the C5, an Anniversary Edition, plus this was an actual Corvette driven on the race course at Le Mans. With a custom light bar as well as Le Mans and Corvette graphics, this car both physically and visually had it all. It's certainly not the same as owning a winning race car or even a Corvette driven in anger at an internationally known, sanctioned event. But as a streetable car with a known history, it's both usable, a collector's item, and a Corvette curiosity. Or so I thought. Sell-off of GM surplus vehicles This was part of a rather large sell-off of surplus cars from the GM Heritage Center, facilitated through B-J West Palm Beach. Some were styling exercises, some were oneoffs, and others like this Corvette appear to have been cars that just didn't make the grade as a museum piece for the General. Castoffs, yes, and most of them were being sold as museum pieces only, on a bill of sale with no title and no permission or rights to use them on U.S. roadways. In other words, they were being sold as not conforming to either EPA or DOT specs, and possibly both. I did not come prepared to bid, and when the car sold at a price much less than retail Year/Make/Model for a standard Anniversary coupe, I have to admit that my heart sank at least to the bottom of my wallet. I saw this as a tremendous investment opportunity for a long-term holder, even if its street use was at least a bit of a question mark. The collective bidding crowd had spoken, but not loudly. Why did this car bring such a bargain price at auc- tion? The obvious reason—limited use—has been covered. Perhaps more to the point, this car, only a few years from production, was hard for many to view as a future classic. In a Corvette auction scene filled with 25th Anniversary, 35th Anniversary, 50th Anniversary, and Pace Cars from your choice of years, owning a “few-ofa-kind” Le Mans Safety Car certainly beats owning one of the many of those others. ■ DAVE KINNEY is the publisher of Cars That Matter price guide, as well as the owner of USAppraisal, an automotive appraisal firm in Great Falls, Virginia. He is a Senior Auction Analyst for Sports Car Market, and writes for the New York Times Automobile section and the British magazine Octane. Top C5 Sales in the CM Database at www.vettemarket.com Price Company Location 1998 Corvette C5R LeMans racer 1999 Corvette Callaway C-12 coupe 1998 Corvette Callaway C-12 coupe $340,000 RM Auctions $157,500 Mecum Auctions 1998 Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car convertible $97,200 1998 Corvette LeMans Safety Car coupe $62,640 Monterey, CA St. Charles, IL $121,000 Gooding & Company Oxnard, CA Barrett-Jackson Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach, FL West Palm Beach, FL Date CM# 8/16/02 28880 6/24/04 34241 10/21/06 43482 3/19/04 32803 4/1/05 37757 www.vettemarket.com FALL 2007 Corvette Market 37

mini profiles A Selection of C6s that sold recently on eBay C6 by Geoff Archer 2005 Corvette coupe—sold at $33,699 #160138517515-S/N 1G1YY24U455103722. Sunset Orange Pearl/tan leather. Odo: 24,000 miles. 15 Photos. Greendale, IN. Terse initial description consisted of, “THIS 2005 CORVETTE IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION THROUGHOUT.” Later, after the auction was up and running, the seller added, “ATTENTION..THE WHEELS WERE STOLEN. IT NOW HAS NEW CHROME 07 Z-06 WHEELS AND BRAND NEW TIRES.” 22 bids, sf 5, bf 4. Cond: 2. CM Analysis It was unclear whether or not the wheels were stolen during the eBay auction. Who cares? This was the least expensive, clean-titled, non-wrecked, bent, folded, spindled, mutilated, or flooded C6 on eBay this July. Seemed like a good deal, and the upgraded rims were a nice, shiny bonus. 2005 Corvette coupe—sold at $31,300 #280137286190- S/N 1G1YY24U755109742. Machine Silver/black leather. Odo: 25,650 miles. 23 Photos. Riverdale, GA. $52,880 MSRP. Nicely optioned with Head Up Display and magnetic ride control. “Manufacturer Re-purchased unit. The previous owner experienced steering column, rear axle, and fuel system issues. In this situation General Motors will buy the car back and repair anything needed to bring the vehicle back to original manufacturer's specifications. Title will show “buy-back” but is NOT salvage or anything of the sort.” 12,000 mile/12 month warranty on repairs. 11 bids, sf 36, bf 3. Cond: 3+. CM Analysis Personalized plate suggestion: “FCTRY2ND.” Do the steering column, rear axle, and fuel system have any- thing in common? Made by GM? Installed in this particular Corvette? Warranty claimed by a litigious lemon law-er? We'll never know. Unless I was hardwired with CARFAX and an OBDII reader, I would have kept looking. Well sold. 2007 Corvette coupe—sold at $45,000 #160137491407. S/N 1G1YY26U675102071. Machine Silver/black leather. Odo: 436 miles. 21 Photos. Sedalia, MO. “Clean local trade-in with all the best features! Looks , feels, drives, 38 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com and smells like a brand new Vette!! Original MSRP of $57,235.” 436 miles. Navigation, Bose stereo, Head Up Display, 6-speed paddle shift automatic. 17 bids, sf 2, bf 59. Cond: 1. CM Analysis Hmm. $57,235-$45,000=$12,235, and with only 436 miles on the clock, it equated to the first owner spending $28/mile to own it. Yep, I think I'll put that extra $12 LARGE back in my pocket... In fact, I think I might just spend my savings on a rude-colored C3 with T-tops.... 2007 Corvette coupe—sold at $44,995 #280135717864-S/N 1G1YY26U775109322. Atomic Orange/tan leather. Odo: 5,900 miles. 24 Photos, 15 of which prominently feature the young lady in the pink bikini... actually there are two different swimsuits, and I can't even tell if they are all the same woman. Dallas, TX. Are you actually reading this? “Exterior: 100% original paint, no swirls, no scratches. Interior: 100% Shows as condition of Coupe with 5k Miles. Mechanical: 100% Ride and Drive.” Seriously, are you still looking at the picture? Head Up Display, Navigation, XM radio, chrome wheels. 2 bids, sf 108, bf 4. Cond: 2. CM Analysis I'm still thinking about the sound of hot leather seats flaying naked Fembot legs in the Texas heat. Oh, the car? Yeah, this was pratically the definition of “market price”—with national advertising, full, um, disclosure, and more than one qualified bidder. 2007 Corvette Callaway coupe—sold at $79,545 #220134773850- S/N 1G1YY26U675121784. Black w/silver stripes/ black. Odo: 1,800 miles. 10 Photos. Southfield, MI. “This is our Callway Corvette demo. It... was on the Callway stand at the New York Auto Show next to the new C16 Cabrio... Factory alloys have been replaced with Dymag 19” front and 20” alloy/carbon fiber wheels... The engine is Supercharged and now at 560hp. This Callaway will do 0–60 in 3.4 seconds and the 1/4 mile in 10.9 at 126mph with a top speed of 198mph. The numbers alone cannot convey the sensations and sound of this Callway at max acceleration.” 1 bid, sf 1, bf 0. Cond: 2. CM Analysis In case your neighbors all have Z06s, here's your chance to be different. In fact, this 'Vette looked so “bad” (in a good way) it outta come complete with a Darth Vader costume to wear at the local dragstrip. That said, only one James Earl Jones wannabe auditioned for this role with a bid, signaling that pricing was, ahem, out-of-this-world for a base 'Vette with a blower. ■ mini profiles Condition inferred from seller's descriptions; cars were not physically examined by the author. All quoted material taken from the eBay listings. sf=seller's feedback; bf=buyer's feedback C6s rarely appear at traditional land-based auctions, so CM turns to eBay for a sampling.

Market Report Overview 187 Corvettes, $11m in Sales Big-block driver C3s offered the most bang for the buck, while ZR-1s struggled below their original sticker prices by Jim Pickering C orvette's first generation—especially the early examples—brought some high prices both at Bloomington and Belvidere, as well as other recent sales across the globe. Although the earliest cars were hopeless in terms of all-around performance due to passenger car-sourced components, some of the highest prices achieved in recent months were raised by firstyear roadsters. Mecum's Bloomington sale saw several '53s sell at between $280k and $300k, while earlier at the Worldwide Group's Seabrook sale in May, another '53 managed to bring $396,000—not a record, but still very high considering the current market. Of the later C1s available, one of the most striking examples offered at Bloomington was a 1957 250-hp fuel-injected convertible in Venetian Red. It had been Bloomington Gold certified, earned the NCRS Duntov Mark of Excellence, and was part of the Special Collection. Equipped with a Powerglide and body-colored coves, it sold at $152,250. Christie's Greenwich, Connecticut, sale on June 3 sold a restored 1957 convertible with the 283-hp engine for $99,000, showing the market spread based on condition and options. C2s have traditionally had a strong following in the market as well, as they offer classic styling and plenty of performance from powerful engine options and fully independent suspensions. Bloomington's high sale belonged to a 1967 435-hp 427 convertible in black and red that had been part of the Bloomington Gold Special Collection in 1991 and had won numerous NCRS Top Flight awards over the years. After lots of attention, it sold for $467,250. Plenty of other big-block midyears were available at both Mecum sales as well as across the globe, and certain cars in the right condition were able to bring in the neighborhood of $130,000 each, depending upon options. Small-block cars also showed growth and offered plenty of bang for the buck, and the lack of cubic inches generally accounted for about a 45%–50% reduction in price from their rat-motor relatives—Z06s and Tankers excluded. The shark cars have not CM 1–6 Scale Condition Rating: 1: National concours standard/perfect 2: Very good, club concours, some small flaws 3: Average daily driver in decent condition 4: Still a driver but with some apparent flaws 5: A nasty beast that runs but has many problems 6: Good only for parts typically had the same following as earlier midyears, but prices are generally on the rise for them as well. While most of the driverquality big-block C2s have either been restored or have jumped up in price, driver 427- and 454-powered C3s are still available in the $40,000 range. Several 427-powered 390-hp 40 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com Top Ten Sales This Issue 1. 1967 Corvette 427/435 convertible, $467,250—MBG, Lot # S67, p. 61 2. 1953 Corvette roadster, $396,000—WWG Lot # 55, p. 72 3. 1963 Corvette Z06 Tanker coupe, $367,500—MBG Lot # S63, p. 57 4. 1953 Corvette roadster, $296,625—MBG Lot # S91, p. 53 5. 1953 Corvette roadster, $283,500—MBG Lot # S53, p. 53 6. 1955 Corvette roadster, $178,500—MBG Lot # S55, p. 53 7. 1957 Corvette convertible, $157,500—MBG Lot # S125, p. 54 8. 1957 Corvette convertible, $152,500—MBG Lot # S32, p. 53 9. 1954 Corvette roadster, $148,500—WWG Lot # 54, p. 72 10. 1963 Corvette Z06 coupe, $139,650—MBG Lot # S122, p. 57 Best Buys 1. 1957 Corvette 283/283 convertible, $76,650—MBG Lot # S117, p. 53 2. 1963 Corvette 327/365 convertible, $67,100—WWG Lot # 32, p. 74 3. 1957 Corvette 283/283 convertible, $99,000—C Lot # 29, p. 72 4. 1969 Corvette 427/390 convertible, $38,850—MBG Lot # F57, p. 63 5. 2001 Corvette Z06 coupe, $26,513—MB Lot # F27, p. 50 examples in varied conditions were present at Bloomington, with a '69 convertible bringing $38,850 and a '69 coupe raising $24,150. Opting for the small block instead expectedly raised the quality of car available at the same price, as shown by a #1 condition 1969 350-powered convertible that found new ownership at just $27,300. Most C4s are still bringing used-car prices within the market, and although many expected ZR-1s to become the first exception to that rule, it seems that Grand Sports may have taken the first jump into profitable “instant collectibles.” A number of ZR-1s were available at Bloomington still in their original wrappers, but none of them was able to bring over its original sticker price. Conversely, a '96 Grand Sport convertible fitted with the optional red leather interior topped out at $80,850, while a coupe with the same options found a new home at $68,775. C5s are better all around than the cars they replaced, and with the market flooded with decent used examples of newer convertibles and Z06 coupes, it's not hard to see why the C4s continue to have difficulty in the market in general. One of the best buys in late-model performance was a 2001 Z06 that sold for $26,513 at Mecum's Belvidere sale in late May. Not only are these nearly as powerful and easier to maintain than the more complex ZR-1, they're cheaper in almost all respects as well. It's clear that the market for collectible Corvettes continues to be solid, and although the different generations are moving at different rates, almost all of the movement is in a positive direction—especially if the cars in question are excellent originals or high-quality professional restorations. u

Market Report Mecum Auctions Belvidere, IL Belvidere High Performance Auction Big blocks were still king of the hill, but their high reserves sent collectors to small-block midyears and C3s Company Mecum Collector Car Auctioneers Date May 23–28, 2007 Location Belvidere, IL Auctioneer Mark Delzell, Mike Hagerman, and Jim Landis Corvettes sold / offered 43 / 87 Sales rate 49% Sales total $1,328,177 High sale 1971 Corvette LS6 coupe, sold at $120,750 Buyer's premium 1959 283/230 sold for a fair $50k Report and photos by Dan Grunwald & B. Mitchell Carlson Market opinions in italics F ans of America's sports car had plenty of choices at this year's Mecum Belvidere sale, where nearly 1,200 cars crossed the auction block over six days with total sales just over $26.6m. The quality and quantity of the muscle car offerings at Belvidere generally rival or surpass any other auction in the country, and the work is done without a lot of hype, which helps to reflect true values in today's market. Eighty-seven Corvettes were available at this year's event, with representatives from each generation. Mecum was able to sell 43 of them, making for a solid Corvette sales rate of 49% by the end of the weekend. Notable C1 sales included a 1959 convertible equipped with a 230-hp 283 that brought $50,400—which, while not cheap, was a decent price considering the condition of the car. C2s on the sold list mostly consisted of small-block cars, including a 1963 Split-Window with factory a/c that achieved NCRS Top Flight status in 1990. It generated a lot of interest on the block, selling for a fair $63,525. A 1966 coupe with the 350-hp 327 and a/c brought a decent $42,000, while a 1966 coupe with the 300-hp 327 and an automatic found a new home at $35,175. Big-block cars had more trouble selling here, including a 1967 convertible equipped with a 400-hp 427 that failed to find new ownership at $80,000. Along those same lines, a 1965 convertible powered by a late-model fuel-injected 502 should have sold at an over-the-top $90,000 high bid. Small blocks were the big sellers in C3s as well, including a mostly original 1971 Corvette Sales Totals at Mecum Belvidere $2m $1.5m $1m $500k 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 42 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com convertible with the LT1 330-hp 350. With a hard top, side pipes, and rally wheels, it brought $28,350. A coupe from the same year with the 270-hp 350 in horrible condition brought $12,600, while a 1975 coupe with a 350 crate engine managed to achieve $11,813. The highest Corvette sale belonged to a 1971 LS6 coupe that brought $120,750, but most other big-block C3s struggled. Among them were a 1969 L88 coupe with an automatic that stayed with the seller at $95,000, as well as a needy 1969 435-hp convertible that failed at $62,000. A 1996 convertible powered by a 330-hp LT4 and equipped with a 6-speed sold at $18,375, while a 1995 ZR-1 in white with 11,000 miles on the odometer brought $32,550. Several other ZR-1s were offered in various conditions, but each failed to meet their reserves. One of GM's fastest Corvettes ever—an '06 Z06 with the 505-hp LS7—was also present, but it didn't sell at a high bid of $64,000. A final total of $1.3m for 43 Corvettes shows a sus- tainable market, but the dynamics of that market seem to be changing. Big blocks are still king of the hill, but high reserves are sending collectors to small-block midyears and C3s more and more, and sales results here reflected that trend. Still, Mecum came through with something for everyone of the Corvette mindset, and the company remains the place to be for those looking for muscle—and Corvettes—in the Midwest. ■ $300 on the first $5,499, $500 from $5,500 to $9,999, and 5% thereafter (included in sold prices)

C1 #S142-1954 CHEVROLET CORVETTE roadster. S/N F545003020. White/white cloth/ red vinyl. Odo: 93,803 miles. 235-ci 150-hp straight 6, 3x1-bbl, auto. Good paint shows a few flaws to the nose and around door edges. Exterior chrome excellent, interior chrome vent tube. Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $50,000. Last seen at RM's Toronto sale in April '06, where it didn't sell at $74,000 (CM# 41356). A nicely done solid-axle Corvette in good colors with no trim or hubcap dents. I liked it a lot, but the owner liked it more, and he can't be faulted for keeping it at this below-market bid. shows pitting. Seat covers and carpet new, dash and gauges dull. Cond: 2+. NOT SOLD AT $52,500. Although it wasn't perfect, this car had a great overall look. Bids were a bit sparse, so the owner was correct to hold out for more money. #T45-1959 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N J59S104800. Roman Red/red vinyl. Odo: 86,358 miles. 283-ci 230-hp V8, 4bbl, 3-sp. A few paint chips to bright and shiny paint. Left front wheel trim bent, fender spar trim loose at rear, other chrome and brightwork decent. Taillight lenses heavily cracked, new interior shows some dull dash parts and poor Very nice interior with clear gauge faces and nice clock trim. Detailed engine appears all GM. Cracked windshield weatherstripping, other rubber still OK. Cond: 2+. NOT SOLD AT $55,000. This nicely restored convertible made for a reliable driver with a high fun quotient, so the owner was right to hold out for more money. radio installation. Incorrect passenger side dashpad, side plexiglass windows cracked on hard top. Engine dirty from use. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $50,400. Not all factory correct, but shiny driver with no huge flaws for sunny day driving. Offered on Thursday, so I and many others stayed near the podium to clip off a bargain. As always, it wasn't cheap, but it was fairly sold for what it was. #F205-1960 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 00867S108712. Red & white/black vinyl. Odo: 54,395 miles. 283-ci 230-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Shiny paint shows no issues, trunk lid sits high when shut. Nice chrome and trim, windshield surround still nice, headlight trim fits well. Well fitted interior with Hurst shifter, good door panels and grab bar. Detailed engine has a loose C2 #U75-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 30867S112548. Blue/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 44,652 miles. 327-ci 340-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Well done recent repaint, new chrome excellent throughout. Top well fitted, seats and carpets nice, console dull #M31-1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 20867S105472. Red/red vinyl. Odo: 639 miles. 327-ci 340-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Includes hard top with crazed side plexiglass windows. Good paint and chrome, common headlight trim spear misfit. Engine compartment nicely restored. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $63,525. A 1990 NCRS Top Flight car still showing well. Only 278 '63 Corvettes were built with factory a/c, making this otherwise base-model example relatively rare. I kept visualizing it sitting in my garage, but someone else got it at fair money. #F175-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 408337S103359. Blue/black vinyl. Odo: 54,683 miles. 327-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Older repaint, original paint in door jambs. Small cracks and misfit on headlight housings. Doors shut well, but show visible edge chips on both sides. Original and dirty. Detailed engine and undercarriage, knock-off wheels in good condition. Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $61,000. Good fit and finish overall. I personally always liked the 1963 coupes more, and I would rather have a later model in a convertible. Perhaps this crowd felt the same, as this bid was slightly under the money for this car in this condition. #M21-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 30837S116920. Silver/black vinyl. Odo: 73,030 miles. 327-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. A Split-Window coupe with factory a/c. Several paint chips visible, chrome and bright trim well fitted. Right outside mirror loose, with chipping paint around the base. seats have worn piping, especially on driver's side. Engine detailed in original style, original knockoff wheels and Redline tires nice. Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $38,000. A lot was still factory on this car, but some was not. It still might be able to qualify for Bloomington Gold Survivor as it sat, as aside from the paint, the car appeared to be at least 50% unaltered. With that in mind, there was enough promise here to hold out for more money. #M70-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 408378S106732. Blue/blue vinyl. www.vettemarket.com FALL 2007 Corvette Market 43

Market Report Mecum Auctions Belvidere, IL Odo: 69,243 miles. 327-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. One of 38 big tank coupes built in 1964. Fuelie tags on fenders, power windows. Some visible scratching and cracking on paint. Rust and heavy pitting on bumpers, original knockoff alloy wheels decent. Interior shows rust and pitting on all metal surfaces. Six-inch tear in driver's seat. Power windows. Non-original parts on engine include carburetor. Cond: 3-. NOT SOLD AT $100,000. A rare car with a lot of original parts—but not totally original. Due to its needs, the big buyers passed on this one. #S160-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 194376S119067. Maroon/black vinyl. Odo: 65,710 miles. 327-ci 350-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Equipped with factory a/c. Dust visible in paint, right headlight housing wavy. Original chrome weak on front bumper, decent elsewhere. Many new reproduction parts, well-executed custom blue flames. Good chrome and trim, extra large hood scoop. New carpet and dull gauge faces, incorrect accessory knobs. Hooker side pipes, wire wheels installed. Cond: 3+. NOT SOLD AT $90,000. If you have stone chips and don't want to paint the whole car, why not just flame it? This one clearly had a lot of work done to it, but none of that work was the type that would increase its value significantly. $90k should have had the seller signing over the title. #F183-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 194677S11599. Marlboro Maroon/black vinyl/black 58,485 miles. leather. Odo: 427-ci 400-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Nice paint and chrome, stainless trim shows fit issues at windshield and spotting on side pipe covers. Coker Redline tires and seat. American Racing Torq-Thrust II wheels fitted, newer convertible top. Seatcovers a bit loose. Offered at no reserve. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $17,588. The big side 327 decals and extra wide tires weren't to my taste, but this car was still a decent buy at this price. Put the bumpers back on and lose the stripe, and it's a nice base-model '68 convertible driver. alloys installed. Well-detailed engine with original-style GM components. Cond: 1-. NOT SOLD AT $80,000. A high-quality restoration of a 400-hp convertible. These are still very desirable in this market, despite being overshadowed by the faster 435-hp version. This bid was light and the seller was correct in looking for more. I suspect we'll see it again at Bloomington Gold. some non-typical finishes, detailed engine. Several tears in original seats, original door panels worn. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $42,000. A decent buy on an a/c-equipped coupe with low mileage. This one was not too far from being show quality as it was, and a little work will likely result in more money for the new owner when he decides to move on. #S245-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 194676S120794. Blue with blue flames/white vinyl/blue vinyl. Odo: 59,712 miles. 502-ci fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. Shiny paint with numerous large chips and #S48-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 194377S122800. Blue/blue vinyl. Odo: 8,656 miles. 327-ci 350-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. New paint and interior, nice chrome and stainless trim. Interior trim cracked and missing screws on rear window, some interior paint chipped, slight wear and fit issues include door panels and turn signal stalk. #S166-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE L88 coupe. S/N 194379S714242. Gold/black vinyl. Odo: 26,374 miles. 427-ci 430-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Body and paint show well, with one crack by driver's door handle. Deep scratch and chips in windshield, other glass OK. Nice chrome, Goodyear Polyglas fort would have likely done wonders here. The seller should replace the interior trim and screws and try again. C3 #F20-1968 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 194678S410836. Maroon/ black vinyl/black leather. Odo: 72,555 miles. 327-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. New paint and side pipes, door and panel gaps decent. Front bumper missing, rear bumper in passenger tires on Rally wheels a nice touch. Engine completely detailed. One of 116 built in 1969, body-off restoration from 2006. Cond: 1-. NOT SOLD AT $95,000. An L88 and an automatic? Who needs 4-speeds when you have gobs of torque... Although rare and in decent condition, it failed to bring a market price. We'll likely see it again at Bloomington Gold in June. Alloy wheels and side exhaust fitted. Gas cap looks worn. Cond: 2+. NOT SOLD AT $53,000. Details, details. The small stuff can prevent a very nice car from reaching the big money category. This car looked to be worth more than this bid, and just a little more ef- 44 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com #S114-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 194679S719839. Red/saddle leather. Odo: 5,513 miles. 427-ci 390-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Nice paint, decent panel gaps, unmarked chrome and brightwork. Few interior soft trim flaws. Small hole lets down an otherwise nice convertible top. Factory detailed engine, newer Redline tires. Cond: 1-.

Market Report Mecum Auctions Belvidere, IL worthwhile, but lots of work was still needed before this convertible was ready for the show arena. A strong price considering its condition. #F21-1971 CHEVROLET CORVETTE NOT SOLD AT $41,000. Big-block convertibles are in demand, and although this one was in excellent overall condition, the bidding ran out at an under-the-money $41k. The owner was wise to hold on to it, as there is a lot more money out there for a red 427 drop top 'Vette. #M58-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 194679S701456. Yellow/ white vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 413,379 miles. 427-ci 435-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Paint has cracks, chips, and preparation flaws. Engine looks rough and dirty, PCV valve on valve cover missing. Windshield starting to delaminate, rear bumper crooked, door jambs show coupe. S/N 194371S113301. Yellow/black leather. Odo: 84,802 miles. 350-ci 270-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Heavy cracks and chips in paint, crude repair in front door jambs to rusty birdcage. Door gaps wide, all chrome pitted. Seats heavily worn, but no holes yet evident. Rust on seat brackets, worn console, poor aftermarket radio installation. Broken fan blades, a/c compressor missing drive belt. Offered at no reserve. Cond: 4. SOLD AT $12,600. A truly frightening Corvette. Window sticker said “looks, runs and drives excellent.” From how it looked, I couldn't agree, and I think I would have had to chew my arm off if it started to go up on this one. coupe. excess glue. Interior not much better, with the driver's seat back torn. Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT $62,000. This looked like a lot of work, but it showed well at 20 feet. Even in this condition, 435-hp convertibles are desirable. That said, considering all the work needed, it seemed like these dollars should have sold the car. #F22-1971 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 194671X104365. War Bonnet Yellow/black vinyl. Odo: 75,938 miles. 350-ci 330-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Heavily pitted and peeling side exhaust, good original bumper chrome. Paint fading in areas, original wheels rusty. Appears to have original seats and door panels with newer carpet. Missing ignition cover parts, some vacuum hoses cut or missing. Hard top fitted. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $28,350. Original enough to be windshield. New window rubber installed. Factory a/c, detailed engine, new exhaust system. Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $24,000. This car still showed some age in detail areas, but most of the hard work was already done. This bid was in the ballpark for a small-block coupe, but a couple thousand more would have likely closed the deal. #F24-1973 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 1Z67Z3S401774. Red/black vinyl/black leather. Odo: 69,498 miles. 454-ci 275-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Power windows, factory a/c has no belt. Paint decent overall, with a few scratches noted throughout. Panel gaps 46 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com #F260-1971 CHEVROLET CORVETTE S/N 194371S118450. Blue/black leather. Odo: 69,385 miles. 350-ci 270-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Thick recent repaint shiny, excellent chrome throughout. Small paint cracks at hood and headlights, sanding scratches on rear window, chips and scratches on side glass and scraped, door panels fit poorly. Some extra custom chrome used in otherwise factory engine compartment. Offered at no reserve. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $11,550. An amateur restoration of an example from the last year of chrome bumpers. It looked like a good driver, assuming you didn't mind the rubber front bumper. Bought and sold fairly. #T95-1975 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 1Z37J5S426467. Light green metallic/black leather. Odo: 25,594 miles. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Newer crate engine installed, factory a/c. New paint shows touched-up chips and scratches. Some chrome pitted, aluminum OK, doors shut decently, new convertible top installed. Nice chrome, glass chipped at edge on passenger side and delaminating at windshield. Cracking and normal light wear on original leather seats, nice dash. Engine dirty from use. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $19,950. Like lot F25, the ugly “Vette” stripes made an appearance here as well, but they should come off nicely. It seems wrong to drive a 454 'Vette that only puts out 275 hp, but a different cam and aftermarket cylinder heads will wake it up in a hurry if the new owner wants to go fast. A good driver, at least until gas hits $4 per gallon. #F23-1973 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 1AZ37JS5416523. Blue/saddle vinyl. Odo: 94,680 miles. 350-ci 250-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Decent repaint has several minor chips to nose. Door fit OK, panel gaps decent. Factory a/c blows cold, console cracked, Hurst shifter fitted. Driver's seat vinyl

wheels polished. Interior has a cracked and broken console, as well as cracks in dashpad at speaker. Newer CD player poorly installed, leather seats show rough and worn spots. Hood insulation coming loose, engine clean. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $11,813. It has to be depressing to have your Corvette passed by Honda Accords... so the new crate engine may not be a bad thing if it had more grunt than the original 165 hp this car came with when new. A fair deal all around. #S254-1976 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Custom coupe. S/N 1Z37L6S407049. Red/ black cloth. Odo: 75,473 miles. 377-ci fuelinjected V8, auto. Radical custom with very shiny red paint showing some scratches and cracks. Grant steering wheel, competition seat belts, custom headlights, huge cowl hood. Rubber shift boot pulled loose, Holley fuel likely from an old cover. Cond: 1-. NOT SOLD AT $28,000. As a $13,653 option, the Pace Car package pushed the price of a new Corvette to $23,000, and only 6,502 were so equipped—a little more than one car per U.S. dealer. This one had really low mileage, but it's hard to see these gaining any more momentum in the market. The high bid should have been enough, without regrets. injection control unit sitting loose in passenger seat. Big fender flares and wing added. Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT $21,000. This car reminded me of the “Corvette Summer” movie car. It might go well next to Kinney's Barris custom, but this one didn't have the Barris mystique. This high bid should have been more than enough here. #T25-1977 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 1Z37L7S401990. White/red leather. Odo: 71,631 miles. 350-ci 180-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Decent paint shows some chips and scratches. Appears to have a replacement engine. Lots of overspray in front under hood. Left inside T-top and other trim rough, including dashpad. Inside door locks missing, all Mystery Photo stuff dreams are made of, but someone liked this one enough to spend $9k to own it. Marketcorrect for condition. #F215-1978 CHEVROLET CORVETTE 25th Anniversary Pace Car coupe. S/N 1Z8748S902308. Black & silver/silver cloth. Odo: 722 miles. 350-ci 220-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Cloth interior. Small visible paint flaws include touched-up door edges and chips around hood edges. Panel gaps good, door lettering as-new. Dried glue on steering wheel #F25-1979 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 1Z8789S447592. Silver/red vinyl. Odo: 15,929 miles. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. OK paint shows numerous scratches and chips. Ugly side stripe with “Vette” script added. Delaminating windshield. Engine claimed to have been built to 385 hp, with new intake, cylinder heads, carburetor, etc. Original parts included, offered at no reserve. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $8,000. Built as a driver with much needed horsepower added. If it ran and drove OK, then I would call this one fairly bought. Not a bad price for any Corvette, but those stripes need to go. coupe. #T261-1979 CHEVROLET CORVETTE S/N 1Z8789S430479. Silver/blue vinyl. Odo: 31,571 miles. 350-ci 195-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Fitted with a/c and glass T-tops. Miles indicated claimed to be original. Paint looks mostly original, with light chips and scratches for its age. Engine recently washed, Our photo, your caption Be the author of the most accurate, creative, or provocative response and receive an official, sure-to-be-collectible someday Corvette Market hat. Ties will be arbitrarily and capriciously decided. Fax your response to 503.253.2234; email: mysteryphoto@vettemarket.com; ashtray and lighter parts gone. One headlight stuck up. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $9,000. Smelled like mothballs even with the windows open. 180-hp Corvette coupes are not generally the snail mail: Mystery, P.O. Box 4797, Portland, OR 97208-4797. Please include your name and contact information. Response Deadline: October 1, 2007 www.vettemarket.com FALL 2007 Corvette Market 47

Market Report Mecum Auctions Belvidere, IL been prettied up for the auction, but considering its condition, the odometer had likely rolled over at least once. The low end of the scale on these cars has been just over $12k, and this under-the-money bid likely stemmed from its questionable condition. C4 #T27-1985 CHEVROLET CORVETTE driver's seat torn at seam. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $13,650. This car had been nicely cleaned up for the sale, and it looked honest all around. This is the way to buy a 'Vette of this vintage if you're looking for a nice driver. A fair deal for all involved. #T42-1980 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 1Z878AS422681. Brown/tan vinyl. Odo: 15,717 miles. 350-ci 230-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. A few pinholes, chips and cracks, as well as usual color mismatch on bumpers. Large tear in driver's seat bolster. Original cracks. Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT $6,750. The 1985 model year saw genuine fuel injection return to the Corvette for the first time since 1965, aside from the throttle body injection used in 1982 and 1984. As presented here, this was just another used car, and the money bid should have been enough to sell it, even with its relatively low miles. all-GM engine compartment pressure washed. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $15,750. Right on the numbers for a late C3 in decent condition. Better colors might have brought more money, but as it was, this was a fair price for both parties. coupe. S/N 1G1AY8780C5121652. Red/red leather. Odo: 3,105 350-ci 200-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Paint shows both runs and bubbles, body wavy in places, with poor gaps around headlights and doors. Door weatherstripping missing one end. New door panels and seats. Console poorly installed, color top panels included. Cond: 2+. NOT SOLD AT $32,000. This car showed signs of heavy wear for the miles indicated. The superexpensive ZR1 option brought the base sticker to $58,000 in 1990, and although many of the more than 3,000 units built were put away as speculation, the bid here is where the market ends for these cars now. dash repaired, speaker cover loose. Steering wheel faded, shift handle shows visible rust. “Cross-Fire Injection” engine dirty. Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT $8,000. This car had clearly 48 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com #T21-1991 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 1G1YY3388M5118538. Red/white/red leather. Odo: 79,282 miles. 350-ci 250-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Good #T70-1982 CHEVROLET CORVETTE miles. #F220-1990 CHEVROLET CORVETTE ZR-1 coupe. S/N 1G1YZ23J4L5801510. Red/red leather. Odo: 10,290 miles. 350-ci 375-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. Panel fit good, paint as-new. Wear and small tears in leather on seat adjuster bolsters, remaining interior components excellent. Both clear and solid oxide tank mounted in back. Interior seat bolster worn, ignition lock cylinder sits very loose. Said to make 700 hp. Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $24,000. This one looked good, but do you really want to buy the ZR-1 that has 26,000 miles on nitrous? All the money considering how hard it was likely driven. #F5-1995 CHEVROLET CORVETTE custom coupe. S/N 1G1YY22P8S5115154. Red/gray leather. Odo: 28,509 miles. 355-ci supercharged V8, auto. Upgraded ZR1 engine claimed to make 560 hp. Polished Z06 wheels. A few paint chips touched up throughout. Some minor interior wear suggests light use. Started life as a standard Corvette, LT5 engine and other high performance parts added later. Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $17,500. Lots of coupe. S/N 1G1YY0783F5134352. Red/red leather. Odo: 54,212 miles. 350-ci 230-hp fuelinjected V8, auto. Visible paint cracks on tail, chips to nose. Engine driven and shows corrosion on all aluminum, including Tuned-Port intake manifold. Interior shows heavy wear and paint, new white top, heavy carpet wear on driver's sill. Interior leather color flaking off driver's seat. Engine mostly clean, except antifreeze puddled on intake. Pioneer stereo and polished wheels installed. Cond: 2-. NOT SOLD AT $17,500. This car looked good considering its 79,000 miles, but the bright green puddles on the intake called for a new gasket set at the very least. It should have easily sold at this premium bid, but the seller was looking for more. #S250-1991 CHEVROLET CORVETTE ZR-1 coupe. S/N 1G1YZ23J2M5801510. Maroon/black leather. Odo: 26,505 miles. 405-ci fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. Some scratches in paint, window rubber deteriorating. Bolt-in roll cage and competition seat belts, nitrous

Market Report Mecum Auctions Belvidere, IL power in a '95 with supercharged and built engine. Although it was only partially a ZR1, this car would be a lot of fun to drive, and it still had a relatively unassuming look to it. This high bid didn't make the deal, as the builder likely had more in it... but getting more than this price will be tough for him, as even real ZR-1s are not gaining a whole lot in this market. #S19-1995 CHEVROLET CORVETTE ZR-1 coupe. S/N 1G1YZ22J6S5800052. White/black leather. Odo: 11,325 miles. 350-ci 405-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. Paint crack in headlight door, some light patina to leather seating. Windshield chipped in several places. Looks like an 11,000-mile car should. Last C5 #T43-1998 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 1G1YY22G9W5110390. Red/ black leather. Odo: 31,314 miles. 5.7-liter fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. Several small chips in paint, normal corrosion on alloy engine parts. Glass top and windshield unmarked, original aluminum wheels decent. Light wear to interior carpet and seats. Cond: 2. than one off the showroom floor. That said, cars like this are still losing value, so the new owner should not be afraid to take it out and enjoy it a little. #F28-2004 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 1G1YY32G045111835. Blue/light gray cloth/light gray leather. Odo: 37,504 miles. 5.7-liter 350-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. Good paint shows only minor wear, top as-new. Loose ashtray door, light dirt and year of ZR-1 production. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $32,550. The ZR1 option list price was $31,258 on top of the $36,785 base Corvette in 1995. New special-edition cars are a great way to lose money, and buyers in the market for a ZR-1 have plenty of low-mile examples to choose from. With that in mind, it might be safe to say the ZR-1 has become the best Corvette bargain out there. #F26-1996 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 1G1YY3254T51110555. Green/tan cloth/tan leather. Odo: 39,064 miles. 350-ci 330-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. Panel gaps factory, paint shows several small chips around nose and on door edges. Glass nice, wrinkled seats have dye wearing off in places. Engine compartment very clean, some and wear, remaining interior components nice. Offered at no reserve. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $26,513. This first-year Z06 was the king of all Corvettes when it was introduced in 2001, but all '05 and newer 'Vettes came standard with more power. Still, these are quite capable performers, and this one had normal wear for the 13k miles indicated. Well bought. #F217-2003 CHEVROLET CORVETTE dirt on soft top. Offered at no reserve. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $18,375. Appeared to have been very well cared for, with an appearance that belied the 39k miles covered. The LT4 engine has an edge over the standard LT1, with aluminum heads and a bump in compression giving 30 more horsepower. This one was nice all over and sold at a market price for its condition and options. 50 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com 50th Anniversary Pace Car convertible. S/N 1G1YY32G835123150. Maroon/tan cloth/tan leather. Odo: 1,535 miles. 5.7-liter fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. Original mileage, with no visible faults aside from those originating at the factory. Wheels and tires as-new, interior and top show no wear. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $41,200. This limited-edition 'Vette convertible still smelled like a new car, but it cost way less as-new. Cond: 1. NOT SOLD AT $64,000. This bid seemed fair enough, as $70k will buy one new. With all the premiums added in, this car would have cost the bidder around $67k. It was for all intents and purposes a new car, but if you want to pay a new car price, why not get one from the dealer? ■ #S30-2006 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 coupe. S/N 1G1YY26E565124991. Yellow/black leather. Odo: 50 miles. 7.0-liter 505-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. Another virtually new car said to have only 50 miles on the clock. Paint, wheels, glass, and interior SOLD AT $21,000. A nice used car. This was a big price for a '98, as their values are still sliding downhill with most used cars from the era. The low mileage on this car's clock helped it considerably, and both the buyer and seller should be pleased. Best Buy #F27-2001 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 coupe. S/N 1H1YY12S015130857. Red/ black leather. Odo: 13,716 miles. 5.7-liter 385-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. Excellent paint, nice panel gaps, glass unmarked. Engine compartment shows some use, tires and rims only slightly worn. Driver seat base shows dirt wear on carpet, dirty interior HUD. Clean engine compartment, unmarked chrome rims. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $30,975. Not in bad shape overall, but still just another late-model 37,000mile used Corvette. A fair deal all around. C6

Photo: Mecum Auctions Don't Let The Market Leave You Behind In the past few years, Corvettes have gone from being everyday drivers to highly collectible American classics. But with the huge number built, and the variety of options they were available with, knowing what to buy and how much to pay is critically important. Keith Martin has augmented his top-flight SCM staff with a well-known group of Corvette experts to bring you over 100 information-packed pages in every issue of Corvette Market. The incisive, take-no-prisoners approach to auction reports you expect from SCM will continue in Corvette Market, with more than 100 Corvettes examined first-hand in each issue. Exclusive to Corvette Market will be an industry round table, where top dealers, collectors, and auction company principals will give their opinions and advice about what is really going on in the market. You'll find out if C1s have finished their run, or if they are they still gathering strength. What is the real price differential for factory fuelies? How much more should you pay for a car with documentation, and more... Corvette Market Keith Martin's The Corvette-lover's guide to collecting, investing, values, and trends Subscribe online at www.vettemarket.com Subscribe Today! One Year Corvette Market (4 issues), plus monthly Corvette Insider's email newsletter, $29.95. UPGRADE to CORVETTE MARKET PLUS - one year Corvette Market magazine, monthly email newsletter, and unlimited access to the Corvette Market Plus online database of over 2,000 Corvette auction results, plus rapid emailed results of collector car auctions, all for just $48. Subscribe online at www.vettemarket.com or call 1.800.810.7457

Market Report Mecum Auctions St. Charles, IL Bloomington Gold High Performance Auction Bidders looking for 435-hp cars had no shortage, with dozens available in various conditions Company Mecum Collector Car Auctioneers Date June 15–17, 2007 Location St. Charles, IL Auctioneer Mark Delzell, Mike Hagerman, and Jim Landis Corvettes sold / offered 145 / 295 Sales rate 72% Sales total $8,255,306 High sale 1967 427/435 convertible, sold at $467,250 Buyer's premium A packed house in St. Charles Report and photos by Dan Grunwald, B. Mitchell Carlson, Thomas Glatch, and Linda Clark Market opinions in italics T he annual Bloomington Gold Corvette auction took place again this year under sunny skies and humid weather at the Pheasant Run Lodge and Golf Resort in St. Charles, Illinois. Held in association with Bloomington Gold judging, an educational seminar, and an all-Corvette swap meet, it has become one of the largest events of the year for the Corvette community. Literally thousands of Corvettes were on hand, making this a Midwest mecca for 'Vette enthusiasts. Hundreds of Corvettes at the auction were parked on the golf course fairways before the auction, giving bidders and spectators the chance to look them over closely before the sale. Warm temperatures tend to prevail here this time of year, but this year's event was laid back and comfortable despite the heat. Buyers, sellers, and enthusiasts came from all over the U.S. to celebrate and exchange cars and knowledge, and the crowds here had a certain “All-American, No Replacement for Displacement,” manner about them. The right car here can command six figures without a second thought, and 17 did so this time around. The top sale of the weekend was our cover car, an immaculate 1967 convertible with a 435-hp 427 and 4-speed. With 12,000 miles showing on the odometer, multiple NCRS awards over the years, and Bloomington Gold Special Collection membership in 1991, it managed to bring $467,250 (see profile on p. 28). Bidders looking for 435-hp cars had no shortage, with dozens available in various conditions. The only known 1968 COPO Corvette was also present, ordered in British Green with an orange vinyl interior. As interesting as that 52 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com $12m $10m $8m $6m $4m $2m Bloomington Gold Sales Totals 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 combination sounds, it looked good in person, and the car sold for $73,500. A 1996 Grand Sport convertible with only 6k miles raised $80,850, while a 1963 Z06 tanker found new ownership at a very high $367,500. In contrast to all these cars, one of the worst '84 Corvettes still on the road was offered for sale on Sunday, bringing a healthy $2,050 for its condition (see the fright-pig C4 profile on p. 34). A fair number of cars failed to sell due to overly en- thusiastic reserves, which has been a problem lately in the collector car market in the Midwest in general. A 1961 convertible with a 270-hp 327 failed to find a new home at a market-correct $101,000, a '63 fuelie coupe in red had the same fate at $135,000, and a '71 convertible equipped with a 270-hp 350 didn't sell at $24,000. While these cars ranged from excellent restorations to good drivers, their no-sales were likely based in part on the high sale prices achieved for stunning examples elsewhere on the grounds throughout the weekend. Although the total sales figure was off a bit from last year's $10,391,000, the $467,000 top sale this year easily beat out the 2006 high sale of Bunkie Knudson's wife's pink Corvette at $367,500 (CM# 41998). The final sellthrough rate dropped from 56% to 49%, which was likely due in part to fewer cars on offer as well as higher reserves for the cars present. Still, knowledgeable Corvette buyers remain willing to part with hard dollars for the right cars, and Mecum has a proven ability to put the right cars and the right buyers together for long term relationships. ■ $300 on the first $5,499, $500 from $5,500 to $9,999, and 5% thereafter (included in sold prices)

C1 #S53-1953 CHEVROLET CORVETTE roadster. S/N E53F001210. White/tan/red vinyl. Odo: 2,653 miles. 235-ci straight 6, 3x1-bbl, auto. Paint shiny and well applied, with one chip noted around buffed-through headlight trim. Otherwise excellent inside and out. One of 300 built in '53, part of the Paul TOP 10 #5 past this high bid, which was under the money for a running and driving example. #S54-1954 CHEVROLET CORVETTE roadster. S/N E54S002008. Pennant Blue/tan/ tan vinyl. Odo: 409 miles. 235-ci straight 6, 3x1-bbl, auto. Equipped with heater, radio, turn signals, windshield washer, and parking brake alarm as all other '54s. Some wavy paint likely the same as when new. Nice chrome, glass, and Jones Collection for 13 years. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $283,500. Last seen at The Auction's Las Vegas sale in November '92, where it sold for $59,250 (CM# 13932). Sold alongside S54 and S55, all offered by the same owner. A heater and a radio were the only available options in 1953, and records show all 300 cars were equipped with both. A good buy on a first-year 'Vette in excellent overall condition. TOP 10 #4 #S91-1953 CHEVROLET CORVETTE roadster. S/N E53F001107. Polo White/tan/red vinyl. Odo: 121 miles. 235-ci straight 6, 3x1-bbl, auto. Rough edges and paint chips at tonneau lid corners, chip visible on gas door. Engine compartment sterile, trim. Engine compartment clean and expertly detailed. Bloomington Gold 1994. From the Paul Jones Collection. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $87,675. Another well-excecuted car, but this one was just a bit down from the quality of lot S53. Still a great example of a C1, and one of only around 300 finished in Pennant Blue. Well bought. TOP 10 #6 #S55-1955 CHEVROLET CORVETTE roadster. S/N VE55S001044. Pennant Blue/tan/tan vinyl. Odo: 482 miles. 265- interior clean and well fitted. Bloomington Gold certified. Number 107 of 300. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $296,625. Between this and lot S53, we have some real money talking. First-year cars will always bring a healthy sum, but we may be on the verge of seeing the market for these cars expand even further. Well sold. #S5-1954 CHEVROLET CORVETTE roadster. S/N E54S003775. Silver/beige/red vinyl. Odo: 25,409 miles. 235-ci 155-hp straight 6, 3x1-bbl, auto. Repaint from 1962 shows chips, flaws, dull areas, and poor masking with overspray on window weatherstrips. Original looking engine with new parts not detailed. Tear in original driver's seat, passenger seat shows some age but only light use. Plastic horn button crazed, some wear visible on chrome trim. One owner from new. Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT $52,500. Being such an early car with just one owner made this silver roadster rare, but it definitely had some needs, not the least of which was the paint. The bidders weren't interested the Paul Jones Collection. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $178,500. Number 44 of 700 built. The introduction of the V8 to Corvette started in 1955, and the optional engine was fitted to all but seven of the examples built that year. This was a great car, and in this condition, it will always be worth big money. Well bought. #F75-1956 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N E56S003989. Venetian Red/ white/black vinyl. 283-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Clean engine fitted from a 1959 model, dressed to look like the factory '56 unit. Fresh paint, smooth ci 195-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Excellent paint shows light paint chips in passenger side door. Good chrome and trim, spotless engine compartment and interior. Bloomington Gold 1988. From also restored. Optional radio, heater, parking brake alarm, whitewall tires, and Positraction. Appears authentic. Lights, heater, and horn all work. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $76,650. These cars normally fetch far more, so the buyer clearly triumphed. A beautiful '57 convertible at a below-market price. Very well bought. TOP 10 #8 #S32-1957 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N E57S103320. Venetian Red/red vinyl. Odo: 96,650 miles. 283-ci 250-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. NCRS Duntov Mark of Excellence, Bloomington Gold certified and part of the Special Collection. Excellent and authentic restoration by Brent Ferguson in mid '80s to original factory condition, including body fit and finish. Some light cracking of windshield seal, older engine detailing starting to dull slightly. Radio delete plate, well-preserved 50-year-old upholstery. “Field of Dreams” vinyl decal on windshield. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $152,250. It took a little while for the bidding to get to the $137k reserve, but when it finally did, bidding www.vettemarket.com FALL 2007 Corvette Market 53 body, nice panel gaps. Newer black vinyl interior shows no issues. Built for cruising, and will turn heads anywhere it goes. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $40,163. Pity the 1956 Corvette owner. With the exception of the engine, they are virtually identical to the more favored 1957 model, but often command less in the market. This pretty '56 had the same owner for the past 36 years and was in fine condition, but it was not original enough to be considered “collectible.” Still, this was a well-done car that would be a great driver for a person looking for just that. A very good buy at this price. Best Buy #S117-1957 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N E57S100048. Eng. # F918EL. Venetian Red/tan/beige vinyl. Odo: 110 miles. 283-ci 283-hp V8, 4-sp. Frame-off restoration with many NOS parts. Documentation includes a binder full of photos and receipts. Auxiliary hard top

Market Report Mecum Auctions St. Charles, IL NOT SOLD AT $58,000. A very fine '50s Corvette in one of the more striking color combinations. With both the soft and hard tops, and the 230-hp with Powerglide automatic, this would be a fine cruiser that could also be shown almost anywhere without apology. Bidding reached the mid-point for these cars, and that would have been about right for this one. activity skyrocketed. This was strong money, but it was a strong car. Oddly enough, having a Powerglide helped here, because only 102 fuelies were fitted with an automatic transmission. #S141-1957 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N E575104085. Aztec Copper & ivory/tan/beige vinyl. Odo: 97,857 miles. 283ci 283-hp fuel-injected V8, 3-sp. Bloomington Gold 1996. Some paint color fade on top of driver's door, drip on right cowl. Nice chrome and trim, small scratch on left side window. Tear in left side of soft top, decent seats and carpet, & white/white/blue vinyl. Odo: 22,988 miles. 283-ci 230-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Good paint shows only light polishing marks and several chips. Trunk fits high at base, bumpers scratched, trim shows wear and age. Passenger dashpad pulling away, aluminum grab bar dented, steering wheel cracked. Well detailed undercarriage. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $68,250. A good looking local show winner with a few flaws. This is just the way to buy one if you're looking for a nice usable driver. Market price for condition. #S43-1959 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N J59S106996. Red & white/ white/red vinyl. Odo: 84,487 miles. 283-ci 270-hp V8, 2x4-bbl, 4-sp. Paint shows slight preparation flaws and door edge touch-ups. paint wearing off steering wheel. Detailed frame, radio and heater delete. Cond: 1-. NOT SOLD AT $105,000. A great presentation of a rare car in a very rare and striking color combination. Any flaws were small. Only 452 cars were built in Aztec Copper, and of those, only a handful were fuelies. The seller was right to hang on to it, as it'll likely be able to bring more in the future. #S125-1957 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N E57S101903. Eng. # F1212E6. Venetian Red/beige/beige vinyl. Odo: 470 miles. 283-ci 283-hp fuel-injected V8, 3-sp. 2007 NCRS Top Flight Award winner at 98 points. Nice frame-off restoration with NOS parts, paint shows TOP 10 #7 #S97-1960 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 00867S103704. Blue & white/ blue vinyl. Odo: 46,500 miles. 283-ci 230-hp V8, 4-bbl, 3-sp. Paint shows visible drips on hood and orange peel throughout. Chrome scratched at rear bumper and weak at windshield surround. New interior. Detailed engine, corrosion on radiator cap. Passenger side window trim loose. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $57,750. Some minor fit and preparation problems, but nothing serious. The engine compartment and interior showed some wrong screws and extra lock washers, but for what it was, this was a market-correct price. Light driving dirt on engine, broken master cylinder lid from hitting bottom of hood. New top, weatherstripping, and interior. Some chrome aging lightly, most still presentable. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $82,950. Red was the color of the weekend, and although it wasn't perfect, this car's dual quads and 4-speed helped it bring a decent price for its seller. overspray on inner front fenders. Chrome and trim unmarked, non-painted exhaust manifolds not as nice as other engine detailing. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $157,500. A prime investment for its new owner. The '57 model literally saved the Corvette from an early demise, and this was one of 1,040 fuel-injected versions built that year. Expensive, but still well bought. #F71-1959 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N J5S109047. Crown Sapphire 54 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com #F78-1959 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N J59S102012. Frost Blue/blue/ blue vinyl. Odo: 59,886 miles. 283-ci 230-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. A nicely restored '59 with excellent paint, fiberglass, and chrome. Interior equally well restored. Engine very well done with the correct look for the era. Owner claims car is numbers-matching, and although it looks great, this Corvette does not have the documentation or accuracy to be of Bloomington Gold quality. Equipped with both tops. Cond: 1-. #F69-1961 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N N/A. Jewel Blue/blue vinyl. Odo: 17,714 miles. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. An authentic-looking Corvette with nice paint, chrome, and decent matching interior. Updated powertrain with a ZZ4 crate engine with aluminum heads and a Griffith aluminum radiator. A good-looking and functional car for those not concerned with authenticity. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $46,725. The first-generation look is a popular as ever, and this car was proof. With its modern engine and decent overall condition, this car was intended for cruise nights rather than Bloomington Gold or NCRS. You could buy a new C6 for not much more, but it wouldn't have the same fun factor. #S59-1961 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 10867S103083. Black/white/ red vinyl. Odo: 9,313 miles. 327-ci 270-hp V8, 2x4-bbl, 4-sp. Door gaps wide at front of both doors, OK elsewhere. Chrome, paint, and interior better than factory. Top torn on outside right rear. Many original documents, including window sticker and build sheet. Cond: 1-. NOT

Market Report Mecum Auctions St. Charles, IL auction moved by someone with a good sense of foresight. SOLD AT $101,000. Corvette owners should be aware that the top bows always seem to tear the top fabric in the same spot, and this car was no exception to the rule. This bid should have been plenty for a dual-quad '61, even one this nice. #F20-1961 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 10867S109399. Roman Red/white/red vinyl. 283-ci 230-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Good paint shows some swirls, chrome fair. Clean interior, non-original engine made up to look correct for the year. A good looking weekend driver. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $45,150. #S86-1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 20867S103330. Red/black/ red vinyl. Odo: 38,525 miles. 327-ci 340-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Wonderbar radio, windshield washers, both tops. Consignor claims original miles. Older good quality repaint now cracking at antenna base. Original lightly pitted bumpers and chrome buffed out. Windshield gasket has rippling in lower corners and was trimmed unprofessionally with either an X-acto knife, power knife, or hatchet. Poorly repainted steering column, heavily yellowed turn signal arm and gearshift knob. Older replacement upholstery has minimal wear. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $56,700. With ever-escalating solid-axle prices, this may have been the best way into a driver '62, which shield trim chromed over rough areas. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $49,350. Not perfect, but above average and an excellent driver or cruise-in car. At the lower end of the market, this was a decent buy—especially if all the numbers matched. C2 #S20-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Sting Ray coupe. S/N 30837S105481. Black/ black vinyl. Odo: 48,823 miles. 327-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. NCRS Top Flight in 2007. Factory a/c, ps, pb, Positraction, tinted windshield, AM/FM radio. Body character lines dull rather than crisp from sanding. Thick, excellent repaint heavily buffed out. Body cracks forming at passenger side headlight and on right rear fender top. High quality rechrome job on the First-generation Corvettes have never lost their appeal. With a replacement engine and an average restoration, this car was hardly investment grade. That said, it had a great look and would have made a great cruiser. A usable car at a good price. #S62-1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 20867S113449. Almond Beige/black/red vinyl. Odo: 27,157 miles. 327ci 250-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. NCRS Top Flight in 2004, scoring 95.5 points. Factory options include heavy-duty suspension and Wonderbar radio. Restoration performed to the highest standards, body and paintwork surpass factory specs. Highly buffed trim, wheel covers too shiny. Clean and correct undercarriage, white- is generally considered the best year to actually drive among the trunk-back cognoscenti. Even though it showed wear and tear, it had its original powertrain and low miles, so there was really no downside here. Well bought. #F113-1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 20867S102792. Red/white/ black vinyl. Odo: 65,886 miles. 327-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Some visible chipping and cracking in decent paint. Front bumpers show scrapes, dents, and rust, other chrome just OK. bumpers and replacement emblems. Buffed out stainless trim. Excellent replacement interior soft trim, accurately restored engine compartment. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $92,925. This was way over the top money for a base level engine. Both the factory a/c and recent NCRS blessing are what pushed the envelope here, but I found myself wondering if the cracks made their presence known before or after it made Top Flight status. wall tires starting to yellow. Interior soft trim replaced with high-quality reproduction items, all of which show basically no wear. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $91,875. This car was the top sale a month and a half previously at Mecum's spring Kansas City auction, then selling for $78,225 (CM# 45069). This was not a case of $12k-plus worth of upward market adjustment in that timeframe, but rather the right car at the right 56 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com Headlight to fender trim misfit, stone chips on windshield. Cracks in steering wheel, driver's seat springs worn. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $47,250. The last year of the straight axle Corvettes with the desirable 300-hp engine, but held back by the Powerglide transmission. Still, fairly bought at under $50k. #S37-1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 20867S102044. Red/white/ red vinyl. Odo: 6,673 miles. 327-ci 340-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Minor paint preparation flaws visible throughout, door edges chipped. New interior and top, dashpad and grab bar show minor flaws. Windshield weatherstrip cracking, wind #S102-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 30837S101409. Red/red vinyl. Odo: 65,512 miles. 327-ci 250-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Powerglide, ps, pb, Wonderbar radio. Knockoffs dull and oxidized, with pitted spinners. Older repaint broadcasts all body bonding strips under the right light. Older replacement bumpers and door handles, pitted gas tank flipper lid. Door and hood gaps and fit appear original. Spare tire tub freshly bought the morning of the auction, driver's side headlight motor intermittently operational. Replacement seat vinyl and carpeting, cracked original steering wheel. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $54,338. It may have had a lot of eyeball, especially in all red

assembly line with the N03 big tank, and 199 were born as Z06s, making this one of the rarest of the breed. This was a lot of money for a SplitWindow, but it was a reflection of both its rarity and its condition. since new, but it was just superficial. Once you get past the cosmetics, a Split-Window coupe with the base engine and an automatic in this shape shouldn't really be commanding a price north of $50k. TOP 10 #10 #S122-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 coupe. S/N 30837S114581. Red/back vinyl. Odo: 93,485 miles. 327-ci 360-hp fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. Z06 option, full tinted glass, pb, pw, AM/FM radio. Heavily sanded body, expertly applied repaint. Nicely buffed chrome and trim, driver's side upper windshield trim coming off. Engine hp decal on valve cover worn and faded to the point that it can't be read. Reupholstered seats have slightly lumpy padding. Cond: 2. Factory aluminum wheels likely not factory installed. Very nice throughout. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $56,175. Aluminum knockoffs were introduced as an option in 1963, but actual delivery is uncertain because of leaks due to rim porosity. They were sold over the parts counter, which might be how this car ended up with them. While possibly not completely authentic, this was a very well done car in appealing colors, and it brought above average money. #S108-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE SOLD AT $139,650. The bidding started off with a flourish of activity that slowly bogged down until it nearly died at $133k. At that point, the seller cut loose his reserve, and the bidders woke up again. The big brake fuelie combo in good colors made this Split-Window well bought, despite needing some elbow grease to get it show-ready. TOP 10 #3 #S63-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 Tanker coupe. S/N 30837S117511. Riverside Red/black vinyl. Odo: 40,010 miles. 327-ci 360-hp fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. N03 big tank option, Z06 package. Shiny paint shows slight drips at left side of hood and on headlight doors. Panel gaps typically varied. Good bright trim and chrome, some hard weatherstripping. Engine compartment clean, interior nicely finished in original-style black vinyl. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $367,500. Sixty-three cars left the in place. Original interior has seam separations and general wear on both seats. Carpeting added over fuel tank in original style. Cond: 4+. NOT SOLD AT $115,000. The consignor speculated that this was the 1964 Paris Auto Show car, but he could not substantiate it. Viewed by most as ready to be restored. As a bit of a one-off, it's hard to say if the consignor was prudent or foolish to let it go, but it was a no-sale a few weeks earlier at Mecum's Belvidere sale for similar money. It would be pretty easy to go beyond profitability to restore this, but the consignor may end up proceeding down that route. coupe. S/N 40837S106732. Daytona Blue/navy vinyl. Odo: 69,245 miles. 327-ci 375-hp fuelinjected V8, 4-sp. Delivered new to GM of France for the European market. Factory options include oversized fuel tank, ps, pb, and power antenna. Minimal prep work on old repaint, cracking on right front fender. Chrome all pitted to some extent. Replacement engine fitted with most original fuelie bits. Four different types of spark plug wires used, no ignition shielding #F79-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 30867S105233. Tan/tan/saddle vinyl. 327-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Very good paint and chrome show only minor flaws. Panel gaps as good as when new, trim and glass unmarked. Well-fitted clean interior and top. Numbers-matching engine, clean undercarriage. #F65-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 40837S114275. Ermine White/black vinyl. 327-ci 365-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Excellent paint over sharp body lines. Decent panel gaps, nice chrome and trim. Interior clean and wellfitted, numbers-matching engine in very good condition. Factory knockoffs and side exhaust, Vintage Air a/c added. A very nice driver. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $43,050. Some Corvette buyers are purists who crave originality. Others just want a great looking car that shows and drives well. This was the latter. A beautiful coupe that raised about average money. #S65-1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 194675S106628. Tuxedo Black/black/red vinyl. Odo: 69,396 miles. 327ci 365-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Decent paint shows some issues, including some light chips and polish swirl marks. Some weak chrome, glass scratched in places, hard top plexi window crazing. Interior mostly new, but paint drips on passenger seat back and light rust on seat supports take away from the presentation. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $59,850. Said to be still equipped with its original drivetrain. With the high-horse 327, side pipes, both tops, and a 4-speed, what's not to like? A fair price for condition. #S121-1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 194675S105756. Eng. # matching. Goldwood Yellow/black/black vinyl. Odo: 94,486 miles. 327-ci 250-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Second owner, never restored. Optional tinted glass, pw, pb, ps, telescopic steering column, wood wheel, and whitewall tires. Exterior scratches and bare fiberglass in spots. Hood www.vettemarket.com FALL 2007 Corvette Market 57

Market Report Mecum Auctions St. Charles, IL doesn't fit correctly. Interior wear commensurate with almost 100k miles. Runs great, according to seller. Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT $43,000. Probably fun to drive but needs cosmetic work, and if the hood doesn't seat properly, what else might be wrong? A reasonable offer for a project car that didn't offer much performance. #S88-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 194376S114610. Rally Red/black leather. Odo: 29,673 miles. 327-ci 350-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Miles indicated claimed correct, major components claimed original. Good older repaint, decent replated bumpers. Original trim includes lightly pitted door handles and beat-up to near perfection. Power antenna, side exhaust, Positraction, wood steering wheel. Nice paint, clean interior, well detailed engine compartment and chassis. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $47,250. Corvette script was added to the hood in 1966, and backup lights became standard. Holley carburetors, used with some engines previously, were standard with all 1966 motors. It's hard to believe this coupe sold for so little considering how nice it was, but convertibles are the hotter ticket right now. windshield stainless. Generally neatly detailed under the hood, but not all GM components and not to concours specs. Brakes converted to stainless steel on all four corners. Somewhat worn original seat leather, lesser worn original carpet. Offered at no reserve. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $48,038. Claimed to be both “absolutely original” and “freshened up as needed.” Pick one or the other, as long as it's the latter. Incongruent was the word that came first in my mind, therefore this was sold well. #S25-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 194676S119425. Red/black/ black vinyl. Odo: 32 miles. 427-ci 425-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Paint well applied, with no issues visible aside from minor polishing marks. Doors shut solid, body straight and crisp. Excellent chrome and stainless trim, nice top slightly wrinkled. Goldline tires, knockoffs, side pipes. New #F45-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 194676S121077. Marlboro Maroon/tan/saddle vinyl. Odo: 49,446 miles. 327-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Very good resprayed paint on a mostly original car. Clean interior, engine shows little use. Loaded with options including factory alloy knock-off wheels, Goldline tires, ps, hard top, and wood wheel. Not stock. Long crack has formed in center of body two inches behind and parallel to passenger door frame. Correct restoration of interior features all reproduction vinyl. Cond: 1-. NOT SOLD AT $190,000. Regardless of the ink still being wet on the Bloomington Gold certificate, it was a bit hard to swallow that a regular production '67 with cracks in the body was worth more than $190k. As values are now a bit fluid on 435 hp cars, the potential buyer may have dodged a bullet here. #S40-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 194677S119211. Silver pearl/ white/white & blue vinyl. Odo: 53,209 miles. 327-ci 350-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Special order trim and color combination matches the body fabrication tag. Heavily optioned with ps, pb, pw, a/c, tinted glass, telescopic column, speed warning, AM/FM radio, and alloy wheels. Body-off restoration completed in '06. Expertly prepped body retains a light hint of factory bonds. Paint better than factory. Passenger side vent window crank observed to be not operational. Premium Bloomington Gold quality, but nice nonetheless. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $46,200. Certain color and option combinations just look right, and this car had it all: Marlboro Maroon paint, tan top, saddle interior, knockoffs, and Goldlines. However, this base-motor Corvette barely made the lower end of the price range for these cars, so it can be considered well bought. interior, clean engine and undercarriage. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $92,400. Last seen at Mecum's Arlington Heights sale in November '97, where it sold for $46,988 (CM# 22089). Very nice if not all correct—but the paint had been done to a much higher standard than was typically done from the factory. The seller should be smiling. #S132-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 19437S120590. Rally Red/black vinyl. Odo: 52,121 miles. 327-ci 350-hp V8, 4bbl, 4-sp. Claimed matching numbers, restored 58 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com #S38-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 194677S120943. Black & red/black/black vinyl. Odo: 2 miles. 427-ci 435-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Bloomington Gold certified within the last 48 hours of the auction as a Gold class car. Copy of the original tank sticker confirms side pipes, AM radio, and alloy wheels. Body heavily sanded down, character lines and body creases no longer crisp. Paint application quite good, with a higher gloss than quality reproduction interior. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $111,300. The consigning dealer strongly hinted that this was one of the few COPO '67 Corvettes, but there was no tank sticker or any other documentation to prove it. Since this was a St. Louis-fabricated body, it's very plausible to be a special order car, since the A.O. Smithproduced bodies tended to be only painted and trimmed in more heavily ordered standard color schemes. Regardless, the combo came off quite well, and that combined with the quality of the restoration made it a good buy. #S56-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 194377S114840. Ermine White & black/black vinyl. Odo: 28,595 miles. 427-ci 435-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Off-road exhaust, F41 suspension, 4.11 Positraction, AM/FM radio, and Rally wheels. Complete body-off frame restoration completed in '05, NCRS Top Flight with a score of 97.7 points. Sharp body character creases, bonding strip locations still visible, better-than-stock repaint. Perfect door and panel gaps, superb original and reproduction stainless steel trim. Engine bay correctly restored, excellent interior includes refaced instrument panel

Market Report Mecum Auctions St. Charles, IL and redyed console. Cond: 1+. NOT SOLD AT $108,000. This restoration was about as fresh and state-of-the-art as one can get. Thus, the bid was way low, and it was no surprise that it wasn't taken. #S6.1-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 194677S113573. Marlboro Maroon/tan/saddle leather. Odo: 55,336 miles. 327-ci 350-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Factory a/c, pb, ps, and AM/FM radio. Older masked off bodyon-frame repaint recently highly buffed out, with visible original bonding strips. Light pitting on the vent window frames. Oxidized alloy wheels with pitted centers, newer replacement F41 suspension, and factory aluminum wheels. Paint close to perfect, with only minor issues noted due to light use. All side and rear glass delaminating, ignition cover chrome peeling. NCRS Regional and National Top Flight and Bloomington Gold certified in 2006. Cond: 2+. NOT SOLD AT $120,000. Built on the first day of the 1967 production run. This car had an excellent appearance overall, and while this bid was close to the mark for the car, $10k more would have placed it closer to market. interior soft trim installed in a workman-like manner. Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT $64,000. This was silly money for a small-block, single top '67 convertible in this shape. The seller tried to come up with a cock-and-bull story about base level engines being rare, but the only shred of truth to this is because all of those non-original big-block cars have to be built from something. #S83-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 194677S116355. Silver/white/ black vinyl. Odo: 48,609 miles. 427-ci 435-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Tank sticker verifies off-road exhaust, F41 suspension, K66 ignition, and tinted glass. Well-applied paint, typical slightly inconsistent panel gaps. Lots of dum-dum visible on outside edge of windshield trim. Windshield paint masking not great. Bloomington Gold certified in 1989. Two NCRS Regional Top Flight awards, NCRS Performance Verification award, #S46-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 19477S109334. Goldenrod Yellow & black/black/black vinyl. Odo: 33,334 miles. 427-ci 435-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. 4.11 Positraction, telescoping steering column with wood steering wheel, AM/FM radio. Very sharp body creases, bonding strips are all but invisible. Authentic repaint, better than stock door on body. Replaced chrome, highly buffed out original trim. Non-original engine block. Newer replacement top and soft trim, all of which show very light wear from limited use. Black interior in leather instead of original vinyl, non-stock wood steering wheel fitted. Speedometer stuck at 55 mph. Cond: 3+. NOT SOLD AT $63,000. While it was supposedly an original 435 hp car, this one had a bit too many non-stock pieces for the majority of bidders to take seriously. There was no real interest here, and this car will likely fare better somewhere without so many better competing examples. #S112-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 194377S122339. Sunfire Yellow & black/black vinyl. Odo: 39,689 miles. 427ci 435-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. NCRS certified Top Flight, F41 suspension, K66 transistor ignition, Positraction, side pipes, Redline tires, Protect-O-Plate, all matching numbers. Decent paint, typical panel gaps, chrome and trim nice. Interior well fitted and correct. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $131,250. This is about what you'd expect to pay for a nice, authentic 435 hp coupe in this market. Both buyer and seller should be pleased. and hood fit. Spotless engine compartment, correctly painted chassis and undercarriage components. Very good original finish to console and dashboard. New carpet, seat upholstery, door panels, dashpad, and convertible top. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $136,500. Another example of the current state-of-the-art restoration, and another example of the level to which 435-hp convertibles have adjusted. Market correct. Chapter Flight award. Restoration supervised by David Burroughs. Cond: 2+. NOT SOLD AT $180,000. This car had a great overall condition and some good papers as well, and although there was some age to the NCRS awards, it had clearly been well-cared for. This car should be able to top $200k, so the seller was right to keep it at this price. #S85-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 194377S100108. Goodwood Green/ dark saddle leather. Odo: 28,359 miles. 427-ci 435-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Fitted with side pipes, 60 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com #S76-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 194677S100304. Red/ white/black leather. Odo: 49,415 miles. 427-ci 435-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Fitted with 17-inch American Racing Torq-Thrust IIs. Highly buffed out repaint cracking at the passenger door area, some bonding strip rippling visible Perfections Ltd. of Hartland, Wisconsin. Original trim tags, matching numbers, CA black plates, wood wheel, Redlines, re-stamped transmission. Excellent condition inside and out. Cond: 1. NOT SOLD AT $240,000. This car was drop-dead gorgeous, and it should have been worth at least $20k more than this high bid. It's hard to fault the seller for holding out for more, as he'll likely be able to get it. #S114-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 194377S107811. Eng. # Matching. #S113-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 194677S117182. Eng. # 7117132. Rally Red/black/black vinyl. Odo: 7 miles. 427-ci 435-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Welldetailed rotisserie restoration by Corvette

chipped, original chrome shows wear and light pitting. Seat covers worn, springs weak. Hurst shifter, telescopic wheel. Big block hood, hard and soft tops, American Racing Torq-Thrust wheels. Hooker painted side pipes. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $44,625. An excellent project car, but definitely not a show contender as it sat. The body looked quite solid with no trim dents, and both tops were included with it. At this price, the seller should be quite pleased. Silver Pearl/black leather. Odo: 1,708 miles. 427-ci 390-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Sold on bill of sale only. Frame-off restoration, factory a/c, leather interior with headrests, ps, pb, pw, AM/ FM, tinted glass, Redline tires, side mounted exhaust. Matching numbers, original window sticker included. NCRS Top Flight and Duntov Awards. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $136,500. If you were going to buy a 'Vette without a title, you might as well have bought one of the best. This '67 certainly fit the bill, and it brought a market price. Both the buyer and seller should be pleased. #S6-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 194677S110667. Marlboro Maroon/black/black vinyl. Odo: 55,934 miles. 427-ci 435-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Options include heavy-duty J56 brakes and simulated wood wheel. Bloomington Gold certified in 1993. Slight traces of bonding strips visible in well-prepped and expertly repainted body. Gleaming pit-free chrome, older professionally #S7-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 194377S117421. Lyndale Blue/blue vinyl. 427-ci 390-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Factory a/c. Some paint prep flaws and chips visible, panel gaps varied but typical. Cleaned engine features shiny rubber parts. Factory-style side pipes and Redlines fitted, nose stripe done in Bloomington Gold Certified in '89, part of the Bloomington Gold Special Collection in '91. NCRS Top Flight Awards in '89, '02, and '03. Shiny paint has corner cracks just starting at headlights. Chrome excellent, panel gaps good, glass and trim unmarked. Engine compartment looks as-delivered from the factory, interior well fitted and correct. Like new everywhere. Original alloy wheels and Firestone Redline tires. Documented with all books and records. The Roby Price car. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $467,250. This car had a crowd around it most of the weekend, and the level of excitement and speculation surrounding it wasn't misplaced. Well done in all respects, it was the high sale of the event. Although this was lots of money, this car was one of the best big-block '67 convertibles in the country, so the new owner has no explaining to do. an original fashion. Several small interior flaws noted, including missing radio trim and lumps in padded dash. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $96,600. Lyndale Blue was in my opinion one of the best colors offered in '67, and the new owner must agree with me. This was a strong price, but a '67 with a/c, a big block, and a 4-speed is relatively hard to find. buffed stainless trim. Concours grade engine compartment and chassis detailing, fully restored interior shows no visible wear, and has reproduction tags placed in the appropriate locations. Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $140,000. Marked on the windshield on Sunday morning with “still for sale, $155,000.” Another case of seller's remorse, as this should've been close enough to get the deal done on the block the day before. #F122-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 194677S104653. Silver/black/ black leather. Odo: 28,381 miles. 327-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Lots of paint chips, scrapes, cracks, and pitting. Body features added rear flares to allow wider tires. Glass scratched and #S27-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 194677S111258. Marina Blue/black/black vinyl. Odo: 40,257 miles. 427ci 390-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Equipped with pw, pb, ps, and a/c. Two tops. Claimed original engine, transmission, and differential. Restoration #S137-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 194677S104248. Rally Red/ black/red leather. Odo: 76,107 miles. 427-ci 400-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Older frame-off restoration, L68 engine rebuilt 1,000 miles ago. New paint, new top, factory options include a/c, AM/FM radio, close-ratio transmission, Positraction, and Redline tires. Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $110,000. Another nice convertible bid to triple digits. It wasn't quite enough for the seller to let it go, and he was probably right, as it's likely worth more—especially with its L68 engine. The seller made the right call. completed in '07, a two-owner car until 2006. Light crack in fiberglass at top of driver's door jamb at front and rear. Detailed engine, Redline tires mounted on original Rally wheels. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $131,775. This was a great, welloptioned car, and it had lots of admirers at the sale. The price can do the talking here. TOP 10 #1 #S67-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 194677S114878. Tuxedo Black & red/black/black vinyl. Odo: 12,704 miles. 427-ci 435-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. #F7-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 194377S116214. Black/black vinyl. Odo: 38,874 miles. 327-ci 350-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. A nicely-restored '67. Excellent paint and chrome show no issues aside from minor polishing marks. Interior nice, all-GM engine compartment clean. Fitted with Redlines and side pipes. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $42,000. Big blocks stole the show in 1967, but Chevrolet also offered the L79 350-hp 327 option, and this was one of them. Over 6,000 L79s were built, www.vettemarket.com FALL 2007 Corvette Market 61

Market Report Mecum Auctions St. Charles, IL so they are not “rare” in the strictest sense, but they have become relatively hard to find. This one was in good overall shape, and it sold well below market value. The buyer got a bargain. #S143-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 194677S119759. White/ navy/blue vinyl. Odo: 52,588 miles. 327-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Factory radio delete. Interesting body tag, in that there is no entry from A.O. Smith for the paint and trim codes. Consignor claims that it is an unrestored car. Ancient repaint worn, ugly engine bay indicative of no maintenance and lack of use. Brakes no longer work, with stopping by parking brake only. Cracked door panel tops and gauge faces, door panel fit loose. Needs a jump to get started, has a rough idle and a metallic lifter tick. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $89,250. While the aluminum cylinder head L89 is a pretty rare critter, this example was more than a bit rough around the edges. With 1968s, originality isn't necessarily a good thing due to their first year teething problems. This final price was more a reflection of those issues than of how it was equipped. being done with colors at this time, both inside and outside the automotive world. It actually didn't look too bad, as the orange came off more as a saddle tan. The only cheaper COPOs from 1968 are Chevy bucket trucks and a few Yenko Stingers, so with that in mind, I'll call this well bought. #S116-1968 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 194378S411460. Silver/black vinyl. Odo: 63,010 miles. 327-ci 350-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4sp. Equipped with a/c, simulated wood wheel, and rear luggage rack. Fresh frame-off restoration, excellent bare-body repaint over several light pits in body. Light scuffing on all-original chrome and trim. Fresh engine cosmetics include renewed cad plating. New seat vinyl shows no appreciable wear, while the remainder of the interior is original and in reasonably good condition. Offered at no reserve. Cond: 3+. SOLD #S75-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 194379S718658. Monaco Orange/ black leather. Odo: 74,571 miles. 427-ci 400-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Equipped with a/c, pw, and side pipes. Shiny paint shows no issues, chrome decent except where replated over bumper flaws. Right side windshield trim dented, other trim OK. Cracks on side pipe mounting sills, glass unmarked. Engine compartment well detailed, leather interior nice. Cond: 2+. NOT SOLD AT $64,000. This bid would have been all the money for a #1 as little as a year ago, but here it didn't motivate the seller to let it go. generally good seat vinyl aged. Older soft top in generally good and serviceable condition. Cond: 4-. NOT SOLD AT $49,000. The consignor made some broad hints that this could be a COPO car due to the lack of info on the body tag. I doubt it, as there was a lot of older and original paperwork that came with the car. A.O. Smith sometimes provided bodies untrimmed to keep the flow of bodies going to the St. Louis plant. Still, without a tank sticker, it's hard to tell for sure. For what this was bid to, it should've sold three times over. A victim of long-term iffy storage, it needed a complete restoration. C3 #S68-1968 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 194678S419384. British Green/white/dark orange vinyl. Odo: 61,002 miles. 327-ci 350-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. The only known COPO 1968 Corvette, due to specialorder paint and interior combination. Tank sticker is still affixed to original gas tank, which is wrapped in clear plastic and sitting on passenger seat. Optioned with a/c, ps, pb, telescopic steering column, hard and soft tops, and AM/ FM radio. Older repaint with masking issues and dimples in fiberglass on the driver's side of nose. Excellent original chrome and trim, alloriginal interior shows moderate wear. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $73,500. I have no idea why someone would've thought of this as a good color combo, but then again, there were far more crass things 62 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com #S24.1-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 194679S720930. Yellow/ black/black vinyl. Odo: 60,529 miles. 427-ci 390-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Good quality body prep and repaint, door gaps wide at top and tight at bottom. Factory-installed side pipes nice, bumpers cloudy and not well aligned, remaining chrome and trim slightly pitted. Inexpensive radials with red stripe added. Well- AT $25,200. Chrome bumper C3s continue to pick up steam, increasing in interest and value. This was market pricing, if not with an edge slightly toward the seller. #S60-1968 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 194678S408790. Cordovan Maroon/black/black vinyl. Odo: 86,755 miles. 427-ci 435-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. COPO L89, M22 Muncie, 4.11 ratio Positraction. Ex-Reggie Jackson. Original paint is heavily damaged on most of the passenger side front fender, possibly from brake fluid or antifreeze. Paint on the rest of the body has some light cracking and a few light scuffs. Presentable original chrome and trim, generally well detailed engine bay and undercarriage. Light wear to seats and carpet, cared-for original leather interior shows just a hint of wear and patina, carpet shows heavier wear but doesn't yet need replacement. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $31,500. While not ready for a trip to an NCRS event, this was a fair price for a fairly decent big-block C3... especially if the new owner isn't afraid of putting some sweat equity into improving it. #S73-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 194679S720167. Maroon/ black/saddle vinyl. Odo: 43,161 miles. 427-ci 400-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, auto. Factory a/c, pw, side pipes. Good paint shows minor polish marks,

chrome nice except for pitted center section of side pipe cover. Some vinyl wear to hard top edges. Blacked out undercarriage. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $97,125. This was a lot of money for a C3 that wasn't especially rare, but with the right options and its original order form and title, this result wasn't all that surprising. C3s should be watched closely, as they have not yet peaked. #S124-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 194679S704264. Daytona Yellow/black/black vinyl. Odo: 66,601 miles. Nice paint, excellent chrome, glass unmarked. 350-ci 350-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Near perfect inside and out, including engine compartment. Best Buy #F57-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 19467S715499. Riverside Gold/ white/black vinyl. Odo: 6,293 miles. 427-ci 390hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Excellent resprayed Riverside Gold paint, otherwise completely original. Interior shows very light wear, top has heavier wear and is frayed at the edges. Good engine compartment, original window sticker. A strong car with loads looking for a good driver at a bargain price got just that. of originality. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $38,850. This '69 Corvette had the same owner since 1971, and he clearly pampered it over the years. The L36 390-hp 427s are great performing cars without the wildness of the 435-hp cars, but the L71 always commands the top dollars. This one sold for well below market value for an L36. A real bargain for a car of this quality. #F8-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Fully restored, offered at no reserve. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $27,300. A cramped cabin and rust-prone chassis aren't enough to justify the embarassingly low price the seller got for this show-quality convertible. The buyer must be jumping for joy. This was a steal. #F94-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 194679S727531. Monza Red/ black/black vnyl. 350-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Original paint, engine, top, and interior, all in almost flawless condition. Factory smog-equipped California engine. Certified Bloomington Gold Survivor. Fully documented with tank sticker and Protect-O-Plate. Cond: 1-. NOT SOLD AT $55,000. Absolutely stunning. A Bloomington Gold Survivor needs to be at least 50% original, coupe. S/N 194379S732491. Fathom Green/ black vinyl. 427-ci 390-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Fair Fathom Green paint, pitted chrome. Good interior with the usual wear. Average engine possibly non-original. Options include ps, pw, and tilt and telescopic steering column. Incorrect radial tires. A decent driver. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $24,150. Though it had the same owner for the past 17 years, there was nothing about this '69 to make it jump out from the crowd. Someone #F87-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 194679S720930. Daytona Yellow/black/black leather. Odo: 60,528 miles. 427-ci 390-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Good paint shows no issues. Chrome dinged, scratched, and pitted throughout. Nice leather interior, decently detailed numbers-matching engine. A good driver or restoration project. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $31,500. This was one of about a half-dozen 390-hp 427 cars that went under the gavel on Friday, where it faced a field of too many similar Corvettes and did not sell. It was wisely re-run on Sunday as lot S24.1, where is sold for a fair price for its condition. #F32-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 194379S73129. LeMans Blue/black vinyl. Odo: 6,628 miles. 427-ci 390-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Well-documented with original but this one was clearly closer to perfection. Even the factory paint was without the usual flaws. Possibly its only shortcoming was the 300-hp base 350 engine with factory smog equipment. Still, it should have been able to bring slightly more here. Had this been a 435-hp 427 car... who knows? www.vettemarket.com FALL 2007 Corvette Market 63

Market Report Mecum Auctions St. Charles, IL worn. Optional vinyl-covered hard top. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $48,300. Though bulkier and less sporting to drive than earlier 'Vettes, these gadget-filled, detuned models are enormously popular and their values are rising within the market. This one was less than sterling, so both the buyer and seller got a fair deal. tank sticker. Excellent paint shows smooth application and no orange peel. Panel gaps decent, body has few waves. Interior worn, numbersmatching engine quite dirty. Options include ps, tilt and telescopic steering column, and side exhaust. Cond: 2-. NOT SOLD AT $35,000. About a half-dozen '68 and '69 390-hp 427 Corvettes were included in Friday's auction. A few sold, but this one didn't. The 390-hp L36 has never generated the same kind of interest as the top-of-the-line 435-hp L71, but they're far from undesirable. Maybe it was a case of too many similar cars in one place... Correct tires and a clean engine would have gone a long way here. #S30-1970 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 194370S410524. Medium blue metallic/black leather. Odo: 63,148 miles. 454-ci 390-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Equipped with a/c, tilt telescopic steering column, ps, pb, and AM/FM stereo. Consignor claims original miles. Very good repaint covers all of the windshield to body trim and wiper panel. Wavy original bumpers column, and Redline tires. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $32,813. The LS5 454 Corvettes were built for effortless cruising, and this fine example would have been perfect for that. Equipped with all the right options, yet sold on the lower end of the price range for these cars. Quite a bargain. #S98-1971 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 194679S711561. Roman Red/ white/red leather. Odo: 59,054 miles. 427-ci 435-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Tank sticker verifies equipment. Recent body-off restoration generally good, but lacking in several details. Heavily prepped and sanded body smoother than original and expertly repainted. Door gap on forward passenger side wide enough to walk through, rear gap is pretty much right. High-quality #S19-1971 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 194371S102711. Ontario Orange/ tan vinyl. Odo: 26,707 miles. 454-ci 365-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Factory a/c, mileage claimed original. Good repaint has no issues aside from minor chips, although the color does not really look like Ontario Orange—more like ripe peach or mango. Exterior chrome unmarked. Detailed engine and chassis. Some wear and pitting on interior chrome trim, crack in left armrest. All new weatherstripping. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $42,000. A much-updated low-mileage shark with big block, 4-speed, and a/c. Fairly bought and sold, with some future appreciation possible. rechromed bumpers, mostly new trim. Original engine compartment grubby. Anything that can be replaced or restored in the interior has been, and shows no appreciable wear. Cond: 3+. NOT SOLD AT $71,000. This restoration wasn't as spectacular as the consignor would have one believe. Mostly it was a lot of eye candy, but when it got down to nuts and bolts, $71k was a long shot for this car. The consignor wanted $75k, but no one really seemed very interested at that price. lightly scuffed, windshield starting to delaminate. Very good original interior with the exception of the seat upholstery. Heavy paint wear on steering column. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $27,300. The 390-hp flavor of 454 with an automatic,a/c, and all the power amenities made this more of a two-seat Caprice than a sports car. Sold well condsidering its condition. #F55-1970 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 194370S410924. Monza Red/black vinyl. Odo: 53,400 miles. 454-ci 390-hp V8, 4bbl, 4-sp. Older body-on restoration still looks good. Paint shows only minor flaws, including chips and slight polish scratches. Black vinyl interior has normal wear that minor detailing could still improve. Numbers-matching engine compartment dirty and in need of detailing. Overall, a beautiful 454 Corvette in excellent driving condition. Filled with factory options, including ps, pb, a/c, tilt and telescopic steering 64 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com #S111-1971 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 194671S102061. War Bonnet Yellow/black/saddle leather. Odo: 90,962 miles. 454-ci 365-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Equipped with tilt wheel, rear window defroster, ps, pw, pb, alarm, and a/c. Despite all the options and a binder full of service records, there are obvious flaws to the paint and body. Gaps decent, but wide in places. Interior and engine compartment clean, but #F44-1972 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 1Z67K25510778. Bryar Blue/ blue/blue leather. Odo: 44,547 miles. 350-ci 200-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Excellent paint, straight fiberglass, flawless leather interior. Engine dirty but easily detailed. Plenty of options include a/c, tilt and telescopic steering column, ps, pb, pw. Same owner for the last 21 years. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $28,875. Raw horsepower was no longer the focus in 1972, and instead, the third generation Corvette was being refined. This nicely optioned car would have been perfect for show and moderate go. The LT1 or LS5 engine options would have driven the price up markedly, but those options made the Corvette a much hairier beast. For those who appreciate a car like this for what it is, this one was a real bargain. #S87-1973 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 1Z67J3S402586. Green/ white/tan leather. Odo: 67,702 miles. 350-ci 190-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Preparation flaws in

Market Report Mecum Auctions St. Charles, IL performance, but the '76 was an improvement, and this one was about as factory fresh as they come. It sold at Sunday's auction at the very top of 1976 prices, and while it's hardly a Corvette that will skyrocket in value, this was a fair price. paint, windshield wiper scratches in glass. Good original leather seats, exhaust trim misfit. Aftermarket “Corvette” radio installed. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $28,875. 1973 was the last year for the chrome bumper, and it was relegated to the rear only. These cars are just starting to gain some respect in the market, as their styling has held up well over the years. This was a clean car, and despite being fitted with the base engine and an automatic, it was able to generate a very respectable price. Well sold. #F51-1974 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 1Z67J420464. Ontario Orange/black/black cloth. Odo: 98,703 miles. 350-ci 195-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Good original paint in popular Ontario Orange. Clean interior with aftermarket AM/FM/cassette added. Dirty engine needs some attention. Recent top, exhaust, low-end tires, and brakes. All in all, a good looking, good driving C3 convertible that (or at least from the last year before its ten-year hiatus), $18k was far too much to pay for a rattletrap like this. Very well sold. #F64-1975 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 1267J5S422730. Bright Yellow/black/saddle leather. Odo: 72,446 miles. 350-ci 165-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Restored yellow paint shows some flaws, including orange peel and minor scratching throughout. Very good Deluxe interior has little wear. Good top, clean engine compartment, major components numbers-matching. Aftermarket high-quality tires #F41-1978 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Indy Pace Car coupe. S/N 1Z87L8S903582. Black & silver/silver leather. Odo: 44,000 miles. 350-ci 185-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Owned by the same person for the past 20 years. Original paint is good, with only a few nicks here and there. Original graphics faded, interior clean with no wear. Engine compartment clean and correct. A very good '78 Pace Car that displays well. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $18,900. When new, a needs some detailing and a set of higher-quality tires. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $16,013. This was the first year for the “soft” front and rear bumpers, and the second-to-last year for the C3 convertible. These were fine cars for their era, and this one looked quite good for its mileage, though a good cleaning of the engine and undercarriage would have been a good investment for the seller. Sold below the usual range. #S84-1975 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 1Z67J5S40143. White/tan/tan vinyl. Odo: 888 miles. 350-ci 270-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Options include a/c, tilt/telescopic steering column, ps, pb, pw, power antenna, and luggage rack. Thick older repaint recently buffed out. Both doors rattle loudly when closed and require a stout pull to open. Scuffed windshield stainless trim, crack in right outboard taillight lens. Engine bay dusty, unkempt, and serviced with non-GM parts. Replacement seat upholstery fitted well, moderate carpet wear visible. Noticeable weathering and wear to top vinyl. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $18,638. Even though it was from the last year of convertible production 66 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com installed on 1976 aluminum wheels. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $20,738. The 1975 Corvette ragtop was supposed to be “the last convertible ever.” Proposed government regulations and soft sales brought about what was supposed to be the end of the road for the drop-top, so this car had a little historic interest. But the '75 was also the lowest horsepower Corvette since the early '50s 6-cylinder cars, making for yawn-inspiring performance. This one sold fairly at the lower end of the market. #U26-1976 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 1Z37L6S419480. Red/saddle leather. Odo: 30,800 miles. 350-ci 180-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Odometer reading believed to be original. Equipped with tilt and telescopic steering column and a/c. Flawless factory paint and alloy wheels, excellent interior shows almost no wear. Engine mostly clean, with only minor use-related dirt and wear. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $16,800. 1975 marked the low point of Corvette few of these cars sold for as much as $75,000, although the sticker was closer to $14,000. Way too many (6,502) were built to justify the excitement in the market back in 1978, and prices have remained flat ever since. This one would make a fine driver with above average historical significance. Sold at the low end of the market for these cars. The buyer got a great looking, historically interesting Corvette at a bargain price. #F95-1978 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Silver Anniversary coupe. S/N 128748S438905. Silver & gray/oyster leather. Odo: 62,262 miles. 350-ci 220-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Original paint poorly touched up in spots, graphics sunfaded. Interior worn at driver's seat, but still presentable. Engine clean and mostly original. Inexpensive incorrect tires. With proper paint touch-up and a little TLC, likely an excellent driver. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $11,288. The 1978 Silver Anniversary Corvette was one of the best looking C3s built. The problem is, far too many were produced to ever be of any real value, so they are a good low-cost addition to any collection or the perfect car for the first-time Corvette buyer. And if you have to own one, get the higher-performance L82 model, as this one was. Well bought at this price. #U17-1979 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 1Z8789S432986. Beige/tan vinyl.

$8,500, was a better place to put this money, as this car needed some major work. #F38-1980 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Odo: 26,120 miles. 350-ci 195-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Door edge and black-out paint show chips. Nice glass, tires and wheels show light wear. New seats, console pad loose, rest of interior shows age. Engine has dirt and some surface rust, but looks all there and unmodified. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $8,500. Another first Corvette starter car. The paltry factory 195-hp V8 would not be that much fun, but it was a Corvette and it looked complete. Put a good crate engine in it for fun and keep the original for when you decide to sell the car later. Market correct. #U15-1979 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 1Z8789S443417. leather. Odo: 73,197 miles. 350-ci White/oyster 195-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Paint chips around doors and rear rubber bumper edges. Blackout trim paint chipped and worn. Seat leather starting to crack, coupe. S/N 1Z878AS429069. Red/tan leather. Odo: 9,596 miles. 350-ci 190-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. A striking 1980 Corvette, with excellent original paint and chrome. Interior equally likenew. Engine compartment shows little use, but could stand a light detailing. A low-mile pampered car. Cond: 1-. NOT SOLD AT $17,250. The C3 Corvette emerged from the horrors of option. Clean engine compartment and chassis. A really nice low-mile Collector Edition. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $30,713. Chevrolet celebrated the end of the third-generation Corvette with the special Collector Edition model. At $22,537.59, it was the most expensive Corvette to date. While there are never-used examples out there, this one was in excellent overall condition, with the FE7 Gymkhana Suspension option and AM/ FM/CB radio. A first-class car that sold at the top of the market. coupe. S/N 1G1AV8784C5109774. Red/red leather. Odo: 20,000 #F17-1982 CHEVROLET CORVETTE miles. 350-ci the Seventies in very good shape. The circa 1963 chassis had received its share of updates, while the circa 1968 body had yet another freshening that made the '80 one of the best looking cars of that generation. Bidding reached the upper end of the usual range for these cars, but it still did not sell. #F27-1981 CHEVROLET CORVETTE driver's armrest pulled loose. Dirty engine is missing heat riser tube. Not much more than a driver. Cond: 4+. SOLD AT $7,500. Actually not that bad looking for a Sunday car. It was honest with some visible flaws, and it would have made someone a good first Corvette for not a lot of money. Well bought. #U19-1980 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 1Z878AS432370. Yellow/tan leather. Odo: 76,896 miles. 350-ci 190-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Body shows painted-over chips and cracks in several areas, color mismatched on soft nose and tail. Shampooed but still dirty carpets, dash panel broken with clear face crack coupe. S/N 1G1AY8764B5100269. Beige & dark bronze/camel leather. Odo: 36,672 miles. 350-ci 190-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Very good original paint, interior marred by aftermarket cup holders and radio. Engine clean and correct, incorrect tires faked to look original. One of the first Bowling Green cars built. Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $13,000. 1981 was the year Chevrolet moved Corvette production from the 200-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. A 25-year-old Corvette in like-new condition. Near flawless paint and interior, very good engine needs some minor detailing. A strong example of the last year C3. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $17,850. If the look of the third generation Corvette appeals to you, this might be the car to own. The '82 Collector Editions get the most attention, but this lowmile, super-clean example had its own merits. It sold at the average price for these cars, and as it was in above-average condition, it was a very good buy. C4 old St. Louis plant to the state-of-the-art Bowling Green facility. Of the 40,606 Corvettes built that year, 8,995 were built in Bowling Green beginning in June of '81, and this was the 269th car off that line. Only a Bowling Green car could be ordered with the two-tone paint option, intended to show off the new plant's robotic paint booth and basecoat/clearcoat paint system. This one needed little to make it perfect, but the bid was light and it didn't sell. #F81-1982 CHEVROLET CORVETTE starting. Replacement radio. Ill-fitting mirrored T-tops. Very dirty door jambs and dirty engine, headlights fit low. Leaf design etched in side glass. Cond: 4. SOLD AT $8,750. The quickie paint job made this car a 20-footer. Lot U17, at coupe. S/N 1G1AY0783C5117662. Silver Beige/Silver Beige leather. Odo: 11,000 miles. 350-ci 200-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Very good paint and graphics show only minor flaws. Excellent interior with rare AM/FM/CB radio #U16-1984 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 1G1AY0785ES132554. Red/black cloth. 350-ci 205-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Body cracked in places, paint chipped and scuffed all over. Engine compartment dirty, valve covers leak oil, hood struts worn out, parts of exhaust missing. Interior looks like punishment for unfortunate passengers. Both seats worn through, dash shows hanging wires. Weatherstripping hard, cracked, and missing pieces. Windows loose, horn button missing, VIN tag rusty and hard to read. Cond: 5. SOLD AT $2,050. Quite possibly the worst Corvette I've ever seen. It was equipped with factory alloy wheels—but one of them was from a Firebird. This was a barn find without the barn. It may have been good for some parts, but even that seemed like www.vettemarket.com FALL 2007 Corvette Market 67

Market Report Mecum Auctions St. Charles, IL that's exactly what he got at over $60k—but he's still $300 in the hole if he paid sticker for the car in '90, not including inflation. a stretch. Still, the new owner was seen driving it out of the parking lot after the auction, and it didn't smoke or make any horrible noises. The cheapest running and driving Corvette at the sale... but would you want to drive it? #F11-1984 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 1G1AY0781E51197. Bright Silver Metallic/red leather. Odo: 94,814 miles. 350-ci 205-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Excellent paint, door handles pitted, glass unmarked. Engine compartment needs a good cleaning and detailing. Red leather interior well worn in all the usual places, but is all correct. Newer tires not OEM. Overall condition a bit better then expected from a 23-year-old Corvette with almost 95,000 miles on the clock. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $5,550. 1984 marked the beginning of a new generation Corvette, the first all-new Corvette since 1963. While many had first-year reliability problems, most '84s have had those run as all of its contemporaries (as there was a small-block Chevy buried in there somewhere), this final bid would likely be the cheapest expenditure any new owner would make. All in all, it seemed like it should be worth a bit more, but not much. #F89-1989 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 1G1YY3184K5103454. Gray Metallic/black/black leather. Odo: 78,381 miles. 350-ci 245-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Rare Gray Metallic paint in good condition. Sun-damaged interior well worn, with cracked leather seat surfaces and a cracked and faded steering wheel. with similar rectangular taillights to the '90 ZR1, but the ZR1 package still included wider rear panels to allow for 11-inch wide rear wheels. Likely driven from the dealer to the seller's garage, and not since. This price reflected the current market for these cars, which is still lagging behind their sticker prices when new. worked out years ago. That said, the ride is a bit too stiff, and the “Crossfire” throttle-body fuel-injection and LCD instrument display can be problematic. With a little detailing and some interior TLC, the new owner will have a good looking, good driving example of the first of the C4s. A good buy. #S106-1984 LOLA CHEVROLET CORVETTE IMSA GTP racer. S/N 711. White & black/black vinyl. RHD. 350-ci fuelinjected V8, manual. Fitted with the Le Mans spec long-tail body. Recent restoration to race rather than concours standards. Once good quality repaint has some battle damage over the right rear wheel and rock chips to nose. Racespec engine bay, lots of scratches and dings on long aluminum sill leading to race-spec cabin. Fitted with single-bolt BBS basketweave race wheels and Goodyear racing slicks. Turnkey and ready to vintage race, although with no mention of log book status. Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT $255,000. This was the first of the IMSA Corvette GTP cars to compete at Daytona in 1985. While not quite as exotic to 68 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com Claimed new top frayed in places, new tires and exhaust nice. Engine compartment fair, but could be detailed. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $11,550. This '89 convertible was one of 225 sprayed in Metallic Gray paint from the factory. It looked quite nice on the surface, but the worn interior and top kept it from getting even average money. The buyer got a good-looking, nice-driving C4 at minimal cost. Like many other Corvettes auctioned on Friday, this one might have achieved more money with some cosmetic detailing. #S9-1990 CHEVROLET CORVETTE ZR-1 coupe. S/N 1G1YZ23J4L5803015. Black/black leather. Odo: 111 miles. 350-ci 375-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. The first year ZR-1, still new in box. $60,600 sticker on window. Bloomington Gold certified, no wear noted anywhere. One of 3,049 built. Cond: 1. #F82-1991 CHEVROLET CORVETTE ZR-1 coupe. S/N 1G1YZ23J8M580130. Bright Red/red leather. Odo: 18,424 miles. 350-ci 375-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. A low-mile ZR-1 with excellent original paint. Flawless leather interior, clean engine and undercarriage. Only a lower-mile or never driven ZR-1 would show #S10-1991 CHEVROLET CORVETTE ZR-1 coupe. S/N 1G1YZ23J1M5801885. Steel Blue/blue leather. Odo: 127 miles. 350-ci 375-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. A second year ZR-1, still new in box. No condition issues noted, interior still wrapped in plastic. Window sticker shows $65,638. One of 2,044 built. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $60,375. All '91 Corvettes were restyled better. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $25,988. Imagine owning a true supercar with the performance to take on just about any car made, the reliability of a Silverado pickup, and the price of a new Impala sedan. That was this ZR-1. It's amazing how many low-mile, pampered ZR-1s are out there, as it's hard to see how such an amazing car could get so little use. The buyer got a bargain. SOLD AT $60,375. Stay with me now as this gets confusing... First bid as a group alongside lots S10, S11, S12, S13, and S14 to a no-sale $305,000. Later offered individually to see if the total would be higher. This crowd was likely the seller's best chance at a high sale price, and #F10-1991 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 1G1YY3380M5110093. Black/black/saddle leather. Odo: 49,622 miles. 350-ci 300-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. Paint shows well for a car of this mileage. Pitted door handles, blackout trim and glass decent. Good interior has the usual leather marks. Clean unwrinkled top. Nice driver quality throughout. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $14,175. Interest in the C4 Corvettes is understandably soft. There are plenty of used C5 cars on the market, and there are many reasons to prefer the C5 over the C4.

Market Report Mecum Auctions St. Charles, IL Still, the C4 was a great car, and some people prefer the look and feel of the fourth generation over the newer models. This one had classy colors and was a real bargain at this price. #S11-1992 CHEVROLET CORVETTE ZR-1 coupe. S/N 1G1YZ23J1N5800432. White/white leather. Odo: 56 miles. 350-ci 375-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. A 3rd year ZR-1, also still new in box with no wear whatsoever. Never titled, window sticker reads $66,818. to what Jaguar did with the XKE)... but I doubt this is what GM had in mind. While modified Corvettes rarely generate the same value as stock, this one went for double what most original 1994 Corvettes would sell for. Hard to judge what such an oddity is worth, but considering the active bidding, the new owner must have thought it a good buy. #F63-1994 CHEVROLET CORVETTE this ZR-1 is flawless inside and out. Excellent paint, nice panel gaps, unmarked glass, spotless interior and engine compartment. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $44,625. If you've ever wanted to own a ZR-1—and if you've ever driven one you've probably wanted to own one—this might have been the one to get. This car had a lot going for it: only 448 ZR-1s were built in 1993, it had the classy 40th Anniversary package, and was in like-new, 5,200 mile condition. For the price of a new SUV, the buyer got a true supercar. A good buy. #S13-1994 CHEVROLET CORVETTE ZR-1 coupe. S/N 1G1YZ22H1R580087. Polo Green/beige leather. Odo: 117 miles. 350-ci 405-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. New in box with a $69,043 sticker price. Interior wrapped in plastic, paint and body completely unmarked. One of 502 built. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $60,375. Few changes were made to the ZR1 package in '92, including “ZR-1” badges above each side fender vent. Bid to $57,500 initially, then sold at the same price as S9 and S10. Another market price for an unused example. #S12-1993 CHEVROLET CORVETTE ZR-1 coupe. S/N 1G1YZ23J1P5800448. Ruby Red/red leather. Odo: 33 miles. 350-ci 405-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. Another ZR-1 in completely unused condition. Interior wrapped in plastic, paint and body perfect. One of 448 built. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $60,375. 1993 saw the ZR-1 One of 448 built. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $60,375. ZR-1-specific five-spoke aluminum wheels made their debut in 1994, and were not available on other models. Otherwise, the '94 model year remained almost exactly the same as '93. Another market price for a ZR-1 with that new car smell. get a performance bump from 375 hp to 405 hp as a result of changes to the cylinder heads and valvetrain. Four-bolt main bearings, platinum spark plugs, and an EGR system were included, and Mobil 1 synthetic oil was used from the factory. The market has more or less spoken on these cars, and this sale was no surprise. 40th #F36-1993 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Anniversary ZR-1 coupe. S/N 1G1YZ23JXP5800321. Ruby Red/red leather. Odo: 5,200 miles. 350-ci 405-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. With just 5,200 miles on the odometer, 70 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com #F25-1994 CHEVROLET CORVETTE limousine. S/N 1G1YY22P1R5106502. Arctic White/red leather. Odo: 20,000 miles. 350-ci 300-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Equipped with two TVs and 400 amp power. Very well executed, with excellent bodywork and paint. Welldone custom interior based on Corvette seats. In a sea of Corvettes at Bloomington Gold, it simply stands out and drops jaws wherever it goes. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $40,950. Soon after the 1963 Sting Ray was introduced, there were serious plans to create a 2+2 version (similar coupe. S/N 1G1YY22P5R5100265. Copper Metallic/saddle leather. Odo: 45,000 miles. 350-ci 300-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Excellent paint, interior, and engine compartment. Not new, but clearly pampered while enjoyed. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $17,063. Other than being really fine automobiles, there is nothing special about the 1994 Corvette. Code 66 Copper Metallic was canceled early in the production run due to sun fading and difficulty applying the paint in the automated Bowling Green spray booth, so just 116 '94 Corvettes were painted in that color. While it sold for more than the average 1994 Corvette, this was no average car. The new owner got a good buy that likely will hold its value better than almost any other 'Vette from that year. #S14-1995 CHEVROLET CORVETTE ZR-1 coupe. S/N 1G1YZ22J1S5800380. Competition Yellow/beige leather. Odo: 66 miles. 350-ci 405-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. The last year of the ZR-1 and the last car of this collection. Still new in the dealer wrappers. $69,953 sticker price, one of 448 built. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $60,375. After the five cars were individually totalled, the bid prices at the hammer came to $362,250—better than the $305,000 they were bid to as one lot, but a whole lot less than the owner's desired $425,000. Well sold individually. #S93-1996 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Grand Sport convertible. S/N 1G1YY3252T5600458. Blue & white/red leather. Odo: 6,062 miles. 350-ci 330-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. Excellent paint, nice glass and top,

good at a distance, but needs detailing up close. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $12,600. The last of the fourth generation cars, the 1996 Corvettes are excellent drivers. This one had seen its share of use, but needed nothing more than a detailing and paint touch-up to look really good. A good driver at a good price. C5 interior factory-fresh. Completely as-new inside and out. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $80,850. The Grand Sport package (RPO Z16) cost $2,880 on this car and was limited to 1,000 units. 190 convertibles were built with this package, and even fewer of those were ordered with the optional red leather interior. Even considering how nice this car was, this was crazy money for any '96 Corvette. #S100-1996 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Grand Sport coupe. S/N 1G1YY2252T5600637. Admiral Blue & white/red leather. Odo: 168 miles. 350-ci 330-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. Dealer prepped, but carpeting still has a clear plastic protective sheet over it from the factory. Several light paint chips detected on nose, otherwise paint is as applied at Bowling Green Assembly. Engine compartment appears basically unused. All assembly line inspection decals and markings are including XM radio, Navigation system, power top, and Head Up Display. Cond: 2+. NOT SOLD AT $41,000. First year cars sometimes have more value, such as the 1963 vs. 1964 Corvettes, but that's not always the case—and certainly not for the latest model. Sorry, bargain hunters, this one never made reserve. ■ as new. Interior has more dust than wear. A new 11-year-old car. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $68,775. It's not that unusual to find a near-mint Grand Sport on the marketplace; however this was one of 217 fitted with the more visually striking red and black leather interior. These usually top out in the $45k to $50k range, so everyone was more than a bit surprised to see more than three bidders take it over $60k. It took awhile, but it even kept going past its $63,500 reserve. Sold exceptionally well. One of the only “instant collectibles” I've seen actually make someone money. #F16-1996 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 1G1YY22P35T111384. Black/ black leather. Odo: 57,842 miles. 350-ci 300-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Paint pitted and nicked, interior shows average wear for mileage indicated. Engine compartment dirty. Looks very all in nearly factory-delivered condition. Cond: 1. NOT SOLD AT $33,500. A really fine C5 convertible with many options, including Head Up Display. This was an opportunity to buy a nearly-new Corvette at a very good price. Bidding reached the mid-point for these cars, but it never passed its reserve and the car stayed with the seller. www.vettemarket.com FALL 2007 Corvette Market 71 modified, C5 convertible. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $30,975. Modifying a Corvette is a double-edged sword: you will enjoy greater performance, but more than likely your investment will never be returned. This 2001 C5 is a good example. With $15,000 in owner-added upgrades, including a supercharger, raised hood power bulge, and Z06 air ducts, it sold at the average of what a stock '01 convertible should sell for. The new owner basically got those performance and visual upgrades for free. #F56-2002 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 1G1YY32G325112166. Silver/red leather. Odo: 8,538 miles. 5.7-liter 345-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. With low mileage and obvious care, this is a basically brand new C5 Corvette. Paint, body, interior, engine #F9-2001 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 1G1YY32G415105774. Black/black/black leather. 5.7-liter 535-hp supercharged and fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. Excellent paint, good interior with cracked leather seating surfaces. Clean engine compartment and chassis. Owner-added performance and cosmetic upgrades well done. A good looking, albeit C6 #F47-2005 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 1G1YY34U555120115. Silver/black/black leather. Odo: 17,015 miles. 6.0-liter 400-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. A nearlynew C6 Corvette, only a few paint nicks marred an otherwise flawless car. Loaded with options,

Market Market Report Global Roundup Corvettes at other auctions 30 Corvettes From Around the World, $1.4m in Sales Report and photos by B. Mitchell Carlson, Norm Mort, Carl Bomstead, Dave Kinney, Donald Osborne, Julian Shoolheifer, and John Clucas Market opinions in italics A lthough not as high-profile in the Corvette community as Mecum's Bloomington Gold or Belvidere sales, many desirable Corvettes have crossed the block at recent auctions across the world. First-generation cars have had a strong history in the market, and those looking to buy had plenty of choices at a number of locations. One of the most notable was a nearly perfect 1953 roadster that sold at $396,000 at The Worldwide Group's Houston Classic on May 5—a result that grew by nearly $200k for the same car in just over a year (see our profile on p. 26). Engine options continued to play a large role in sale prices for C2 coupes and convertibles, with more potent powerplants generally leading to larger asking prices. However, that wasn't always the case, as the Worldwide Group sold a 1963 365-hp fuelie convertible for $67,100 in May—a price more in tune with a 300-hp carbureted model. C3s have found some recent growth, but not to the same level as seen on the earlier cars. Originality tends to bring the most, and factory high performance or low production are still king when it comes to value. A customized 1971 coupe in red sold for $21,600 at RM's Toronto sale in April, while a 1978 coupe fresh out of storage and completely original managed to fetch $25,920 at Kruse's Spring Auburn sale in Indiana on May 31. C4s are still struggling to lose their used-car stigma, but as is the case with C3s, excellent low-production or high-performance versions are leading the pack. A RHD-converted 1987 convertible managed to raise $20,375 at the Shannons sale in Melbourne, Australia, in March, while at the end of May, Kruse offered and sold a 1990 ZR-1 in Auburn for a full $42,120. Combined Corvette sales at these auctions add up to a final total of $1,406,629. Of the 30 cars listed, 17 sold, making a final sales rate of 56%—all of which adds up to a solid and stable worldwide market for GM's flagship sports car.—Jim Pickering C1 TOP 10 #2 #55-1953 CHEVROLET CORVETTE roadster. S/N E53F001120. Eng. # LAY512502. Polo TOP 10 #9 White/red vinyl. Odo: 86,446 miles. 235-ci straight-6, 3x1-bbl, auto. Original engine out of car, later engine installed. Restored to better-than-new condition, original assembly markings retained. Paint far better than when new, with no marks #54-1954 CHEVROLET CORVETTE roadster. S/N E54S001241. Black/beige cloth/red vinyl. Odo: 2,209 miles. 235-ci straight-6, 3x1-bbl, auto. One of four finished in black. Numerous NCRS Top Flight awards. Paint far better than new, door jambs over-restored. Engine compartment much nicer than when it side of dash, incorrect shift knob, newer seat upholstery dried out. Steering wheel shows a heavily pitted horn ring. Cond: 4+. NOT SOLD AT $45,000. When the bidding started at $16k, and then started to falter around $25k, there suddenly seemed to be a lot of dealer interest, as this car was starting to look like the cheapest '54 to cross the auction block this year. The music stopped at $45k, which was a little generous for the car considering several thousand dollars worth of chrome was MIA. The $59k reserve was a dream. ICA, Iola, WI, 7/07. #53-1955 CHEVROLET CORVETTE roadster. S/N VE55S001057. Pennant Blue/ tan vinyl. Odo: 909 miles. 265-ci 195-hp V8, 2-bbl, auto. NCRS Top Flight score of 99.7, Duntov Award for performance. Only 700 produced due to glut of '54s still in Chevrolet's inventory. Excellent paint, perfect interior, better than new under the hood. An amazing #197-1954 CHEVROLET CORVETTE roadster. S/N E54S002473. Polo White/beige/ red vinyl. Odo: 5,390 miles. 235-ci 150-hp straight 6, 3x1-bbl, auto. Seller claims it was restored about ten years ago. Decent repaint blotchy. Some chrome missing, including grille surround, front corner trim, rear corner trim, and all rear bumper pieces. Correct late year long exhaust outlets heavily corroded. Older engine repaint poorly prepped and peeling. Compass added into passenger's outboard or fiberglass bonds evident. Number 120 of 300 manufactured. Striking, albeit over-restored. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $396,000. Sold at the May '06 Branson sale for $212,000 (CM# 41422), with the comment that there was little left for the next guy. Clearly that wasn't the case, but it's still hard to believe this car grew by $200k in just 13 months. Very well sold. Worldwide Group, Seabrook, TX, 5/07. 72 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com left the St. Louis plant. Molded-in upper door drip rails. Interior flawless. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $148,500. Another of the four black 1954s sold at RM's Ft. Lauderdale event in February for $85k (CM# 44289). As noted with that sale, few accurate records exist on delivery colors for the early 'Vettes. That was a lesser car, and considering the condition of this one, the price paid wasn't out of line. Worldwide Group, Seabrook, TX, 5/07. low mileage example. Cond: 1. NOT SOLD AT $200,000. This car's low mileage was a huge plus, as was its condition. Its heyday was a few years back, although it still scores in the high 90s. However, you can't drive it, and it's been to the shows already. It belongs in a museum, but at what price? I suggest a touch more than what was bid, but far less than the high estimate of $400k. Worldwide Group, Seabrook, TX, 5/07. Best Buy #29-1957 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N E57S105176. Eng. # F6I2EL. Venetian Red/orange vinyl. Odo: 86

miles. 283-ci 283-hp fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. A full-on restoration to a quality not often seen. Excellent paint, brightwork done to a very high standard. Underhood is clean and correct, with all GM components. The interior is a correctly done job, with excellent door panels, seats, and a well-done dash. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $99,000. This price was quite reasonable in this market. With fuel injection, 283 hp, and a 4-speed transmission, it's hard to ask for more in a '57. The catalog stated that the numbers for the engine, transmission, fuel injection unit, and rear end are all correct for late 1957—but that was not saying this was an original numbersmatching car. Still, well bought. Christie's, Greenwich, CT, 6/07. #734-1958 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N J58S107721. Eng. # F1526CT. Red & white/black vinyl. 283-ci 245-hp V8, 2x4-bbl, 3-sp. Decent body has no apparent crazing or cracking. Older repaint shows some chips to the front panels and lower edges of body. Chrome micro-pitted and thin in places, but all very straight and complete. Interior door. Chrome excellent, some trim issues evident throughout. Frame reconditioned and painted in basic black with no real detailing. Fresh black vinyl interior well fitted. Engine detailed, disc brakes added. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $93,420. The 290-hp V8 was the most powerful Corvette engine available in 1958. This car was featured in the Toronto catalog, and it brought big money despite having some issues with its restoration. Still, it was numbers-matching in all the right bits and pieces, so both parties should be happy. RM, Toronto, CAN, 4/07. #10-1959 CHEVROLET CORVETTE resto rod convertible. S/N TSPV99011. Emerald Green/white vinyl/white vinyl. Odo: 400 miles. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Restoration recently completed, heavily modified with late-model performance goodies. Non-original paint shows no issues whatsoever, brightwork excellent. ZZ4 crate motor underhood, fourwheel Mustang disc brakes. Interior finished Seabrook sale in April 2005, where it was a no-sale at $99,000 (CM# 38322). Not eligible for NCRS awards due to over-restoration. This was a stunning example, but what do you do with it? It can't be driven, and it's been to all the shows already. In fact, the paint was so nice, I'd be afraid of dusting it as it might leave a swirl or scratch. A lot of money for a lot of Corvette. Worldwide Group, Seabrook, TX, 5/07. #SP80-1961 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 10867S105601. Blue/blue vinyl/blue vinyl. Odo: 11 miles. 283-ci 230-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Nice original 1961-only Jewel Blue paintwork with new matching blue vinyl interior. Stainless scratched, chrome excellent. Detailed engine, painted chassis. Well done worn, saggy, and tired looking. Engine bay very dirty, engine said to run poorly. Another 20-yard museum-displayed car, but complete and sound. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $52,884. Typical of so many cars in museums, this had become a little sad through years of neglect. Cars need use, and this one was no exception. This would have been a brilliant car to restore, as it was all there and all straight; however, the price was $6,000 above the top estimate, making a restoration financially unviable. Even so, it would be worthwhile if the new owner plans to keep it and enjoy it. Bonhams, London, UK, 4/07. #SP120-1958 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N J58S100781. Red & white/ white vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 48,965 miles. 283-ci 290-hp fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. Excellent paint starting to show some prep issues, blisters on rear cowl, and a touch-up on the driver's to high standard, with a/c and a modern stereo fitted. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $50,600. This car would have been worth a bunch more if it had been restored to its original configuration rather than modified. If you want a modern Corvette, head to your Chevy dealer... for a touch more you can buy a new one. This one showed little financial upside, and as a weekend cruiser, it was quite expensive. Worldwide Group, Seabrook, TX, 5/07. #25-1960 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 00867S106083. Red & white/ white vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 245 miles. 283-ci 270-hp V8, 2x4-bbl, 4-sp. Restored to absolute perfection. Chevrolet never came close to building anything this perfect. Excellent paint, chrome, interior, and engine compartment. Winner of many awards, 2nd best in national ISCA judging. Owner said it was #2 due to a minor nit, which he has fixed. Cond: 1+. SOLD AT $101,200. Last seen at Worldwide's www.vettemarket.com FALL 2007 Corvette Market 73 throughout. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $75,600. There was little wrong with this 'Vette other than some poorly fitted windshield trim. How can they miss the obvious? This was a full-market price for a good example, but it was still a decent buy considering the growing market for excellent 'Vettes. RM, Toronto, CAN, 4/07. #167-1961 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 10867S101107. Ermine White & red/white/red vinyl. Odo: 73,806 miles. 327-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Engine predates the car by one model year. Very little body ripple underneath decent newer repaint. All chrome either replated or reproduction

Market Report Global Roundup Corvettes at other auctions replacement. Generally clean engine bay, with some non-stock wiring variations on cowl. Well restored interior, with all new vinyl and carpet. New gauge faces, steering column paint mismatched. Door pull knobs more yellowed than gear shift knob. Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT $41,500. Herein lines the perfect hybrid for someone who prefers the two-tone paint combination and trim styling of a 1961 over the 1962, but with the next year newer better 327 mill. Never mind that the car will never be correctly numbers-matching. This one fooled quite a few observers, as it looked the part of an original car. The final bid may have been a bit on the low side, but only by a couple thousand. ICA, Iola, WI, 7/07. #1014-1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Custom convertible. S/N 20867S112405. Roman Red/white/red & white leather. 468ci supercharged V8, 2x4-bbl, auto. Hard top included. Older respray shows minor wear and swirl marks. Dings on front bumpers and grille, windshield and hard top trim nice. Full custom interior with spectacular red and white leather. Large-face tach mounted to dash. was the best of the Corvettes at this sale, and it was consigned by the same seller as lot 167. While quite nice, it would still take some work to feel good about taking it to an NCRS event. This final bid was a little light considering the car's condition. ICA, Iola, WI, 7/07. C2 Best Buy #32-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 30867S114643. White/white vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 3,446 miles. 327-ci 365-hp fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. Quality respray lacking luster. Door jambs over-restored, door fit off. Chrome and trim nice, engine highly same vintage. Cast iron intake fitted. Minimal older engine detailing, engine bay rather dull. Older replacement soft interior trim has light wear and patina. Hurst shifter fitted. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $39,050. The reserve was eventually surpassed at $35k, and one more bid past that got the deal done. The engine was likely swapped later, but a factory mix-up is not out of the question—although it is highly unlikely. Not a screaming bargain, but still a decent buy. ICA, Iola, WI, 7/07. #762-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N N/A. Maroon metallic/black vinyl. 327-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Fresh paint shows overspray on window rubber. Mostly original chrome worn, with pitting and minor scratches visible. Carpets appear new, original black vinyl seats show minimal wear. Underside recently resprayed in black. Blown big block fully detailed with custom suspension. Billet mag wheels fitted, tubbed in the rear. Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $80,000. Noted “...as seen in countless magazines,” the constant stream of enthusiasts were split down the middle as to whether this was the most terrible thing to ever happen to a 'Vette or the coolest thing ever. Even so, it didn't sell at a very high $80k. A restored example with this same amount of work generally brings about the same money, so this was a rare case of modifications not hurting the car's value. Kruse, Aubrun, IN, 5/07. #168-1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 20867S113272. Roman Red/ black vinyl. Odo: 44,886 miles. 327-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Hard top only. Full frame-off restoration to stock condition. Highly-prepped body has nearly no waviness and is a nice base for an equally excellent repaint. All new weatherstripping and body seals, gas cap lid bumper missing. All new chrome and stainless trim. Near show condition engine compartment, with only a bit of detailing work to make it concours. Seat belts original and discolored, replacement carpet shows heavier wear. Fully restored dashboard and components, new dashpad. Cond: 2-. NOT SOLD AT $50,000. This 74 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com detailed. Correct knockoffs fitted. Interior very presentable, with only minor carpet wear showing. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $67,100. The price paid would be in the ballpark for an L75 327-ci 300-hp convertible. Corvette buyers had some questions here, as the price should have been $50k higher for a no-issues fuelie. Assuming everything was sorted, this was an excellent buy at well under market value. Worldwide Group, Seabrook, TX, 5/07. #154-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 30837S104355. Silver Blue/black vinyl. Odo: 45,463 miles. 327-ci 340-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Older reconditioning job done quite well. Originally Saddle Tan, decent repaint shows well. Several body cracks in top of passenger's door. Both doors also sit low on the body, but function well. Average quality bumper rechrome, clear RTV augments rear split window seals. Motor not original, but of the Basic engine detailing needs refreshing. New narrow whitewall tires with original spinner hubcaps. A clean driver. Cond: 2-. NOT SOLD AT $49,000. This decent Corvette coupe came with all its original documentation, including the original window sticker. This top bid would have easily bought this car twelve months ago, but with prices on the rise, the owner felt he could do better. Kruse, Aubrun, IN, 5/07. #84-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 194676S118762. Red/black vinyl/black leather. Odo: 64,406 miles. 427-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Recent ground-up restoration. Equipped with side pipes and power windows. Paint over-restored, with no factory seams showing. Interior done to high standard, with nice leather seats and clean carpeting. Engine bay spotless, with no original overspray remaining. Knockoffs appear to be aftermarket. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $112,200. Last seen at RM Amelia Island in March '07, where it was a no-sale at $98,000 (CM# 44703). The '67 big block Corvettes tend to be more desirable, or at

Market Report Global Roundup Corvettes at other auctions least bring more money. This example sold for under the money, as another $20k would not have raised any eyebrows. Very well bought. Worldwide Group, Seabrook, TX, 5/07. #177-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 194376S106270. White/blue vinyl. Odo: 81,996 miles. 327-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Consignor claims all powertrain components original to car. Fitted with side pipes, AM/FM radio, and wood wheel. Good quality older repaint, excellent door fit on both sides, factory specification hood gaps. All brightwork alloy wheels with hokey gold anodized threeprong spinners, '70s vintage in-dash cassette deck, prerequisite chrome valve covers and air cleaner. Ancient dust-impregnated repaint, door latch chrome peeling off, one headlight stuck up, weatherstripping expired. Quasi- either replated or replaced. Reproduction carpets and seat covers, seat foam looks and feels collapsed. Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT $36,500. It does seem a bit out of place for a car with the base-level engine to also have side pipes, but it could be optioned that way from the factory. As a nice driver, this was about as cheap as you'll get a respectable '66 in today's market. However, the consignor didn't agree, and the car stayed with him. Mid America, Blaine, MN, 5/07. #31-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 194377S119193. Rally Red/black vinyl. Odo: 3,432 miles. 427-ci 435-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Excellent panel fit and paint, very good chrome shows some slight waviness under plating on rear bumperettes. Excellent interior fitted with AM/FM radio. teak steering wheel patched in a few places. Original interior has cigarette burns. Cond: 4+. NOT SOLD AT $13,500. This car's only option, per se, was its body color. During this era, if a dealer ordered a basic Corvette without choosing so much as color, he got an all-black car with a vinyl interior. There was no upside here. ‘68s had horrid build quality, so smart buyers don't want unrestored examples... and the aftermarket bits on this one made it even less desirable. Mid America, Blaine, MN, 5/07. #SP96-1971 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 194371S111862. Orange & black/gold vinyl. Odo: 23,000 miles. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Twenty-two coats of orange metalflake and black and still not flawless. Unmarked chrome and trim, 454 hood belies the 350 underneath. Gold vinyl interior decent, exhaust manifolds and EGR valve at the base of the carburetor. Interior shows no wear whatsoever. Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $24,000. Big surprise here; another collector car auction, another near virgin '78 Indy Pace Car Corvette. Considering that the last one I saw sold at Mecum's Fall Kansas City sale for $26,250 with fewer miles and no brakes (CM# 43771), I'd say that these have now nested in at just under $30k. Mid America, Blaine, MN, 5/07. #2754-1978 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 1787L8S439966. Red/red leather. Odo: 500 miles. 350-ci 175-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Fitted with ps, pb, a/c, cruise control, and tilt wheel. Resprayed nose, overspray on bumperettes. Swirl polishing marks in finish, glass and trim nice. Original red leather interior shows no wear, seat foam deteriorating. Almost new inside and out. Cond: 2. Cond: 1-. NOT SOLD AT $60,000. The ultimate spec '67 Corvette coupe with side pipes. Very well restored, but something here didn't pass the smell test. A genuine car in this condition with this engine should be a $175k item. Either the punters knew something I didn't, or this was a fish well out of water. Kensington, Bridgehampton, NY, 6/07. C3 #145-1968 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 194378S415156. Red/black vinyl. Odo: 91,247 miles. 327-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 3-sp. Originally a bare-bones no-options car. Consignor claims original miles. Non-stock 76 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com but odd considering body colors. Chassis painted basic black. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $21,600. The odd colors inside and out made this 'Vette look like something a DC Comics superhero would drive. Gold pinstripes tried to tie it all together, but failed miserably. Even so, lots of flash got lots of cash, and the seller did well. RM, Toronto, CAN, 4/07. #176-1978 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Indy Pace Car coupe. S/N 1Z87L8S900075. Black & silver/silver leather. Odo: 2,293 miles. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Equipped with only one option—cruise control. Consignor claims original mileage. Factory paint appears to have been buffed out at one time, considering how lousy it was when new. Light superficial cleaning of near-new engine bay. Light rust on SOLD AT $25,920. This super low mileage 'Vette came from long term storage, yet it still needed a respray. Either something happened to it during storage, or the front bumper lost its color and cracked over time—a known problem with the urethane. Regardless, the price was way over market for a regular C3, which had to be due exclusively to its low miles. Kruse, Aubrun, IN, 5/07. #160-1979 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 1Z8789S400492. Maroon metallic/light tan leather. Odo: 63,496 miles. 350-ci 195-hp V8, 2x4-bbl, auto. Aftermarket items include three-prong spinners on stock alloy wheels, side pipes, and everything on top of the engine block. Recent metallic repaint nice, factory spec panel fit, windshield starting to delaminate at lower center. Somewhere under all the chrome, polished billet aluminum, and an Edelbrock dual quad intake is the original base-level L48 motor. Apart from some heavier wear on the outboard driver's side seat bolster, the original interior is still decent. Cond: 3+.

Market Report Global Roundup Corvettes at other auctions brown and red color combo. Kruse, Aubrun, IN, 5/07. #2808-1991 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 1G1YY3384M5112204. White/white/red leather. Odo: 1,900 miles. 350-ci 250-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Paint factory fresh, panel SOLD AT $20,020. Customs generally have trouble selling alongside unmodified cars. This seller was lucky, as he was able to find someone who was willing to pay a premium for his modifications. Sold exceptionally well, as it exceeded the consignor's reserve by a thousand dollars. ICA, Iola, WI, 7/07. #771-1982 CHEVROLET CORVETTE coupe. S/N 1G1AY8789C5119639. Red/red leather. Odo: 11,000 miles. 350-ci 200-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Fitted with ps, pb, pw, cruise control, and tilt wheel. Decent older respray shows some prep issues. Nose more recently repainted, pitting visible on door handles. Dash top and original red leather paint was the only bright thing about this example. Much money for a car needing much spent, and that was just for the cosmetics. Shannons, Melbourne, AUS, 3/07. #2850-1989 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Callaway convertible. S/N 1G1YY3189K5105247. Blue/white/blue leather. 350-ci 382-hp twin-turbo fuel-injected V8, auto. Fitted with ps, pb, pw, ps, power top, a/c, cruise control, and tilt wheel. Nonmatching painted Greenwood rear spoiler and body kit. Carpets wearing on sills, blue leather interior has foam deterioration inside lumbar areas. Clean and worn. Original, but clean under hood. New OEM white letter tires on factory mags. A decent driver Corvette. Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $24,000. Considering the mileage, this bright red Vette was not as concours as was expected, although there was nothing really seriously wrong with it. It was the right color, and this bid was about the right price, too. The bidders agreed, but the seller did not. Kruse, Aubrun, IN, 5/07. C4 #15-1987 CHEVROLET CORVETTE convertible. S/N 1G1YY3182H5117944. Eng. # V01262LC1H117944. Yellow/black leather. RHD. Odo: 81,282 km. Straight bodywork, decent panel gaps. New paint shows plenty of issues, including repairs in right rear wheelarch and much overspray on window seals. Converted to RHD after arriving in Australia around 1995. Grubby console and dash, torn floor mats, window seals crumbling. Looks good from a distance, but up close is another story. Cond: 4+. SOLD AT $20,375. Plenty of grunt and aggressive styling in a package that was good all around. The C4 was a big improvement on the preceding C3, but bright 78 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com tidy under the hood with Callaway twin turbos. Of the 67 built, one of only two automatics. Fast and rare. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $41,040. This Corvette with its Callaway-tuned and installed intercooled twin turbo system and mag wheels was rare, but these 'Vettes just don't do it for everybody. It did for one Corvette enthusiast, who paid top dollar to own it. Kruse, Aubrun, IN, 5/07. #2844-1990 CHEVROLET CORVETTE ZR-1 coupe. S/N 1G1YZ23J5L5800169. Red/brown leather. 350-ci 375-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. Equipped with pb, pw, ps, a/c, cruise control, tilt wheel, CD player, and two tops. All original with very minor imperfections in bright red paint. Like new original unused. Only minor wear to chassis, factory mags unblemished. Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $21,000. There are a suprising number of '90s Corvettes in almost pristine condition due to the fact they were hardly driven. Did the original owners find them boring, or did they see them as future collectibles? This price was perhaps a bit low for a convertible, but these Corvettes may continue to slide slowly into oblivion considering the C5's performance and market pricing. Kruse, Aubrun, IN, 5/07. #2836-1993 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Lingenfelter 40th Anniversary convertible. S/N 1G1YY33P3P5105174. White/white/ white leather. Odo: 7,200 miles. 502-ci 600-hp fuel-injected V8, 5-sp. Equipped with ps, pb, pw, a/c, cruise control, and tilt wheel. Decent original paint, nose touched up at some point. Some polishing swirls visible throughout. gaps excellent, body solid. Nice glass, blackout trim, and convertible top. Red leather interior still looks new. Engine clean and appears almost completely Matte black leather interior, spotless under hood and on chassis. Like new in every respect. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $42,120. Another one put away with hopes of a big return. This was a brand new ZR-1 that had never been registered or reported sold with full documentation. The price was higher than many, despite the odd underside shows minor wear. Clean white leather interior, minimal wear on white vinyl top. Custom headers and exhaust, Fittipaldi aftermarket mags. Cond: 2+. NOT SOLD AT $35,000. This triple-white Corvette was reportedly an over $100,000 investment, and it was bid to about a third of that amount after 14 years and just 7,200 miles. Slightly under the money considering what it was, but not by much. Kruse, Aubrun, IN, 5/07. ■

Motobilia Vette-o-bilia Online trash and trinkets, some valuable, some not. By Carl Bomstead Corvette Loving Cup Raises Questions I'd fabricate an interesting tale about how a relative won the loving cup I f you want to go Corvette tire kicking and look at over 500 or so without getting out of your PJs, eBay Motors is your obvious cyberspace destination. You'll find examples from every year of Corvette production offered, some with descriptions that should earn creative writing awards, and with starting prices all over the board. The problem is that most of the descriptions don't provide detailed information and the photographic evidence that a knowledgeable Corvette guy needs in order to make a realistic bid. As a result, the rate of successful sales, by my calculation, hovers close to single digits. One exception was a 1967 427/435 coupe with 26,535 miles that was described in excruciating detail and sold, after 30 bids, for $185,000. The numbers were decoded, including the important drivetrain, Holley carburetor, and distributor. Over thirty photographs were posted, and many were close-ups of areas you need to know about before bidding. Only question was, in the current market… wasn't the final bid a bit light? But Corvette lovers don't stop at just cars. Here are some other offerings on a more modest scale, where you don't have to worry about numbers matching. as another, with 7 bids, sold for $175 a couple days after this one sold. EBAY # 170129433024— 1966 CORVETTE COUPE AMT PROMOTIONAL MODEL. Number of Bids: 16. SOLD AT: $638.88 Date Sold: 7/16/2007. Red plastic with matching interior and highly detailed chassis. No mention of packaging. Prices for promotional models can be all over the board, with the rare and unusual selling in this area. This one was obviously high on the unobtanium scale and sold accordingly. I just wish it had the box. EBAY #200129302672— EBAY #160137507168— CORVETTE OWNERS PIN. Number of Bids: 15. SOLD AT: $202.50. Date Sold: 7/19/2007. These pins date to the ‘50s and early ‘60s. Reproductions abound so make sure what you are getting. The repops are clumsily made and sell for about $10. Price paid was about right 1957 CORVETTE JIM BEAM DECANTER. Number of Bids: 15. SOLD AT: $107.55. Date Sold: 7/22/2007. This 1957 Corvette whisky decanter had, according to the seller, never been out of the box. Packaging was in decent condition with only minor wear, which is rather amazing considering its age. Liquor is sold on the Internet with the caveat that it is strictly a collector's item, so we can assume the buyer will not be tempted to break the seal and have a sip of 50-year-old Jim Beam, but instead will simply admire his ceramic Corvette sitting on the shelf. CORVETTES 1961–1967. Number of Bids: 17. SOLD AT: $308. Date Sold: 7/11/2007. These 1:24 scale die-cast metal Danbury Mint models were highly detailed and were complete with the packaging and all the paperwork. Included was a '63 split-window, '68 with the hard top and a cool '61 Gasser. These sell for about $125 each new, so they have never been a decent investment but are an inexpensive way to accumulate an interesting collection. to pay about $30 for that one, so either I paid too much or the buyer here got a bargain. EBAY #270146046370— 1966 CORVETTE TROPHY. Number of Bids: 17. SOLD AT: $338. Date Sold: 7/23/2007. There was no mention of why this loving cup trophy was presented by Corvette or to whom it was presented. It was lightly tarnished, which is not a big deal. I think I'd fabricate an interesting tale about it being presented to a relative for outstanding achievement at Corvette, but that's just my imagination at work. EBAY #260136570416— EBAY #290136997767— EBAY #300126540089— COLLECTION OF SIX DANBURY MINT 1954 CORVETTE SALES BROCHURE. Number of Bids: 1. SOLD AT: $14.99. Date Sold: 7/14/2007. Corvette did not get carried away on their brochures for the early cars. There are two others that are similar to this one and a larger full-color brochure that I was able to acquire when I had a '54. As I recall, I had CORVETTE STING RAY 1:24 DIE-CAST MODEL. Number of Bids: 1 SOLD AT: $.01. Date Sold: 7/12/2007. Seller went on and on with his policies and procedures but failed to say much about this model other than it was red, the doors opened, and he did not have the original packaging. As a result the piece sold for a mere penny. I think he spent way too much time on his rules and regulations, and forgot about creating excitement in potential buyers. ■ 80 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com

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Trick Stuff What you need for your Corvette and where to get it. By Stefan Lombard By Stefan Lomard. ◄ For those days when your stock C5 or C6 just won't cut the mustard, Callaway has just the thing. In partnership with Magnuson Products, Callaway offers the Magna Charger, a 100% bolt-on unit with more horsepower per pound of boost than any other system, and average gains of more than 120 hp. The Magna Charger is a “hybrid” roots-type forced induction system using Eaton internal components, and employs two three-lobe rotors with front inlet and rear discharge for maximum efficiency. The system is emissions-compliant and requires only 1/3 hp at 60 mph. The Magna Charger comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty, and comprehensive installation instructions are inclu $6,595. www.callaw ▼ You LOVE your '57. But let's face it—you can't hang out in the garage all the time. Now you can bring your '57 Corvette into the living room—or any room—with this comfortable Corvette love seat with room for two. The shape and styling are unmistakable, and the seat itself is made from fine American tanned leather. The '57 'Vette loveseat features taillights, exhaust pipes, and undercarriage that illuminate with a dimmer located in the fender storage area. Just plug in your couch, have a seat and entertain your guests—and yourself. $3,995, available at www.jrdclassics.com. ► If your old Ma distributor is w place it with this pre Billet Tach Drive D from MSD Ignition features an accurate m netic pickup, oversiz shaft, vacuum advance, and a billet aluminum housing. Inside that housing, a sealed ball bearing a long sintered bushin a 0.500-inch steel sh rpm accuracy. A spe is mounted to the sh the magnetic pickup mechanical advance a you to get the most p of your 'Vette's engi tailoring a timing cu needs. The tach driv compact so it clears t and linkage, and it c to fit different applic tion with an MSD 6Ignition, and you're g cap and rotor. $386. w rick Stuff What you need for your Corvette and where to get it. By Stefan Lombard By Stefan Lomard. ◄ For those days when your stock C5 or C6 just won't cut the mustard, Callaway has just the thing. In partnership with Magnuson Products, Callaway offers the Magna Charger, a 100% bolt-on unit with more horsepower per pound of boost than any other system, and average gains of more than 120 hp. The Magna Charger is a “hybrid” roots-type forced induction system using Eaton internal components, and employs two three-lobe rotors with front inlet and rear discharge for maximum efficiency. The system is emissions-com- pliant and requires only 1/3 hp at 60 mph. The Magna Charger comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty, and comprehensive installation instructions are inclu $6,595. www.callaw ▼ You LOVE your '57. But let's face it—you can't hang out in the garage all the time. Now you can bring your '57 Corvette into the living room—or any room—with this comfortable Corvette love seat with room for two. The shape and styling are unmistakable, and the seat itself is made from fine American tanned leather. The '57 'Vette loveseat features taillights, exhaust pipes, and undercarriage that illuminate with a dimmer located in the fender storage area. Just plug in your couch, have a seat and entertain your guests—and yourself. $3,995, available at www.jrdclassics.com. ► If your old Ma distributor is w place it with this pre Billet Tach Drive D from MSD Ignition features an accurate m netic pickup, oversiz shaft, vacuum ad- vance, and a billet aluminum housing. Inside that housing, a sealed ball bearing a long sintered bushin a 0.500-inch steel sh rpm accuracy. A spe is mounted to the sh the magnetic pickup mechanical advance a you to get the most p of your 'Vette's engi tailoring a timing cu needs. The tach driv compact so it clears t and linkage, and it c to fit different applic tion with an MSD 6- Ignition, and you're g cap and rotor. $386. w ◄ ◄ 82 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com Before you start your next road trip, check out this Deluxe Road Atlas and Planner. It has a soft leather-look cover with a gold embossed orvette or Chevy logo on the front, measures 8 1/2 x 11 1/4 inches, and comes ith an atlas. An integrated clear vinyl flap allows you to draw out a route plan ith the included felt pen, then wipe it clean when finished to plan the next leg. he book easily tucks away in the cockpit of your 'Vette, and is available with e C5 logo, circle logo, or Genuine Chevrolet logo with the Bowtie. $17.95 om www.corvettegoodies.com. ■

What You Need to Know About Your Favorite Classic Car INSTANT DOWNLOAD ON DEMAND Keith Martin, the editors of Sports Car Market, and Road & Track have teamed up to assemble the Buyer's Guide series of downloadable 40-page portfolios. Each contains the information you need as a buyer, seller, dealer, collector or enthusiast. Each booklet has detailed information describing what your classic was like when it was new, and what it's worth today. Guides include: In-depth profiles; Original specs and prices; Current market values; Tables of recent sales and trends; What to look for when buying; Vintage advertisements and Road & Track road tests Available Guides • 1967–70 AMC AMX • 1964–67 Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII • 1967–69 Chevrolet Camaro • 1961–67 Jaguar E-type Series I • 1968–71 Jaguar E-type Series II • 1971–74 Jaguar E-type Series III • 1963–67 Chevrolet Corvette • 1968–72 Chevrolet Corvette • 1970–73 Datsun 240Z • 1971–74 De Tomaso Pantera • 1964½–66 Ford Mustang • 1955–57 Ford Thunderbird • 1962–67 MGB Mk I • 1955–62 MGA • 1956–59 Porsche 356 A • 1960–65 Porsche 356 B&C • Shelby Cobra • 1969–76 Triumph TR6 Just $12.95 each. See all the available titles and download yours today at www.sportscarmarket.com

Mixed Media Trick Books &DVDs Stuff What you need for your Corvette and where to get it Corvettes as stars of page and screen. By Paul Duchene Sweet Rides and So-So Flicks A five-star Corvette role is more likely to be found in a one-star movie C orvettes have long been a staple of American movies, used to show youth, independence, money, midlife crisis, high-speed excitement and danger, or purely selfish pleasure. However, the star rating the Corvette gains for its use in movies (one star for backdrop to five stars for starring role) often seems to be in inverse proportion to the quality of the film. In other words, a five-star Corvette role is likely to be found in a one-star movie. Here are ten movies in which America's sports car plays a role—some major, others not so. Corvette Summer (1978) Movie rating: Corvette rating: Starring Mark Hamill, Annie Potts. High school student Hamill is tracking stolen shop class project Corvette in Las Vegas when he falls for aspiring hooker Potts. Pilfered car is 1973 'Vette made into maybe the ugliest custom ever, and RHD as well. But Potts is charming. $11.99 DVD at Amazon.com. Body Heat (1981) Movie rating: Corvette rating: Starring William Hurt, Kathleen Turner. Dim bulb Florida lawyer Hurt is drawn into a web of murder by steamy siren Turner in her film debut. Ingenious and gripping film noir. Hurt's beater '64 convertible is perfect for his character. $14.79 DVD at CDUniverse.com The Dead Pool (1988) Movie rating: ½ Corvette rating: Starring Clint Eastwood, Liam Neeson, Jim Carrey. Fifth 84 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com and last Dirty Harry film has Eastwood checking out a death threat list and drugged out rock star Carrey. Look for black '63 radio-controlled model. $11.15 DVD at CDUniverse.com Rush Hour (1998) Movie rating: Corvette rating: Starring Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker. Buddy film has Hong Kong detective Chan coming to L.A. to rescue Chinese consul's kidnapped daughter. He's babysat by cocky L.A. cop Tucker and black '72 'Vette. $9.99 DVD Amazon.com. True Lies (1994) Movie rating: Corvette rating: Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jamie Lee Curtis. Lively remake of French flick “La Totale” has nerdy Ahnuld leading double life as spy. Look for red/white '58 'Vette. $9.99 DVD at Amazon .com. Cleopatra Jones (1973): Movie rating: Corvette rating: Starring Tamara Dobson, Antonio Fargas. Blaxploitation chop-socky thriller with Dobson as karate expert chasing drug lords. Lots of violence and a modified black and silver '73 'Vette. $8.99 DVD at Circuitcity.com.

Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999) Movie rating: ½ Corvette rating: Mike Myers, Heather Graham. Dr. Evil time travels back to 1969 to steal Austin's mojo in more swinging '60s lunacy. Check out the stars 'n stripes '65 convertible. $9.99 DVD at Amazon.com. Billy Jack (1971) Movie rating: ½ Corvette rating: Starring Tom Laughlin, Delores Taylor. Howlingly bad protest movie that compounds already knuckle-headed thinking by dunking a '69 427 'Vette in a lake. Amazingly, there were sequels. $9.98 DVD at Amazon.com. Six Best Books Must-have Corvette books—expert Logan Gray's choices W ith 83 books about Corvettes currently in print, plus some NCRS publications, every single aspect of America's sports car has been exposed to excruciating study. With that in mind, CM contacted Vintage Motorbooks owner and expert Logan Gray (vintagemotorbooks@comcast.net) for some recommendations. He has been gathering, sorting, and selling collector car books for 40 years and has developed his own opinions about “bests” based on research and feedback. These books can all be found on sites like Amazon and eBay, usually for less than their suggested list prices. The Most Popular Engine Code Book By Far: Catalog of Chevy V-8 Engine Casting Numbers 1955–93, Cars & Parts, Amos Press Inc., 212 pages $24.95. The Best Pocket-Sized Reference Book: Corvette Black Book, 1953–2007, by Mike Antonick, Motorbooks International, 158 pages, $16.95. The Best Book to Research Your Corvette or Guide You While Shopping for a Correct Corvette: Corvette by the Numbers 1955–82. The Essential Corvette Parts Reference, by Alan L. Colvin, Bentley Publishers, 596 pages, $49.95. The Best Book of the Corvette Story (and not Live and Let Die (1973) Movie rating: ½ Corvette rating: Starring Roger Moore, Yaphet Kotto. Moore's first appearance as 007, but check out outrageous 'Vette customs by Les Dunham—there really is a C3 under that “Corvorado.” Lots of chases. $15.49 DVD at Amazon.com. Cannonball (1976) Movie rating: Corvette rating: Starring David Carradine, Veronica Hamel. Remake of Gumball Rally with some funny moments, and so-so stunts. Look for Sylvester Stallone, Martin Scorcese quickly, and a white '76 'Vette. Better than “Cannonball Run.” $12.99 DVD at Amazon.com. ■ Just Out! Chevrolet Corvette a numbers book): Standard Catalog of the Corvette 1953– 2005, by John Gunnell, Krause Publications, 224 pages, $24,99. The Best Corvette Overall Reference book: Catalog of Corvette ID Numbers, Cars & Parts, Amos Press, 214 pages, $24.95. Best True Pocket-Sized Book for the Parts Shopper and Matching-Numbers Researcher: Chevy Corvette 1953–1982 Factory Parts & Casting Number Guide, MSA-1, 100 pages, $15. 1963–1967, by William Burt, Specialty Press, 112 Pages, $22.95. Everything you want to know about the design, development, and available options of C2 Corvettes. Colors, interiors, engines, transmissions, suspensions, brakes, tires, wheels. It's all here, with 250 illustrations. www.vettemarket.com FALL 2007 Corvette Market 85

By the Numbers Top 100 Corvette Sales of 2007 The CM database, at www.vettemarket.com, has over 2,000 entries and is growing daily. Here is a snapshot of the Corvette market through the first half of 2007 Rank Sold Price Year Model Auction Co. 1 $660,000 1967 Corvette Coupe 427/390 Coupe “The Last Sting Ray” Barrett-Jackson 2 $467,250 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible 3 $440,000 1953 Corvette Roadster 4 $396,000 1953 Corvette Roadster Mecum RM 5 $367,500 1963 Corvette 327/360 Z06 Coupe 6 $362,250 1966 Corvette 427/425 A Production Race Coupe 7 $296,625 1953 Corvette Roadster 8 $285,600 1953 Corvette Roadster 9 $283,500 1953 Corvette Roadster 10 $280,800 1963 Corvette 327/360 Z06 Tanker Coupe 11 $280,500 1963 Corvette 327/360 Z06 Coupe 12 $280,500 1963 Corvette 327/250 Tanker Coupe 13 $275,000 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible 14 $264,000 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible 15 $258,500 1957 Corvette 283/283 FI Convertible 16 $240,000 1969 Corvette 427/430 L88 Coupe 17 $231,000 1959 Corvette 427 LS7 Custom Convertible 18 $231,000 1967 Corvette 427/435 Yenko Convertible 19 $220,000 1967 Corvette 427/400 Convertible 20 $220,000 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible 21 $216,000 1963 Corvette Z06 Tanker Coupe 22 $214,500 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible 23 $204,750 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible 24 $203,500 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible 25 $198,000 1959 Corvette 350/355 Custom Convertible 26 $192,500 1959 Corvette 283/290 FI Convertible 27 $187,000 1967 Corvette 427/435 Coupe 28 $181,500 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible 29 $181,500 1958 Corvette 283/245 Convertible 30 $180,600 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible 31 $178,500 1955 Corvette V8 Roadster 32 $178,200 1958 Corvette 350/345 Custom Convertible 33 $176,000 1967 Corvette 427/400 Convertible 34 $170,500 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible 35 $170,500 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible 36 $167,200 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible 37 $165,000 1958 Corvette 283/270 Convertible 38 $165,000 1958 Corvette 283/245 Convertible 39 $165,000 1962 Corvette 427/500 Custom Convertible 40 $162,750 1967 Corvette 427/400 Convertible 41 $159,500 1958 Corvette 502/502 Custom Convertible 42 $159,500 1966 Corvette 427/425 Convertible 43 $159,500 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible 44 $159,500 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible 45 $157,500 1957 Corvette 283/283 FI Convertible 86 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com Worldwide Mecum Mecum Mecum Barrett-Jackson Mecum RM Barrett-Jackson Barrett-Jackson Location Scottsdale, AZ St. Charles, IL Lapeer, MI Houston, TX St. Charles, IL Kissimmee, FL St. Charles, IL Scottsdale, AZ St. Charles, IL Ft. Lauderdale, FL Scottsdale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ Russo and Steele Scottsdale, AZ Barrett-Jackson Barrett-Jackson Barrett-Jackson Barrett-Jackson Barrett-Jackson Barrett-Jackson Barrett-Jackson RM Scottsdale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ Barrett-Jackson Mecum Barrett-Jackson Barrett-Jackson Ft. Lauderdale, FL Scottsdale, AZ Kissimmee, FL Scottsdale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ Barrett-Jackson West Palm Beach, FL Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, AZ Mecum Mecum Russo and Steele Scottsdale, AZ Barrett-Jackson West Palm Beach, FL Kissimmee, FL St. Charles, IL Barrett-Jackson West Palm Beach, FL Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, AZ Barrett-Jackson West Palm Beach, FL Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, AZ Barrett-Jackson West Palm Beach, FL Barrett-Jackson Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ Mecum Barrett-Jackson West Palm Beach, FL Kissimmee, FL Barrett-Jackson West Palm Beach, FL Barrett-Jackson Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ Mecum Barrett-Jackson West Palm Beach, FL St. Charles, IL Date Lot # 1/21/07 1285 6/17/07 S67 6/9/07 5/5/07 229 55 6/17/07 S63 1/27/07 S83 6/17/07 S91 1/21/07 1294 6/17/07 S53 2/11/07 SP30 1/21/07 1280.1 1/21/07 1280 1/21/07 S719 1/21/07 1334 1/21/07 1242 1/21/07 1327 1/21/07 1261 1/21/07 1326 1/21/07 1267.1 1/21/07 1308 2/11/07 NR46 1/21/07 1334.1 1/27/07 S149 1/21/07 1321 1/21/07 1354 4/1/07 708 1/21/07 1021 1/21/07 S711 4/1/07 674 1/27/07 S181 6/17/07 S55 4/1/07 691 1/21/07 1261.1 4/1/07 659 1/21/07 1289 4/1/07 714 1/21/07 1298.1 1/21/07 438 4/1/07 704.1 1/27/07 S127 4/1/07 711 1/21/07 1346 1/21/07 1269.1 4/1/07 714.1 6/17/07 S125

Rank Sold Price Year Model 46 $157,500 1967 Corvette 427/400 Convertible 47 $154,000 1958 Corvette 283/290 FI Convertible 48 $154,000 1959 Corvette 283/290 FI Convertible 49 $154,000 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible 50 $152,250 1957 Corvette 283/250 FI Convertible 51 $151,250 1967 Corvette 427/435 Coupe 52 $150,150 1965 Corvette 396/425 Convertible 53 $148,500 1954 Corvette Roadster 54 $148,500 1957 Corvette 283/283 FI Convertible 55 $143,000 1954 Corvette Roadster 56 $143,000 1966 Corvette 427/425 Convertible 57 $143,000 1966 Corvette 454 Custom Coupe 58 $141,900 1969 Corvette 427/435 Convertible 59 $139,650 1963 Corvette 327/360 Z06 Coupe 60 $137,500 1966 Corvette 427/425 Convertible 61 $137,500 1955 Corvette V8 Roadster 62 $137,500 1959 Corvette 283/270 Convertible 63 $137,500 1967 Corvette 427/400 Convertible 64 $136,500 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible 65 $136,500 1967 Corvette 427/390 Coupe 66 $134,750 1957 Corvette 283/283 FI Convertible 67 $132,000 1963 Corvette 454 LS7 Custom Coupe 68 $132,000 1961 Corvette 283/245 Convertible 69 $132,000 1962 Corvette 327/360 Convertible 70 $131,775 1967 Corvette 427/390 Convertible 71 $131,250 1967 Corvette 427/435 Coupe 72 $128,700 1966 Corvette 427/390 Convertible 73 $126,500 1967 Corvette 427/400 Coupe 74 $123,200 1967 Corvette 427/400 Coupe 75 $122,100 1966 Corvette 427/425 Convertible 76 $121,000 1963 Corvette Convertible 77 $121,000 1966 Corvette 427/450 Convertible 78 $121,000 1967 Corvette 427/400 Convertible 79 $121,000 1967 Corvette 427/435 Coupe 80 $120,750 1971 Corvette 454/425 LS6 Coupe 81 $118,125 1967 Corvette 427/390 Coupe 82 $117,700 1967 Corvette 427/435 Coupe 83 $115,500 1961 Corvette 283/315 Convertible 84 $115,500 1967 Corvette 427/400 Convertible 85 $115,500 1967 Corvette 427/435 Coupe 86 $115,500 1967 Corvette 427/435 Coupe 87 $112,200 1966 Corvette 427/425 Convertible 88 $112,200 1967 Corvette 427/390 Convertible 89 $111,300 1967 Corvette 327/350 Convertible 90 $111,000 1964 Corvette 327/375 FI Convertible 91 $110,700 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible 92 $110,000 1954 Corvette Roadster 93 $110,000 1967 Corvette 427/400 Coupe 94 $110,000 1972 Corvette 350/255 LT1 Convertible 95 $108,900 1967 Corvette 427/390 Convertible 96 $107,250 1965 Corvette 327/300 Coupe 97 $106,700 1954 Corvette Roadster 98 106,050 1969 Corvette 427/435 Coupe 99 105,000 1957 Corvette 283/270 Convertible 100 $104,500 1957 Corvette 283/283 Convertible Auction Co. Mecum Barrett-Jackson Barrett-Jackson Barrett-Jackson Mecum Barrett-Jackson Mecum Worldwide Barrett-Jackson Location Kissimmee, FL Scottsdale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ St. Charles, IL Scottsdale, AZ Kissimmee, FL Houston, TX Scottsdale, AZ Barrett-Jackson West Palm Beach, FL Barrett-Jackson Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ Russo and Steele Scottsdale, AZ Mecum St. Charles, IL Russo and Steele Scottsdale, AZ Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, AZ Barrett-Jackson West Palm Beach, FL Barrett-Jackson Mecum Mecum Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, AZ St. Charles, IL St. Charles, IL Scottsdale, AZ Russo and Steele Scottsdale, AZ Barrett-Jackson Barrett-Jackson Mecum Mecum Scottsdale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ St. Charles, IL St. Charles, IL Barrett-Jackson West Palm Beach, FL Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, AZ Barrett-Jackson West Palm Beach, FL Russo and Steele Scottsdale, AZ Barrett-Jackson Barrett-Jackson Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ Barrett-Jackson West Palm Beach, FL Mecum Mecum Belvidere, IL Belvidere, IL Russo and Steele Scottsdale, AZ Barrett-Jackson Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ Barrett-Jackson West Palm Beach, FL Barrett-Jackson West Palm Beach, FL Worldwide Houston, TX Mecum RM RM Barrett-Jackson West Palm Beach, FL St. Charles, IL Barrett-Jackson Ft. Lauderdale, FL Ft. Lauderdale, FL Scottsdale, AZ Barrett-Jackson West Palm Beach, FL Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, AZ Barrett-Jackson West Palm Beach, FL Barrett-Jackson Barrett-Jackson Mecum Mecum Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ Kissimmee, FL Kissimmee, FL Scottsdale, AZ Date Lot # 1/27/07 S86 1/21/07 1291 1/21/07 1024 1/21/07 1239.1 6/17/07 S32 1/21/07 1338 1/27/07 S94 5/5/07 54 1/21/07 1007 4/1/07 709 1/21/07 390 1/21/07 1347 1/21/07 F550 6/17/07 S122 1/21/07 F541 1/21/07 1364 4/1/07 715 1/21/07 1027.1 6/17/07 S46 6/17/07 S114 1/21/07 1351 1/21/07 F518 1/21/07 1013.1 1/21/07 1235.1 6/17/07 S27 6/17/07 S112 4/1/07 696 1/21/07 1575 4/1/07 721 1/21/07 F548 1/21/07 1256.1 1/21/07 1263 1/21/07 1043 4/1/07 683 5/28/07 S209 5/28/07 S168 1/21/07 F516 1/21/07 101 1/21/07 1251.1 4/1/07 4/1/07 5/5/07 4/1/07 392 692 84 679.1 6/17/07 S40 2/11/07 SP31 2/11/07 SP23 1/21/07 998 4/1/07 728 1/21/07 1548 4/1/07 667.1 1/21/07 1244 21-Jan-07 1259 27-Jan-07 S128 27-Jan-07 F197 21-Jan-07 1250.1 www.vettemarket.com FALL 2007 Corvette Market 87

By the Numbers All-Time Top 100 Corvette Sales The market votes with its collective wallet; here are the top sales as recorded in the vettemarket.com database Rank Sold Price Year Model 1 $1,080,000 1953 Corvette Roadster #003 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 Auction Co. Barrett-Jackson $660,000 1967 Corvette Coupe 427/390 Coupe “The Last Sting Ray” Barrett-Jackson $605,000 1968 Corvette Stingray 427 Race Roadster $489,500 1962 Corvette 327/360 FI Convertible $467,250 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible $440,000 1953 Corvette Roadster $396,000 1953 Corvette Roadster RM Gooding Mecum RM $393,750 1967 Corvette 427/435 L89 Convertible $378,000 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible $367,500 1963 Corvette 327/360 Z06 Coupe $362,250 1966 Corvette 427/425 A Production Race Coupe $334,800 1969 Corvette 427/430 L88 Coupe $330,000 1963 Corvette 327/360 Z06 Coupe $308,000 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible $296,625 1953 Corvette Roadster $291,600 1957 Corvette 454/510 ZL1 Custom Convertible $286,000 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible $285,600 1953 Corvette Roadster $283,500 1953 Corvette Roadster $280,800 1963 Corvette 327/360 Z06 Tanker Coupe $280,500 1963 Corvette 327/250 Tanker Coupe $280,500 1963 Corvette 327/360 Z06 Coupe $275,000 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible $267,300 1969 Corvette 427/430 L88 Convertible $264,000 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible $258,500 1957 Corvette 283/283 FI Convertible $248,400 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible $240,000 1969 Corvette 427/430 L88 Coupe $237,600 1957 Corvette 283/283 FI Convertible $237,600 1969 Corvette 427/430 L88 Coupe $231,000 1959 Corvette 427 LS7 Custom Convertible $231,000 1967 Corvette 427/435 Yenko Convertible $231,000 1963 Corvette 327/360 Z06 Tanker Coupe $231,000 1963 Corvette 327/360 Z06 Tanker Coupe $230,050 1963 Corvette 327/360 Z06 Tanker Coupe $228,960 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible $226,800 1967 Corvette 427/435 Coupe $221,400 1967 Corvette 427/400 Convertible $221,400 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible $221,400 1988 Corvette Callaway Sledgehammer $220,500 1963 Corvette Z06 Coupe $220,000 1967 Corvette 427/400 Convertible $220,000 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible $216,000 1963 Corvette Z06 Tanker Coupe $216,000 1966 Corvette 427/425 Convertible Worldwide Mecum Barrett-Jackson Mecum Mecum Barrett-Jackson Gooding Barrett-Jackson Gooding Barrett-Jackson Mecum RM Barrett-Jackson Barrett-Jackson Barrett-Jackson Barrett-Jackson Barrett-Jackson Barrett-Jackson Barrett-Jackson Barrett-Jackson Barrett-Jackson Barrett-Jackson RM Mecum RM Barrett-Jackson Mecum Barrett-Jackson Barrett-Jackson Barrett-Jackson Mecum Barrett-Jackson Barrett-Jackson RM Barrett-Jackson Location Scottsdale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ Phoenix, AZ Palm Beach, FL St. Charles, IL Lapeer, MI Houston, TX St. Charles, IL Scottsdale, AZ St. Charles, IL Kissimmee, FL Scottsdale, AZ Los Angeles, CA Russo and Steele Monterey, CA Mecum St. Charles, IL Scottsdale, AZ Los Angeles, CA Scottsdale, AZ St. Charles, IL Ft. Lauderdale, FL Scottsdale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ Russo and Steele Scottsdale, AZ Kruse Auburn, IN Scottsdale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ Monterey, CA Kissimmee, FL Boca Raton, FL Scottsdale, AZ Kissimmee, FL Scottsdale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ Kissimmee, FL Scottsdale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ Ft. Lauderdale, FL Scottsdale, AZ Date Lot # 1/14/06 1311 1/21/07 1285 1/20/06 161 1/24/06 27 6/17/07 S67 6/9/07 229 5/5/07 55 6/24/05 S1 1/14/06 1284 6/17/07 S63 1/27/07 S83 1/14/06 1271.1 10/21/06 17 8/18/06 S256 6/17/07 S91 1/14/06 1295 10/21/06 53 1/21/07 1294 6/17/07 S53 2/11/07 SP30 1/21/07 1280 1/21/07 1280.1 1/21/07 S719 10/21/06 744 1/21/07 1334 1/21/07 1242 1/14/06 1298 1/21/07 1327 1/14/06 1282.1 1/14/06 1325 1/21/07 1261 1/21/07 1326 8/18/06 157 1/21/05 298 2/10/06 SP17 1/14/06 1265 1/27/06 X27 1/14/06 1275 1/14/06 1236 1/19/04 685 1/27/06 X12 1/21/07 1267.1 1/21/07 1308 2/11/07 NR46 1/14/06 1263 88 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com

Rank Sold Price Year Model 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 Auction Co. $216,000 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible $216,000 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible $214,500 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible $214,500 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible $212,000 1953 Corvette Roadster $210,600 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible $210,600 1953 Corvette Roadster $210,000 1963 Corvette 327/250 Tanker Coupe $204,750 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible $204,750 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible $203,500 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible $198,000 1959 Corvette Custom Convertible $198,000 1969 Corvette Baldwin Motion Phase III Coupe $197,640 1963 Corvette Z06 Coupe $194,250 1969 Corvette 427/430 L88 Coupe $194,250 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible $193,875 1954 Corvette Roadster $192,500 1959 Corvette 283/290 FI Convertible $192,500 1957 Corvette 283/283 Convertible $192,150 1967 Corvette 427/400Convertible $189,000 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible $189,000 1991 Corvette Callaway ZR-1 Speedster $187,000 1967 Corvette 427/435 Coupe $187,000 1969 Corvette 427/430 L88 Coupe $186,375 1963 Corvette 327/340 Coupe $183,750 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible $182,970 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible $181,500 1958 Corvette 283/245 Convertible $181,500 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible $181,125 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible $180,600 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible $178,500 1955 Corvette V8 Roadster $178,200 1958 Corvette 350/345 Custom Convertible $178,200 1957 Corvette 283/283 Convertible $176,000 1967 Corvette 427/400 Convertible $176,000 1965 Corvette 327/375 Coupe $176,000 1966 Corvette 427 Race Coupe $172,800 1961 Corvette 283/315 Convertible $172,800 1957 Corvette 283/283 FI Convertible $171,150 1956 Corvette 265/225 Convertible $170,500 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible $170,500 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible $169,560 1969 Corvette 427/435 L88 Convertible $168,480 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible $167,200 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible $165,000 1962 Corvette 427/500 Custom Convertible $165,000 1958 Corvette 283/270 Convertible $165,000 1958 Corvette 283/245 Convertible $162,750 1967 Corvette 427/400 Convertible $162,750 1966 Corvette 427 Convertible $162,750 1971 Corvette 454/425 LS6 Convertible $162,000 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible $160,380 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible $160,125 1962 Corvette 327 Tanker Convertible $159,840 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible Barrett-Jackson Barrett-Jackson Barrett-Jackson Barrett-Jackson Branson Barrett-Jackson Barrett-Jackson Mecum Mecum Mecum Barrett-Jackson Barrett-Jackson RM Barrett-Jackson Mecum Mecum Christie's Location Scottsdale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ Branson, MO Scottsdale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ St. Charles, IL Kissimmee, FL St. Charles, IL Scottsdale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ Monterey, CA Scottsdale, AZ St. Charles, IL Kissimmee, FL Monterey, CA Barrett-Jackson West Palm Beach, FL Russo and Steele Scottsdale, AZ Mecum Barrett-Jackson Barrett-Jackson Barrett-Jackson Kissimmee, FL Scottsdale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ Russo and Steele Scottsdale, AZ Mecum Mecum RM St. Charles, IL Kissimmee, FL St. Charles, IL St. Charles, IL St. Charles, IL Boca Raton, FL Barrett-Jackson West Palm Beach, FL Russo and Steele Scottsdale, AZ Mecum Mecum Mecum Barrett-Jackson West Palm Beach, FL Barrett-Jackson Barrett-Jackson Gooding RM Barrett-Jackson Kruse Mecum Scottsdale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ Los Angeles, CA Monterey, CA Scottsdale, AZ Monteagle, TN St. Charles, IL Barrett-Jackson West Palm Beach, FL Barrett-Jackson Barrett-Jackson Kruse Scottsdale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ Las Vegas, NV Barrett-Jackson West Palm Beach, FL Barrett-Jackson West Palm Beach, FL Barrett-Jackson Barrett-Jackson Mecum Carlisle Mecum Scottsdale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ Kissimmee, FL Carlisle, PA Barrett-Jackson Kruse Mecum Leake St. Charles, IL Scottsdale, AZ Auburn, IN St. Charles, IL Dallas, TX Date Lot # 1/14/06 1027 1/14/06 1303 1/21/07 1334.1 1/19/04 703 4/21/06 268 1/14/06 1279 1/19/04 705 10/14/05 X31 1/27/07 S149 10/6/06 S120 1/21/07 1321 1/21/07 1354 8/19/05 157 1/14/06 1294 10/6/06 S86 1/27/06 X18 8/18/05 47 4/1/07 708 1/20/06 S229 1/27/06 S51 1/14/06 1017 1/19/04 684 1/21/07 1021 1/20/06 S208 6/24/05 S38 10/6/06 S91 2/10/06 SP18 4/1/07 674 1/21/07 S711 6/24/05 S3 1/27/07 S181 6/17/07 S55 4/1/07 691 1/14/06 1017.1 1/21/07 1261.1 10/21/06 30 8/16/02 23 1/14/06 1252 10/15/05 734 6/24/05 S7 4/1/07 659 1/21/07 1289 1/19/04 683 11/25/06 739.1 4/1/07 714 4/1/07 704.1 1/21/07 1298.1 1/21/07 438 1/27/07 S127 4/21/06 S150 6/24/05 S17 1/14/06 1544 5/19/05 792 6/24/05 S6 11/17/06 467 www.vettemarket.com FALL 2007 Corvette Market 89

By the Numbers By the Numbers Top Five Corvette Sales, C1 Through C4 Our final numerical analysis from www.vettemarket.com highlights the five best-selling Corvettes by generation, C1–C4 C1 1 1953 Corvette Roadster Sold at $1,080,000—BarrettJackson, Scottsdale, AZ, January 14, 2006. showroom display in Mandan and add some kick to the ND tourist trade. 2 1962 Corvette 327/360 FI Convertible Sold at $489,500—Gooding & Company, Palm Beach, FL, January 24, 2006. Lot# 1311, s/n E53F001003. Polo White/red vinyl, 330 miles. 235-ci I6, 3x1-bbl Carter Type YH, Powerglide auto. This is the oldest surviving production Corvette, the third built. Fit and finish are very much to factory spec, such as it was. Original GM documentation for delivery configuration to the public. Handlaid fiberglass, with expected flaws in the paint. Sold in 1987 at Rick Cole's, Monterey, for $35k, with several problems after unfortunate storage. The restoration aimed to replicate the original build process, and many Corvette theoreticians agree this car is correct. Well-known and documented. The seller wants it to go to a museum. The seller's hope that it would end up in a museuem likely won't happen. This represents the highest price ever paid for a Corvette at auction. Bought by David Ressler, a North Dakota car dealer who outbid some notable Corvette aficionados to claim this one. Perhaps it will end up as a Lot# 27, s/n 20867S101261. White & blue/red vinyl. FI, 4-sp. Ordered from the factory with hard top, radio delete, Positraction, and the RPO 687 performance option—big brakes and steering. Raced at Le Mans in 1962 by Tony Settember and Jack Turner. Quick-fill gas filler routed through the rear window. Panel fit is better than new. The entire car looks new, but not too new. Sold on the telephone, though the underbidder was a woman in the tent. Before the auction, I couldn't stop talking about the condition of this car to anyone who would listen. There was no pre-auction estimate, so we had no idea if the hammer price would be enough to sell it. Great money for a nice racer with a fully-stocked past. 3 1953 Corvette Roadster Sold at $396,000 by the Worldwide Group, Seabrook, TX, May 5, 2007. 90 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com Lot# 55, s/n E53F001120. Polo White/red vinyl, 86,446 miles. 235-ci I6, 3x1-bbl Carter Type YH, Powerglide auto. Original engine out of car, later engine installed. Restored to better than new condition, original assembly markings retained. Paint far better than when new, with no marks or fiberglass bonds evident. Number 120 of 300 manufactured. Striking, albeit over-restored. Sold at the May '06 Branson sale for $212,000 (CM# 41422), with the comment that there was little left for the next guy. Clearly that wasn't the case, but it's still hard to believe that this car grew by $200k in just 13 months. Very well sold. 4 1953 Corvette Roadster Sold by Mecum in St. Charles, IL, on June 17, 2007, for $296,625. burner blowing money at the C1 marketplace? 5 1953 Corvette Roadster Sold at $283,500—Mecum, St. Charles, IL, June 17, 2007. Lot# S53, s/n E53F001210. Polo White/red vinyl, 2,653 miles. 235-ci I6, 3x1-bbl Carter Type YH. One headlight trim chrome buffed through and a paint chip at the same place. S53, 54 & 55 same owner. Heater and radio were the only available options in 1953. Part of the Paul Jones Collection for 13 years. Lots of interest in these three cars. C2 1 1967 Corvette Lot# S91, s/n E53F001107. Polo White/red vinyl, 121 miles. 235-ci I6, 3x1-bbl Carter Type YH. Rough edges and paint chips at tonneau lid corners and chip on gas door. Between this and lot S53 we have some real money talking. Are we about to see an after- Lot# 1285, s/n 194377S122940. Silver Pearl & black/ black vinyl, 67 miles. 4-bbl, 4-sp. 427/390 Coupe Sold at $660,000—BarrettJackson, Scottsdale, AZ, January 18, 2007.

Documented as the final 1967 Corvette to be built, sold new in Houston, TX. Body component fit and finish far exceed factory specs—even the doors fit nicely with good gaps at the top. Nice trim and chrome, excellent black vinyl interior. Having won the NCRS Triple Crown within the last year means it's as perfect as a Corvette can be restored, The effort in presenting the car here seemed to almost match the effort of restoration. I also found it interesting that the odometer read 67 miles. Some pundits were estimating that this would crack seven digits, but the hammered price was much more realistic for a rare ‘Vette in excellent condition. 2 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible Sold by Mecum in St. Charles, IL, on June 17, 2007, for $467,250. Lot# S63, s/n 30837S117511. Riverside Red/black vinyl, 40,010 miles. Good paint except drips left side hood on front door. Good bright trims and chrome. Some hard weather strips. Lot# S67, s/n 194677S114878. Tuxedo Black & red/black vinyl, 12,704 miles. Tri-power, 4-sp. Shiny paint with corner cracks just starting at headlights. Like new everywhere. A great car to own even if you don't dare drive it. Lots of excitement and speculation on this car wasn't misplaced. Nearly a half million dollars for a Corvette—wow. 3 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible Sold at $393,750—Mecum, St. Charles, IL, June 24, 2005. Lot# S1, s/n 194677S118300. Lot# 17, s/n 30837S109324. Saddle Tan/saddle leather, 50,647 miles. FI, 4-sp. Quality older restoration with numerous awards. Door fit off, as with most Corvettes. Excellent paint, nice chrome. RPO Z06 includes a sway bar, stiff springs, larger shocks and the L84 injected en- N03 36-gallon tank (63 built) and Z06 option, (199 built) make this one of the rarest of the breed. But you already knew that by the $367,500 selling price, didn't you? 5 1963 Corvette 327/360 Z06 Coupe Sold at $330,000—Gooding & Company, Oxnard, CA, October 21, 2006. Lot# 161, s/n TP100268. White & red/black vinyl. The second of three Corvette team cars that ran the SCCA National circuit as well as FIA distance races. Raced in Owens Corning Fiberglas livery with an L88 engine. The car was found in 1990 and restored in 2000 to the original specifications. Stated to be the most victorious Corvette in history. Little to fault here. This car's history is known since new, when it was raced with SunRay DX sponsorship. The price paid seemed a bit on the light side considering what other historically significant Corvettes bring. We'll chalk this one up for the buyer. 2 1969 Corvette L88 Coupe Sold $334,800—BarrettJackson, Scottsdale, AZ, January 14, 2006. Marlboro Maroon & black/black vinyl, 38,375 miles. Tri-Power, 4-sp. Delamination starting on driver's vent glass. All else as factory. Bloomington Gold with full documentation. Only 16 of these came from the factory with the L89 aluminum head option, and this is said to be the only convertible known. Really rare and really expensive, but certainly a ‘Vette that will only go up up up! 4 1963 Corvette 327/360 Z06 Coupe Sold at $367,500—Mecum, St. Charles, IL, June 17, 2007. gine. Also equipped with power windows and a 36 gallon “big tank” with oversized filler cap. Bloomington Gold in 1994. Loaded with unique options, one of only 63 built with the big tank. Price paid had to have been some sort of record for ‘63 Split-Windows, but considering the desirable options and unique history, it's only out of line by $25k or so—which will be quickly forgotten the first time out with the new owner. C3 1 1968 Corvette Lot# 1271.1, s/n 194379S714904. Riverside Gold/saddle vinyl, 2,563 miles. 4-bbl, 4-sp. Actual mileage, and the lowest-mile L88 in existence. Five documented owners from new. Radio delete, heater delete, stored inside its whole life. The paint is 90% original, and looks excellent. Museum-displayed for many years, and the interior reflects that. Three original tires. SCCA Race Coupe Sold at $605,000—RM, Phoenix, AZ, January 20, 2006. The Who's Who of the Corvette world know it has a restoration engine, so it was interesting there was nothing mentioned in the description about it. This will forever be a looker, whereas, had you bought the Fathom Green L88, lot #1325, you'd be able to rip up the pavement. And you would have saved $100 grand. 3 1969 Corvette L88 Coupe Sold $237,600—BarrettJackson, Scottsdale, AZ, January 14, 2006. Lot# 1325, s/n 194379S737301. Fathom Green & black/tan vinyl. 427/430, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Documented as the last L88 of 116 produced. Lots of other docs. Dime-sized star crack on the right fender. Paint is good otherwise, and brightwork is nicely polished. Clean interior and engine bay. The owner states the car is “number-correct and component-correct,” though doesn't go so far as saying it is “numbers-matching.” This car sold a couple of hours www.vettemarket.com FALL 2007 Corvette Market 91

By the Numbers By the Numbers after lot #1271, the other L88 at the sale. If you had stuck around after the first one, you would have saved yourself almost about $100k, and you'd have yourself a useable car, rather than a museum piece. Well bought. 4 1968 Corvette L88 Convertible Sold at $135,000—BarrettJackson, Scottsdale, AZ, January 16, 2003. distance kit. No-nonsense interior. The L88 427-ci V8 produced in excess of 430 hp and was a $1,032 option. If the Corvette line were a family, this would be the scary older brother. A huge price, but a unique and imposing 'Vette. C4 1 1991 Corvette Callaway Sledgehammer Speedster Sold at $155,000—Mecum, St. Charles, IL, June 24, 2005. Lot# 702, s/n 194678S414479. LeMans Blue/blue vinyl, 13,598 miles. 427-ci, 550-hp. Absolutely all-original one-owner car except battery and fluids. Engine room rather unkempt but untouched since '68 with all correct fasteners. Windshield delaminating. Door handles pitted. Nick (or polishing burn) in left front fender. As a heater delete convertible from Minnesota, it was destined to only have 13k miles—after all, just how many nice warm days do you have up there? Huge price, but shows again that a car is only original once, and valued accordingly. 5 1969 Corvette L88 Race Roadster Sold at $130,680—Russo and Steele, Monterey, CA, August 17, 2002. Lot# S100, Lot# S46, s/n 1G1YY3384M5116978. Black/peach leather, 4,137 miles. 350-ci, 402-hp, 6-sp. This Callaway Twin-Turbo Speedster is one of ten built. Dirt on seat bolster and worn leather by the parking brake. Delaminating edges on windshield. 402 hp doesn't sound like a lot today, but in 1991 this was impressive. Original MSRP was $186,625. The dollar cost per mile driven is also impressive. Said to be one of twelve, and formerly owned by “Titanic” director James Cameron, this car sold in 1999 for $110k. Well sold. 2 1996 Corvette Grand Sport Convertible Sold at $80,850—Mecum, St. Charles, IL, June 17, 2007. Lot # 1528, s/n 194679S711387. Blue/black vinyl. “The Kosher Corvette.” Impressively campaigned by Herb Caplan on the West Coast—46 wins in 49 starts. Paint proudly displays rock chips from many ontrack encounters. Huge Goodyear racing slicks. Racing gauges, s/n 1G1YY2252T5600637. Admiral Blue & white/red leather, 168 miles. 350-ci 330-hp fuelinjected V8, 6-sp. Dealer prepped, but carpeting still has a clear plastic protective sheet over it from the factory. Several light paint chips detected on nose, otherwise paint is as applied at Bowling Green Assembly. Engine compartment appears basically unused. All assembly line inspection decals and markings are as new. Interior has more dust than wear. A new 11-year-old car. It's not that unusual to find a near-mint Grand Sport on the marketplace, however this was one of 217 fitted with the more visually striking red and black leather interior. These usually top out in the $45k to $50k range, so everyone was more than a bit surprised to see more than three bidders take it over $60k. It took awhile, but it even kept going past its $63,500 reserve. Sold exceptionally well. One of the only “instant collectibles” I've seen actually make someone money. 4 1990 Corvette ZR-1 Coupe Sold at $60,375—Mecum, St. Charles, IL, June 17, 2007. Lot# S93, s/n 1G1YY3252T5600458. Admiral Blue & white/red leather, 6,032 miles. 350-ci 330-hp fuel-injected 92 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com Lot# S10, s/n 1G1YZ23J1M5801885. Steel Blue/blue leather, 127 miles. 350-ci 375-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. A second year ZR-1, still new in box. No condition issues noted, interior still wrapped in plastic. Window sticker shows $65,638. One of 2,044 built. All '91 Corvettes were restyled with similar rectangular taillights to the '90 ZR-1, but the ZR1 package still included wider rear panels to allow for 11-inch wide rear wheels. Likely driven from the dealer to the seller's garage, and not since. This price reflected the current market for these cars, which is still lagging behind their sticker prices when new. ■ V8, 6-sp. Doesn't show even the 6k miles. As new in and out. RPO Z16 Grand Sport package cost $2,880 on this car and was limited to 1,000 units. Even with that option this is crazy money for any '96 Corvette. 3 1996 Corvette Grand Sport Coupe Sold at $68,775—Mecum, St. Charles, IL, June 17, 2007. Lot# S9, s/n 1G1YZ23J4L5803015. Black/black leather, 111 miles. 350-ci 375-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. The first year ZR-1, still new in box. $60,600 sticker on window. Bloomington Gold certified, no wear noted anywhere. One of 3,049 built. Stay with me now as this gets confusing... First bid as a group alongside lots S10, S11, S12, S13, and S14 to a no-sale $305,000. Later offered individually to see if the total would be higher. This crowd was likely the seller's best chance at a high sale price, and that's exactly what he got at over $60k—but he's still $300 in the hole if he paid sticker for the car in '90, not including inflation. 5 1991 Corvette ZR-1 Coupe Sold at $60,375, Mecum, St. Charles, IL, June 17, 2007.

Dealer Showcase Showcase 1957 Convertible County Corvette Dealer 1967 Convertible Original 283-270HP Engine EG code With 2 x 4 Carburetors, Early Car with close ratio 3-speedTransmission, Rare Cascade Green/Biege, Only 319 cars Built, Auxiliary Hardtop, Rare Radio Delete Correct Car with Owner History Condition 1. $99,000. 1962 Convertible Original 327-360HP Fuel Injected Engine,T-10 4-speed, Positraction Rear, Wonderbar Radio, 66,903 Miles, White Exterior, Red Interior, Rare example of an Original Fuel Injected car with its Original Drivetrain, Unhit original body. Flawless running and driving car with great originality. Condition 1. $105,000 1961 Convertible Great example of one of the rarest 67's Corvettes ever produced. 427/390 Hp, 4 speed wide ratio trans. Original numbers matching driveline. Red exterior on unhit original body. Laquer paint. White/black interior in near perfect condition. 37000 original, documented miles. White soft top, black vinyl covered hardtop. The best original documentation we have ever seen on an original big block car going back to original owner. Trim tag, protecto plate and tank sticker original from GM. One of the best cars we have ever had in our inventory! DO NOT SNOOZE on this one! Call for price 610.696.7888. 1967 Convertible 610.696.7888 • www.countycorvette.com 315 Westtown Rd., Suite 1, West Chester, PA 19382 Transmission, Marina Blue Exterior (restoration by County Corvette) Bright Blue Leather Interior, Power Steering, Power Brakes, Power Windows, Side Exhaust, Rally Wheels, BLOOMINGTON GOLD CERTIFICATE 2002, CHEVY VETTEFEST WINNER, ORIGINAL TANK STICKER. Condition 1. $199,900. 4 speed close ratio transmission, Red line tires, AM FM Radio, Tinted glass, Special offroad exhaust, Shoulder harnesses, Telescopic steering wheel, Speed warning, Body off restoration, Original Engine GUARANTEED IN WRITING, We remanufactured this engine and documented that it was never apart and retained its original steel head gaskets, Original Trim tag and VIN plate GUARANTEED IN WRITING, This is a REAL Factory equipped 435hp car not a clone GUARANTEED IN WRITING. Mint , exact fitting body, no damage anywhere. Just opening and closing the doors on this car is a pleasure being smooth and precise. Stunning Concours paint. This is an authentic, very rare, very desirable car. Serious inquiries please. Condition 1 + $199,900 REDUCED TO $159,000. Summer special! Call for more details 610.696.7888. 1968 Convertible Radial Tires, 4338 ORIGINAL MILES, UNRESTORED ORIGINAL CAR WITH ORIGINAL PAINT AND ORIGINAL GOODYEAR TIRES, ORIGINAL WINDOW STICKER, ORIGINAL BUILD SHEET, ORIGINAL WARRANTY BOOK, ORIGINAL OWNERS MANUAL, OWNER HISTORY. Condition 1. $24,900 1982 Coupe 57,000 Original miles Red exterior,Red Leather interior, Removable Glass Roof Panels, Power Driver Seat, Power Door Locks, Electric Sport Mirrors, Cruise Control, Aluminum Wheels , AM/FM ETR Stereo Radio With Cassette. Condition 1-. $19,900 1979 Coupe A real red/ red 61! Known locally from new, this car retains its original paint, interior (except dash pad and carpets) and driveline. 283/ 230 hp, 3 speed transmission. Never damaged and looks incredible. NCRS Top flight award in the late 90's rarely driven but well maintained. Serviced by County Corvette since the early 90's after being purchased from its original owner in Delaware. Condition 2. New 1967 Convertible Very Rare 427-400HP, Air Conditioning Convertible with Powerglide Factory equipped options: Goodwood Green, White stinger, Saddle interior, leather seats, 427-435 , Transistorized ignition, 4.11:1 Posi rear differential, 94 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com 338 Original miles. White Exterior, Red Leather Interior, L48 350 Engine, Automatic Transmission, Air Conditioning, Power Steering, Power Brakes,Power Windows, Power Door Locks, Am/Fm Radio Stereo, Power Antenna, Automatic Speed Control, Aluminum Wheels, FE7 Gymkhana Suspension, 225/70-15 Goodyear Elkhart Blue Exterior with, Teal Blue Interior, Teal Blue Convertible Top( Restortation Trim tag) Original 427-435HP Engine, M21 close Ratio transmission, Positraction Rear, Power Steering, Speed Warning Indicator, Am/fm Radio,Complete Body-Off Restoration of an original 435 HP Convertible with its Original Engine. Condition 1. $139,900. 1967Coupe 58000 original miles! Air conditioning, 300 HP-327, M21 Close ratio 4 speed Muncie transmission, Power windows, Power steering, power brakes, International Blue exterior, Bright blue interior! Original Numbers matching driveline. White top. Magnificent body off restoration by our facility last year. Was on display at the AACA Museum in Hershey for the Corvette display in 2005. Restorations to this level are usually reserved for big block specialty cars. This Corvette is at the high end quality speaking with a $100,000 restoration. None finer in existence, if you are looking for the best of the best here it is. Condition 1+. Price reduced please call for more information. 1980 Coupe Torch Red Exterior, Light Beige Leather Interior, Sport Seats, LT-5 Engine , 6 speed Transmission, 18650 Original Miles!, Electronic Air Conditioning, Power Windows And Locks, Cruise Control, Delco-Bose AM/FM Stereo With CD Player and Cassette, FX-3 Adjustable suspension package, Z07 suspension package, Glass removable roof panel, Only 140 Torch Red ZR1's made in 1995, Excellent original condition. New “NOS” GSC Goodyears with NO MILES on them. Window sticker, Build Sheet included. Condition 1-. $49,900. Original Light Biege Exterior, Biege Leather Interior, 350 CI Engine , Automatic Transmission, Posi Rear, Cold Air Conditioning, Power Steering, Power Brakes, Power Windows, Power Antenna, Tilt/Telescopic Steering Wheel, Am/Fm Stereo Cassette ,Sport Mirrors, Goodyear Eagle ST Tires, SECOND FLIGHT NCRS at Wildwood N.J. Regional Meet 2004 with 92.7 Score. Owner History. Condition 1-. $16,900. 1995 ZR1 Coupe

Resource Directory Resource Directory Auction Companies GoFastAuction.com Go- FastAuction is an Internet oasis for classic, vintage and antique car aficionados from around the world. Our auto auction and classified listings are the definitive source for locating classic cars and related parts or accessories. www.gofastauction.com Kruse International. 800.968.4444, 5540 CR llA Auburn, IN 46706. Largest Collector Car Auction Company, holding over 35 auctions per year. Home of the 480-acre Auction Park in Auburn, IN, where the 37th Annual Labor Day Auction will be held with over 5,000 cars and 150,000 people. www.kruse.com. (IN) Mecum Collector Car Auctioneers. 815.568.8888, 815.568.6615. 950 Greenlee St., Marengo, IL 60015. Auctions: Orlando, Kansas City, Rockford, Bloomington Gold, St. Paul, Des Moines, Carlisle, and Chicago. Nobody Sells More Muscle Than Mecum. Nobody. www .mecumauction.com. (IL) Palm Springs Auctions Inc. Keith McCormick. 760.320.3290, 760.323.7031. 244 N. Indian Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA 92262 www.classic-carauction.com. (CA) Russo and Steele Collector Automobiles. 602.252.2697, 602.252.6260. 5230 South 39th Street, Phoenix AZ 85040. info@russoandsteele.com; www .russoandsteele.com. (AZ) Silver Auctions. 800.255.4485, 2020 N. Monroe, Spokane, WA 99205. silver@silverauctions.com. www.silverauctions.com. (WA) The Worldwide Group. 866.273.6394, Established by John Kruse and Rod C. Egan, The Worldwide Group— Auctioneers, Appraisers and Brokers —is one of the world's premier auction houses, specializing in the procurement and sale of the world's finest automobiles and vintage watercraft. www.wwgauctions.com. (TX) Automobilia Custom Diecast Inc Ever thought about having your car in diecast ? Have you tried to find a diecast version of your car at shows and hobby shops ? The #1 home for custom diecast replicas. www.customdiecastreplicas.com Vette Collectibles Licensed Corvette diecast, apparel and nov96 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com Put your company in the CM Resource Directory. Call 877.219.2605 x211, or email advert@vettemarket.com elties. We are a one-stop shop for collectors and Corvette enthusiasts alike. www.vettecollectibles.com Corvette Parts & Restoration Corvette Repair, Inc. 516.568.1959, The most recognized Corvette restoration shop in America. The leader in NCRS, Triple Crown and Bloomington Gold Achievements. www .corvetterepair.com Corvette Central 800.345.4122, Parts and accessories for everything from the Blue Flame Six to the new C6. www.corvettecentral.com County Corvette 610.696.7888, Sales, service, parts and restoration. When it must be right. www.countycorvette.com Mid America Motorworks 800.500.1500, America's leader in 1953-2008 Corvette parts and accessories. Request a free catalog at www.mamotorworks.com Classic Car Transport Intercity Lines, Inc.. 800.221.3936, 413.436.9422. Rapid, hassle-free, coast-to-coast service. Insured enclosed transport for your valuable car at affordable prices. State-of-the-art satellite transport tracking. Complete service for vintage races, auctions, relocations. www.intercitylines .com. (MA) Motor Auto Express, Inc.. 360.661.1734, Enclosed Transport. MAX cares for what you care for. We offer Personal, Private, Professional services with liftgate loading for your vehicles. Please contact Randy McKinley, Owner. maxiet@gmail.com. (WA) Exotic Car Transport. 800.766.8797. 20 years serving manufacturers, dealers, collectors, and owners of fine automobiles. www.exoticcartransport.com. (FL) FedEx Custom Critical Passport Auto Transport. 800.325.4267, fax 314.878.7295. Fully enclosed transport from the industry originator. Specializing in events, including Pebble Beach, the Colorado Grand, and BarrettJackson. Liftgates for safe loading and winches for inoperable vehicles. Inquire about ultra-expedited, three-day, coast-to-coast service. www.passporttransport.com. (MO) Insurance Hagerty Collector Car Insur- ance. 800.922.4050. Collector cars aren't like their late-model counterparts. These classics actually appreciate in value so standard market policies that cost significantly more won't do the job. We'll agree on a fair value and cover you for the full amount. No prorated claims, no hassles, no games. www.hagerty.com. (MI) Motor Sport Personal Acci- dent Coverage. 441.297.9439. Email,mcooke@evolution.bm. Limits up to $1,000,000 including accident medicaland helicopter evacuation. Comp Capital Ltd. can obtain coverage atcompetive rates including drivers over the age of 65. Either 12 monthpolicy covering a whole season and or for specific events. Pleasecontact Mark Cooke and or Kevin Way. Corvettes for Sale Cardiff Classics 760.632.5555, Located on Pacific Coast Highway 101 in beautiful Encinitas. www .cardiff-classics.com Cn' V Corvettes 1-800-875- 8390,We mechanically service and recondition our Corvettes like no other Corvette dealer does. From underside to the top we go to extremes to make you proud of the Corvette you purchase from Cn'V. www.cnv-corvettes.com Corvette Central Parts and Accessories for all corvettes. Corvette Central has been a leading manufacturer and distributor of Corvette parts and accessories since 1975. We offer the most comprehensive and detailed parts catalogs on the market today and produce a different catalog for each Corvette generation. All catalogs are also online with full search and order features. From Blue Flame 6 to the new C6, only Corvette Central has it all. www.corvettecentral.com Corvette Mike. 800.327.VETT, Whether you are looking for a vintage 1953 Corvette—or the latest Corvette model—Corvette Mike is your one-stop shop for anything Corvette. West Coast and New England showrooms. Leader of the Pack since 1982. www .corvettemike.com County Corvette. 610.696.7888, The most modern and best equipped Corvette-only facility in the nation. www.countycorvette.com Family Classics 949.496.3000, Our showroom houses some of the world's most prized classic cars, hot rods, muscle cars and modern exotics. If we don't have what you want, check back - or tell us what you want. We're equipped to find numbers matching 100-point restorations, low-mileage survivors or just beautiful, reliable drivers. www.familyclassiccars.com Park Place 425.562.1000, The West Coast's largest luxury, sports and special interest automobile dealership. “No one has what we have. Period.” www.parkplaceltd .com (WA) eBay MotorsWhatever it is…you can get it on eBay. www.motors.ebay.com ProTeam Classic Cor- vette Collection and Sales. 419.592.5086; fax 419.592.4242. The world's largest classic Corvette collection. 1410 N. Scott Street, Napoleon, Ohio, 43545. Toll Free 1-888-592-5086. Email: proteam@proteamcorvette.com. www.proteam-corvette.com Motororcar Porfolio located in the Marriott Hotel in downtown Canton Ohio, we offer you unique classic automobiles at excellent prices. All of our vehicles have been evaluated by master mechanics specializing in the field. Over fifty years of combined experience allows us to select only the finest vehicles. This assures appreciation in value, and protects your investment. www.motorcarportfolio.com The Chevy Store At The Chevy Store, you will find only the highest grade, investment quality Corvette and specialty Chevrolet automobiles. We take pride in providing our clients with the finest selection anywhere. Offering investment quality corvettes and Chevrolets for over 30 years! 503-256-5384 (p) 503-256-4767(f) www.thechevystore.com Garage & Tools Baldhead Cabinet Company. 877.966.2253, Offering a fine selection of quality metal garage cabinets suitable for shop and residential garage applications. SS and custom colors available. Many modules to choose from. Call for a custom quote and drawing. See ad in this issue. www.baldheadcabinets.com. (CA) Griot's Garage. 800.345.5789, The ultimate online store for automotive accessories and car care products. www.griotsgarage.com. (WA)

Metal Line Cabinets Your va- cation photos get put in an album. Your china has its own closet. Seriously, even your toothpaste gets stored inside of a fine hardwood or metal and glass cabinet. So why does the really important stuff (like your tools, toys, etc.) have to reside on an open shelf or inside a homecenter white particle board box? It's time to show your stuff it matters. It's time for Metal Line Cabinets. www.metallinecabinets.com. Investment / Real Estate Sonoran Lifestyle Real Estate Every Sonoran home is a unique blend of architecture, location and individual passions. Let us help you – Market it. Find it. Build it. www.sonoranlifestyle.com Parts & Accessories Royal Purple. Royal Purple® manufactures a wide range of high performance, synthetic lubricants for every use from top fuel dragsters to the family car, motorcycles, trucks, RVs and boats. Its industry experts are consistently developing products that outperform leading mineral- and synthetic-based lubricants in performance and protection. www.royalpurple.com Museums MY Garage Museum 800.500.1500, Housed on the campus of Mid America Motorworks, in Effingham, IL the MY Garage Museum contains numerous oneof- a kind Corvettes such as the CERV 1 research vehicle and the 1964 Bill Mitchell World's Fair styling study car. www .mamotorworks.com/mygarage National Corvette Museum 800-53-VETTE, The National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY was established as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit foundation with a mission of celebrating the invention of the Corvette and preserving its past, present and future. www.corvettemuseum.com St. Louis Car Museum. 800.957.5707; 314.993.7104. Providing the most discerning enthusiasts with the world's finest automobiles for nearly a generation. We buy cars and offer competitive consignment services, as well as climate controlled storage. Call for details. www.stlouiscarmuseum .com. (MO). ■

In Miniature How details make models into masterpieces. By Marshall Buck Excellent But Un-Limited Though Danbury Mint would have us believe this is a limited edition, it is anything but. Editions stop being “limited” past 500 in number Grand Sport Coupes (Car #80, s/n 005, driven by Dick Thompson at Nassau in 1963, and car #00, s/n 003 driven by Jack Saunders at Nassau in 1964.) These Chinese-made Exoto models Ratings ( Quality: Authenticity: is best) ½ ½ Overall: ½ in 1:18 scale are very good, but no better than that. The first versions, #80 among them, were introduced several years ago, and most of the 29 variations Exoto offers are still available. You read correctly—29. You get a fair amount for your money depending on which one you buy. I justify the $149 I paid for #80, but I have a much tougher time with the current prices of $190 to $250, especially since there are at least 5,000 of each being produced. Expect to pay $300 or more for one of several currently hard-to-find or claimed sold-out pieces. Paint finish is great, as is overall fit and finish of most parts, and they display well, but a few big issues exist on every Exoto Grand Sport. Tire sizes and shapes are wrong. Exhaust pipe quality is poor and lacks detail. Engine and chassis detail are good until compared to the current crop of highly detailed 1:24 Danbury Mint Corvettes. The door hinges are the old “dog leg” diecast and toy type, which today are considered substandard. And the white stripe on #00 is incomplete over the front hood vents. All the same, I'd suggest adding one Coupe and one Roadster to your collection. Available from: Motorsports Miniatures, P.O. Box 4, East Meadow, NY 11554; 800.249.3763; info@motorsportsminiatures.com; www.motorsportsminiatures.com 1957 SS This 1:18-scale model is a good but not great representation of the Sebring racer. Mass produced by AUTOart in China, it's a reasonably well-detailed model that will look good in any collection. It appears to be closer to the way it is restored now than when it raced for 23 laps at Sebring. Proportions, though not perfect, are close. I'll give them high marks for overall fit and finish, and with all opening panels, it has enough working parts to please most collectors. Open up the rear deck and you will see simulated duct work for brake cooling along with some simple suspension detail and little bungie cords holding the spare in place. Engine detail is basic but underwhelming; I'd display the model all closed. The Ratings ( Quality: Authenticity: Overall: 1953 Corvette In our premier issue, Ratings ( Quality: it's only appropriate we kick off with a 1953 roadster. The car shown is a 1:24-scale model produced in 2003 as a 50th anniversary commemorative by the Danbury Mint, and it's one of the best 1:24-scale model cars I've come across. I'm especially impressed because this is a mass-produced model made in China. Fit and finish are excellent, with a wealth of detail Authenticity: Overall: everywhere. The engine bay shows a delicate throttle linkage and the upholstery is nicely executed with simulated white stitching. It features working doors with proper hinges, hood, trunk, convertible boot lid, gas cap door, steering, and suspension. In the trunk you'll find side curtains in a little pouch, which can be fitted in place along with a separate convertible top. The chassis is fully detailed, and there's even a spare tire under a simulated round wood panel beneath the removable floor mat. Minor gripes include an ill-fitted trim piece, a slight issue with the driver's door fit, and the mesh screens over the headlights. At best, they're okay, as the scale is too large. It's hard to believe they did all that for a retail price is best) of $135 until you consider that around 15,000 were produced. My own example carries the serial number of 14,261. Though DM would have us believe this is a limited edition, it is anything but. Editions stop being “limited” past 500 in number. Available on eBay or on www.diecast.org, a site devoted primarily the Danbury and Franklin Mints.■ leather straps for the front and rear body panels are made of rubber and don't really stay in place as intended. I would also have liked to have seen a better rear license plate with 00 00 00, as was on the car originally instead of the cheesy 57SS. The SS has been very briefly modeled by two other manufacturers in 1:43- and 1:24-scales; both of those are long out of production and exceedingly scarce. Available for a reasonable $79.95 fromMint Models, 166 Sparrowbush Road, Suite 4, Latham, NY 12110; 800.341.4699; service@mintmodels.com; www.mintmodels.com 98 Corvette Market FALL 2007 www.vettemarket.com MARSHALL BUCK is the founder of Creative Miniature Associates (www.cmamodels.com). He has been involved with high-end automotive miniatures since 1982 as a collector, model maker, manufacturer, and broker. He wrote a featured model column for Vintage Motorsport magazine from 1988 to 1999. is best)