Profiles
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Page -1
9
133 Corvettes Analyzed and Priced by Our Experts, $3.6m in Total Sales
You Should Own This!
'65 327/300 Black-Plate Convertible
Corvette Market
$50k
Keith Martin's
The Insider's Guide to Collecting, Investing, Values, and Trends
Holiday 2009
CM Exclusive: Top 100 Corvette Sales of All Time
www.vettemarket.com
Big John Mazmanian's '61 Gasser—Bargain at $248k
'92 ZR-1 at $9,720—Cheap or Chump Car?
Page 2
Corvette Market
Keith Martin's
Volume 2 . Issue 9 . Fall 2009
16 1/4-mile C1 drag car
18 Black-plate C2
20 Big-block C3
Profiles
C1 1961 “Big John” Mazmanian Drag Car—$247,500
“This is simply one of the most correct vintage race
Corvette restorations possible, and Hendrickson chose an
excellent event at which to sell this type of automobile.”
16 by Thomas Glatch
C2 1965 327/300 Convertible—$49,820
18 by John L. Stein
C3 1969 427/400 Coupe—$44,520
20 by Michael Pierce
4 Corvette Market FALL 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
“The buyer is looking good at $50k, because he gets
a ready-to-use car for less than the restoration cost of a
needy beater or any fuel-injected or big-block Corvette.”
C4 1992 ZR-1 Coupe—$9,720
22 by Chip Lamb
“While some ZR-1s were driven off the dealer lot and parked,
others were used—if not often—at least with some regularity.
But cars with over 100,000 miles are unusual.”
C5 2003 Avelate Fifty Three Convertible—$79,200
24 by B. Mitchell Carlson
“These Corvettes are excellent drivers, with the torque
of big-block motors and the civility of hydraulic-lifter,
lower-redline, 2-bolts.”
C6 Mini Profiles of C6 Coupes
26 by Geoff Archer
“It will always be an expensive toy, with investment potential
nearly non-existent. So take it to cruise nights and try to pick up
cougars with it, but don't expect to make a dime.”
“This ZR1 is certainly a badass car. But at one year old and with
2,200 miles, it's just a badass used car, and sub-$100k sales are
now the norm for these.”
On the Cover: 1965 327/300 Convertible
Photo: Sam Murtaugh
Page 3
Market Reports
30 Fall Carlisle, Carlisle, PA
Corvettes at Carlisle rolls into the Fall auction, where 6 of 23
Corvettes bring $135,030
by Chip Lamb
38 Global Roundup
102 Corvettes from 17 auctions total $3.5m in sales
by CM Market Analysts
Departments
6 Publisher's Note
8 Insider's View: Which C2 and C3 would you buy for $100k?
38 Market Report: $3.5m in Corvette sales
10 Q&A: Split-Window windows, C3 brakes, fan belts for show
12 Events: Things to do and places to be with your Corvette
14 Auction Calendar
28 Market Overview
68 By The Numbers: All Corvettes sold since August
72 Corvette All-Timers: The top 100 Corvette sales at auction
76 Trick Stuff: Stocking stuffers for every Corvette geek
78 In Miniature: 1969 convertible
78 Speaking Volumes: High-Performance C5 Builder's Guide
80 Resource Directory
82 Vette-o-bilia: Topps trading cards and the first NCRS mag
www.corvettemarket.com FALL 2009 Corvette Market 5
Page 4
Publisher's
Note
By Keith Martin
Year Three, and Going Strong
Corvette Market
Keith Martin's
Volume 2 . Issue 9 . Fall 2009
Publisher Keith Martin
Art Director Kirsten Hegg
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
Chip Lamb
Norm Mort
Dale Novak
Contributors Carl Bomstead
Marshall Buck
Colin Comer
John Draneas
Michael Pierce
John L. Stein
Senior Web Developer Jerret Kinsman
Information Technology/
Internet Bryan Wolfe
Financial Manager Nikki Nalum
Operations Manager Jennifer Davis-Shockley
Print Media Buyer Wendie Martin
America's sports car, at home on the show field—and in the pages of CM
W
elcome to Corvette Market magazine #9. It marks the beginning of our third year
of covering the Corvette market, reporting sales ranging from dog-eared C4s for
$2,500 to the spectacular $1.5m 1962 Gulf Oil race car.
Take a moment to visit our online database at www.corvettemarket.com. It now
contains more than 8,000 Corvettes that have sold at auction. For many, you'll find photos, serial
numbers, detailed first-hand descriptions by our market analysts, and prices. By creating
a free account, you'll get a sneak peak at the database, and you'll start getting our bi-weekly
Insider e-Newsletter as well.
Our goal at CM is to provide you, the informed, inquisitive reader, with the wisdom you
need to make intelligent collecting decisions. While no two vintage Corvettes are exactly
alike, knowing what the last ten 327/300 Split-Windows in decent condition have brought at
auction offers you one more negotiating tool when you go to buy, and one more way to set your
price when it is time to sell.
Also, because many of the listings in the CM Plus database have serial numbers (and every
car analyzed in every issue of CM has its serial number), you can see if a car you are looking
at is an auction “frequent flyer” or if it is fresh to market.
As we have been building this database, we have also been building relationships with
the key organizations in the vintage Corvette world. Both NCRS and Bloomington Gold are
sponsors of our Barrett-Jackson Corvette Market seminar. We welcome the input and expertise
the members of these organizations have already provided, and we look forward to their
continued advice and guidance in the future.
In the pages of CM, our goal continues to be bringing together the most thoughtful
enthusiasts in the vintage Corvette world, and then sharing their knowledge and insights with
you—the most thoughtful readers in the collectible-Corvette community.
Barrett-Jackson update
Speaking of bringing all the key players together—our all-star lineup for the 3rd Annual
Corvette Market Insider's Seminar is now set. New to the panel this year are Terry Michaelis,
president of ProTeam Corvette, and Mike Yager, president of Mid America Motorworks.
They join returning panel members David Burroughs (Bloomington Gold), Jim Jordan
(County Corvette), Kevin Mackay (Corvette Repair), Michael Pierce (NCRS Judge), and Roy
Sinor (NCRS Senior Judging Chairman).
The seminar, to be held on Thursday, January 21, 2010, at Barrett-Jackson, will consist
of two sessions. The first, at 9 am, will be “Restoration vs. Preservation,” and the second, at
10 am, will be “The Panel's Picks to Buy, Sell, or Hold—The Corvette Market Today.”
Space is limited, and admission is free to CM subscribers, NCRS members, owners of
Bloomington Gold-Certified Corvettes, and registered bidders and consignors at BarrettJackson.
Admission is $10 otherwise, with proceeds going to charity.
For complete details, see our ad on page 65, or go to www.corvettemarket.com/2010seminar.
I look forward to seeing you there. ■
6 Corvette Market FALL 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
Director CM Television Roger Williams
ADVERTISING SALES
Advertising Executives Ted Alfano
ted.alfano@corvettemarket.com
877.219.2605 x 211
Cody Wilson
cody.wilson@corvettemarket.com
877.219.2605 x 213
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Subscriptions Coordinator Mary Artz
Subscriptions 877.219.2605 x 204
9 am to 5 pm, M–F
service@corvettemarket.com
503.253.2234 fax
CORRESPONDENCE
Phone 503.261.0555
Fax 503.253.2234
General P.O. Box 4797
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FedEx/DHL/UPS 401 NE 19th Street, Suite 100
Portland, Oregon 97232
Web www.corvettemarket.com
Corvette Market magazine (ISSN# 1939-6481) is published
quarterly by Automotive Investor Media Group, 401 NE 19th
Street, Suite 100, Portland, OR 97232. 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 © 2008 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
Page 6
Insider's
View
The current state of the Corvette market
Think of this as a $100k Corvette shopping spree.
You've been asked to find the best C2 and C3 you can for
that amount, both as driver and investment. How would you
split the $100k, and which models/options would you look
for and why?
Jerry Heasley
Automotive writer and photographer,
Amarillo, Texas
I'd buy a 1963 coupe for my C2 pick. The
reason is simple—to get the Split-Window.
Split-Window fever is spreading. This body
style is supplanting the '67 as king of the
mid-years in value and popularity.
A 435-hp 1967 coupe may bring more
money than a 1963 with fuel injection (not
counting the Z06, of course). But I would buy
a '63 Split-Window with the base engine to
get the price down into the $50k–$70k range.
I always suggest paying the most money possible
for the best car, and a fuelie would blow
our $100k budget.
For my C3 pick, I'd use the balance of
the $100k on an L82 Pace Car. L82s remain
sleepers, and I believe they are undervalued.
Collectors value the '78 Pace Car for its
features. I say buy an L82, but get L82
performance in the Pace Car and add that
spectacular interior. I also believe the C3
body style kept improving year by year after
the chrome bumpers disappeared. So an
alternative to the L82 Pace Car is simply an
L82. There was a convertible from 1973 to
'75 that offers a degree of rarity.
Jim Jordan
President, County Corvette,
West Chester, Pennsylvania
$100,000 will not buy a whole lot in
terms of two highly collectible Corvettes,
although anyone with $100,000 to spend in
the current market has the luxury of being
somewhat selective. The challenge with buying
anything not currently in mass production
is the availability.
Outlining the ideal models can be done
on paper, but finding the exact specified
cars is a challenge in any market. Within the
guidelines of driver and investment I would
focus on unrestored cars that either are, or
would qualify as, Bloomington Survivor
award recipients.
In the C2 category, a '63 two-top convert-
ible with the highest horsepower (up to and
preferably with a 327/340) will fit the bill
with perhaps the best upside potential. You
should be able to buy one for around $60k–
$65k. While preferable to a convertible, a
340-hp or fuelie coupe of the same caliber
would catapult the price out of budget, and
the convertible is simply a better driver.
For the C3, a highly optioned 350-hp
convertible in good colors should be obtainable
for $35k–$40k. Good colors would be
LeMans Blue/blue, red, or black. These cars
will surely appreciate and could likely double
in price in the next boom cycle. The wish
list will also require reasonable ownership
history and a build sheet for the '69.
Kevin Mackay
President, Corvette Repair Inc.,
Valley Stream, New York
Let's start off with the best C2. 1967 is
really the most desirable year; it is the last
year of the C2, perfected in all ways. I would
search for a survivor, a small-block 327/350
coupe, 4-speed, with as many options as possible,
including a/c, full power accessories,
sidepipes, red line tires, and leather seats. I
think this could be achieved in this economy
for $75k.
Personally, I always prefer a coupe over
a convertible, because they're tighter and
there's more room inside. I really love the
look—the coupe is sleek and sporty, and the
rear body looks so ahead of its time. Tuxedo
Black or Rally Red are the most desirable
exterior colors.
In reference to the C3, I prefer the 1969
hard top convertible, a 350/350 4-speed. A
few options to consider would be power
brakes, power steering, and of course sidepipes.
Once again, an original car would be
my top choice. If you look carefully, they're
still out there for $25k. Colors are important,
and again I lean toward a Tuxedo Black or
Monza Red exterior. You could get all of
the above for less if the exterior color was
Fathom Green, but that's the least desirable.
Please note my choice of a small-block;
they are better drivers and run a lot cooler,
especially in the summer. Both cars must
have at least one good piece of factory
documentation. Remember, the holidays are
the best time to buy and worst time to sell.
Happy hunting.
8 Corvette Market FALL 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
Page 7
Terry Michaelis
President, ProTeam Corvette Sales,
Napoleon, Ohio
The $100k shopping spree to buy the
best C2 and C3 you can as both a driver
and investment is a very hard task. I would
want to buy at least #2 condition cars that
are truly legitimate numbers-matching and
with original VIN and trim plates and solid
owner history. I'd also want no-hit bodies,
especially in the front.
This leaves the choices to the small-block
versions, so I would buy a 1963 Split-Window
coupe for $60k–$70k and a 1969 or 1970
convertible with a 350-hp engine, backed by
a 4-speed transmission, and this should be
able to be accomplished for $30k–$40k.
I would work on buying the 1963 first, as
that would be the hardest to do. I would try
to buy cars with good colors and as many
options as possible.
This $100k challenge would make me a
“price” buyer rather than a buyer who seeks
“value,” which generally will cost more.
Here's another option: With Publisher
Martin's initial $100k of Corvette Market
money, I'd go to the bank and borrow the
extra money it would take to truly get what
I'd really want at the end of the day.
Roy Sinor
NCRS Judging Chairman 1996–present,
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Both cars must have the original drive-
trains and preferably undamaged bodies, with
authentic paperwork or excellent documentable
judging history essential.
For the C3, I'd choose a 350/350, 1969
or 1970, 4-speed with a/c, preferably a
convertible. They're arguably the bestbalanced
Corvettes ever built, with good
power and excellent drivability. They're also
fairly rare, particularly if you find a 1970.
Solid colors are the most striking—Monza
Red/red, Tuxedo Black/black (1969 only),
Mulsanne Blue/blue, etc. This car, restored or
unrestored, in exceptional condition, will set
you back $35k–$50k. A really perfect red or
black example could be more.
For the C2, an unrestored, original,
hydraulic-lifter 327/350 in exceptional
condition. I might settle for a 427/390 if
a bargain came along; either must be a 4speed.
First choice would be a coupe; they're
well-balanced, tight, have great styling, and
will always be a classic. They ride, drive,
and handle very well. Original, unrestored,
well-maintained cars are the easiest to drive.
Again, both the 350- and 390-hp hydrauliclifter
motors have good power and are wellbalanced.
They pull well in low rpm ranges
and do not exhibit the temperamental quirks
of the solid-lifter motors. With approximately
one-third of 1965 production being the coupe,
they are rarer. An unrestored car will set
you back $55k–$65k, and a loaded car with
exceptionally good colors could be more.
Mike Vietro
President, Corvette Mike
Anaheim, California
First, let me just say that $100k doesn't
buy you what it used to… now it buys you a
little bit more. If you're in the market for a
vintage Corvette, there may be no better time
to buy.
I have selected two cars that have come
on in the last couple of years and I think will
be even more desirable in the future. Let's
face it, 427s are getting scarcer as each year
passes and fewer collectors part with their
prized possessions.
I have first-hand knowledge of the first car
because we just sold one for $58k and it was
a nice restored driver. My first choice for the
C2 category would be a '65–'67 L79 roadster.
The L79 327/350 motor has always been one
of my favorites and is a safe bet for future
gains and fun, in-your-face driving. Look
for as many options as possible and plan
on paying $50k–$60k for a nicely optioned
driver/restored car. Top Flight cars are going
to cost more.
In the C3 category, I'd go with a '70 LT-1
roadster or coupe. The '71 and '72 would be
runners up, as horsepower drops from 370 to
330 to 255. You should be able to find a nice
one in the $40k–$55k range, but don't wait
too long. Early C3s are gaining momentum,
as they are gorgeous and drive superbly.
Both of these cars have great investment
potential, are fun to drive, and reliable. You
can't go wrong with either.
www.corvettemarket.com FALL 2009 Corvette Market 9
Page 8
Questions
&Answers
by Colin Comer
If it catches your thumb,
it's done
I have a well-worn but
mostly original 1963 Split-
Window with a 250-hp 327 and a
4-speed that I've finally decided
to make into a winter project.
I've had it for about five years
now, and it's been a good driver,
but I'd like to clean it up a bit.
All the glass in the car is
original, but it's turned foggy
in a few places, and the driver's
rear piece has a few heavy
scratches in it. Is there a way
to fix this type of damage to
glass, or am I stuck replacing
it? If I replace a few pieces,
what will that do to the value of
the car once it's done?—J.W.,
Jacksonville, FL
By “foggy,” I trust you
mean some delamination is
occurring around the edges, and
unfortunately there is no way
to correct that without replacement.
With scratches, the rule of
thumb is if the scratch is deep
enough to catch a fingernail,
it cannot be polished out. If
they are not that deep, you can
attempt to polish them on your
own with one of the many kits
offered through companies like
Eastwood (www.eastwood.com)
or have a professional glass
company do it for you.
If all else fails, replacement
glass is available with the proper
date codes and stamps through
Zip Products (www.zip-corvette
.com) and others. For example,
the driver's half of the rear
window is around $350 with the
proper stamps and codes. As
far as value, if done properly,
none of this will have a material
affect on the value of your SplitWindow.
takes your goals (and budget)
into consideration. Good luck!
Nothing too difficult
about a C3 brake job
I have 1969 427/400
convertible that I bought
recently at auction. It looks
good and it runs well but it's
got 79k miles on it and it needs
brakes—especially as it's an
automatic. I've heard that bleeding
back brakes on C3s can be
very difficult. Is there a foolproof
way to make it easy—a special
bleeder kit perhaps?—D.C.,
Caldwell, ID
1963 Split-Window—find replacement glass with correct date codes
First, find a good shop
you trust
My weekend driver is a '77
Corvette coupe with a stock
180-hp engine and an automatic
transmission. I love driving the
car, but I'd like to get some more
power out of it while still complying
with Oregon's emissions
regulations. I know there are lots
of aftermarket parts available,
but where should I start?—C.M.,
Wilsonville, OR
The simple answer is to
start with your checkbook
and a cab ride to the local
Chevrolet dealer. Pick out the
new 500-hp Corvette of your
choice and fear not emissions
tests. Kidding aside, as you
noted there are a multitude of
options to give a little more jet to
your Corvette.
First I'd recommend consult-
ing with a competent mechanic
who can give your car a full
physical, including a leak-down
test. If the engine and drivetrain
check out as healthy, look for
10 Corvette Market FALL 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
CARB-approved parts and be
sensible. A good aftermarket
carb, intake, ignition system,
and exhaust will make a world
of difference—if installed by
somebody who is methodical and
has a “big picture” approach.
And if simple bolt-ons aren't
enough for you, there is always
the crate motor route, with any
number of “strokers” with more
cubic inches and/or fuel injection,
forced induction, etc.
Another angle is to consider
some drivetrain modifications
that further help to wake up
performance with zero impact
on emissions. For example, a
steeper rear axle ratio will really
help if your car has anything
under around 3.50:1. You can
also swap in a modern 4-speed
automatic transmission with
overdrive, which combined with
a steep rear axle ratio will give
you great acceleration in gears
1–3, with relaxed cruise rpm in
the overdrive 4th gear. Just remember,
don't go it alone; find a
good shop you trust and come up
with a game plan together that
There is nothing particularly
difficult about bleed-
ing brakes on a C3, assuming the
system is clean and operating
properly. The best way to start
with a new brake system—after
the master cylinder has been
properly bench bled and the
proportioning valve is working
correctly—is simply to gravity
bleed it first. Keep the car level
and crack open all four brake
caliper bleeder screws and wait
until a steady stream of clear
fluid runs from each one, with no
bubbles.
In our shop, once we either
gravity bleed or bleed using
a vacuum-bleeding tool at the
calipers, we always finish the job
off with a good old-fashioned
pressure bleed. You know,
the one where one poor soul
operates the brake pedal and
another circles the car cracking
the bleeder screws one at a
time. Always start at the caliper
that is furthest from the master
cylinder, and work your way to
the closest one. At this point you
should be rewarded with a nice,
firm brake pedal.
Please send your questions to questions@vettemarket.com. All submissions subject to editing.
Replacing Glass From Scratch
Correct replacement windows are available with all the proper date codes
and stamps and won't affect the value of your car
Page 9
Check for leaks, clean up any
errant fluid from the bleeding
procedure, and be sure to follow
the manufacturer's instructions
on bedding-in your new pads and
rotors. Lastly, although I know
many swear by it, I am not a fan
of DOT 5 silicone brake fluid.
Invariably, at some point, cars
with DOT 5 always seem to have
somebody top off the fluid with
DOT 3 or 4 fluid, which contaminates
the whole system. Plus, silicone
fluid is known for a slightly
spongy pedal, as it compresses
more than conventional fluid.
I far prefer to use the best
DOT 4 fluid I can find and I
flush the system every one to two
years. If you do that, I guarantee
brake problems will be a thing
of the past for you, especially if
your C3 gets fitted with stainless
steel sleeved calipers. I'm sure
you'll enjoy your 'Vette twice as
much when it stops as well as it
goes.
Show car fan belts good
only for shows
My 1967 427/435 coupe just
came back from three years
at the restoration shop, assuring
my children that they will need
scholarships to attend college.
I've owned the car since 1986
and driven it over 50,000 miles
prior to taking the plunge and
having it restored to concours
standards. Here's the rub: I've
driven it five times since it has
been back, and every time I get
it over 4,000 rpm I hear a “pop”
noise, the amp gauge shows a
discharge, and I open the hood to
find the fan belt dangling around
the water pump pulley. What
gives? In all my years of driving
it prior to restoration it never did
this, and it lived at over 4,000
rpm in my younger days. Is the
alternator locking up? Too much
resistance from the water pump?
Help.—D.M., Tucson, AZ
I bet it is none of the above.
Doing my best imperson-
ation of “Click and Clack,” I'm
going to guess the “pop” is your
fan belt slapping the hood. I'm
also betting the restorer used the
OE-replica cloth-covered fan
belts that are required for NCRS
and Bloomington Gold judging.
If your belts have a cloth backing
and molded GM part numbers,
they are the culprits.
I don't know who engineered
these glorified shoelaces, but the
only place they should be used
is on a car that will be idled on
and off a show field. They do not
have a deep enough “V” to keep
them from twisting around in
the pulley grooves like a piece of
licorice. At high rpm, they actually
flip inside out and then flop
right out of the pulley—in this
case your alternator pulley.
Go to your local NAPA store
and buy the best replacement
V belts they sell. Take a little
lacquer thinner and remove
the modern silk-screened part
numbers from the back of the
belt so they don't stick out as
being modern. Install them with
the proper tension (which is
roughly when you can rotate the
belt 90 degrees in your fingers
mid-point between the alternator
and water pump pulleys, if you
don't have a belt tension gauge
handy), and go for a drive.
As far as those reproduc-
tion belts, use them only for
shows—or to hold a screen
door open on a nice day. Oh,
and good luck with that college
tuition thing… ■
www.corvettemarket.com FALL 2009 Corvette Market 11
Page 10
Insider's
View
Event
Guide
Arizona
January 21, 2010
3rd Annual Corvette Market Insider's
Seminar, Scottsdale
Our first two seminars completely sold out,
as Corvette enthusiasts from around the
country gathered to pick the brains of the
industry's best-known experts. From 9 am to
11 am at Barrett-Jackson, CM will host its
third Scottsdale Insider's Seminar. Publisher
Martin will moderate, joined on stage by a
world-renowned panel of experts including
David Burroughs, Jim Jordan, Kevin
Mackay, Terry Michaelis, Michael Pierce,
Roy Sinor, and Mike Yager. Topics include
restoration vs. preservation, and buy/sell/
hold picks for the current Corvette market.
Free admission for CM and SCM subscribers,
B-J registered bidders and consignors,
and owners of Bloomington Gold-Certified
Corvettes. Space is limited; pre-register at
www.corvettemarket.com/2010seminar.
California
March 26–28, 2010
Legends of Riverside Racing Film Festival
and Gala, Riverside
This unique film festival will screen notable
gearhead flicks such as “High Gear,” “Dorf
Goes Auto Racing,” and “Dirty Mary, Crazy
Larry,” as well as a collection of Can Am
videos, the documentary “Circuit,” about
Danny Sullivan's 1985 Can Am season, and
more. A tribute to the Greats of Riverside
will honor the likes of Phil Hill, Jerry Titus,
Masten Gregory, Ken Miles, Richie Ginther,
and others, and Carroll Shelby will be
honored at the Saturday evening gala dinner.
Only 150 tickets are available, at $199
The current state of the Corvette market
Send your Corvette event listing to cmcalendar@vettemarket.com.
apiece, which gets you into all the events.
www.legendsofriverside.com.
Florida
January 10, 2010
4th Annual Open Car & Truck Show,
Sunrise
Hosted by the Renegade Corvette Club and
held at the Ed Morse Sawgrass Auto Mall,
this annual event will feature Top 30 awards
for Corvettes from 1953 to 2010, as well
as cash awards for the Ed Morse Choice,
Renegade Choice, and Top Corvette. The
first 100 registrants get an event T-shirt, and
the show will have live music, plenty of food
and beverages, a 50/50 raffle, door prizes,
and more. Pre-register before January 1 for
$20, or pay $25 at the door. www
.renegadecorvetteclub.com.
January 16, 2010
Reflections in Glass XXVII, Boca Raton
This annual Corvette and GM show is sponsored
by Lou Bachrodt Chevrolet and has
become one of the largest judged Corvette
events in the state. Held rain or shine,
Reflections in Glass will feature 56 judged
classes starting at noon, with awards for 1st
and 2nd in each class and for club participation.
Live music, a silent auction, food and
drinks, vendors, door prizes, and more. Preregister
by January 9 for $30, or pay $35 at
the door. www.americascorvetteclub.com.
January 20–23, 2010
32nd Annual NCRS Winter Regional
Meet, Kissimmee
This NCRS mega-event includes lots of
vendors, a swapmeet and car corral, judging,
a Corvette wash and shine show, and
a Saturday night cruise through Old Town.
www.ncrs.org.
March 12–14, 2010
15th Annual Amelia Island Concours,
Amelia Island
Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance
12 Corvette Market FALL 2009 www.corvettemarket.comALL 2009 www.vettemarket.com
While Porsche is the featured marque on the
lawn, the Amelia Island Concours weekend
will again boast something for every
gearhead. This year, NASCAR racing great
Page 12
Insider's
View
Event
Guide
The current state of the Corvette market
Send your Corvette event listing to cmcalendar@vettemarket.com.
Planned events for this staple of Tennessee
Corvette culture include a swapmeet and
judged competition, as well as a ThompsonCarr
Collector Car Auction, Grand Run
Corvette cruise, and horsepower events. $10.
www.corvetteexpo.com.
Texas
March 20–21, 2010
32nd Annual Corvette/Chevy Expo,
Houston
Corvette Expo
Richard Petty serves as Honoree, and will
be on hand along with drag racing legend
“Big Daddy” Don Garlits and F1 statesman
Sir Stirling Moss to participate in a Saturday
seminar entitled “The Three Greats.” The
event will be moderated by veteran racers
and current Speed TV commentators Sam
Posey and David Hobbs. Concours tickets
are $45 for adults, $20 for students, and
seminar tickets are $30. www.ameliaconcours.org.
March 14, 2010
24th Annual Spring Meet Corvette Show,
Miami
The Sunshine Corvette Club and Kendall
Chevrolet once again host this gathering,
which will feature judged classes for all
Corvette generations for both original and
modified cars, with awards for 1st, 2nd, and
3rd places. Also a staple of the event are a
50/50 raffle, door prizes, and live music.
Pre-register by March 1 for $25 or pay $35
at the door. www.sunshinecorvetteclub.com.
March 17–20, 2010
58th Annual Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring,
Sebring
The American Le Mans Series makes its
eleventh visit to one of America's most storied
endurance races. Watch as the Corvette
C6.Rs race into the darkness and do battle
against a diverse field of sports cars and prototypes
from Porsche, Jaguar, Panoz, Ferrari,
Aston Martin, Ford, Acura, and more.
Tickets start at $70. www.americanlemans
.com.
Missouri
February 12–14
Chevy Vette Fest, Kansas City
This event grew into one of the biggest in
the country as a Chicago-only show. Now
it branches out for the first time to Kansas
City, where original and restored Corvettes
14 Corvette Market FALL 2009 www.corvettemarket.comALL 2009 www.vettemarket.com
JANUARY
will compete for the Triple Crown award,
considered one of the Corvette world's most
prestigious prizes. Also up for grabs is a
Gold Spinner, awarded based purely on a
car's originality. Classes exist for all years of
Corvette. Adults are $14, kids under 12 are
free. www.chevyvettefest.net.
Tennessee
March 26–27, 2010
33rd Annual Corvette Expo, Sevierville
At over 125,000 square feet, this is the
largest indoor Corvette and Chevrolet event
in Texas. The event will feature show cars
competing for more than 100 trophies, a
classic car sales lot, a swapmeet, and a Miss
Hawaiian Tropic bikini contest. Hundreds of
vendors will be there, as will the 1969 L88
See-Thru Car. $15 per day or $25 for a twoday
pass. www.corvettechevyexpo.com.
Washington
February 6–7, 2010
36th Annual Corvette & High
Performance Meet, Olympia
www.corvhp.com. ■
Auction Calendar
MARCH
22-25—SILVER
Fort McDowell, AZ
7-9—MIDAMERICA
Las Vegas, NV
8-10—FT LAUDERDALE
BEACH AUCTION
Ft Lauderdale, FL
8-10—KRUSE
Glendale, AZ
8-10—TOM MACK
Charlotte, NC
16—COYS
Birmingham, UK
16-18—ICA
Gilbert, AZ
17-24—BARRETT-JACKSON
Scottsdale, AZ
20-24—RUSSO AND STEELE
Scottsdale, AZ
21-22—RM
Phoenix, AZ
23—BONHAMS
Paris, FRA
23—GOODING &
COMPANY
Scottsdale, AZ
28-31—MECUM
Kissimmee, FL
FEBRUARY
6—PETERSEN
Salem, OR
15—SHANNONS
Sydney, AUS
19-20—LEAKE
Oklahoma City, OK
26-28—G. POTTER KING
Atlantic City, NJ
26-28—MCCORMICK
Palm Springs, CA
6—BONHAMS
Oxford, UK
13—RM
Amelia Island, FL
15—SHANNONS
Melbourne, AUS
19—BONHAMS
Hendon, UK
19-20—BUD WARD
Hot Springs, AR
26-28—RM
Fort Lauderdale, FL
27—LEAKE
San Antonio, TX
Courtesy corvetteexpo.com
Page 14
C1 profile
1961 “Big John” Mazmanian
Drag Car
Big John's Corvette could easily be said to have a competition record equal
to the other historic racers sold recently
by Thomas Glatch
Chassis number: 10867S100093
W
hile drag racing gained popularity nationwide through the 1950s, its
epicenter was Southern California. There, speed and engineering prowess
often went hand in hand with beauty and mechanical excellence. Spurred on
by fellow car club members, parts availability, and a growing performance-
oriented group of periodicals, racers began to gravitate toward a more serious trend in
modifications. This was the case of John Mazmanian of Whittier.
By 1960, the 31-year old Mazmanian was operating a successful waste management
and removal business. He decided to go all out and buy a new 1961 Corvette in late
1960; VIN 10867S100093 tells us that this was the 93rd Corvette to come down the
assembly line that year. One of 10,939 produced in 1961, it had a base price of $3,934.
It was equipped with RPO 419, the $237.75 optional removable hard top. The very
first “Big Go West”—NHRA's just-named Winternationals to be held on the Pomona
Fairgrounds in January 1961—would give Mazmanian and his nephew and driver
Rich Siroonian a chance to try something new.
For 1961, after reportedly using the car to clean some clocks on the streets of
Southern California, Siroonian had the Mazmanian & (Earl) Wade 'Vette running
in the high 12-second range to take home Winternationals class honors in the hastilyestablished
AA/SP class (apparently thanks to the Corvette's new 315-horsepower
283-ci engine) with a 12.94 at 109.96 mph. The 19-year-old driver then went on to run
through the Street Eliminator field on Sunday afternoon, going all the way to the final
against Johnny Loper's Willys and finishing as runner-up.
By the time the same event happened in 1962, changes to the car were radical enough
to move it into the CM/SP division. Pictures from the 1962 Winternationals show it
16 Corvette Market FALL 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
Details
Years Produced 1961
Number Produced Base Corvette: 10,939
Original List Price $4,654.95
CM Valuation $76,000–$134,000 (Fuel-Injected,
non-competition)
Tune-up $150
Distributor Cap $19.99
Chassis # VIN plate on the steering column
Engine # Pad on front of block below right
cylinder head
Club National Corvette Restorers Society
More www.ncrs.org
Alternatives
1937 Fiat Topolino “Bad Habit”
Altered Fuel Dragster
1965 Dodge A100 Pickup
“Little Red Wagon”
1970 Chevelle SS 454 LS6 convertible
CM Investment
Grade A
RPO 582 315-hp Fuel-Injected: 1,462
Photos: Darin Schnabel
Page 15
was still not the beast it would become, but it did have
American Torq-Thrust wheels and a low-profile scoop
on the hood. Regardless, it looked like business, and
proved it when it won the CM/SP class title with another
speed record at 113.84 mph. Siroonian then downed
Loper's Willys during the Street Eliminator runoffs
on Sunday (though he did not go to the final round that
year; former partner Earl Wade won in another Corvette
in A/SP trim). The entire car had been repainted in 24
coats of Candy Persimmon by Junior Conway, Eddie
Martinez had done a roll-and-tuck interior including
the trunk, and almost everything that could be bolted
on was chromed or polished. As a result, Big John's fast
Corvette had also taken third place honors at the big
Winternationals Car Show the NHRA held just before
the competition event.
The car was soon in the shop for some serious
upgrades. Hot parts from Iskendarian, Edelbrock
and the Crank Shaft Company reworked the engine's
displacement to 316 ci, and a 4-71 GMC supercharger
and Hilborn injection were added. The factory 4speed
was removed and replaced with a B&M 2-speed
Hydromatic. The grille was removed and a polished
Moon gas tank added front and center, and now the
chromed externals jutted through the hood and off
the wheel hubs. According to then-crew chief Dick
Bourgeois, Mazmanian had about $10,000 tied up in the
car (Big John admitted the modifications had cost more
than the car itself ).
It was in this condition that it drew the attention of
track-goers with an 11.11 ET at 129 mph at the original
Fontana Dragway during an AHRA championship
race that summer, as well as the cameras of Petersen
Publishing. It was featured in this format in the October
1962 issue of Rod & Custom. This was followed by a
cover inset and feature in the March 1963 issue of Hot
Rod magazine. By the time the 1963 Winternationals
rolled around, the car had been modified again. The
engine now displaced 327 ci, thanks to a fresh 3/8-inch stroker crank, and the blower
was now a fat 6-71 GMC.
But things were changing; Siroonian ended up in the army in 1963 and Mazmanian
turned his attention to building the first supercharged Hemi-Willys for 1964. The
Corvette became drag racing history.
It next went to a new owner in Minnesota, was raced only briefly, and changed
hands a couple of times until a collector named John Lange ended up with it. In 1989,
after several years of pursuing it, Bloomington Gold winner Steve Hendrickson
acquired the unrestored car to begin a complete restoration. That effort was completed
in 1998 in time for the NHRA's Hot Rod Reunion in Bakersfield, California, where
Mazmanian was honored and reunited with the car for the first time in over 30 years.
CM Analysis This car sold for $247,500, including comission, at RM's Icons of Speed
Over the years, I've had the privilege of photographing a number of Steve
& Style Auction in Los Angeles, California, on September 26, 2009.
Hendrickson's Corvettes. Many of them were ultra-low-mile factory-original
“time machines.” Those that were restored were usually done in his own shop to
exacting factory-original standards while drawing on his huge stash of N.O.S. parts.
Hendrickson proudly showed me the Mazmanian Corvette shortly after he purchased
it, and while it needed work, I knew it was in very good hands.
Restoring a vintage racer correctly takes a lot of detective work, and it took
Hendrickson the better part of a decade before the Mazmanian Corvette was seen
by the public. He had the body resprayed by Jon Kosmoski, founder of the House of
Kolor, and had famed custom auto upholsterer Tony Nancy stitch the blower cover.
The engine was recreated to the early 1962 configuration using the correct vintage
components. One of the biggest challenges was finding the correct N.O.S. rubber,
which Hendrickson was finally able to do. This is simply one of the most correct
vintage race Corvette restorations possible, and Hendrickson chose an excellent
event at which to sell this type of automobile.
The Mazmanian Corvette is the third high-profile racing Corvette to be sold in
2009. Despite the challenging economic times, the “Gulf One” 1963 Z06 racer sold for
just over $1m at Mecum Kissimmee in January, and the Scuderia Filipinetti 1968 L88
sold for $572k at RM Monterey. Yet the Mazmanian Corvette sold for just $247k. The
Filipinetti car had one significant class win in its career, and Gulf One had one
significant class win and a number of regional victories. With class wins at the 1961
and 1962 Winternationals, and a variety of other successes, Big John's Corvette could
easily be said to have a competition record equal to the Z06 and L88 above.
Plus, theMazmanian Corvette contained much more of its original equipment,
was restored with all of the correct vintage
and N.O.S. hardware, had volumes of
documentation, and received much national
exposure during its racing career and
recently.
Had the Mazmanian car raced at venues
like Le Mans or Daytona, and not Pomona
and Fontana, I feel the price would have
been much higher. Instead, the prejudices
of the market come into play, where drag
racing is seen as a second-class sport to
the upper-crust world of road racing.
As a vintage drag car, the Big John
Mazmanian Corvette sold for average
money, but as a historic Corvette racer,
the price was a disappointment, at least
to me. This should be considered very well
bought by someone who now owns a piece
of history. ■
(Introductory description courtesy of
RM Auctions.)
THOMAS GLATCH has been an automotive
writer since 1983. His work has
appeared in Corvette Fever, Corvette,
Sports Car Market, and elsewhere.
www.corvettemarket.com FALL 2009 Corvette Market 17
Page 16
C2 profile
1965 327/300 Convertible
What this Sting Ray really had going for it was low original mileage and
proven California ownership history
by John L. Stein
Chassis number: 194675S122825
C
orvette collectors will find this 1965 327 convertible almost irresistible. Fortyfive
years after it was ordered new with the popular 327/300 L75 engine and
Powerglide transmission, it remains unrestored, except for a single repaint in its
original Milano Maroon. The car arrived from the factory nicely outfitted with
power steering and power disc brakes—the first time this feature was available in the
Corvette—and both soft and hard tops for every kind of motoring. Today it rolls on a
set of reproduction cast-aluminum wheels wearing period-correct Goodyear Goldline
tires, a very good choice for this car's color scheme.
Contrasting with the maroon finish is the original and very well preserved original-
code 438 white leather interior, which features its own contrast in the black carpeting
and dash. The driver is treated to a three-spoke teakwood steering wheel mounted on
a telescopic column, and an AM/FM radio provides the tunes. Beyond the teakwood
wheel is the view no Corvette lover can get enough of: the classic 'Vette instrument
panel. Look closely at the odometer, and you will see that this wonderful matchingnumbers
example has accumulated a mere 21,425 miles.
Originally a California car, this Corvette has a solid owner history and comes
with full documentation, including the Protect-O-Plate, a letter from the dealer, 1965
California registration, and smog inspection.
CM Analysis This car sold for $49,820, including buyer's premium, at the Mecum
High Performance Auction in St. Charles, Illinois, on October 2, 2009.
Don't you just love auction catalog writers? Along with real-estate advertisements,
18 Corvette Market FALL 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
Details
Years Produced 1965
Number Produced 15,378
Original List Price $4,106
CM Valuation $38,000-$60,000
Tune-up $400–500
Distributor Cap $25
Chassis # Cross brace under glovebox
Engine # On block in front of right cylinder
head
Club National Corvette Restorers Society,
More www.ncrs.org
Alternatives
CM Investment
Grade
1969–70 Ford Mustang GT convertible
1967–68 Chevrolet Camaro SS
convertible
1960–61 Porsche 356B cabriolet
B- (All C2s rate a “B”; include a “-”
for the Powerglide and base engine)
Photos by Sam Murtaugh. Courtesy of Mecum Auctions
Page 17
these spin doctors can conjure up the most positive descriptions.
In the case of this particular mid-year convertible,
“popular 327/300 L75 engine and Powerglide
transmission” actually means one of the least-horsepower-engines
you could get in 1965, with the least
desirable transmission; “unrestored, except for a single
repaint” suggests the original paint was somehow damaged
or degraded; and “reproduction cast-aluminum
wheels” could possibly mean original steel units were
replaced by upscale aluminum re-pops for auction.
But balancing these negatives were some genuine
positives, highlighted by the matching chassis and
engine numbers, low 21,425 claimed total miles, soft
and hard tops, and dated key documentation, including
ownership history.
In terms of options, among the 31 Corvette RPOs
(plus leather seats) available for 1965, this car is not
highly equipped. Although it has leather seats, power
steering, and an AM/FM radio, it still lacks any of the
four available high-horsepower engines (such as the
first-year big-block 396), air conditioning, power windows,
or Positraction, and its Powerglide tranny further
holds it back compared to the more plentiful 4-speed
cars.
California black plate shake-up
One big strength is the “California car” distinction,
an important indicator of a generally rust-free living environment.
While the '65 California paperwork proves
this car's Golden State heritage, the term “California
car” actually got a shake-up last summer when the state
began allowing the transfer of vintage black-and-yellow
plates to any 1963–69 car.
That sucks, because now some rust-infested claptrap
from Milwaukee can become a “California car” for a
small fee plus a set of eBay plates. Fortunately, such
poseurs will never have original California documentation,
and buyers of “California cars” should hereafter
make sure to ask for California ownership history
instead of just taking the wearing of black plates as
proof.
Back to the Corvette at hand. What I like most about
this car is its low mileage, its California history, and the
idea (implied but not stated) that it has not been jacked
www.corvettemarket.com FALL 2009 Corvette Market 19
with. I would much rather buy a low-mileage survivor/driver with known history than
a Priscilla, Queen of the Auction with unknown history and an overload of replica
parts.
Other plusses like power discs and power steering make this '65 usable in city
traffic, and the two tops expand its overall usefulness. But again, the car's mileage is
really the ace in the hole. Even with 100 miles more added every single weekend, it
would take 15 years to reach the 99,000-mile mark, whereupon the owner could still
sell with less than 100k on the clock. And because this Sting Ray has already gotten
a repaint and replica wheels, the new owner can drive it like a normal car and not
worry about every additional chip or blemish.
On the financial end of the deal, the buyer is looking really good at $50,000, be-
cause he gets a sanitary and ready-to-use car for less than the restoration cost of
a needy beater or any fuel-injected or big-block Corvette, along with the pride of
ownership that a substantially original car provides.
Looking at it from a different angle, if the buyer had moved into a comparably
priced new Lexus IS 350 convertible instead, most of the purchase price would spin
into Depreciation Ditch after only five years. All things considered, I'd call this a solid
buy on a solid little car. (Introductory description courtesy of Mecum Auctions.) ■
JOHN L. STEIN served as editor of Corvette Quarterly from 1998 to 2005, the only
independent editor to lead GM's flagship magazine.
Page 18
C3 profile
1969 427/400 Coupe
I have owned or driven all of the 400-hp model years. These are excellent
drivers with the torque of large-blocks and the civility of hydraulic-lifter engines
by Michael Pierce
Chassis number: 194379S702554
T
he 1968 C3 Corvette was derived from Larry Shinoda's Mako Shark show car. For
1969, there were small visual differences—principally the word Stingray added
to the front fenders, and the door release mechanism was designed around what
was a finger hold in 1968, eliminating the separate release button. Troublesome
teething issues were more or less ironed out, a new 350-ci small-block engine was
introduced, and sidepipe exhausts were available for the new body style, after being
dropped in 1968.
In all there were seven engines offered. There were two small-blocks—the base
350/300 and the 350/350 L78—and five big-block engines. These were the 427/390
L36, 427/400 tri-carb L68, 427/435 tri-carb L71, 427/435 tri-carb L89 with the aluminum
heads, and the monster 427/430 (ha! try 560 hp) L88. There was also the ZL1
package, which added an all-aluminum L88 engine and doubled the $4,781 price of
the base coupe by adding a whopping $4,718. Not surprisingly, perhaps, there were
only two of these.
The best daily driver packages are considered by many to be the L36 and L68
427-ci big-blocks, and this car is the 400-hp L68.
It is described as a numbers-matching, frame-off restoration of a very straight
California car with side exhaust, and it's one of 2,072 produced in 1969.
CM Analysis This car sold for $44,520, including buyer's premium, at Mecum's Fall
High Performance Auction in St. Charles, Illinois, on October 2, 2009.
Finished in LeMans Blue over a bright blue interior, the 400-hp, 4-speed, side-
exhaust coupe appeared to have been treated to a meticulous body-off-restoration.
One that probably cost more than the selling price. The owner's description to Mecum
20 Corvette Market FALL 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
Details
Years Produced 1969
Number Produced 2,072 L68 coupe & convertible
Original List Price $5,561
CM Valuation $34,000–$70,000
Tune-up $350
Distributor Cap $12
Chassis #
VIN tag attached to driver's Apillar,
transmission case, engine
pad and frame
Engine # On block in front of right cylinder
head
Club National Corvette Restorers Society
More www.ncrs.org
2001–05 Z06
Alternatives
1988–91 Callaway B2K
1995 ZR-1
CM Investment
Grade C
Photos: Mecum Auctions
Page 19
makes mention of it being an “original,
numbers-matching… engine,” whatever that
means. Perhaps the engine is original to
the car, or merely date-coded correctly for
that time period? In any case, such vague
language is something potential purchasers
with any notion of a return on their investment
should note very carefully. Frankly, I
prefer the statement, “This is the original
engine that came in the car.”
The 400-horsepower Corvette engines
were fairly rare, with 2,101 made in 1967,
1,932 in 1968, and 2,072 in 1969. These long
blocks started life in Tonawanda, New York,
as 427/390 units, with a single Holley 3811 4barrel
carb. Tank sheets show the option as
being converted to 400 hp by swapping out
the cast-iron intake with the single 4-barrel
Holley and replacing it with a lighter-weight
Winter's aluminum casting, with a tri-power,
oval port intake and three Holley 2-barrels
flowing about 1,100 cfm.
A tale of torque and civility
I have owned or driven Corvettes from
each of the model years in which the 427/400
version was produced, with both automatic
and 4-speed transmissions. These are excellent
drivers, with the torque of large-displacement,
big-block motors and the civility of hydraulic-lifter,
lower-redline, 2-bolts. The legendary 435-hp motors
had the same Holley 2300-series 3659 and 60s, but the
intake had rectangular ports to mate with solid-lifter
heads, a heavy-duty high-lift cam and crank, and
higher-compression pistons and rods.
Buyers and collectors alike seem to want side-ex-
haust cars. My '67 435 has them and yes, they make a
lot of noise. In fact, the Oregon DEQ used my car as
their “standard” for the 1967 435s with sidepipes, listing left and right noise levels
over 100 dB. The option first appeared on Corvette order forms midway through 1965.
Only 3% (759) of buyers ordered RPO N14 in 1965, 13% (3,617) bought it in 1966, and
18% (4,209) in 1967.
Unfortunately, sidepipes could not have come on this car from the factory, as the
VIN of 2,554 was built during September 1968; production of sidepipe-equipped 1969
Corvettes started in mid-December, which is closer to VIN 10,000.
Original sidepipes were a bargain
The cost of the sidepipe option remained at $131.65 through the mid-years. For
some reason, GM did not offer the N14 option in
1968 but took orders for 4,355 in 1969, the last time
it was to be available as an RPO. The cost in 1969
was up $15.80 to a whopping $147.45.
To put things in perspective, the reproduction
parts kit to add or replace sidepipes would cost
close to $3,000 now, not including labor. That's
50%–60% of the base cost of the Corvette itself
when new.
So what we have is a restored example of almost
the last of the real sharks, a '69 427 3x2 with ownerinspired
N.O.S. GM side exhausts, a seemingly new
interior, 4-speed, radio, Positraction, and “the
original, numbers-matching motor.” For what the
new owner paid, he could part this car out and come
out ahead, or he could drive it and have a smile for
every mile. That would be my preference, so I'd call
it well bought.
(Introductory description courtesy of Mecum
Auctions.) ■
MICHAEL PIERCE is a longtime NCRS judge who
ranks in the top few dozen and has judged Corvette
events around the world. His own cars have won
Top Flight, Bloomington Gold, and Duntov awards.
www.corvettemarket.com FALL 2009 Corvette Market 21
Page 20
C4 profile
1992 ZR-1 Coupe
The ZR-1 package nearly doubled the sticker price of an ordinary Corvette in
1990, but it was an engineering masterpiece, relative to other GM products
by Chip Lamb
Chassis number: 1G1YZ23J8N5800458
T
he 1992 model year represented the third year of the ZR-1,
with its Lotus-designed, 375-horsepower, 32-valve, 4-cam
engine. ZR-1 emblems were added to the front fenders above
the vents, instrument face plates and buttons were changed to
black from gray-black, and the digital speedometer was relocated
above the fuel gauge.
Three new colors were introduced to the Corvette range: Bright
Aqua Metallic, Polo Green II Metallic, and Black Rose Metallic, in
which this car was painted. The ZR-1 package added $31,683 to the
Corvette coupe's base price of $33,635, and 502 were sold.
CM Analysis This car sold for $9,720, including buyer's premium,
at Silver's Hot August Nights auction in Reno,
Nevada, on August 9, 2009.
At the urging of a couple of friends a few years ago, I took the
Corvette plunge. I had the pleasure of visiting some former clients
of mine in the Detroit area who had a few Corvettes in their collection
of interesting cars. One was a prototype, built during the mid1980s
at Lotus in England, when Colin Chapman's old company
was under GM ownership.
I should point out that this was no ordinary collection and the prototype I peeked
at was an extraordinary one. I was in the maintenance garage of Custom Automotive
Services, once home to the better part of the 1,000-plus cars in the GM Heritage Fleet
and Collection on that summer day. With me was Richard L. Balsley, a friendly GM
lifer who had been the chief engineering liaison to Lotus on the CERV-III project,
better known to the public as “Indy Pace Car.” CERV-III, or Corvette Experimental
Research Vehicle-III, was at the time intended to be the next over-the-top supercar,
with a twin-turbo version of the GM/Lotus quad-cam LT5 aluminum V8, active suspension,
and other complex electro-mechanical devices that would have befuddled
even the bravest of Chevrolet dealership service departments.
Naturally, millions of dollars were spent in pursuit of this lofty goal that served to
net GM merely a strange DOHC aluminum engine and a handful of prototype cars with
radical suspension modifications. The engine shared nothing with the cast-iron smallblock,
apart from its displacement and bore spacing. Balsley nonetheless reminisced
happily about the prototype LT5s and the challenges its complex dual-plenum intake
created, mostly having to do with crankcase ventilation; however, he pointed out that
despite its challenges, it made a fine engine when it and its ZF 6-speed transmission
found their way into the first ZR-1 Corvettes a few years on.
ZR-1 package nearly doubled the sticker price
Balsley further stressed that the running development that allowed for 30 more
horsepower by 1993 also made for a better engine; this revision incorporated not
just intake, cylinder head and exhaust flow porting but also a four-bolt main bearing
crankshaft and some other subtle changes. Taking these hints into consideration, I
watched the market closely and bought an early 1993 ZR-1 in an unusual and subtle
color scheme that I continue to enjoy.
The ZR-1 package nearly doubled the sticker price of an ordinary 1990 Corvette
when it was unleashed on the buying public. Despite this, as well as initial dealer
markups that in some cases even tripled the price of a standard L98 Corvette, it was
an engineering masterpiece relative to other GM products of the era. The production
LT5 was still very potent without turbocharging, and suspension tuning in part
22 Corvette Market FALL 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
derived from CERV-III made it handle better than its
standard counterpart. Dubbed the “King of the Hill,”
its 375 horsepower required the right speed, gear, and
throttle inputs to fully unleash, but its performance was
formidable.
Nearly 3,000 examples were sold during this first year,
most well above sticker, and like many other “instant collectibles,”
many were immediately put away for posterity
by those who felt they would be considerably more valu-
Details
Years Produced 1990–95
Number Produced 6,939
Original List Price $65,318 in 1992
CM Valuation $21,000–$33,000
Tune-up $175
Distributor Cap n/a (coil-pack ignition)
Chassis # Driver's side dashboard at base of
windshield
Engine # Lower rear side of lower crankcase
Club ZR-1 Net Registry
More www.ZR1netregistry.com
Alternatives
1988–89 Corvette Challenge racer
1987–91 Callaway Twin-Turbo
1996 Corvette Grand Sport
CM Investment
Grade C
Page 21
able in the future. ZR-1 production waned thereafter, steadily dropping to a figure of just
448 cars per annum in its last three years of production. The reasons for this are many,
but primarily the new LT1 in the standard car that was introduced for 1992 put out a
very healthy 300 horsepower from stock (330 horsepower from the special-order LT4 in
1996), and for far less than the $31,000-plus premium a ZR-1 cost, you could extract the
105 extra horsepower from an LT1 to match the ZR-1's output.
Examples over 100,000 miles are unusual but not rare
While most known ZR-1s were driven off the dealer lot and parked, others were
put into service and used, if not often, at least with some regularity. Examples with
over 100,000 miles are unusual, but they are not rare. Some have even achieved the
quarter-million mark with no more than regular care and maintenance.
The example pictured here, lot 912 at Silver's annual Reno auction, is one of these.
Commanding only $9,720 and with no consignor or auction company-provided description,
it was analyzed by roving Corvette Market editor Paul Duchene. He wrote
that it appeared to be a “nice Oregon car, not hit, looked to be garaged, good paint
(though swirled by buffing), unmarked wheels, 75% tires, Borla exhaust, light wear to
driver's seat, hatch cracked around latch (through only one layer of the glass), purple
with a black interior, 111k miles.”
Duchene identified the typical driver-condition ZR-1, usually seen with somewhere
in the neighborhood of 40,000 to 70,000 miles on its digital readout. Like most other
cars perceived as being even slightly exotic (read: Dodge Vipers, Porsche 930s, 8cylinder
Ferraris, and etceterini such as De Tomaso Panteras), it appeared to have
been garage kept, although the odometer speaks to at least a few trips up and down
the West Coast, if not Cannonball Runs across the country.
Apart from the popular Borla exhaust upgrade and a hatch slammed one too
many times against the overly-stiff struts, it presumably wore its original Black Rose
Metallic finish, black leather, and factory-fitted “meat-slicer” alloy wheels.
Production was just 502 for 1992, down over half from the previous year's fig-
ure, but little was different from a 1990 or 1991 model,
apart from some light styling changes to the interior
and the attractive exterior hue in which few ZR-1s were
painted.
It goes without saying that all ZR-1s are special cars,
just as all 427/435 C2s were special when they were 18
years old and still presented well. The ZR-1 was the pinnacle
of American performance for a short while and
aesthetically most pleasing against its nearest rival, the
V10 Dodge Viper. However, with other 1992 ZR-1s with
half the mileage selling for at least double this figure in
recent memory, and assuming that its decent cosmetics
represent similar mechanical care and feeding, this
can be considered well-enough bought for a guilt-free
driver example.
Of course, there is one caveat—when it comes time
for major engine work, some parts are becoming hard
to find, and the cost of a complete engine rebuild could
easily exceed the purchase price here. And your chances
of recovering your drivetrain investment would be practically
nil, as it is the high miles that kill the value of this
car on the market.
This is a car that should be driven and enjoyed and
hopefully sold before any big bad noises start coming
from under the hood. ■
CHIP LAMB has been writing about cars and the
people who own them for over ten years. He regularly
reports on the market for CM and SCM.
www.corvettemarket.com FALL 2009 Corvette Market 23
Page 22
C5 profile
2003 Avelate Fifty Three Convertible
When you take an icon like the original Corvette and try to change it
around, the line for those who appreciate such efforts gets mighty short
by B. Mitchell Carlson
Chassis number: 1G1YY32G535105642
T
his rare 2003 Avelate Corvette convertible pays homage to the 1953 Corvette. It
is the first of only two built by the Avelate Automotive Co. in 2003 to pay tribute
to 50 years of Corvette styling.
Avelate masterfully crafted some subtle but distinctive '53 cues into a new
2003 Anniversary Corvette chassis and drivetrain. The paint is white with traces of
flakes to commemorate the 50th Anniversary. It has a red interior like the 1953 cars.
Large round exposed headlamps and toothy grille reflect some of the distinctive '53
styling, along with round rear taillights and curved trunk lid.
The drivetrain is a stock Corvette 350/350 with 6-speed manual transmission. The
wheels are custom built by Billet Wheel Company. With less than 10,500 original
miles, it also has a Bose stereo with CD changer and a white top. In addition, it has the
2003 General Motors Corvette window sticker and VIN.
After completion, Avelate Automotive presented both cars with serial numbered
Certificates of Authenticity from the factory. This car also comes with its last owners'
documentation, plus all factory paperwork and literature from when the rolling car
was purchased from GM. This scarce piece of Corvette history would be an excellent
and very rare addition to anyone's collection.
CM Analysis This car sold for $79,200, including buyer's premium, at BarrettThe
50th anniversary commemorative Fifty Three was not the first or only product
Jackson's auction in Las Vegas, Nevada, on October 7, 2009.
of Avelate Automotive. However, it is one of the more exclusive ones.
Dean “Dino” Arnold's Avelate Automotive, Inc., was an upkick of his customizing
24 Corvette Market FALL 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
Details
Years Produced 2003
Number Produced 2 (against 7,747 50th Anniversary
convertibles)
Original List Price $100,000 approx.
CM Valuation $60,000–$90,000
Tune-up $350
Distributor Cap $12
Chassis # Driver's side dash at windshield
Engine # Pad forward of cylinder head on
right side
Club C5 Registry
More www.c5registry.com
Alternatives
2000 CRC C5/C1 roadster
1995 Guldstrand Nassau roadster
1998 Indy Pace Car convertible
CM Investment
Grade C
Photos: Barrett-Jackson
Page 23
work in Washington State in the late 1990s. Having been on GM's design team
from 1969 to 1984—including stints on the Camaro and Corvette teams—his
first conversions basically blended styling cues of the four previous Corvette
generations onto the C5 platform. The heaviest emphasis was on the C3, especially
on the front fascia, and overall it came off as a very low-slung 1982
model.
Sales—as could be expected from a low-volume converter—were modest. To
broaden the line, Avelate developed the Fifty Three, timed for production to be
concurrent with the Corvette's 50th anniversary in 2003. Claiming to be neither
a copy of the original nor a retro redo, Avelate contended that it was a fresh
design influenced by the C1 in general.
Limited sales meant limited production
If it looks like a duck, is styled like a duck, and has a shark tooth grille
like an original duck, it's a retro duck. With intentions of a limited run of 50
convertibles and 50 coupes (which never made it past the design stage), there
was no need to worry about overproduction. By the time Avelate closed shop in
mid-2004, only 25 conversions of all types had been done during the company's
three-year existence.
Depending upon whose source you believe, there were two or three Fifty Three
convertibles built, with our feature car being the first one. Regardless of the source, all
agree that two cars were factory stock (a relative term in this case), with one “custom”
car, so it seems those who say two were built don't wish to factor in the custom car.
We know that this custom car exists, because I wrote it up when it crossed the block
last year at Russo and Steele's Scottsdale auction—ending up as a $60k no-sale (CM#
119529). In actuality, the “custom” car is built from a salvage-title Canadian-market
1999, while the two factory stock cars were fabricated from Bowling Green virgin
chassis and were sold as new cars. Build quality on these “factory” cars was quite
good for being a conversion and approaches OEM. Then again, with only 13k miles
on the clock, it hasn't had much chance to shake apart.
Strangely, for all of their uniqueness, none of the Fifty Threes—and especially our
featured car—has ever been far from the auction block. This car has crossed the stage
several times at Barrett-Jackson (Las Vegas 2008, lot 518, for $93,500; West Palm
Beach 2008, lot 630, for $77,000; Scottsdale 2006, lot 1573, for $71,500). In addition,
B-J also handled the other car—which is the second of the two “production” cars—at
the 2005 Palm Beach auction. This car was also offered at Mecum's Bloomington
Gold auction in 2004, having been a no-sale at $50,000 (CM# 34249).
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
As with all retro designs, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The company pumped
up the Fifty Three as “what the original design could have evolved into, given time.”
Of course, the argument can be made that the stock C5 is exactly what the design
evolved into, and the C6 after that.
While designers and dreamers can conjure up
“what if” cars all day for everything from Duesenbergs
to Packards to curved-dash 1902 Oldsmobiles, it's a
bit pointless to go this route with the Corvette, simply
because it's still in continuous production (even if the
brand is in better shape than its parent company). When
you take an icon like the original Corvette and try to
change it around, the line for those who appreciate such
efforts gets mighty short.
Actually, in this beholder's eyes, the lone “custom”
car came off better, since it also added bumpers and
chrome trim that this one lacks. As we've said for years
at both SCM and CM, when you stray from stock, you're
on your own trying to get your investment back, and this
is especially true of Corvettes. The further you go, the
deeper the likely loss.
The CRC 1962-look conversions I profiled in CM#3
generally look as much like a 1962 Corvette as possible
with C5 components and nearly stock styling. As such,
CRCs generally work, while our feature car comes up
short. It's not just me. None of these cars has had longterm
owners since new, so it's not like someone has
fallen madly in love with one and is keeping it; all of
them have gone trolling for new owners.
This helps ensure that this car (and at least one
other) will continue to be frequent flyers in the auction
world until an owner just gives up and lets it go to one
of the few collectors out there who truly wants to own
it. As such, it will always be an expensive play toy, with
investment potential nearly non-existent.
Run it, take it to cruise nights, try to pick up chicks
or cougars with it, but don't expect to make a dime on it.
Rather, expect it to hold its value the same as other examples
that claim other evolutionary designs—Excalibur,
Clenet, or Zimmer—as the Fifty Three falls more closely
into their realm than into that of a regular C5.
(Introductory description courtesy of Barrett-
Jackson.)■
B. MITCHELL CARLSON covers two dozen auctions
a year, and his writing appears regularly in Old Cars
Weekly, Kelley Blue Book, Sports Car Market, and
elsewhere. His daily driver is a C5 coupe.
www.corvettemarket.com FALL 2009 Corvette Market 25
Page 24
C6
by Geoff Archer
2006 Chevrolet Corvette custom convertible
EBay #310180744759. S/N 1G1YY36U765112256. Dark orange metallic/black canvas/black
leather. Odo: 9,120 miles. 24 Photos. Brooklyn, NY. “Faster than new ZR1. Over 800HP. Sticker
Price $64,380. Extras: ALL carbon fiber (have all receipts) $19,860, TWIN TURBO KIT $9,060,
Callaway Exhst/ Headers $2,000. Custom HRD Top $2,888, Audio Design $6,858, Navigation/
Heads up Display $1,730, Run Flat Tires $2,700, misc extras (have all receipts) $12,065. Total
investment: $121,541.” 21 bids, sf 282, bf n/a. Cond: 2.
CM Analysis SOLD AT $45,101. This listing included something you don't often see on eBay
(for obvious reasons) “Possible Trade! Send Your Offers.” While it's a shame that
we e-voyeurs have no visibility into what might have been offered in trade, the mere inclusion
of this sentence does tell us something: This seller wants you to think he's bored, not desperate.
Either way, this low-price/high-horsepower sale reinforces that custom cars are almost never profitable to build. Well bought if you don't need
the official badges (or your license).
2008 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 coupe
EBay #110456994255. S/N 1G1YY26E285118374. Velocity Yellow/ebony leather. Odo: 1,963
miles. 32 Photos. San Antonio, TX. “Like New with ONLY 1,963 MILES! 6-Speed Gearbox, 2LZ
Package, Head-up Display, DVD Navigation, Bose Sound System, Heated Seats, Keyless Ignition,
Z06 Competition Gray Wheels, and H.I.D. Xenon Headlamps! This is an EXTREMELY FAST
CAR!! This Corvette's handling is just as impressive as its power. Remaining Factory 3yr/36000
mile Full AND 5yr/100,000 mile Powertrain Warranty!” 44 bids, sf 5, bf n/a. Cond: 2.
CM Analysis SOLD AT $56,991. There are a handful of 2008 Z06s with about 2,000 miles that
sold on eBay within a few hundred dollars of this result, so I'm confident in calling
this a market price.
2008 Chevrolet Corvette custom coupe
EBay #220509292419. S/N 1G1YY26W585121083. Silver/black leather. Odo: 546 miles. 23
Photos. Longview, TX. “THIS IS A BEAUTIFUL CAR THAT HAS MANY MODS AND HAS
BEEN GARAGE KEPT... OVER $25000 IN EXTRAS” including “CLEAR BRA KIT $1250.
HALLTECH KILLER BEE COLD AIR INTAKE SYSTEM $500. LS3 CAM PACKAGE $1895.
19'' HRE WHEELS $5980. BFG G-FORCE KDW NT TIRES $1500. PRECISION 2400 STALL
CONVERTER $795. 3.42 GEAR W/ HARDENED OUTPUT SHAFT LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE
$1782. PORTED INTAKE AND THROTTLE BODY $450. LG LONG TUBE HEADERS $2000.
BORLA EXHAUST SYSTEM TOURING $1395. DYNO- 477hp TO THE REAR WHEELS” 16
bids, sf 0, bf n/a. Cond: 2+.
CM Analysis SOLD AT $38,100. Seller felt, “THIS IS A ONCE IN A LIFETIME DEAL. YOU WILL NEVER GET AND OPPORTUNITY TO GET
modified showpiece will be trading for the price of a stock example. Isn't that like Newton's fourth law or something? Fair (and predictable) deal
all around.
2008 Chevrolet Corvette coupe
EBay #270487228457. S/N 1G1YY26WX85129115. Blue metallic/tan leather. Odo: 10,800
miles. 23 Photos. Mineola, TX. Immaculate destruction? Auction subtitle reads, “SALAVGE
REBUILT NOT WRECKED” yet description elaborates “Said vehicle has been in a collision and
said collision has been repaired by a Master Collision Technician.” OK then, it wasn't a flood, a
fire, or a lemon claim. No idea what was actually crashed or spontaneously destructed, but hey,
“For an additional fee of $8,500, a factory Chevrolet Grand Sport Conversion Kit can be added to
this Corvette.” 6 bids, sf 169, bf n/a. Cond: 3.
CM Analysis SOLD AT $22,575. Hmm. Great looking car with low mileage at a 40% discount
done and have no plans to sell it, then I'd say this was a fair deal.
26 Corvette Market FALL 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
to AutoTrader asking prices. Salvage title. Hmm. If you had a thorough inspection
THIS GREAT OF A CAR FOR SUCH A CHEAP PRICE.” I say, nah... search “custom corvette” for a few weeks and another highly
A Selection of C6s that sold recently on eBay
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
Search “custom corvette” for a few weeks and soon another modified showpiece
will be trading for the price of a stock example. It's Newton's fourth law
Page 25
2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 coupe
EBay #250529428329. S/N 1G1YR26R095800624. Black/gray leather. Odo: 2,200 miles. 19
Photos. Monticello, NY. 2,200 miles. MSRP $103,970 (base). “3M clear bra covering hood and
front fenders. Navigation and chrome wheels. Just as a new car. No issues. No paintwork ever, no
accidents. Signed by Jeff Gordon, NASCAR Legend!” 5 bids, sf 97, bf n/a. Cond: 1-.
CM Analysis SOLD AT $92,100. This is certainly a badass car... but at one year old with 2k
miles... it's just a badass used car. For the ZR1, the 50%-over-sticker premiums
are but a distant memory, and we are seeing these cars cross under the $100k barrier. Market
price—and no, it doesn't matter who signs the dashboard.
2005 Chevrolet Corvette coupe
EBay #220511826232. S/N 1G1YY24U855130633. Red/black leather. Odo: 47,265 miles.
23 Photos. Las Vegas, NV. “IN EXCELLENT SHAPE NO SCRATCHES, DENTS, DINGS,
ANYWHERE, PAINT SHINES LIKE THE DAY OFF THE SHOWROOM FLOOR. TIRES
ARE IN GREAT SHAPE, INTERIOR IS IN GREAT SHAPE. ALL MECHANICAL IS IN 100%
SHAPE CLUTCH FEELS EXCELLENT SHIFTS THROUGH EVERY GEAR AS IT SHOULD.
HEADS UP DISPLAY, ICE COL AIR CONDITIONING, 6SPD TRANSMISSION, 6DISC
CHANGER, HEATED SEATS ONE OF THE NICEST CORVETTES I HAVE HAD ON THE
LOT.” 43 bids, sf 14, bf n/a. Cond: 3+.
CM Analysis SOLD AT $22,600. Anything this side of $25k is a deal for a 50k mile 2005. This
eBay purchases than any facet of this particular (average) car. ■
10% discount probably had more to do with the average person's lack of trust in big
www.corvettemarket.com FALL 2009 Corvette Market 27
Page 26
Market Report
Overview
Corvettes From Paris to Monterey Total $3.6m
Buyers and sellers both found deals on Corvettes from every generation,
and the best cars continued to command good money
by Jim Pickering
D
ifficult market conditions were the rule of the collector
car world throughout the late summer and
well into the autumn months, and Corvettes were
no exception, with many individual sales again
following the same trends seen in the market throughout
most of 2008 and 2009. For the most part, good cars with
the right documentation still brought decent prices, but
those prices were often still below a lot of sellers' expectations,
and cars with stories or issues were again a tough
sale—unless the price was right.
That said, there were a number of deals to be had for
both buyers and sellers, and from August to November,
CM's Auction Analysts were closely watching as Corvettes
crossed the block at locations across the U.S. and Europe.
The Monterey auctions in August are some of the
most anticipated collector car events on the annual U.S.
auction calendar, and this year, 561 of 836 cars sold at six
auctions for a grand total of $119,784,028, including 17 of
41 Corvettes, which accounted for $2,045,210 of that total.
In terms of the perceived market downturn, the results
were actually much better than many people expected,
despite a drop in overall totals from last year's $139m,
when fewer Corvettes (14 of 29) brought $3,435,400.
However, there were still a number of high prices
Top Ten Sales This Issue
1. 1961 Corvette “Big John
Mazmanian” drag car,
$247,500—Lot 245, p. 44
2. 1967 Corvette “Ed Cole”
427/435 coupe, $217,300—
Lot S86, p. 60
3. 1966 Corvette 427/425 coupe,
$143,000—Lot 160, p 58
4. 1967 Corvette 427/435
convertible, $140,400—Lot 432, p. 60
5. 1957 Corvette 283/250 convertible, $135,450—Lot 209, p. 40
6. 1959 Corvette 283/270 convertible, $110,000—Lot 685.1, p. 42
7. 1966 Corvette 427/425 convertible, $110,000—Lot 402.1, p. 58
8. 1965 Corvette 396/425 convertible, $106,700—Lot 396, p. 54
9. 1958 Corvette 283/283 convertible, $104,500—Lot 681, p. 42
10. 1990 Corvette ZR-1 coupe and 2009 Corvette ZR1 coupe,
sold as a pair, $102,850, Lots 705 and 705.1, p. 66 and 67
Best Buys
1. 1967 Corvette “Ed Cole” 427/435 coupe,
$217,300—Lot S86, p. 60
2. 1967 Corvette 427/435 convertible,
$97,520—Lot S106, p. 62
achieved, including the highest-selling Corvette of the
week—RM's 1968 Scuderia Filipinetti L88 coupe, which
brought $572,000 (see the C3 profile, CM Summer 2009).
Mecum's first Monterey auction, held across town, sold
the 1967 “Ed Cole” 427/435 coupe at $217,300—a price
Auction Analyst John Stein called fair for both parties.
Gooding's annual Pebble Beach auction also featured
several select Corvettes, including a 1959 Scaglietti
coupe bid to an insufficient $480k, the 1963 Pininfarinabuilt
Rondine, which failed to sell at $1.2m, and an
ex-Bloomington Gold Special Collection 1966 427/425
coupe, which made $143,000 (See the C2 profile, CM
Summer 2009).
This year's Corvettes at Carlisle auction, which had
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
been scheduled for late August, was cancelled in the
weeks leading up to the sale, but the cars already in line
to be auctioned were featured in a special Corvette section
of this year's Fall Carlisle sale, which took place in
early October. Auction Analyst Chip Lamb was there to
cover the 23 Corvettes on offer, of which six sold for a
final total of $135,030. Last year's Corvettes at Carlisle
event saw 28 of 80 cars change hands for a final total of
$708,278, which at the time represented a drop in totals
for the event compared to 2007, where $1,023,698 came
3. 1954 Corvette roadster, $51,700—
Lot 212, p. 38
4. 1992 Corvette ZR-1 coupe, $18,638—
Lot T17, p. 36
5. 1992 Corvette ZR-1 coupe, $9,720—
Lot 912, p. 66
from 26 of 82 Corvettes.
While all this might suggest that the market has taken
a significant hit, that's absolutely not the case; compared
to last year's Corvette count at Fall Carlisle in October,
where three of 14 cars made $49,350, this year's result
looks quite favorable. As was the case in Monterey, there
were still over-the-top prices here, including this year's
high sale—a 1957 283/245 convertible in #2- condition
that made $75,600. As Lamb noted in his coverage, the
availability of consignments was the main issue for
Carlisle, although a number of sellers did take their cars
home with them in hopes of achieving higher prices.
The Corvette market continues to be a picky place,
and although recent sales show buyers still have the
upper hand when it comes to cars with needs, good
money is out there for cars with originality, excellent
condition, and the right documentation. ■
28 Corvette Market FALL 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
Page 28
Market
Report
Carlisle Auctions
Carlisle, PA
Fall Carlisle 2009
A Venetian Red '57 Corvette hammered sold at $75,600, which was
nothing short of a counterpoint to the pundits' view of the current economy
Company
Carlisle Auctions
Date
October 1–2, 2009
Location
Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Auctioneers
Jeffrey Knosp &
Brent Earlywine
Overall cars sold / offered
111/281
Total sales rate
39%
Sales total
$1,874,591
Corvettes sold / offered
6/23
Corvette sales total
$135,030
Corvette high sale
1957 with two tops made high sale of the Corvettes at $75,600
Report and photos by Chip Lamb
Market opinions in italics
C
arlisle Events's well-known and -attended Corvettes at Carlisle show went off
without a hitch this summer, but it also went off without the annual all-Corvette
auction, reportedly due to a lack of consignments. The announcement that the
sale had been cancelled came about a month prior to the last weekend in August,
and ever hopeful, the Carlisle staff enticed those who had offered their cars to come
back during the Fall Carlisle auction. Still, some sellers undoubtedly made the decision
to go elsewhere, or just hold out for a more favorable economic climate.
Those who opted to return in October were fewer in number, but they benefitted
from being a part of the larger Fall Carlisle auction, made up of over 280 collector automobiles
of all shapes and sizes. The phalanx of Corvettes was afforded a dedicated preview
spot on both days directly outside the hall, except for a few that managed to make
it indoors as a part of the premier display of very special cars. One of these, a Venetian
Red 1957 with both tops, was the second
overall high sale and the top Corvette across
the block, hammering sold at an impressive
$75,600. With an older restoration, warranty
replacement block, and possibly non-original
dual-quad carburetion, the price achieved was
nothing short of a counterpoint to the pundits'
view (no-stories cars only, please) of our current
economy. A wide gulf separated this car
from its runner-up, a brilliant red 1992 ZR-1
with a fresh Borla exhaust, chrome rims, and
a round of Goodyear Eagle directional rubber,
which sold on the block to great surprise for
just $18,638. Third place (and best buy of all
the 'Vettes, if not the entire sale), was an original
1969 small-block, two-top, Fathom Green
Overall Sales Total
$2m
$1.5m
$1m
2009
2008
2007
2006
$500k
0
30 Corvette Market FALL 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
1957 283/245 convertible,
sold at $75,600
Buyer's premium
5%, included in sold prices
convertible that crossed over into new ownership early
on Thursday for just $15,330.
The auction's highest no-sale was a 1965 big-block
coupe in Tuxedo Black over light gray leather with a 4speed
and a rosewood steering wheel at $75,000. Before
anyone laments the sagging economy necessary for such
a low bid on a rare car, it should be noted that one of
ProTeam's experts took the early train out from Ohio to
make a full inspection of this very rare (if original) car.
His findings were that some important pieces, including
the body tag and the rivets that held it on, might well
be reproductions. A number of other Corvettes offered
were also unsold across the block or in post-sale, including
an as-new 2005 coupe at $33,000, as well as a 1973
driver-quality big-block convertible in an incorrect-forthe-year
Marina Blue at $25,500.
Probably one of the most difficult realities for the
Corvette market evident at this year's Fall Carlisle auction
was a heady case of seller's remorse. Many, if not all
of the unsold lots, were bid to within a reasonable value
for those particular cars, but sellers were simply looking
for a better price than was possible in the current market.
As we continue to see with the muscle car market in
its final stages of correction, those smart enough to get
out of an artificial bubble before it pops entirely are the
wise ones; everyone else just gets to enjoy their toys a
while longer. Maybe a lot longer, if they are waiting for
the prices of 2007 to return. ■
Page 30
Market
Report
C1
#F180-1957 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N E57S105796. Venetian Red
& white/tan vinyl & Venetian Red hard top/red
vinyl. Odo: 52,500 miles. 283-ci 245-hp V8,
2x4-bbl, 3-sp. Comprehensive restoration exhibits
light prep issues under paint on hood and
around cowl at base of windshield. Excellent
chrome, brightwork lightly pitted under new
chrome around windshield. Top of dashboard
Carlisle Auctions
Carlisle, PA
likely was. An employee of ProTeam Corvette
checked this out and questioned the reproduction
body tag and many other details. Bidding
was light against what a verified one would be
worth, as the color combination and options
make it one of very few.
C3
#T55-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194379S702866. Dark brown
metallic/black leather. Odo: 62,010 miles.
427-ci 390-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Original green
car now done in older Chevrolet dark brown
metallic with lace-airbrushed L88 hood. Minor
typical spidering and mottling to finish, touchups
from use evident. Chrome and brightwork
better than average, but not much. Older sidepipes
look like factory pieces. Interior tidy,
original dry-rotted rubber that comes with the
car. Engine compartment lightly detailed and
still has all smog equipment intact. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $15,330. The best Corvette buy of
the auction, this '69 convertible likely had very
few miles on it and just wasn't afforded the
best storage it could have had. Still, it spoke
volumes for original finishes and interiors. If I
had come to buy, I'd have given chase at this
winning bid. Very well bought.
#F128-1973 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1Z67Z3S412281. Marina Blue/
white vinyl/black leather. Odo: 67,620 miles.
454-ci 275-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Incorrect earlier
color repaint with some light overspray
evident on trim. Chrome rear bumper redone,
brightwork original with slight scratching evident.
White convertible top possibly original.
has a rough finish, interior soft materials restored
better. Dual-quad warranty-replacement
engine tidy and correct in appearance, but
induction not known to be correct to the car.
Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $75,600. There's a chance
that careful wetsanding to the top of the dash
and portions of the body would improve some
of the flaws noted here. While this was nicer
than most, the price realized seemed over the
top for condition and originality, even if the
block was a warranty replacement. Well sold.
C2
#T58-1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194375S122287. Tuxedo Black/
gray leather. Odo: 99,357 miles. 396-ci 425hp
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Older restoration holding
up well, claimed to have 3,500 miles since
completion. Light prep issues and heavier
orange peel visible. Chrome, brightwork, and
sidepipes uniform with light polishing marks
seats nicely redone. Engine compartment tidy
but not detailed. Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT
$11,000. It's 1978 again—or it was for this
consignor, who knew this car going all the way
back to when it was new and his buddy had
it. Unfortunately, the 1970s happened, and
the brown metallic with the Styx album coverinspired
airbrushing to the hood hasn't come
back into style yet. Bidding didn't even wake
up despite an attentive consignor who stood by
the car throughout the preview.
#T8-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194679S723199. Fathom
Green/black vinyl & green hard top/green
vinyl & cloth. Odo: 5,360 miles. 350-ci 300hp
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Claimed all-original miles
and drivetrain. Chips and emblem wear in
rear, light spider cracks and mottling in front
clip. Nice original hard top has a good finish.
Chrome original and shows its age, light pitting
and dent in rear bumper. Interior very fresh
and well cared-for. Newer Michelins replaced
throughout. Wheels clean, correct-appearing
Goldlines very dirty. Leather seats very nicely
done, interior near spotless. Engine bay exhibits
few flaws aside from small details. Cond: 2.
NOT SOLD AT $75,000. I was pretty wowed
by this car—Tuxedo Black, big-block, gray
leather, 4-speed transmission—it all seemed
too good to be true. Unfortunately, it most
32 Corvette Market FALL 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
Black leather interior very nicely preserved
and quite rare. Engine compartment detailed
long ago and still well-preserved. Cond: 3+.
NOT SOLD AT $25,500. The incorrect color
was not that big a deal, but it was not very well
executed. These big-block convertibles are
about the end of the road for top-down performance
in a Corvette, and the high bid should
have been enough to get this deal done.
#T54-1977 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1Z37L75412671. Black/gray
leather. Odo: 13,845 miles. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl,
auto. Older repaint appears as though done with
a can in most places. Amateur red pinstripe
and Chevy bowtie painted on hood bulge.
Brightwork pitted, luggage rack painted gray.
Seats and dashboard relatively intact, wood kit
fitted to console surround. Engine bay dirty,
with older Moroso valve covers and a new
alternator. Cond: 4. NOT SOLD AT $2,750.
From the malaise era of Corvette production,
this ratty car was likely not even a very good
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Carlisle, PA
driver, so unless that tatty engine bay hid a
freshly-built 300-hp 350, the seller should have
been happy to get whatever he could.
#E18-1981 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1AY876XBS424999. Beige/
cinnamon leather. Odo: 33,287 miles. 350-ci
190-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Original paint and
body very straight and correct, tape pinstripes
likely added by the original selling dealer.
Polished alloys unmarked. Tinted side and rear
windows and an obnoxious modern alarm system
are all that was added from new. Interior
a slightly better result here or somewhere else,
but for now, this seemed like all the money.
#F200-1982 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1AY8786C5120313. Red/red
leather. Odo: 6,258 miles. 350-ci 200-hp
fuel-injected V8, auto. Very original and wellpreserved
throughout. Paint unmarked, wheels
mint, engine bay very tidy. Interior completely
as-new and under plastic. Older Goodyear
350-ci 205-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Original
white paint surprisingly well-presented. Good
glass and trim, weatherstripping also in good
condition.
Interior a bit dry, driver's seat
clean and correct with only light wear to dash,
seats, and console. Engine compartment clean
if not detailed, smog equipment still present.
Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $10,700. A friend
of mine bought the identical car to this one
about a month ago, and I have to confess I like
the light beige with the reddish-brown leather
inside. OK, so I'd rather have an L82 and a
stick in that combination, but it's nice to know
that more than one survived in these colors and
condition. Bid was fair.
#F171-1982 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Collector
Edition coupe.
S/N
1G1AY0789C5101563.Silver-Beige/mirrored
panels/gold & brown leather. Odo: 69,520
miles. 350-ci 200-hp fuel-injected V8, auto.
Original finish seems thin, brown accent on
hood buffed through toward front. Exterior
Eagles and a modern battery are the only
non-original pieces. Cond: 1-. NOT SOLD
AT $17,000. With all due respect to the other
owners of late C3s with no miles on them, the
ceiling can't be much higher than this, especially
as a red-on-red automatic with little else
going for it than its provenance.
#F143-1982 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1AY878XC5114787. Black/
mirrored panels/tan leather. Odo: 25,307 miles.
350-ci 200-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Near
flawless paint may be retouched in places to
clear up light spidering. Factory mags polished
to a mirror finish. Interior spotless, aside from
one driver's seat seam pulling, leather feels
lightly cracked on outer bolster from entry
wear. Chromed '94-'95 ZR-1 alloys wrapped
in new Z-rated Sumitomos a bit optimisticlooking.
Engine bay tidy with a light detailing.
Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $6,825. The surprise was
that this 67,000-mile car with different wheels
and Crossfire injection sold, while the 41,000mile
TPI-equipped original car offered as T82
barely saw more spirited bidding. I would
imagine the buyer of this example would have
preferred that one had he looked a bit closer.
Well sold.
#F220-1985 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1YY0785F5121277. Light
Bronze Metallic/tan & brown checked cloth.
Odo: 14,496 miles. 350-ci 240-hp fuel-injected
V8, auto. A well-preserved original car
throughout. Paint nearly flawless and completely
original, very light wear to trim, slight
misalignment to headlamps from weak bushings.
Factory alloy wheels without flaw, front
uniformly weathered overall. Seats dry but untorn
and might clean up with careful attention,
console a bit rougher. Wheels clean with only
slight marks, engine bay original and complete,
including smog equipment. Cond: 3. NOT
SOLD AT $9,000. There were a fair number of
1982 Corvettes, and although few of them were
these special editions, there are still enough
of them out there in better condition that this.
Perhaps a winter's worth of detailing will net
34 Corvette Market FALL 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
slightly dry. Engine bay lightly detailed and
completely correct. Cond: 2+. NOT SOLD
AT $15,000. Not much difference between this
and another 1982 offered as lot F200 in terms
of condition, but this one at least had slightly
more regular use. Again, the ceiling is not far
away in terms of the most one of these can be
worth today with a Crossfire injection system
and a 4-speed automatic.
C4
#T111-1984 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1AY0780E5135202. White/
black glass/maroon leather. Odo: 67,319 miles.
license plate filler panel missing. Unusual,
rare, and absolutely mint brown and tan cloth
interior. Original and extensive paperwork on
display in rear compartment, engine compartment
immaculate, even without having been
detailed. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $11,288. Not
the most remarkable Corvette, but for just over
$11,000, the buyer has a pretty good chance of
taking Bloomington Gold's C4 Survivor class
by storm. What else this clean and unusual
costs so little? Slightly well bought.
#T82-1985 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1YY0784F5132058. Arctic
White/red leather. Odo: 41,742 miles. 350-ci
240-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Original white
finish throughout exhibits only minor chips
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Carlisle, PA
and light crazing on front bumper. Trim and
weatherstripping nearly mint throughout, factory
alloys unmarked. Interior shows light wear
to driver's seat and center console. Engine bay
clean, undetailed, and well-presented. Cond: 2-.
NOT SOLD AT $6,800. Brought to the sale
from the Southeast by a multiple consignor, this
clean, one-owner trade-in was unfortunately
one of three early C4s in white offered during
the weekend. While the nicest of any of them by
a long stretch, people didn't pay attention, and
the bids did not get nearly high enough.
#T11-1985 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1YY0785F5136457. Light
Bronze Metallic/tan cloth. Odo: 40,465 miles.
400-ci 500-hp V8, 2x4-bbl, 4-sp. Original paint
with reddish-brown stripe and crude handpainted
Wile E. Coyote & Roadrunner graphics
added. Clearcoat lifting on rear bumper
and clip, factory wheels blacked out. Interior
features full rollbar with door bars and safety
harnesses. Seats redone in cloth, tachometer
door. Some tape marks, heavy touch-ups
and spider cracking on front bumper and
passenger's door. Replacement leather seats a
surprise but could fit better. Engine compartment
to driver standards, not detailed. Cond:
3-. NOT SOLD AT $4,000. Merely a driver
with less than average paint and a slightly
freshened interior, this 1985 ‘Vette might have
been a little bit well-bought at this price, but
there wasn't much further to go. The seller
might have considered taking this offer, as
there likely won't be much more without a great
deal more improvement.
#F240-1986 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1YY0783G5106343. Black/
dark gray leather. Odo: 31,506 miles. 350-ci
240-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Paint flawless
aside from ghastly orange peel-rich repaint of
rear clip and bumper that looks to have been
blended into the original finish with a spraycan
and a wet rag. Original alloys clean and
slight weatherstripping deterioration. Original
interior
tidy, normal wear to
driver's seat
bolster and rubberized console. Silver '94-'95
‘A-mold' alloys look good. Very original engine
bay with light coating loss to cam covers
and upper plenum. Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT
$17,000. Rare in white and with a red interior
like the first year Corvette, this 1992 ZR-1 had
seen the typical careful ownership a new car
that cost over $65,000 usually gets. However,
there are plenty of 1990, '91 and '92 examples
out there with next to no miles on the clock, so
it was no surprise the interest ran out on this
one when it did.
Best Buy #T17-1992 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
ZR-1 coupe. S/N 1G1YZ23J4N5800246. Red/
blue glass/black leather. Odo: 59,839 miles.
350-ci 375-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. Brilliant
red appears original, with few if any flaws.
Light chips to front and rear of wheel arches,
ZR-1 badge added below crossed flags on nose,
typical windshield delamination. Interior clean
and well cared for with only slight driver's seat
and shift light added to steering column, oil
and water gauges fill radio slot in dash. Engine
compartment clean, far from stock, and purpose
built. Cond: 3-. NOT SOLD AT $4,750.
While the odometer read just 40,000 miles,
the extensive high-performance work carried
out on the drivetrain just wasn't what anyone
was looking for in a Corvette, and bidding
was extremely soft as a result. Interesting, but
merely one man's idea, and those don't usually
sell well.
#E3-1985 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1YY0785F5139682. White/
black glass/red leather. Odo: 101,841 miles.
350-ci 240-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Older
repaint evident in places and heavy on driver's
unmarked, trim excellent. Interior nearly untouched,
save for very light typical C4 driver's
seat bolster entry wear. Engine bay shows use
but is clean for the age and mileage. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $7,350. From the looks of it, I'd
bet this was a low-mileage original car that
was hit in the rear and repaired on the cheap.
A real shame, as the car was nearly flawless
otherwise. Well sold.
#F239-1991 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
ZR-1 coupe. S/N 1G1YZ23J7M5800742.
Arctic White/blue glass/red leather. Odo:
44,487 miles.
350-ci 375-hp fuel-injected
V8, 6-sp. Original white exterior with only
light chips, no stress cracking on bumpers.
Rear script sloppily hand-painted red, extra
“ZR-1” badge added to right front bumper.
Typical windshield delamination
present,
wear. New Goodyear Eagle F1s wrap around
'94-'95 ZR-1 chrome alloys. Engine compartment
tidy but not detailed, coating on plenum
and valve covers not deteriorated. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $18,638. With a claimed $5,000
spent on performance upgrades, including a
Borla exhaust, I was stunned when the consignor
cut this loose at its $17,500 reserve
price. This was a nicely preserved ZR-1, and at
this price, it was very well bought indeed.
#F189-1993 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
40th Anniversary convertible.
S/N
1G1YY33P1P5111796. Ruby Red metallic/
burgundy cloth/burgundy leather. Odo: 53,614
miles. 350-ci 300-hp fuel-injected V8, auto.
Mostly original paint throughout with a few
touch-ups and chips, some detailing issues not
36 Corvette Market FALL 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
Page 35
addressed before arriving on site. Interior clean
with very little to fault. Convertible top shows
wear issues, rub through from bows and hinges
worst on driver's side. Engine compartment
tidy and very nicely detailed. Cond: 2-. NOT
SOLD AT $13,000. A day's clay bar and handwaxing
might have been good for another few
bids here; the bug splatter on the front bumper,
combined with unaddressed chips and
scratches, seems to have affected more people
than just me. However, another example in
roughly the same overall condition brought
$12,985 at Mecum's Des Moines auction in
July '09 (CM# 130654), and with that in mind,
I'd have to call this a market bid—maybe even
slightly generous.
C6
#T10-2005 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1YY24U055125264. Medium
Blue Metallic/black glass/black leather. Odo:
11,324 miles.
6.0-L
400-hp fuel-injected
V8, 6-sp. Paint and body as-new throughout,
with no scratches, chips or other marks on
body or glass. Interior similar, with driver's
seat showing normal entry wear for just over
10,000 miles. Fitted with heads-up display in
dashboard top. Engine bay completely as-new.
Cond: 1-. NOT SOLD AT $33,500. While a
nice late-model used car, it's just a four-yearold
car. Potential buyers likely just bid what
they would have at Manheim or another highline
dealer auction. ■
www.corvettemarket.com FALL 2009 Corvette Market 37
Page 36
Market
Report
C
Global Roundup
Corvettes across the block
102 Corvettes, $3.5m in Sales
M's Auction Analysts carefully watched the market from August to November,
tracking the cars, their conditions, and the prices each one of them brought as they
crossed the auction block. The market itself continued to be tricky in some cases,
but in others, like Mecum's St. Charles sale in October, where 58 of 76 Corvettes
brought $1,981,058, or Barrett-Jackson's annual Las Vegas sale, where 30 Corvettes totaled
$2,156,550, the market was quite a bit more robust. CM's Analysts' reports make
up the heart of this issue, and the information found within should be considered vital to
your thoughtful collecting.
Auctions Covered This Issue:
RM Auctions, Rochester, MI, 8/1/09—Dale Novak
Silver Auctions, Reno, NV, 8/6/09—Paul Duchene
Mecum Auctions, Monterey, CA, 8/15/09—John L. Stein
Russo and Steele, Monterey, CA, 8/15/09—Ray Nierlich
Gooding & Company, Pebble Beach, CA, 8/16/09—Paul Duchene
Worldwide Group, Auburn, IN, 9/5/09—B. Mitchell Carlson
Bonhams & Butterfields, Tacoma, WA, 9/11/09—Carl Bomstead
Branson Auction, Branson, MO, 9/11/09—Chuck Leighton
Bonhams, Reims, FRA, 9/26/09—Jérôme Hardy
RM Auctions, Los Angeles, CA, 9/26/09—Ed Milich
Silver Auctions, Portland, OR, 9/26/09—Paul Duchene
Mecum Auctions, St. Charles, IL, 10/1/09—Dan Grunwald
Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV, 10/7/09—Dan Grunwald
RM Auctions, Hershey, PA, 10/8/09—Carl Bomstead
Collector Car Productions, Toronto, CAN, 10/23/09—Norm Mort
Silver Auctions, Medford, OR, 10/24/09—Paul Duchene
McCormick, Palm Springs, CA, 11/22/09—Carl Bomstead
Market opinions in italics
C1
#S93-1953 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
roadster. S/N E53F001127. Eng. # LAY49S73I.
Polo White/black canvas/red vinyl. Odo:
151 miles. 235-ci 150-hp straight 6, 3x1-bbl,
auto. The 127th Corvette built. Stated to be an
original California car with matching numbers.
Bloomington Gold Certification. Panel fit is
wonky as is appropriate for the model. Polo
White paint nicely applied, with fiberglass cloth
texture visible below paint. Virtually perfect
intelligence and foresight, and looked to be one
of the crown jewels of this auction. However,
in the current market, only truly irreplaceable
cars were bringing big bids, and in this case
$170k wasn't enough to pry the car loose.
Mecum Auctions, Monterey, CA, 8/09.
Best Buy #212-1954 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
roadster. S/N E54S002316. White/beige canvas/red
vinyl. Odo: 76,971 miles. 235-ci 155-hp
straight 6, 3x1-bbl, auto. Both doors very tight
to quarter panel, convertible top boot pinched.
Average chrome, paint shows numerous chips,
scratches,
blemishes, and masking issues.
Neat and tidy engine bay, new seats fitted to
interior. Heavily orange peeled paint on dash.
owner in South Carolina for 30 years. Paint
dull, trim wobbly, chrome pitted. New seat
covers over lumpy old foam. Cond: 3-. SOLD
AT $78,840. '54s will never have the cachet of
'53s, but this felt like corners were cut. Maybe
the owner ran out of money or interest, but in
any case, it was a solid old car that deserved
better. A lot of money will need to be spent
before this one can be shown, so I'd call it well
sold. Silver Auctions, Reno, NV, 8/09.
#S623-1954 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
roadster. S/N E54S003620. Black/beige cloth/
red vinyl. Odo: 89,389 miles. 235-ci 150-hp
straight 6, 3x1-bbl, auto. Recent cosmetic refurbishing.
Body work and panel gaps to OE
standards, which is to say not great. Scratches
on brightwork. Original mileage. One of 3,640
'54 'Vettes made. Cond: 3+. NOT SOLD
Still retains original top and original paint, but
masking issues denote paintwork having been
done as needed. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $51,700.
Matching numbers. This was a good example
of a Corvette that had been restored in stages
rather than all at once. The seats were obviously
new and one could see that the engine
bay had been cleaned and painted as needed.
The paint was the big detractor, but it was reported
to be the original shoddy finish, so I can
understand why it had been mostly left alone.
The low estimate called for $75,000, which
I thought was stratospheric. Still, given the
degree of originality, I'd call this well bought.
RM Auctions, Rochester, MI, 8/09.
#393-1954 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
roadster. S/N E54S0044099. Polo White/tan
cloth/red vinyl. Odo: 54,192 miles. 235-ci 155hp
straight 6, 3x1-bbl, auto. Fitted with heater,
turn signals, and signal-seeking AM radio.
Typical body and panel fit, reported frame-off
restoration 4 years ago. Sound car, previous
interior. Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $170,000.
With only 300 built, a 1953 Corvette will always
be an important cornerstone for any collection.
There was very little—if anything—to
dislike about this example. It was restored with
38 Corvette Market FALL 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
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Market
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Global Roundup
Corvettes across the block
AT $68,000. A decent original Corvette with
some less than amazing efforts at shining her
up. Best to enjoy from about 20 feet away.
Not concours, but still a solid car to enjoy. A
market-correct bid considering its condition.
Russo and Steele, Monterey, CA, 8/09.
#572-1954 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
roadster. S/N E54S001814. Red/tan canvas/
red leather. 235-ci 155-hp straight 6, 3x1-bbl,
auto. Decent older respray shows obvious
masking lines in all jambs. Good brightwork
very thin in some places, undercarriage dirty
and undercoated. Interior and dash on par with
the rest of the car. Engine bay mostly original
aside from new air cleaners, but is generally
well preserved. A mostly original Corvette
correct parts will be hard to find and expensive,
as observed by an SCMer who has a similar
car. Better hope the side curtains were in the
locked trunk. Prices on '54s have taken a hit
lately, and I fear the buyer had a 2007 price
guide in his back pocket. In much better shape
than the '58 offered here, but that's not saying
much. Well sold. Silver Auctions, Medford,
OR, 10/09.
#416-1954 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
roadster. S/N E54S003416. Polo White/beige
canvas/red vinyl. Odo: 60,811 miles. 235-ci
155-hp straight 6, 3x1-bbl, auto. Later build with
extended exhaust tips. Older paint has been well
maintained, panel fit typical for the year. Stress
cracks by grille and hood, rear bumpers pushed
bidding picked up, as others soon experienced
the same phenomenon. Turns out, this was not
a genuine fuel-injected Corvette, but rather a
“tribute” example, which may explain the slow
bidding and cautious paddle-waving. As it was,
a very well-done '57, but I hope the buyer knew
it wasn't real before he wrote the check. RM
Auctions, Rochester, MI, 8/09.
#S39-1957 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N E57S5100663. Eng.
#
FII06EL. Venetian Red/red vinyl. Odo: 1,223
miles. 283-ci 283-hp fuel-injected V8, 3-sp.
First week of production for Rochester fuel
injection, showing “EXP” stamp on system.
Equipped with RPO 684 “big brake” system.
Very careful body prep with nice paint. Cracked
windshield gasket, passenger's door sags,
older faded seats with sloppy under-dash wiring.
Carpeting textiles too shiny. Mismatched
headlights (Sylvania and GE). Rechromed trim
shows buffing and pits. Period-looking hoses
that appears to have been relatively unused for
many years. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $60,480. The
story to go along with this car is that it sat in a
Chevrolet dealer's showroom for more than 30
years, hence the preserved state. Unfortunately,
it wasn't stored correctly, and the dealer had
the car cheaply painted some time ago, probably
when values were low. What we really
have here is a museum car. Initially unsold,
but a deal was put together post-block at this
market-correct price. The Branson Auction,
Branson, MO, 9/09.
#26-1954 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
roadster. S/N E54S001949. White/tan canvas/
red vinyl. Odo: 43,070 miles. 235-ci 150-hp
straight 6, 3x1-bbl, auto. Aftermarket wires,
baggy canvas top, sloppy repaint. Average
panel fit, non matching numbers, electrics
converted to 12-volt. Engine compartment fitted
with original distributor, replacement coil,
and correct carburetors. Fair interior, but inside
of deck hatch painted black. Checked chrome,
exhaust not typical. Trunk locked. Cond: 3-.
SOLD AT $41,040. A veritable money pit; the
into body. Small tear in driver's seat. Would
not take much to bring it up a notch or two.
Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $51,450. The shortcomings
of the anemic 6-cylinder engine are well
known, but the styling still turns heads. '54s
in this condition have been selling for a bunch
more than was paid here, so I'll call this well
bought. Money spent on upgrading will be returned
in spades. McCormick Auctions, Palm
Springs, CA, 11/09.
#234-1957 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N E57S102540. Red/black
vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 51,594 miles. 283-ci
283-hp fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. Show detailed
throughout to concours standards. Passenger's
door gap wide at fender, trunk high at top boot,
driver's door tight at bottom. Pristine chrome
shows very few very minor flaws. Fresh paint
seems so fresh you can still smell the vapors.
Like-new interior. Radio delete, dog dish
hubcaps. A nearly flawless example. Cond: 1.
SOLD AT $77,000. As I watched this car pass
through the auction block, my “deal meter”
was going off like crazy, causing me to fidget
in my seat as it stalled at about $50,000. The
and clamps underhood. Cond: 2. NOT SOLD
AT $90,000. A real RPO 684 '57 in this arresting
color combination should have been
a slam-dunk for the six-figure club, but this
car didn't draw it. This genuinely covetable
solid-axle exhibited a few faults that some TLC
and a few dollars could easily fix, but buyers
didn't see the upside here. This suggests that
moneyed Corvette buyers at this auction were
more interested in profit potential than owning
a sweet '57, and this one was a keeper. Mecum
Auctions, Monterey, CA, 8/09.
TOP 10
#5
#209-1957
CHEVROLET
CORVETTE convertible. S/N
E57S106080. Venetian Red/beige can-
vas/red vinyl. Odo: 6,153 miles. 283-ci 250-hp
fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. Three NCRS Top-Flight
awards. Quality restoration with nothing to
fault, top has been down only once. Proper
seam alignment and uniform gaps to body,
engine compartment spotless. Restoration
40 Corvette Market FALL 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
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Corvettes across the block
fully documented, since maintained as a show
car and rarely driven. About as good as it gets.
Cond: 1. SOLD AT $135,450. This was strong
money, but it still could have brought a touch
more without any questions. Almost too good to
drive, so it's destined to continue life as a show
car. The seller worked the car, and his efforts
were well rewarded. All should be happy here.
#69-1958 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N J58S103706. Signet Red &
Snowcrest White/white vinyl/red vinyl. Odo:
4,207 miles. 283-ci 245-hp V8, 2x4-bbl, 4-sp.
Fitted with optional Wonderbar radio. Radial
tires on stock steel rims. Fresh from the restoration
shop, with a bit of degassing present.
Minimal to no body ripple from good prep
work, better than stock panel gaps aside from
bottoms of doors, which are not flush with
body. Mostly new or replated brightwork. Good
SOLD AT $104,500. Not all care for the 1958
styling, but it found an appreciative audience
here. This Corvette sold for the right money,
considering its condition: #2 money for a
#2 car. Well bought and sold. RM Auctions,
Hershey, PA, 10/09.
#61-1958 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N J58S106146. Red/white
canvas/black vinyl. Odo: 90,549 miles. 283-ci
230-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. No power steering, no
power brakes, crispy wiring, no trunk lining,
scruffy engine compartment, fat tires have
scraped fenders. Fresh red paint—was purple
a week before the sale—and still sticky... looks
like somebody sat on right rear fender when
the restoration work was quite fresh and done
to very good standards. There was no mention
of matching numbers, which generally means
they don't. Market correct, but with the advantage
to the buyer. RM Auctions, Rochester,
MI, 8/09.
#66-1959 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Scaglietti coupe. S/N J59S102405. Red/tan
leather. Odo: 27,930 miles. 283-ci 315-hp fuelinjected
V8, 4-sp. The first of three Scaglietti
Corvettes and the only red one, with fuel injection
and a 4-speed. The brainchild of Texas
oilman Gary Laughlin, with help from Carroll
Shelby and Jim Hall, it took 3 years to finish.
Dismantled and refinished in the 1980s and
again recently, excellent paint and body fit,
engine compartment detailing, ready to show,
but not quite done to a concours level, using
lesser grade fasteners. Well installed reproduction
interior soft trim. Cond: 2. NOT SOLD
AT $72,500. The auction description said that
during the course of restoration, a great deal
of effort was put into making certain that all
body panels fit as well as possible. Either they
gave up or the doors were beyond help. Saying
that the car has not yet been shown or judged
will hardly make most folks bid like mad—most
want a track record to some extent. Bid to
market price. Worldwide Group, Auburn, IN,
9/09.
TOP 10
#9
#681-1958
CHEVROLET
CORVETTE convertible. S/N
J58S105506. Charcoal & gray/black
vinyl. Odo: 64,643 miles. 283-ci 283-hp fuelinjected
V8, 4-sp. Older restoration has been
well maintained. “Washboard” hood and twin
chrome deck stripes both only available in
1958. Several minor chips on left rear fender,
marks from top on deck lid. NCRS awards in
the early '90s. Charcoal replaced with black
during the middle of the model year. Cond: 2.
paint was wet. Ratty interior, missing trim
all over. Iowa license plate, so rust must be a
concern. Cond: 4-. SOLD AT $28,620. Rode
hard and put away wet, THEN painted. Hard
to see an upside to this, even if it had a new
motor, which certainly seemed unlikely. A plain
Jane that looked to have led a very hard life:
somebody call Car Protective Services. Very
well sold and boldly bought by a bidder with
a lot of time on his hands. Silver Auctions,
Medford, OR, 10/09.
#241-1959 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N J59S101063. Red & white/
red hard top/red vinyl. Odo: 2,581 miles. 283-ci
230-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Wonderful paint from
2008 is just about show quality. Both doors out
at bottom, fuel door fit slightly off, trunk fit
nearly pinched on passenger's side. Excellent
chrome shows very few flaws, windshield
surround has a few small dents and blemishes.
Engine bay well done, but not overdone. Cond:
2+. SOLD AT $55,000. Last seen at The
Auction's Las Vegas sale in April '01, where
it sold for $37,100 and was reported to be in
3+ condition (SCM# 23781). Here, much of
good brightwork and spotless wires. Interior
clean, though an armrest appears to have been
removed and DIY luggage hooks are screwed
into back deck. Cond: 2+. NOT SOLD AT
$480,000. First seen at Barrett-Jackson's
Scottsdale sale in January '98, where it failed
to sell at $155,000 (SCM# 1088). Seen again
at Premiere's New York sale in November '99,
this time unsold at $90,000 (SCM# 18268).
Finally, seen at Russo and Steele's Monterey
sale in August '02, then bid to a $230,000
no-sale (SCM# 28981). Slightly odd looking,
with a longer wheelbase than you'd expect.
Appears to grapple with the same problems as
Cobras—bound to be fast but noisy and unforgiving.
Estimated at $600k–$800k, but ran out
of gas before that. Money was enough. Gooding
& Company, Pebble Beach, CA, 8/09.
TOP 10
#6
#685.1-1959
CHEVROLET
CORVETTE convertible. S/N
J59S105144. White/white vinyl/blue
vinyl. Odo: 34,031 miles. 283-ci 270-hp V8,
2x4-bbl, 4-sp. Very recent high level restoration
with everything new or rebuilt. Non-original
engine, non-matching numbers, claimed 30
test miles since completion. Cond: 1. SOLD AT
$110,000. A very nice straight-axle Corvette in
42 Corvette Market FALL 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
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good colors with a high-quality restoration.
Ready to show anywhere. The non-original
engine and non-matching numbers were the
only drawbacks, but at least it was honest. Well
sold. Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV, 10/09.
#S49-1960 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 00867S109206. Honduras
Maroon /black vinyl & maroon hard top/black
vinyl. Odo: 7,705 miles. 283-ci 315-hp fuel-injected
V8, 4-sp. Claimed to be one of only two
known 1960 Corvettes with the highest-output
engine. Sanding marks on removable hard top,
older windshield rubber, pitted chrome. Quite
original looking under the hood, but with
offered was OK, but I'd have to say the owner
was wise to pass. Collector Car Productions,
Toronto, CAN, 10/09.
#163-1960 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 00867S104933. Honduras
Red & white/black vinyl. Odo: 7,488 miles.
350-ci 200-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Original 283/230
engine replaced with 1982 Corvette 350. Hard
top only, California-assigned VIN. Attractive
Honduras Red with white coves. Replacement
interior well fitted, aftermarket radio installed.
money paid here was on the light side, but not
terribly so given the current market. An average
Corvette selling for average money. RM
Auctions, Rochester, MI, 8/09.
#607-1961 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 10867S104333. White &
silver/white
hard top/black
vinyl.
327-ci
300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. No power steering or
power brakes. Later rebuilt 327 engine, car
reportedly driven 100 miles a year since its
purchase in 2000. New clutch, springs, brakes,
some clumsy wiring and later hose clamps.
Old and tired looking engine installation, but
no oil leaks evident. Two tops, some window
delamination evident. Lots of paint and detail
issues. Cond: 3-. NOT SOLD AT $70,000.
This is another case of a Corvette whose owner
should have sold a year or two ago. Although
a highly desirable car, this '60 had too many
needs to justify a higher price. To purists, it
clearly needed a total restoration, and stacking
that cost on top of the $70k plus that this seller
required was just too much. Mecum Auctions,
Monterey, CA, 8/09.
#619-1960 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1008675109401.
White
& silver/black vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 54,622
miles. 283-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Dirt and prep issues
in fading paint, some chips along driver's
door edge, overspray under gas cap lid. Older
chrome shows age, dings, and scratches in trim.
Fresh red vinyl interior and carpets. Painted
Window trim pitted, other brightwork shows
well. Engine clean and tidy. An attractive package.
Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $56,700. This certainly
seems like all the money for a Corvette
with an incorrect engine and an assigned VIN.
There were lots of questions here, so I hope the
buyer did his homework. This one comes down
on the side of the seller. McCormick Auctions,
Palm Springs, CA, 11/09.
#252-1961 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 10867S100344. Red &
white/black cloth/red vinyl. Odo: 42,660.
283-ci 230-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Driver's door
tight at bottom, passenger's door gap uneven
toward fender, convertible top boot tight on
passenger's side. Typical wavy Corvette body.
Paint shows swirl marks, some chips, and light
orange peel. Very nice chrome with small
blemishes, new top done in cloth. Engine bay
shocks, tires, exhaust, radiator, and gauges.
Offy intake, Holley carburetor, quick-release
valve cover nuts, no ignition shielding. Driver
quality paint, wrinkled seats, later cassette
stereo, repop bumpers. Cond: 3. SOLD AT
$33,480. A poster child for how far Corvette
restoration has come. This might have been acceptable
in the late '70s or early '80s, but now
it just doesn't cut it. $15,000 under low book,
and correctly valued at that. Silver Auctions,
Reno, NV, 8/09.
TOP 10
#1
#245-1961
CHEVROLET
CORVETTE “Big John Mazmanian”
drag car. S/N 108675100093. Candy
Apple Red/black vinyl. Odo: 15,200 miles.
316-ci supercharged V8, 4-sp. One of the most
prominent Corvette drag racers, beginning in
the 1960s. Documented in Hot Rod and Rod &
Custom magazines in period. Good paint and
body fit, some corrosion on period aftermarket
black underside with some surface rust, decent
under hood, but more work is needed. Steel
wheels with original spinner hubcaps scuffed
on curb side. Just another driver. Cond: 3.
NOT SOLD AT $38,909. Described as an
unrestored example, but certainly not all
original. As an refurbished driver, the money
44 Corvette Market FALL 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
neat and tidy but not to show standards. Interior
done to a driver level. No mention of matching
numbers. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $38,500. This
was a decent Corvette that was in nice shape
overall and would serve as a nice driver—one
you can hop in and drive without too much
fuss over the next inevitable stone chip. The
race wheels, pie crust slicks. Stock interior fitted
with vintage tach and Hurst shifter. Includes
parachute. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $247,500.
Storied Corvette drag racer and an early proponent
of supercharged power. Bid well below
the $350k low estimate, which may have been
optimistic for such a single use vehicle. It was
bought new by Big John, so all of those miles
may be from the drag strip... a quarter of a
mile at a time. Market price considering the
history. See the profile, p. 16. RM Auctions,
Los Angeles, CA, 9/09.
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#SP83-1961 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 10867S108259. Black &
silver/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 60,786
miles. 283-ci 315-hp fuel-injected V8, 4-sp.
Resprayed about 25 years ago, and showing
blemishes,
chips, and scratches.
First new
top in 2006. Rechromed in the past and now
showing some wear. Original interior, although
black vinyl seats look fresher. Engine rebuilt
and detailed to local show standards. A clean,
unmolested example. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT
$75,161. A very original, fairly low mileage,
never-off-frame, fuel-injected example.
Blueprinted and balanced original engine rebuilt
3,500 miles ago. Lots of extras were with
the car, including Manometer for the injection
setup, assembly instructions, shop manual,
and wiring manual. The price paid was fair,
and the buyer should be happy. Collector Car
Productions, Toronto, CAN, 10/09.
#173-1961 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible.
restoration
that's fully documented.
S/N 10867S106956. Tuxedo
Black & silver/black canvas/red vinyl. Odo:
158 miles. 283-ci 230-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. A
quality
Striking black paint with silver coves, nice
brightwork showing only slight pitting on
window frames. Window rubbers badly worn.
fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. Cloudy paint, some
body work noted at front nose, but was well
done. Very nice panel fit, as per factory, but
trunk gap is wide on passenger's side. Driver
level chrome and brightwork, with some very
nice pieces and other parts showing more
age and use. Driver grade interior. Sold with
original owner's manual. Cond: 4+. SOLD AT
$61,600. The miles stated were reported to be
original and the numbers matching, with only
two owners from new. There was no mention of
the paint being original, but it looked that part.
Certainly a preservation class Corvette, and
most likely a great Bloomington “Survivor”
candidate. The estimate called for a sale range
of $70,000–$90,000, and although this was shy
of that, I'd say both buyer and seller should be
happy. RM Auctions, Rochester, MI, 8/09.
#457-1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 20867S112426. Black/black
vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 76,846 miles. 327-ci
250-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Numbers matching.
Good repaint with some fixes to typical stock
issues, reupholstered seats show well. Some
wear to chrome, front bumper fit off, cheap
top with back window rubbed, door fit good.
with 62k miles. Correct under hood, very good
panel fit. Some paint flaws in left fender; door
jambs too shiny. Repop chrome very good
in back, original front pieces pitted. Interior
decent. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $53,460. Barely
scraped by its low estimate in the price guide,
even though its history was documented, the
numbers matched, and the color combination
was handsome. The miles were no cause for
concern, and the car looked like a good driver.
Perhaps this price floor is the new ceiling, or
people who considered buying this car bought
one of the others first. Silver Auctions, Reno,
NV, 8/09.
#304-1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible.
S/N 20867S106312CA.
White/black vinyl. 327-ci 340-hp V8, 4-bbl,
4-sp. No power steering or power brakes,
heater block disconnected, three tears in soft
top, crack in hard top. Aftermarket stereo,
Wonderbar radio in trunk. Left rear fender
scraped, paint bubbled and chipped in places,
Engine compartment highly detailed, new interior
properly installed. A strong presentation.
Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $55,650. Just what you
are looking for—a good car at a fair price. A
few little issues will need to be taken care of,
but other than that, it was ready for Saturday
night cruisin' as it sat. Could have sold for a
touch more without any questions, but all in
all, this was a fair deal. McCormick Auctions,
Palm Springs, CA, 11/09.
#223-1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 20867S109153. Maroon/
black vinyl. Odo: 18,248 miles. 327-ci 360-hp
46 Corvette Market FALL 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
Chrome on coves so-so, underhood appears
correct with ignition shields in place. Cond: 3.
SOLD AT $44,280. About the right amount of
effort expended on redoing a low-horsepower
car that appeared to be a nice driver in good
colors. Bid was at the low end of the price
range, but no harm done on either side. Enjoy
those sunny days. Silver Auctions, Reno, NV,
8/09.
#428-1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible.
S/N 20867S109297. Tuxedo
Black/black vinyl/Fawn vinyl. Odo: 68,929
miles. 327-ci 340-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Matching
numbers car sold by original owner in 1992
chrome pitted. License plate sticking out on
homemade bracket, assigned California VIN.
Fuel injection badge fitted. Cond: 4-. SOLD
AT $49,680. I was whistling by the graveyard
on this one, as it scared me to death. The assigned
VIN was practically flashing red. The
poor old thing just looked like it had been
whipped and starved its whole life. Well sold...
I'd have bought drinks for the entire house
and still felt like a lucky man. Silver Auctions,
Reno, NV, 8/09.
#S6-1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 20867S110032. Eng.
#
2110032 F04I2RF. Honduras Maroon/black
vinyl. Odo: 56,599 miles. 327-ci 360-hp fuelinjected
V8, 4-sp. Alaska plates. Older repaint
scratched and chipped, with additional chipping
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Corvettes across the block
perhaps thinking more like a million, the bid
was not enough on this day. Mecum Auctions,
Monterey, CA, 8/09.
around gasket areas. Swirl marks in paint,
crazed rear window, checked tire sidewalls.
Older trim and window gaskets. Hood chafing
on body, cold-air intake duct torn. Older seats
with chipped and corroded interior components.
Dirty and disheveled but still looks useful
as a driver and would respond well to TLC.
Cond: 4. NOT SOLD AT $52,000. Buyers at
this auction were in no mood to extend leniency
to needy cars, because while the market
is soft, restoration is still very expensive—and
there was no guaranteed upside anytime soon
for making the investment in this case. This
car had so many needs, and was presented in
such a state of neglect, that it was like ogling a
supermodel with pimples, halitosis, and yellow
teeth. And the buyers ran. Mecum Auctions,
Monterey, CA, 8/09.
#S82-1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Delmo Johnson/Dave Morgan Sebring Race
convertible. S/N 20867S105683. Ermine
White /black vinyl. Odo: 33,952 miles. 327-ci
360-hp fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. An RPO 687
“big brake” car restored to its 1962 Sebring
configuration. Clean but not perfect presentation.
Shows many blemishes and tool marks
underhood, body has many small cracks and
sloppy masking on stripes. Bright but pitted
trim, poor door gaps, shiny new door lights,
broken leather
hood strap. New interior
door panels and carpets, tear in driver's seat
#564-1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 20867S108963. Maroon/
black vinyl. Odo: 41,291 miles. 327-ci 300hp
V8, 4-bbl, auto. Claimed all original with
no paint work. New tires, aging paint still
somewhat glossy, but showing masking lines
around windshield frame and obvious paintwork
inside gas filler door. Good engine bay
#SP55-1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 20867S112062. Red/black
vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 80,525 miles. 327-ci
300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Older repaint scratched
and showing poor touch-ups and chips. New
bumpers, all other chrome and stainless show
age. Trim ill-fitted and dinged, passenger
door rubs on top of B-pillar. Refreshed black
vinyl interior with deteriorated foam, nicely
restored dash, but green-looking black carpets
need replacement. Older flat black underside
with new hoses and incorrect modern clamps.
Well preserved interior with aftermarket radio.
Cond: 3-. NOT SOLD AT $55,000. 1962 was
the last year for the C1 and its solid rear axle.
Why say a car wears original paint when it's
obviously had some work done? There is a fine
line between a Survivor and a driver, and this
car was on the wrong side of that line. The
Branson Auction, Branson, MO, 9/09.
#597-1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 20867S110290. Roman Red/
tan canvas/black vinyl. Odo: 64,430 miles. 327ci
300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Show quality paint
has faint blend marks on both front fenders
near windshield. Mix of new and old chrome
looks good, excellent stainless trim. Older interior
with faded gauges, nice seats, and good
carpet. Dirt in folds of the shifter boot, correct
screws and fittings throughout. Mostly correct
engine bay with all the right nuts and bolts,
non-original radiator hoses, new stickers, and
shows wear. Painted and detailed under hood.
Holes in headliner of hard top, but carrier
included. At best a driver with some issues.
Cond: 3-. NOT SOLD AT $44,603. Former
California car reportedly repainted and fitted
with fresh chrome in 1997, and appears to have
been well enjoyed since. Noted to be a multiple
award winner, but in which decade? This was
no cherry. Price offered was perhaps a tad low,
yet generally this was a rather uninspiring
example. Collector Car Productions, Toronto,
CAN, 10/09.
C2
#S55-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 30837S116554. Ermine White/
black vinyl. Odo: 65,090 miles. 327-ci 340hp
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Represented as a 100%
original two-owner car. Bloomington Gold
Certification. Bubbles in paint, respray over
chips in front, newer exhaust system. Dirty and
unkempt inside and out, does not present well
close up. Decent seats with corrosion on interior
components, very dirty engine bay. Could
vinyl. Fitted with older two-point racing seat
belt, roll bar, and quick-fill fuel tank. Cond: 3.
NOT SOLD AT $600,000. Looking at this car
in Karl Ludvigsen's book Corvette: America's
Star-Spangled Sports Car makes you realize
how much is lost when historic race cars are
glossily restored. Next to the few weathered
items like hood straps and the driver's seatbelt,
there was very little personality left in this
former fighter. However, given its competition
provenance, there was still some seriously
heavy money lobbed its way. With the seller
48 Corvette Market FALL 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
overspray on wiring harness. Overall a great
restoration in need of minor detail work. Cond:
2-. SOLD AT $46,980. Good colors and good
condition should have pushed this car over the
$50k mark. The paint blends could have been
avoided by just painting the whole nose of the
car, and this flaw definitely held back an otherwise
nice car that had probably been under the
same ownership for quite some time. A good
deal for both parties at the price paid. The
Branson Auction, Branson, MO, 9/09.
be brought to a nice Survivor status with effort.
Cond: 4. SOLD AT $63,600. Uncommon but
desirable color combination in an apparently
straight car that was not well prepared for
auction. This first—and some say quintessential—Sting
Ray had good bones and the added
luster of BG Certification, but the presentation
was really atrocious. The buyer saw through
the grime and brought home a driver that
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Corvettes across the block
can only get better with time and care. Fairly
bought well under the $90k low estimate.
Mecum Auctions, Monterey, CA, 8/09.
#S78-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Z06 Dave Johnson/Delmo Race coupe. S/N
30837S106577. Tuxedo Black/black vinyl.
Odo: 136 miles. 327-ci 360-hp fuel-injected
V8, 4-sp. A well-known race car with the rare
and desirable Z06 factory racing package.
Good paint application to higher standard than
original. Modern computer-generated number
roundels and drivers' names on doors, new
rubber. Many new parts evident, including trim
and badges that look like repops. Knockoffs
unblemished, some paint chips on body. Fully
restored with new wiring harness. Nonstandard
Outstanding amount and quality of craftsmanship,
but I don't see anybody making a living
off this one-off. Russo and Steele, Monterey,
CA, 8/09.
#460-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 308375106478. Silver blue/dark
blue leather. Odo: 51,280 miles. 327-ci 340hp
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Reportedly 200 miles on
restoration. Very good panel fit, good paint,
evidence suggests hood was slammed on
something. Nice interior, AM/FM radio,
scratched rocker trim, repop bumpers and
spectacularly sharp at this venue and ran like a
clock, and it IS one of one. Not the right venue
this time perhaps, but I bet Schudroff will recoup
his investment in the future. Gooding &
Company, Pebble Beach, CA, 8/09.
#162-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 30867S117258. Gray/white
vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 38,293 miles. 350-ci
335-hp V8, 4-bbl, 5-sp. Fully restored in the
U.S. to high standards prior to its arrival in
Europe through a Dutch importer. Paint to
show quality. Chrome, knockoffs, Redline
tires, glass, and rubber all excellent. Interior
mandrel-bent
racing
side exhaust,
older
Johnson CB radio inside. Bloomington Gold
0426 tag on steering wheel. Cond: 2. NOT
SOLD AT $700,000. First seen at Russo and
Steele's Scottsdale sale in January '06, where
it failed to sell at $900k (SCM# 40449). In
the fall of 1962, a handful of Z06s like this
car turned Corvette from a '50s-style sports
car into a world-class GT car with serious
handling credentials. It is only fitting that these
early Z06s—along with midyear L88s—command
the top of the Corvette food chain. This
hugely desirable Split-Window coupe drew the
highest bid of any Corvette at this auction, but
this still didn't get the job done. Another case
of caution winning out over optimism. Mecum
Auctions, Monterey, CA, 8/09.
#F441-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
V7 Twin-Turbo Custom coupe. S/N
30837S111289. Black/black leather. Odo: 50
miles. 395-ci 1,070-hp twin-turbocharged V8,
4-sp. Fully customized twin-turbo mid-engine
Corvette with 0 miles. Black exterior, body
widened 10 inches and fitted with swinging
suicide doors and power engine compartment
cover. Dave West built 395-ci LS1, sequential
paddle shift 4-speed transaxle. Cond: 1. NOT
SOLD AT $165,000. An interesting exercise
in answering a question nobody asked.
knockoffs. Correct ignition shields, no power
steering. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $64,800. Lots of
eye appeal in this iconic model, and a restoration
that was literally just finished. Still, it had
no mention of matching numbers, and I'd have
liked a lot more provenance. Sold mid-range
for its freshness and condition, but I'll be surprised
if there's much upside without a lot more
history. Drive it and enjoy it. Well sold. Silver
Auctions, Reno, NV, 8/09.
#143-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Rondine coupe. S/N 30837S103720. Eng.
# 3103720. Turquoise/cream leather. Odo:
3,690 miles.
327-ci 360-hp fuel-injected
V8, 4-sp. The only steel bodied Corvette,
designed by American Tom Tjaarda while
at Pininfarina. Rear treatment reappeared on
his Fiat 124 spyder design 3 years later. In
Pininfarina's possession for 45 years, then
bought by Michael Schudroff in non-running
as new. Engine bay detailed, with later 350
fitted with MSD ignition, modern a/c compressor,
and more. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $67,000.
There are plenty of Corvettes for sale in the
U.S. at attractive prices, thanks to the current
market and the low dollar. This one won't win
any NCRS trophies given the modifications,
but it sold on the mark for its condition as a
usable, upgraded driver. Bonhams, Reims,
FRA, 9/09.
#76-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 30867S120082. Dark blue/
white vinyl/dark blue vinyl. Odo: 20,456
miles. 327-ci 340-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Hurst
shifter, '64 clock. Over-the-top repaint, repop
bumpers. Not typical of factory production
under the hood, firewall dimple smoothed,
quick-release
valve cover hardware looks
cheesy. Power brakes fitted, but with no power
steering (an odd combination; were the power
brakes added later?) Edelbrock AFB carburetor.
state at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale in 2008
for $1.76m (SCM# 49099). Now freshened
and running well, thanks to Corvette guru
Kevin Mackay. Cond: 1-. NOT SOLD AT
$1,200,000. Corvette Market analyst Michael
Pierce wondered in print if the Rondine would
have brought so much money in 2008 had it
not been on Speed TV, and perhaps this result
bears that out. However, the Rondine looked
50 Corvette Market FALL 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $43,250. Enthusiastic
restoration of a Portland car, with a view to
shine and sparkle over authenticity. The proud
owner was on hand and talkative, which probably
led to some good bidding and the final
offer, and I would have taken it in a heartbeat.
Silver Auctions, Portland, OR, 9/09.
#619-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 30837S102210. Daytona Blue/
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Corvettes across the block
black vinyl. Odo: 49,899 miles. 327-ci 250hp
V8, 4-bbl, 3-sp. Base-level Split-Window,
AM/FM radio the only option—and that was
only available on later '63s, and this is an early
build Corvette. Respray to average standard,
typical body fit issues, nice interior with no real
flaws. Engine clean. A Plain Jane Sting Ray.
Cond: 2. SOLD AT $49,500. This seems like
all the money for a true base level Corvette.
It was unusual in that it was devoid of options
except for the “non-typical” radio. I think
I'd want to spend a bit more to get a car with
some go-fast goodies. Well sold. RM Auctions,
Hershey, PA, 10/09.
#185-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 30837S116955. Daytona Blue/dark
blue vinyl. Odo: 72,640 miles. 327-ci 360-hp
fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. Paint badly cracked,
numerous
visible
touch-ups were
poorly
done. Bumpers dented, rear bumper rusted
through. Engine compartment a mess. A very
desirable Corvette that has been abused and
driver's door will not latch. Cond: 3. SOLD
AT $32,940. The poor rear deck fit and offset
gas tank filler beg for a closer look, as they
hint at possible damage in this car's past. That
said, the seller was smart to set no reserve, and
the car went away to somebody who should get
a lot of fun out of it. Silver Auctions, Reno,
NV, 8/09.
#344-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 408375110216. White & red/red
vinyl. Odo: 69,112 miles. 327-ci 300-hp V8,
4-bbl, auto. Fitted with power steering, power
brakes, modern a/c, power windows, AM/FM
radio, knockoffs, side pipes, and Redline tires.
Good repaint with bonding strips still apparent,
fender edges good, clean underhood with
jumped all over this one, as the value of fuelies
has arguably held stronger than other small
block C2s—find a 327 and a fuel injection unit
and you've got more than just another smallblock
roadster. Unfortunately for the seller,
this theory just doesn't add up, as the profit
margin doesn't warrant the work. Considering
the interior needs, this was all the money. The
Branson Auction, Branson, MO, 9/09.
#40-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. Ermine White/black vinyl/black
vinyl. Odo: 19,959 miles. 327-ci 350-hp V8, 4bbl,
4-sp. Repaint shinier than is typical; repop
wheels, sidepipes, and bumpers. Aftermarket
stereo, replacement engine, Hurst shifter. Top
does not fit well, paint generously applied
around engine compartment. Body dimple
neglected. Cond: 4. NOT SOLD AT $62,500.
Only a quarter of Split-Windows (2,610) were
equipped with the L84 fuelie motor. This was
the complete package, but how much will it cost
to bring it up to an acceptable level? In decent
condition, it's a Corvette worth six figures, but
I doubt this one can be brought to that level for
$40k. The seller missed an opportunity here,
and I think he should have taken the money and
not looked back. McCormick Auctions, Palm
Springs, CA, 11/09.
#327-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 40867S1040570. Daytona
Blue/white vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 70,254
miles. 327-ci 370-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Later LT1
engine fitted. OK engine compartment with
headers, no power steering or power brakes.
Fair repaint, fender lips intact, front headlight
bucket fit good, gas tank filler not centered
at rear deck. AM/FM stereo, tired
interior,
52 Corvette Market FALL 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
all ignition shields. '67 big-block hood, wavy
reproduction chrome, lots of receipts. Cond: 3.
NOT SOLD AT $40,000. The trouble with one
man's dream car is that it's often just that—his
alone. Lots of money went into this car for
wheels, pipes, paint, and plating, but the end
result was a handsome mongrel. Money was
about right, and I'd have taken it like a shot.
Silver Auctions, Reno, NV, 8/09.
#264-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 40867S105625. Silver/black
vinyl. Odo: 37,098 miles. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4sp.
Fresh and shiny repaint over body showing
evidence of repair. Inconsistent panel gaps, passenger's
front fender shows one flaw that looks
like a paint run but isn't. Older interior with
weak chrome, faded gauges, and new carpet.
Hard top is maroon on the inside. Originally a
fuelie car and still wearing the badges, but now
powered by an incorrect 350 with late-model
alternator and aftermarket carburetor. Just a
driver. Cond: 3-. NOT SOLD AT $32,000.
One would think speculators would have
smoothed out on cowl, rear fenders radiused.
Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT $36,000. This felt
like it had a lot of mods done in the 1980s,
when somebody was just running the wheels off
it and that was OK. Then it was recently redone
and the repops were replaced with newer ones.
It seemed as original as George Washington's
axe, and as such, the bid was generous and
should have been accepted. Silver Auctions,
Portland, OR, 9/09.
#579-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 40867S106191. Blue/white
vinyl/silver vinyl. Odo: 59,069 miles. 327-ci
365-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Claimed numbersmatching
convertible with knockoffs, power
brakes, and 3.70 Posi rear end. High quality
paint with visible tape line around windshield
base, hood has rubbed through paint in jambs
on both sides near pivot. Driver quality interior
with some flaking plastic chrome. Fat stacks of
body shims behind both upper control arms,
otherwise nice engine bay with some thin
chrome. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $60,480. This
was the only C2 Corvette sold in Branson this
fall. Although the condition was very similar to
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is what else lurks within? Has the rest of the
car been as neglected as the exterior? If not,
a decent buy; if so, good luck. I wonder how
much more it would have brought if the owner
made an effort to “work” his car? McCormick
Auctions, Palm Springs, CA, 11/09.
some of the other roadsters, a numbers-matching
engine and an unusual color combination
probably helped this car break the $50k mark
and move on to a new owner. The Branson
Auction, Branson, MO, 9/09.
#659-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 40837S110447. Silver/silver vinyl.
Odo: 78,410 miles. 327-ci 250-hp V8, 4-bbl,
4-sp. Beautiful repaint and tinted glass, some fit
problems and dents in windshield trim. Detailed
engine and factory a/c, claimed to have matching
numbers. Silver vinyl reproduction interior
shows no wear. Bolt-on knockoff-look wheels,
Engine said to be rebuilt during restoration.
Numbers claimed to match. Cond: 1. SOLD
AT $106,700. Great Corvettes tend to bring
great money—especially at a sale like this.
This one had the rare 425-hp 396, sidepipes,
alloys, Goldlines, and a drop top, and it was
in excellent condition overall. Well bought and
sold. Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV, 10/09.
Goldline tires. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $75,900.
Sold at the high end of the market, but this was
a factory air car that simply isn't that easy to
find. Still, a '64 isn't exactly the high point of
C2 Corvettes, with no split rear window and
drum brakes all around. As a base-engine
coupe, this was well sold. Barrett-Jackson,
Las Vegas, NV, 10/09.
#264-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 40837S117335. Tuxedo Black/red
vinyl. Odo: 86,310 miles. 327-ci 250-hp V8, 4bbl,
auto. Equipped with a/c and power steering.
Stress cracks noted throughout, large areas
show visible touch-ups. Dings and lots of road
rash to nose, backyard repair of body and paint
around aerial. Interior shows wear typical of
mileage. '64 coupes are not as exciting as the
earlier Split-Windows, but there was no love at
all given here. Cond: 4+. SOLD AT $34,650.
Locked and left with no owner in sight. A decent
respray will do wonders here. The question
overall, but very tidy. From the Coni Fitch estate.
Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $56,160. Mid-range
price, but it felt like a right car that had been
rebuilt with care. Mileage was undoubtedly
accurate, which was another good sign. Not
a particularly desirable combination, but very
usable as a nice cruiser. Buy it, drive it, and
have fun. Palm Desert here we come; dinner at
5, right? Silver Auctions, Reno, NV, 8/09.
#S141-1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194675S113904. Nassau
Blue/white vinyl. Odo: 14,160 miles. 327-ci
365-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Represented as “original
and unrestored” with 14,000 actual miles.
Two tops, original Kelsey-Hayes knockoffs
and bias-ply tires. Car presents as a supernice
original showing factory belts and hoses.
Engine said to have never been removed and
#SP12-1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194375S121200. Red/red vinyl.
Odo: 80,941 miles. 396-ci 425-hp V8, 4bbl,
4-sp. Decent body and paint, but with
chips, aging, dirt, blow-ins, and touch-ups.
Previously rechromed bumpers, new badges,
bezels, etc. Side trim and door handles badly
scratched. Underside undercoated with no
detailing.
Fresher red vinyl interior
with
minor soiling and fading on carpets and dash.
#715-1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194675S121668. Ermine
White/black vinyl/black leather. Odo: 98,262
miles. 327-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Matching
numbers Arizona car. Radio delete, power
steering, power brakes, Vintage Air, aluminum
radiator but with no shroud. New aftermarket
radio included. Restored but not body-off,
panel fit excellent with shrink lines visible.
Repop bumpers, but good ones. A bit too shiny
for this well-deserving car, and it should have
sold at this level and in this climate. Mecum
Auctions, Monterey, CA, 8/09.
TOP 10
#8
#396-1965
CHEVROLET
CORVETTE convertible. S/N
194675S118635. Blue/black vinyl/blue
leather. Odo: 71,406 miles. 396-ci 425-hp V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. Fresh high-level restoration with
a few obvious reproduction items, including
non-adjustable passenger car-type wiper arms.
the convertible top never raised. Cond: 2.
NOT SOLD AT $165,000. Want to know what
your late Aunt Edith's '65 convertible would be
worth if it had remained tucked away in the garage
all these years? Here's your answer. The
market said $165k, but the seller had a stronger
attachment. There was serious coinage offered
54 Corvette Market FALL 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
Engine compartment shows little detailing and
some rust. Like-new factory-style knockoff
wheels. An overall solid, decent driver. Cond:
3-. SOLD AT $35,493. Supposedly owned by
the same enthusiast for the past 18 years, but
driven only 1,000 miles. I'd like to see more
documentation, and condition-wise, it would
require extensive refreshing to bring up to acceptable
“nice driver” standards. With all that
in mind, I'd consider this a fair price for both
buyer and seller. Collector Car Productions,
Toronto, CAN, 10/09.
#SP95-1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194675S113393.
White/black vinyl/blue vinyl. Odo: 8,701
Ermine
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miles. 327-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Fitted with a/c,
matching hard top, ps, pb, power antenna, AM/
FM radio, convenience package, and tinted
glass. Fifteen-year-old respray in original
Ermine White cracking on front left fender
and in headlamp area; other hairline cracks and
prep issues visible. Chrome shows some wear
on rockers. Original bright blue vinyl interior
looks good; engine compartment clean. Steel
chrome wheels with spinner hubcaps good, except
for a few light scrapes. A very nice driver.
Cond: 2-. NOT SOLD AT $56,940. This
former Louisiana car had matching numbers
and had never been hit, and it scored a Top
Flight at 94.5 points in an Ontario NCRS meet
in 2007. It was also loaded with options, including
a/c. The owner wanted more than this
bid, but with the flaws noted and the state of
today's market, he may end up regretting that
decision. Collector Car Productions, Toronto,
CAN, 10/09.
#55-1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194675S107600. Rally
Red/black canvas/black vinyl. Odo: 74,546
miles. 327-ci 250-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Born
in Tuxedo Black, now wearing an average
respray with some visible issues. Fitted with
a/c, power steering, power windows, and power
brakes. Interior worn and neglected. Kenwood
restoration with a book full of receipts to back
it up. Gaps and alignment varied, as expected,
paint with buffing swirls and minor touch-ups
and dings. Aftermarket a/c, beige top poorly
installed. Acceptable interior, minor pitting on
trim. A nice example of base-level Corvette.
Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $56,700. It's difficult to
see where the funds were spent, but it may have
been in the distant past, as it looked like more
work needed to be done. A nice Corvette than
the 1965 offered as lot 55, but it cost more
money as well. I'd call this a far better buy,
as it won't take much to bring it up a grade.
McCormick Auctions, Palm Springs, CA,
11/09.
#77-1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194675S114473. Nassau
Blue/white vinyl/white leather. Odo: 98,377
miles. 327-ci 350-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Born
as a Glen Green car. Very nice respray with a
few minor issues, brightwork good with minor
pitting on window trim. Good panel fit with
uniform gaps. Engine compartment clean and
tidy. Nice interior components, but I think
painted over, touch-up paint brushed onto door
gasket. Sloppy masking in door jambs resulted
in overspray. Engine painted in place, firewall
also painted with overspray present. Cond: 3.
NOT SOLD AT $95,000. The mind reels to
consider whether the sloppy cosmetic BandAids
this car received were present when it
received its esteemed awards, or whether they
were applied later in advance of its appearance
at auction. This was a nice enough car
to deserve appreciation and respect, and the
BG and NCRS salutations should have given
buyers more confidence than they apparently
had. The no-sale at this level suggests that auction
customers are mostly looking for bargains
right now. Mecum Auctions, Monterey, CA,
8/09.
#F420-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194676S111314. Nassau
Blue/white vinyl/blue vinyl. Odo: 55,019
miles. 427-ci 425-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Fresh
repaint with wavy metallic application and a
few chips. Typical lousy panel gaps. Nice interior
done with correct components. Matching
aftermarket radio, windshield wiper knob missing.
Window trim pitted, engine compartment
filthy. Used and abused. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT
$36,750. Buyer paid #3 money for a car that
I'd grade a touch below average. Upgrading
the car would have to be a labor of love, as I
doubt the financial return is there. Chalk this
one up for the seller, as he got out from under a
project at driver money. McCormick Auctions,
Palm Springs, CA, 11/09.
#64-1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194675S108229. Rally Red/
beige canvas/black vinyl. Odo: 12,197 miles.
327-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Stated $75k
56 Corvette Market FALL 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
Saddle Tan would have been a better choice
than white. All-in-all a strong Corvette. Cond:
2-. NOT SOLD AT $47,000. The third '65 to
cross the block on Friday evening, and the only
Corvette no-sale that night. It was on par with
lot 64, the 1965 that sold for $10k more than
was offered here, so the seller made the most
logical decision. Did the color red make the
difference? I think so. McCormick Auctions,
Palm Springs, CA, 11/09.
#S103-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194376S102881. Rally Red/black
vinyl. Odo: 25,928 miles. 427-ci 450-hp V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. Stated to be numbers matching,
NCRS Top Flight 1995, Bloomington Gold
Certification in 2000, Bloomington Gold
Survivor in 2000. Represented as a 28,000mile
car but odometer shows less than 26,000
miles. Chips on driver's door and hinges
numbers 427 in original engine compartment,
fitted with side exhaust and knockoffs. Cond:
3. NOT SOLD AT $67,000. Obviously being
painted in a hurry didn't help this 427 Stingray
convertible to snatch a buyer today. A good
car if it can be had at the right price the next
time around—but allow some funds to redo the
paint. Russo and Steele, Monterey, CA, 8/09.
#F447-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194676S126640. Ermine
White/white vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 217 miles.
427-ci 425-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. $100k restoration
a few years ago. Body and paint still
excellent, show quality interior. Factory a/c,
knockoff mags, power steering, power brakes.
Top Flight Blue Ribbon in 2007. Claimed to
have matching numbers, original window
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engine. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $110,000. In the
catalog photos, this car was equipped with
salt flat-style mags on blackwall tires, so the
original-style knockoffs and Goldlines must be
a recent addition. All in all, this was a pretty
car that was truthfully described, and it sold
quite well. Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV,
10/09.
sticker included. Cond: 1-. NOT SOLD AT
$90,000. As nice a Sting Ray convertible as
you'll ever see. An excellent car for the enthusiast
who wants to actually use the car (or the
enthusiast's significant other), with factory a/c,
automatic transmission, and easy-to-maintain
white paint. No guy stepped up to the plate for
his sweetie this time, which was a pity. Russo
and Steele, Monterey, CA, 8/09.
#43-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194376S114014. Rally Red/black
vinyl. Odo: 71,777 miles. 427-ci 390-hp V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. Born as an Ermine White (Code
972) car with 327/300 engine, and modified to
current specs during recent restoration. Good
panel fit exceeds factory specs. Glass scratched,
visible fix to paint crack on cowl. An attractive
but not very authentic Corvette. Cond: 2. NOT
SOLD AT $40,000. It's not very often that
we see a seller recoup the cost of modifying
a Corvette. They continue to try, but buyers
want the real thing and the associated proper
documentation. The price bid here should buy a
number 3 condition small-block car. Bonhams
& Butterfields, Tacoma, WA, 9/09.
TOP 10
#7
#402.1-1966
CHEVROLET
CORVETTE convertible. S/N
194676S121344. Light green pearl/
dark green leather. Odo: 44,497 miles. 427-ci
425-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Pearl paint in a pleasing
imitation of Mosport Green, original vinyl
interior updated to leather. Modern a/c, some
dull front bumper chrome, scratched rear bumper.
Original knockoff wheels and Goldline
tires. Correct date-coded
but non-original
Very original under hood, but big-block engine
looks recently refreshed. Chassis finished in
flat black. Sidepipes and knockoffs complete
the look. Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $52,195.
Despite its flaws, this was a good-looking bigblock.
No reference or documentation was offered
as to whether this had matching numbers,
58 Corvette Market FALL 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
on glovebox door, scratched threshold plates,
one scrape on windshield. Painted black underside;
detailed, above-average engine and
compartment—but not concours. An excellent
driver. Cond: 2-. NOT SOLD AT $39,858.
Described as previously restored, but few
details were provided. This was a very clean
example with only minor flaws, and it could
easily be improved. The bid seemed on the light
side here, and the owner was right to pass.
Collector Car Productions, Toronto, CAN,
10/09.
#SP125-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 19467S123190. Blue/black
cloth/black vinyl. Odo: 21,977 miles. 427-ci
390-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Recent respray with
some visible imperfections. Original door handles
and window trim pitting, fresher bumpers,
badges, etc. Crack on dash, wear on console,
black vinyl bucket seats like new. Minor fading
to blue carpet, recent black top shows wear.
here and there. Interior may be the best original
extant. Still sitting on Goldline Goodyears,
three of which are original. Original knockoff
wheels and bumpers. Cond: 2. SOLD AT
$143,000. Has immense presence that's all the
more apparent the closer you look. Benchmark
car from the chassis up, but whether or not it
needed that underside work will always be a
source of debate. Regardless, a sale at $143k
seemed like a decent deal in the current market
for a stunning car. Unless you know the new
owner, I'm guessing Bloomington Gold will be
the only place to see this car from here on. See
the profile, CM Summer 2009, p. 20. Gooding
& Company, Pebble Beach, CA, 8/09.
#551-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194676S101737. Yellow/
black vinyl/black leather. Odo: 17,367 miles.
327-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Very high quality
repaint covered in rag scratches that would
easily buff out. Excellent chrome, OK stainless
probably original. Fresh gauges, old dash
switches, pitted window cranks. Excellent carpet,
re-dyed seats, dented glove box lid. Very
nice engine bay with excellent detailing in all
#617-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194376S103758.
White/black
leather. Odo: 61,764 miles. 327-ci V8, 4-bbl,
4-sp. Previously well resprayed, but now with
minor chips around headlamp buckets and
nose area. Driver's door fit not perfect, other
panel fit OK. Scratches on bumpers and door
handles, but all other chrome excellent. Black
leather seats show cracking patina only. Ding
which was probably the reason buyers were a
little hesitant to go any higher. Collector Car
Productions, Toronto, CAN, 10/09.
TOP 10
#3
#160-1966
CORVETTE
CHEVROLET
coupe.
S/N
194376S108199. Eng. #
T11291P6108199. Honduras Maroon/tan
vinyl. Odo: 15,642 miles. 427-ci 425-hp
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Elliot “Chip” Miller car,
considered by many to be one of the best
original Corvettes in existence, and part of the
Schudroff Collection. Part of the Bloomington
Gold Special Collection, numerous NCRS
awards. Complete records, chassis-only restoration
by Kevin Mackay. Body seams visible
under paint, which has been lightly massaged
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Corvettes across the block
the hard to reach places. Squeaky clean undercarriage.
A very nice car with a few small needs.
Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $40,000. Good colors
and great condition were present, but the
consignor needs to rethink his pricing strategy,
as this C2 bid higher than many others in similar
condition. Although nice, this car just didn't
have the details around the edges to make for
a show car. No numbers-matching claims were
made, which probably hurt the final bid, but
even that wouldn't have brought the $60k the
seller was looking for. The Branson Auction,
Branson, MO, 9/09.
#144-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194676S125464. Rally
Red/white vinyl/black leather. Odo: 34,391
miles. 327-ci 350-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. An
attractive
Corvette with no glaring issues.
Original knockoffs fitted, which were ordered
on about 10% of coupes. Sidemount exhaust,
was with the car throughout the sale, taking
care of any questions that came up. The buyer
has a very presentable big-block Corvette,
and the seller is on to his next project. A good
deal for both parties, with a nod to the buyer.
McCormick Auctions, Palm Springs, CA,
11/09.
TOP 10
#2
Best Buy #S86-1967 CHEVROLET
CORVETTE “Ed Cole” coupe. S/N
194377S118305. Goodwood Green/
saddle vinyl. Odo: 46,733 miles. 427-ci 435hp
V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Represented as “The Ed
Cole Car,” ordered for P.H. Pohl by his friend
and neighbor, GM president Ed Cole. 1996
Bloomington Gold Certification. Includes
copy of original order and invoice. Claimed
factory L89 engine with aluminum heads and
3.55:1 Positraction. Nice panel prep and paint
with some cracking on body panel behind
he seller was obviously clinging to prices of
a few years ago. This price should have been
more than enough to complete the deal. The
Branson Auction, Branson, MO, 9/09.
#S85-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
“Bill Mitchell” coupe. S/N 194677S117714.
Ermine White/red vinyl. 427-ci 400-hp V8,
3x2-bbl, auto. Represented as a “one of one”
vehicle especially ordered for GM designer
Bill Mitchell's wife Marian by Corvette chief
engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov. First recipient
of Bloomington Gold Historic Award in 2001.
Very nice paint with a few small chips, good
door fit, few small splits noted in driver's interior
door panel. Poor carpet fit. Two tops, the
minor chips and touch-ups to otherwise excellent
paint. Good brightwork. Small cracks on
leather bolsters. A well-maintained example.
Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $48,825. A striking,
well-restored Corvette with an L79 engine at
a market-correct price. That's what I call well
bought and well sold. All should be standing
tall on this one. McCormick Auctions, Palm
Springs, CA, 11/09.
#179-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194676S114091. Sunfire
Yellow/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 55,271
miles. 427-ci 425-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Fully
documented with claimed matching-numbers
big-block. Quality respray with a few minor
swirls, good chrome and trim, engine bay sparkles.
Fitted with off-road exhaust and replica
hood. Accurate door and window gaskets in
excellent shape, tidily assembled and accurate
engine bay somewhat dirty. Nice interior with
minimal wear. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $217,300.
The highest-performance Sting Ray next to the
vaunted L88, this L89 brought all the money
for all the right reasons: Last of the midyears,
rare L89 option (one of only 16 built for 1967),
desirable color combination, impeccable paper
trail, BG Certification, and ordered by one of
the powerhouse GM brass. As presented, it was
a sorted driver that can be used and enjoyed
indefinitely. The seller reaped a nice reward,
and the buyer paid real money for an important
car. Good on ‘em both. Mecum Auctions,
Monterey, CA, 8/09.
knockoffs; new interior was properly installed.
A documented Corvette in a right color. Cond:
2. SOLD AT $68,500. I have to think this could
have brought a touch more without concern.
The seller provided full documentation and
60 Corvette Market FALL 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
#617-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194677S112706. Marlboro
Maroon/tan vinyl/tan vinyl. Odo: 8,427
miles. 327-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Bodyon
restoration in 2007. Masking lines around
windshield frame, compound in some body
cracks. Reproduction interior with a mix of
new and old chrome, new gauges installed
crooked. Driver-quality engine bay with incorrect
hose clamps and wire connectors. Claimed
numbers-matching engine. Undercoated, dusty
undercarriage. A good restoration, but not to
NCRS standards. Cond: 2-. NOT SOLD AT
$55,000. This car was bid much higher than
some of the other C2 convertibles present, even
though its condition was relatively equal. The
numbers-matching claim probably helped, but t
hardtop with older weather seals. Overspray on
intake manifold, chipping paint on valve covers.
Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $300,000. The
flamboyant Mr. Mitchell ordered up a humdinger
for his wife in this '67 with side pipes, a
red stinger, and red-accented alloy wheels. But
the choice of the medium-horsepower 427 and
an automatic tranny shows his care to provide
Mrs. Mitchell with civilized performance. Its
presentation slipped in a few obvious areas,
making it appear as a poker chip rather than
as a collector's prized possession. The seller
wouldn't take $300k for it, meaning that he or
she had still more invested, or believed in the
car's ultimate potential. We'll no doubt see it
again. Mecum Auctions, Monterey, CA, 8/09.
TOP 10
#4
#432-1967
CHEVROLET
CORVETTE convertible. S/N
1946775S109576. Goodwood Green
& white/white vinyl/green leather. Odo:
43,636 miles.
427-ci 435-hp V8, 3x2-bbl,
4-sp. Matching numbers, 3.70 Posi axle, N14
factory side exhaust, N89 turbine wheels with
Redlines. AM/FM radio, leather interior, teak
wheel. Lovely paint, good panel fit with appropriate
seams, good chrome. Appears correct
under the hood. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $140,400.
Page 59
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Page 60
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Corvettes across the block
V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Fresh zero-mile high-level
restoration. Right vent grille sits a bit low,
couple of nicks in console by hand brake. All
else is factory-new or better. Cond: 1. SOLD AT
$97,520. We've watched these take a hit over the
past year, but not to this level. This was a beautiful
car in and out, and with other examples still
bringing quite a bit more, I'd say it was well
bought. Mecum, St. Charles, IL, 10/09.
C3
Very handsome benchmark car bid to midrange
price; continuing evidence that the right
cars still draw the money. For a lot of people,
this is as good as mid-years get, and the only
thing above it is the L89 with aluminum
heads—or way above it, the '67 L88. In these
stressful times, I'd call this well bought, as if
it holds on now, it's strong. Silver Auctions,
Reno, NV, 8/09.
#560-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194677S118550. Red/white
vinyl/white vinyl. Odo: 37,261 miles. 327-ci
350-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Nice paint with inconsistent
orange peel. Fitted with side pipes
and soft top only. Very nice interior with fresh
chrome, gauges, and seats; aging rubbers in
door jambs. Driver's door squeaks and hangs.
Decent engine bay has been spruced up with
#S84-1968 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
L88 convertible. S/N 194678S411010. Blue/
white vinyl/blue vinyl. Odo: 6,192 miles. 427ci
430-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Represented as one
of only 80 L88s built for the 1968 model year,
this third-generation 'Vette was a cousin to the
James Garner race cars, one of which pulled
$744,000 at the Bonhams & Butterfields auction
in Carmel last August (SCM# 117623). Fully
restored with good body preparation and some
swirling evident from machine polishing. New
Montgomery said to be the original owner and
preparation by Dick Guldstrand. It still failed
to attract much more than half its $450k–$500k
presale estimate. Despite the apparent faux pas
describing its speedway pace-car history, this
was a solid L88 that merited serious consideration,
but the bloom's off just about every C3 out
there right now. Mecum Auctions, Monterey,
CA, 8/09.
#203-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Custom coupe. S/N 194379S709727. Monza
Red/tan vinyl. Odo: 47,686 miles. 383-ci V8,
4-bbl, auto. Aftermarket parts include stroker
crank, Crane Fireball ignition, Be-Cool radiator,
Centerline mags, aftermarket steering
wheel, add-on tach, and Vintage Air. New
brakes, rebuilt differential, all new suspension.
GM hoses and stickers. A local car show level
Corvette. Cond: 2-. NOT SOLD AT $40,000.
Purchased for $55,000 at Mecum's Kansas City
sale in March '09 (SCM# 120052). The numbers
just don't add up here. Why buy a Corvette
just to sell it six months later? If the price paid
initially had been lower, this could have been a
good flip, but the seller paid top dollar for the
car and will probably have a hard time getting
it back. The Branson Auction, Branson, MO,
9/09.
Best Buy #S106-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194677S109705. Red &
black/white vinyl/black leather. 427-ci 435-hp
window gaskets. Wrinkled top material from
being folded. Bloomington Gold Certification.
Cond: 3+. NOT SOLD AT $200,000. Last
seen at Mecum's St. Charles sale in June '03,
where it sold at $86,100 (SCM# 31539). This
car attracted barely half of its pre-auction estimate,
and the Mecum auctioneers wasted little
time on vehicles that didn't approach their reserve.
Holy grail though it might be, the crowd
wasn't particularly interested in spending big
money on rarity's sake alone. Lesson: Bidders
were after bargains, and the long-term value
of high-priced sharks is currently in question.
Mecum Auctions, Monterey, CA, 8/09.
#S102-1968 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
L88 coupe. S/N 194378S426697. Eng. #
18S426697. LeMans Blue/black vinyl. Odo:
22,631 miles. 427-ci 430-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. One
of only 80 1968 L88s, this car was represented
as a “Donington Speedway Pace Car” but a
logo with the car said “Donnybrooke Speedway
1968.” Imperfect paint application with prep
issues and polishing swirl marks. Older engine
installation with worn foam air-filter gasket and
tired plating. Interior presentable with some
carpet wear, scratched threshold scuff plates,
and radio-delete cover. Cond: 3. NOT SOLD
AT $255,000. Last seen at Russo and Steele's
Scottsdale sale in January '06, where it failed
to sell at $330k (SCM# 40445). This L88 coupe
had celebrity connections, with actor George
62 Corvette Market FALL 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
Typical panel fit, so-so repaint with big chip
out of leading edge of driver's door, pitted
chrome. Cond: 4+. NOT SOLD AT $18,000.
A no-sale at first pass, bid to $18,000 with a
$22,000 reserve. Based on the condition here,
it seems likely that the odometer turned over
at least once. Could have been sold without
regret, as this was good money for a car in this
shape with the mods noted. Silver Auctions,
Reno, NV, 8/09.
#166-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194379S700074. Monza Red/black
leather. Odo: 96,485 miles. 427-ci 390-hp V8,
4-bbl, auto. Matching numbers, tank sticker,
pink slip. No a/c, no power brakes. Crispy under
hood, smog pump missing and lines plugged.
OK repaint of California car, seats redone but
horn button is coming off. Good bumpers,
good panel fit. Claimed 5k miles since 1978
and $27k in restoration receipts. Vintage belted
Firestones fitted to rally wheels. Cond: 3. NOT
SOLD AT $31,000. Bid to $31k the first time
around, but the owner wanted $40k. It felt like
an unfinished project—not correct enough to
justify miserable (if correct) belted tires, but
Page 61
didn't look like a sweet driver either. Somebody
needs to make a decision here, otherwise finding
more money will be tough. Silver Auctions,
Reno, NV, 8/09.
#S169-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
L89 coupe. S/N 194379S727012. Eng. #
T0725LP 19S727062. Riverside Gold/black
leather. Odo: 45,299 miles. 427-ci 435-hp V8,
3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Tank sticker, owner history, and
documentation. Terrible driver's door fit, new
Goodyear Polyglas tires, older-looking undercarriage,
older leather seating still usable.
Mousy door and window gaskets, removable Ttops
fit nicely. Reasonably tidy under the hood
but some fittings and brackets are rusty. Looks
vinyl. 427-ci fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. John
Greenwood racing Corvette, known as “the
Batmobile.” Beautifully restored by Lance
Smith. Extensive race history, winner of the
IMSA Trans Am series in 1975. One of two
Spirit of Sebring cars. The last of his racers to
use a stock frame as a basis. Cond: 1-. NOT
SOLD AT $250,000. A huge Corvette racer,
both historically and physically. The injected
427 made an incredible noise, but the room
wasn't interested past $250k. Russo and Steele,
Monterey, CA, 8/09.
#S66-1970 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
LT-1 coupe. S/N 197370S400860. Maroon/red
vinyl. Odo: 66,104 miles. 350-ci 370-hp V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. Paint worn and aged in places, new
chrome front and rear. Wavy areas in body, new
windshield, scratches on side and back glass.
Some distress on door panels. Console paint
call this a good buy either, as the car is just too
unique and individualized to be easily resold.
McCormick Auctions, Palm Springs, CA,
11/09.
#S105-1971 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194671S117850. Eng. #
T0501CRWC115117850. Ontario Orange/
black vinyl. Odo: 21,031 miles. 454-ci 425-hp
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. One of two ZR2 convertibles
built for the 1971 model year and represented as
the “rarest of the rare.” Returned to USA after
earlier export to Germany, full ownership history
cited. Apparently no-expense spared older
restoration. 1999 Bloomington Gold Special
Collection, 2000 National Corvette Museum
Concours d'Performance, 2003 Bloomington
Gold Hall of Fame award. Outstanding body,
paint, chrome and fitments with some older
door gaskets remaining. Inside driver's door
handle broken off and lying in car. Cond:
1-. NOT SOLD AT $345,000. Last seen at
complete and proper. Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT
$62,500. Another no-sale shark at reasonable
money. It seems like the recession has pulled
third-generation Corvettes back down into the
realm of Tier II citizenship, from where they
emerged a few years ago. Although blessed
with a truly iconic body shape, compared to
the midyear cars, even the best chrome-bumper
C3s still have dreadfully cheap-looking
interiors that will haunt them forever. Good
bones though it may have, this L89 had ample
faults and the bidders recognized them clearly.
Mecum Auctions, Monterey, CA, 8/09.
Spirit
#S641-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
of Sebring '75 racer. S/N
194670S409414. White w/graphics/black
chipped, with missing screws and cracks in
plastic. Emission pump still in place on engine.
Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $36,570. First seen at
Mecum's St. Charles sale in June '03, where it
failed to sell at $21,500 (SCM# 31543). Seen
again at Mecum's St. Charles sale in June '09,
where it brought $22,260 (SCM# 120921). Not
a bad turnaround for a few months of ownership,
where just a bit of cleaning was done.
Well sold. Mecum, St. Charles, IL, 10/09.
#398-1970 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194370S414635. White, red, &
blue/red vinyl. 454-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Custom
stars and stripes paint in excellent condition.
LS5 engine modified to produce approximately
600 hp. 750 cfm Mighty Demon carburetor,
Edelbrock Torker II intake manifold, chrome
goodies fitted under hood. Cragar chrome
Mecum's St. Charles auction in June '08,
where it sold at $550k (SCM# 117104). This is
just about as good as it gets for C3 Corvettes.
Needing virtually nothing and offering super
high-end bragging rights, this rare aluminumhead
ZR2 nonetheless commanded only about
half of its estimated sales price, and went home
unsold. It may be some time before high-priced
C3s are sold in any great numbers again, but
when they do this car deserves to cut in at the
front. Mecum Auctions, Monterey, CA, 8/09
#100-1972 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1Z67W2S516735. Orange/
black canvas/black leather. Odo: 3,502 miles.
454-ci
270-hp
V8, 4-bbl,
4-sp. Western
Washington car kept at a beach home; a/c,
tilt/telescopic column, trunk rack. Great paint
in a good color, typical body fit, good chrome,
clean underneath. Little wear to interior, top
wheels, white-letter radial tires. Ton of money
invested, but as a custom, subject to a deep
and narrow resale market. Cond: 2. SOLD AT
$27,725. I'm all in favor of being patriotic, but
I'm not sure it pays off when expressed in a
car's paint job. I have to think the seller lost
his shirt on this one. Even so, you can't really
www.corvettemarket.com FALL 2009 Corvette Market 63
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Corvettes across the block
looks new. Engine details appear correct,
underhood paint not typical. New BFG radial
tires. Cond: 1. NOT SOLD AT $22,000. This
car sold at Silver Reno for $37,800 in August
'08, showing exactly the same miles (CM#
117674). I thought it was a very good buy
then, as it's clearly a Microsoft (i.e. no expense
spared) restoration. There was no money in the
room on this day, however. If it's going to be a
frequent flyer, it needs to head to the Midwest,
where it's going to make somebody very happy.
Silver Auctions, Portland, OR, 9/09.
#531-1973 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1Z37J3S419605. Metallic green/
black vinyl. Odo: 66,737 miles. 350-ci 190-hp
V8, 4-bbl, auto. Numbers matching, Cragar SS
wheels, factory a/c. Stress cracks throughout
support original paint claims, with some solvent
pop and fisheyes in what appears to be original
finish. Well preserved interior with chipped
horn button and some delaminating chrome,
As-expected wear on seats, side panel loose.
A speeding ticket waiting to happen. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $14,070. Average price, average
car, and the Orange Flame paint was thrown
in for free. Sold for the correct price, and if the
new owner can live with the bold color, then all
is well. McCormick Auctions, Palm Springs,
CA, 11/09.
#SP21-1979 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
otherwise very nice. Bone stock unmolested
engine bay with a new a/c compressor. A very
original Corvette. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $11,610.
Far too nice to restore, but it really needed
some original wheels to shine. Offered at no
reserve two hours into the sale; the seller took
a gamble and came out OK considering the
small issues that can be associated with any
unrestored 36-year-old car. Well bought and
sold. The Branson Auction, Branson, MO,
9/09.
#465-1975 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1Z37J5S414409. Maroon/tan
vinyl. Odo: 36,442 miles. 350-ci 165-hp V8,
4-bbl, auto. Paint has excellent shine, but
shows polishing swirls as well as some dirt,
scratches, and chips on nose. Tan vinyl driver's
seat split, foam deteriorating, original carpets
worn. Pitted door handles, like-new luggage
rack. Refurbished under hood. Well-blackened
tires look good, especially with new trim rings
and caps. A driver, but a clean one. Cond: 3-.
SOLD AT $10,439. Lots of recent documented
work included new exhaust, as well as a new
coupe. S/N 1Z8749S49S407371. Bronze/tan
cloth. Odo: 72,028 km. 350-ci 225-hp V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. Very old paint with lots of issues
beyond just the color. Worn, flat black window
trim, tan cloth and vinyl seats have lost most
of their foam padding. Added armrest in gold
radiator, radiator cradle, window seals, master
cylinder, and a/c recharging—and all that
certainly helped this one sell. Reportedly sat
in dealer's showroom until 1978, and then was
stored for 22 years. Price seemed fair for both
buyer and seller. Collector Car Productions,
Toronto, CAN, 10/09.
#470-1975 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1Z37J5S426860. Orange Flame/
neutral leather. Odo: 55,445 miles. 350-ci
165-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Plastic
taillights
cracked, lots of orange peel on average respray.
few imperfections, except crack behind nose.
Worn chrome door handles. Cracking blue
leather seats, foam deteriorating, minor warping
in dash. Rusty, worn underside; decent
under hood but requires detailing due to surface
rust and wear. A driver that could be improved
easily. Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT $6,928. This
car's owner printed off a colorful info sheet,
but it consisted of a bit too much promo and
not enough fact. Still, the bid seemed on the low
side, and the owner was wise to pass. Collector
Car Productions, Toronto, CAN, 10/09.
C4
#SP14-1984 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1AY078XE5144554. Gold/
black leather. Odo: 164,002. 350-ci 205-hp
fuel-injected V8, auto. Factory paint shows
polishing swirls as well as lots of chips and
scratches. Black plastic body trim worn and
twisted,
other
black
painted
trim
chipped.
Woodgrain dash looks good, but worn black
leather
looks out of place. Original worn detailing
under hood, black painted chassis. Cond: 4+.
NOT SOLD AT $9,016. This 4-speed L82's
freshly sprayed black underside looked rather
suspicious. I thought the bid seemed like all the
money this 'Vette would ever see in its current
condition, and apparently the bidders agreed.
Collector Car Productions, Toronto, CAN,
10/09.
#116-1981 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1AY8761B5424549. Blue/blue
leather. Odo: 126,000 km. 350-ci 190-hp V8,
4-bbl, auto. Fitted with power windows, power
locks, tilt column, glass roof panels, and AM/
FM/CD stereo. 2005 metallic blue respray with
64 Corvette Market FALL 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
on driver's seat needs
replacing.
Original engine compartment and undercoating
still intact and showing only minor wear.
No outstanding attributes here. Cond: 3-. NOT
SOLD AT $6,169. This was the first year of the
C4, but that's not a great selling feature. This
high-mileage example in gold had little to offer
in a market where many nicer examples are
available. Supply and demand always sets the
price, and this one was about right. Collector
Car Productions, Toronto, CAN, 10/09.
#629-1985 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1YY0786FS105315. White/tan
leather. Odo: 116,007 km. 350-ci 230-hp fuelinjected
V8, auto. Wonky driver's A-pillar has
a story behind it. Resprayed white with some
visible dirt and imperfections. Stained tan carpets,
passenger's seat well worn, driver's seat
good. All door and window rubber deteriorated,
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Corvettes across the block
ownership and no visible flaws. Ambitiously
estimated at $35k–$45k, but the market says
$25k tops. To quote Dick Tuck after his unsuccessful
California Senate campaign against
Richard Nixon in 1966: “The people have
spoken, the bastards.” Gooding & Company,
Pebble Beach, CA, 8/09.
Best Buy #912-1992
stone chips in glass. Reportedly 383-ci stroker
engine rebuild. Sprayed black underside, glass
top cracked, well-worn aftermarket wheels.
Cond: 4+. SOLD AT $6,368. The expression
“rode hard and put away wet” seems to sum
it up pretty well. The price was right, and the
owner was wise to part with this “Do I have
a story to tell you...” Corvette. Collector Car
Productions, Toronto, CAN, 10/09.
#265-1988 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Callaway Twin Turbo convertible. S/N
1G1YY3181J5112997. Dark blue/tan cloth/tan
leather. Odo: 39,888 miles. 350-ci 382-hp twinturbocharged
V8, auto. Original paint with
touch-ups throughout, spray-bombed Callaway
alloy wheels. Heavier seat bolster wear than
mileage would suggest, interior needs a good
scrubbing. Dirty engine bay with all the right
Callaway bits,
including
intercooler
ducts.
stains on alloy engine intake and valve covers.
Cond: 1. SOLD AT $102,850. First year
ZR-1 with papers out of Portland, OR. Dealer
sticker shows “Adjusted Market Value” add-on
of $35,000 for a $95,000 price when new. Sold
as a pair with Lot 705, the 2009 ZR1, so call
it free with the purchase of the 2009 model.
Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV, 10/09.
Bilstein shocks with Delco logo. Just a used
car that happens to be from Callaway. Cond:
3. SOLD AT $15,930. In excellent condition,
these cars easily break the $20k mark, but unfortunately
this car looked like it had been rode
hard and put away wet. Some detailing could
have really helped, but that would only hide
that it was a mistreated supercar. Considering
the cosmetic condition, one can only wonder
how hard it's been abused and what mechanical
problems lurk. The seller was wise to cut
this one loose, but the buyer should have
fun at the drag strip. The Branson Auction,
Branson, MO, 9/09.
#14.1-1989 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1YY2184K5117414. Blue/
black leather. Odo: 72,880 miles. 350-ci 245hp
fuel-injected V8, auto. Lots of paint chips
and heavy scratches everywhere. Weatherstrips
cracked and torn, chips on windshield, chrome
wheels dirty. Seats show wear, shiny wood
66 Corvette Market FALL 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
#21-1990 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
ZR-1 coupe. S/N 1G1Y23J8L580041. Dark
red metallic/black leather. Odo: 1,318 miles.
350-ci 375-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. First
year ZR-1, effectively as new. Belonged to
Robert Petersen of Petersen Publishing and LA
museum fame. Clean in and out, minimal mileage,
a few paint chips here and there. Excellent
interior with little wear, tires are old but still
good. Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $32,000. Read
it and weep, ZR-1 owners. Here's an almostbrand-new
car with credible if not famous
trim kit worn, cracked, warping, and lifting.
Plastic interior trim broken in places, engine
dirty. Cond: 4+. SOLD AT $11,000. Where is
the love? This poor old gal was rode hard and
you know the rest. Well sold for the same dollars
that would have bought a near perfect one.
Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV, 10/09.
TOP 10
#10
#705.1-1990
CORVETTE ZR-1 coupe. S/N
1G1YZ23J8L5800344.
CHEVROLET
Red/red
leather. Odo: 1,221 miles. 350-ci 375-hp fuelinjected
V8, 6-sp. Shows as an original 1,221mile
Corvette should, with no interior wear and
very few issues to factory finish. Some light
CORVETTE ZR-1 coupe.
CHEVROLET
S/N
1G1YZ23J8N5800458. Purple/black leather.
Odo: 111,137 miles. 350-ci 405-hp fuel-injected
V8, 6-sp. Oregon car. Paint good but
buffed and swirled, no body damage. Back
hatch glass cracked at latch, appropriate wear
on driver's seat. Fair tires, wheels not curbed.
Looked to be decently maintained but used.
Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $9,720. The ZR-1 market
continues to skid. This looked like quite a
decent old car in an uncommon color, and it
makes you wonder where the bottom really is
for these former supercars. Maybe we'll all be
able to say “I could have bought one for under
$10k” someday. If the buyer drives the wheels
off it and blows it up at 150k miles in 3 year's
time, he will still get some of the money back in
parts. Rather well bought, I'd say. See the profile,
p. 22. Silver Auctions, Reno, NV, 8/09.
#SP46-1990 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
ZR-1 coupe. S/N 1G1YZ23J9L5801972. Red/
black leather. Odo: 35,325 km. 350-ci 375-hp
fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. Red factory paint with
minor touch-ups and chips. Resprayed nose
not up to factory standards, some cracking
on hood. Like-new black leather interior with
articulated sport seat. Clean factory chassis and
engine compartment. New tires, scuffed factory
mags on curb side. Basically a low-mileage
original. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $28,707. The
LT5 ZR-1 engine and 6-speed were the main
Page 65
attractions here, as was the full service history
and set of manuals. Still, it seemed like all the
money considering the state of the C4 ZR-1
market. Well sold. Collector Car Productions,
Toronto, CAN, 10/09.
#SP06-1991 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1YY2382M5101339. Red/gray
leather. Odo: 44,155 km. 350-ci 245-hp fuelinjected
V8, 6-sp. Previously repainted, but
with dirt in paint and chips on nose. Rubber
seals aging, some wear on carpeted sills. Foam
deteriorating
inside
original
wrinkled
gray
leather seats. Black-painted door handles worn,
#414-1996 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Grand Sport coupe.
S/N
1G1YY2250T5600159. Admiral Blue &
white/red leather. Odo: 27,037 miles. 350-ci
330-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. Grand Sport
package includes LT4 330-hp V8, Admiral
Blue paint with white stripe and red hash
marks, and rear wheel flares, among other
features. Seller claims a unique combination
of RPOs, including red leather interior, make
this one of one so equipped. Lots of extra
clean under hood. Factory mags excellent,
except for curb scuffs. Condition typical for
the year. Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT $10,439.
Another overall clean driver with an acceptable
respray and an interior with no redeeming
features, other than a 6-speed. A market bid
considering the condition, but the seller was
looking for more. Collector Car Productions,
Toronto, CAN, 10/09.
#449-1993 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
40th Anniversary convertible.
S/N
1G1YY33P8P5120267. Maroon/maroon cloth/
maroon leather. Odo: 190,000 km. 350-ci 300hp
fuel-injected V8, auto. Respray with lots of
prep issues present. Nasty crack in rear deck,
black-painted
door
handles worn. Maroon
carpets faded, all-original maroon leather seats
goodies include unopened dealer promo. Well
maintained by a CMer. Cond: 1-. NOT SOLD
AT $27,500. The price guides say these are
worth more, but the market does not agree.
They're too new for most collectors and still
on the used car depreciation curve. Hang on
to this for ten years, continue to maintain it,
and then you may just have something. Still, it
deserved another $5k, so I can't fault the seller
for passing on the offer.McCormick Auctions,
Palm Springs, CA, 11/09.
C6
TOP 10
#10
#705-2009
CHEVROLET
CORVETTE ZR1 coupe. S/N
1G1YR26R595800294. Yellow/black
& gray leather. Odo: 1,289 miles. 6.2-L 638-hp
supercharged V8, 6-sp. As-new 2009 ZR1 with
car company stickers on front, back, sides,
and top. Plenty of these will be available if the
Blade Silver/black leather. Odo: 44 miles.
7.0-L 505-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. One of 20
CSR models built, ten of which were done in
this color. New throughout, and still in plastic
wrap. Special CSR sticker on B-pillar. Cond:
1. SOLD AT $76,320. A new “instant collectible”
Corvette from GM, with no miles and all
shipping plastic intact. Sticker was $77,600,
but you'd likely have to pay more to buy one
from your dealer. Not a bad deal if you had to
have one—go find another for less. Mecum, St.
Charles, IL, 10/09. ■
worn at bolsters. Very clean under hood; underside
has some floor problems on driver's side.
Cond: 4+. NOT SOLD AT $9,727. Higher
mileage didn't help this 40th Anniversary example,
but neither did its generally worn condition.
For a little more, nicer, lower-mileage
examples are available, and that was reflected
in this low bid. Collector Car Productions,
Toronto, CAN, 10/09.
offer is high enough. The 2009 sticker price
bump is an unbelievable $33k more than the
2008 model, and now bases at $105k. Cond: 1.
SOLD AT $102,850. Trying to make the 2009
car bump the 1990 up? Sold as a pair with
705.1, the 1990 ZR-1. It obviously didn't work,
as the pair sold at a slight discount from the
sticker on the 2009 alone. Barrett-Jackson,
Las Vegas, NV, 10/09.
#S75-2009 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Z06 CSR coupe. S/N 1G1YZZ5E295114597.
www.corvettemarket.com FALL 2009 Corvette Market 67
Page 66
By the
Numbers
August to November 2009*
Top Corvette Sales,
1961 “Big John Mazmanian” Dragster, top seller at $247,500 at RM, Los Angeles, CA
Rank Model
1 1961 “Big John Mazmanian” Corvette Drag Racing Car
2 1968 Corvette 510/660 Custom Roadster
3 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible “Bruce Willis”
4 1962 Corvette LS1 Custom Convertible
5 1957 Corvette 283/270 Convertible
6 1959 Corvette 283/270 Convertible
7 1960 Corvette 283/290 FI Convertible
8 1966 Corvette 427/425 Convertible
9 1967 Corvette 427/390 Coupe
10 1965 Corvette 396/425 Convertible
11 1958 Corvette 283/283 FI Convertible
12 1990 Corvette ZR-1 Coupe
13 2009 Corvette ZR1 Coupe
14 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible
15 1961 Corvette LS1 Custom Convertible
16 1958 Corvette LS6 Custom Convertible
17 1966 Corvette 427/425 Convertible
18 2003 Corvette Avelate Convertible
19 2009 Corvette Z06 CSR Coupe
20 1964 Corvette 327/250 Coupe
68 Corvette Market FALL 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
Sold Price Location
$247,500 RM, Los Angeles, CA
$198,000 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$165,000 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$155,100 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$143,100 Mecum, Branson, MO
$110,000 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$110,000 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$110,000 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$107,250 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$106,700 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$104,500 RM, Hershey, PA
$102,850 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$102,850 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$97,520 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$95,700 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$84,700 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$83,600 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$79,200 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$76,320 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$75,900 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
Date
9/26/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/24/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/9/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
Lot #
245
678
659.3
688.1
S15
685.1
680
402.1
664
396
681
705.1
705
S106
718
717
719.2
677.1
S75
659
*Auction sales recorded from August 15 to November 15 in the Corvette Market Digital Plus database.
Darin Schnabel
Page 67
Rank Model
21 1957 Corvette 283/245 Convertible
22 1961 Corvette 283/315 Convertible
23 1965 Corvette 396/425 Coupe
24 1965 Corvette 396/425 Coupe
25 1966 Corvette 427/425 Convertible
26 1963 Corvette 350/335 Convertible
27 1961 Corvette 283/270 Convertible
28 1969 Corvette 427/435 Convertible
29 1959 Corvette 283/245 Convertible
30 1959 Corvette 283 Convertible
31 1966 Corvette 327/300 Convertible
32 1964 Corvette 327/350 Convertible
33 1964 Corvette 327/365 Convertible
34 1956 Corvette 265/225 Convertible
35 1965 Corvette 327/365 Convertible
36 1964 Corvette 327/375 Coupe
37 1965 Corvette 327 Convertible
38 1962 Corvette Resto Mod
39 1961 Corvette 283/230 Convertible
40 1963 Corvette 327/300 Coupe
41 1966 Corvette 327/350 Coupe
42 1956 Corvette 265 Convertible
43 1965 Corvette 327/300 Convertible
44 1963 Corvette 327/250 Coupe
45 1966 Corvette 427/425 Convertible
46 1966 Corvette 327 Convertible
47 1962 Corvette 327/300 Convertible
48 1967 Corvette 327/350 Coupe
49 1963 Corvette 327/340 Convertible
50 1962 Corvette 327/360 FI Convertible
51 1969 Corvette 427/400 Coupe
52 1965 Corvette 327 Convertible
53 1969 Corvette 427/390 Coupe
54 1962 Corvette 327/300 Convertible
55 1968 Corvette 427/390 Convertible
56 1954 Corvette Roadster
57 1962 Corvette ZZ3 350 Convertible
58 1964 Corvette 327 Coupe
59 1964 Corvette 327/365 Convertible
60 1969 Corvette 427/435 Coupe
61 1978 Corvette Silver Anniversary Coupe
62 1963 Corvette 327/250 Convertible
63 1963 Corvette 327/340 Convertible
64 1970 Corvette 350/370 LT-1 Coupe
65 1968 Corvette 427/435 Convertible
Sold Price Location
$75,600 Carlisle, Carlisle, PA
$75,161 Collector Car Productions, Toronto, CAN
$74,200 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$68,900 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$68,900 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$66,638 Bonhams, Reims, FRA
$64,660 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$64,660 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$64,660 Silver, Sun Valley, ID
$63,450 Branson Auction, Branson, MO
$60,950 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$60,500 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$60,480 Branson Auction, Branson, MO
$59,625 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$59,360 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$59,360 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$58,300 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$58,300 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$57,200 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$54,590 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$53,265 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$49,820 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$49,820 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$49,500 RM, Hershey, PA
$48,600 Silver, Sun Valley, ID
$47,170 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$46,980 Branson Auction, Branson, MO
$46,640 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$45,050 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$45,050 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$44,520 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$44,400 Collector Car Productions,
West Gwillimbury, CAN
$44,000 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$43,460 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$43,290 Bonhams & Butterfields, Tacoma, WA
$41,040 Silver, Medford, OR
$40,280 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$39,407 Collector Car Productions, Toronto, CAN
$38,955 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$38,160 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$37,400 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$37,100 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$36,835 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$36,570 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$36,570 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
Date
10/2/09
10/25/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
9/26/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
9/6/09
9/12/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
9/12/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/9/09
9/6/09
10/4/09
9/12/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/17/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
9/12/09
10/24/09
10/4/09
10/25/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
Lot #
F180
SP83
S45
S212
S108
162
S192
S91
102
600
U84
354
579
S63
S161
F235
363.2
T101
411
S195
F193
F256
F183
619
75
F184
597
F130
F132
T82
F140
A31
639.1
S60.1
47
26
F197
SP64
S102
S56
42
F218
F227
S66
F54
www.corvettemarket.com FALL 2009 Corvette Market 69
Page 68
By the
Numbers
1964 Corvette 327/250 Coupe—$75,900 at Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
Rank Model
66 1963 Corvette 327 Convertible
67 1965 Corvette 396/425 Coupe
68 1990 Corvette Callaway Twin Turbo Coupe
69 1968 Corvette 427/435 Coupe
70 1972 Corvette LT-1 Coupe
71 1990 Corvette ZR-1 Coupe
72 1958 Corvette 283/230 Convertible
73 1991 Corvette Coupe
74 1971 Corvette 350/270 Coupe
75 1968 Corvette 427/435 Convertible
76 1969 Corvette 350/300 Coupe
77 1991 Corvette ZR-1 Coupe
78 1996 Corvette Grand Sport Coupe
79 1993 Corvette Coupe
80 1978 Corvette Indy Pace Car Coupe
81 1978 Corvette Silver Anniversary Coupe
82 1972 Corvette 350/200 Coupe
83 1985 Corvette Collector Edition Coupe
84 2002 Corvette Convertible
85 1968 Corvette 327/300 Coupe
86 1973 Corvette 350/250 Coupe
87 1953 Corvette Roadster Replica
88 1972 Corvette 350 Coupe
89 1992 Corvette ZR-1 Coupe
90 1970 Corvette Coupe
91 1988 Corvette Convertible
92 1998 Corvette Coupe
93 1971 Corvette 350 Coupe
94 1969 Corvette 350/300 Convertible
95 1986 Corvette Pace Car Convertible
96 1978 Corvette Silver Anniversary Coupe
97 1997 Corvette Coupe
98 1973 Corvette 350 Coupe
70 Corvette Market FALL 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
1958 Corvette 283/230 Convertible—$28,620 at Silver, Medford, OR
Sold Price Location
$35,640 Leake, Houston, TX
$35,493 Collector Car Productions, Toronto, CAN
$34,650 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$33,920 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$31,800 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$28,707 Collector Car Productions, Toronto,
$28,620 Silver, Medford, OR
$26,950 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$24,910 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$24,840 Leake, Houston, TX
$24,532 Collector Car Productions, Toronto, CAN
$24,200 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$23,850 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$23,100 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$22,260 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$22,000 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$20,900 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$20,350 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$20,140 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$19,080 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$19,080 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$18,900 Leake, Houston, TX
$18,815 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$18,638 Carlisle, Carlisle, PA
$16,200 Branson Auction, Branson, MO
$15,930 Branson Auction, Branson, MO
$15,900 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$15,635 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$15,330 Carlisle, Carlisle, PA
$15,120 Branson Auction, Branson, MO
$14,850 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$14,310 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$14,300 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
Date
9/20/09
10/25/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/25/09
10/24/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
9/20/09
10/25/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
9/20/09
10/4/09
10/2/09
9/12/09
9/12/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/2/09
9/12/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
Lot #
518
SP12
70
F161
U60
SP46
61
329
S49
475
630
50.2
F106
93
F126
326
45.2
314
U80
F236
F117
2736
S17
T17
273
265
U98
T63.1
T8
272
318
T45.1
317.1
Page 69
1985 Corvette Coupe—$11,288 at Carlisle, Carlisle, PA
Rank Model
99 1989 Corvette Coupe
100 1990 Corvette Convertible
101 1978 Corvette Coupe
102 1973 Corvette Coupe
103 1981 Corvette Coupe
104 1978 Corvette Coupe
105 1985 Corvette Coupe
106 1981 Corvette Coupe
107 1981 Corvette Coupe
108 1989 Corvette Coupe
109 1990 Corvette Convertible
110 1975 Corvette Coupe
111 1971 Corvette 350 Coupe
112 1974 Corvette Coupe
113 1978 Corvette Coupe
114 1969 Corvette 350/350
115 1978 Corvette Indy Pace Car Coupe
116 1977 Corvette 350 Coupe
117 1989 Corvette Convertible
118 1988 Corvette 35th Anniversary Convertible
119 1986 Corvette Coupe
120 1985 Corvette Coupe
121 1990 Corvette Convertible
122 1986 Corvette Coupe
123 1978 Corvette Silver Anniversary Coupe
124 1984 Corvette Coupe
125 1987 Corvette Convertible
126 1970 Corvette 350/350 Coupe
127 1976 Corvette 350 Coupe
128 1984 Corvette Coupe
129 1978 Corvette Coupe
130 1985 Corvette Coupe
131 1988 Corvette Coupe
1973 Corvette Coupe—$11,610 at the Branson Auction, Branson, MO
Sold Price Location
$12,985 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$12,720 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$12,720 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$11,610 Branson Auction, Branson, MO
$11,448 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$11,395 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$11,288 Carlisle, Carlisle, PA
$11,222 Collector Car Productions, Toronto, CAN
$11,130 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$11,000 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$10,908 Silver, Sun Valley, ID
$10,439 Collector Car Productions, Toronto, CAN
$10,100 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$10,000 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$10,000 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$9,750 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$9,600 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$9,500 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$9,072 Silver, Sun Valley, ID
$7,992 Leake, Houston, TX
$7,776 Leake, Houston, TX
$7,600 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$7,400 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$7,350 Carlisle, Carlisle, PA
$7,344 Silver, Salt Lake City, UT
$7,150 Silver, Sun Valley, ID
$7,128 Silver, Salt Lake City, UT
$7,100 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$6,912 Silver, Portland, OR
$6,825 Carlisle, Carlisle, PA
$6,500 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$6,368 Collector Car Productions, Toronto, CAN
$4,800 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
Date
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
9/12/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/2/09
10/25/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
9/6/09
10/25/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
9/6/09
9/20/09
9/20/09
10/4/09
10/4/09
10/2/09
9/19/09
9/6/09
9/19/09
10/4/09
9/26/09
10/2/09
10/4/09
10/25/09
10/4/09
Lot #
T58
T64
F96
531
T133.1
T31.1
F220
624
F115
14.1
53
465
T125
F45
F48
U87.1
T154
T70
271
808
419
U86
T74
F240
78
209
32
T5
47
T111
T88
629
U22
www.corvettemarket.com FALL 2009 Corvette Market 71
Page 70
By the
Numbers
Top 100 Corvette Sales of All Time*
Much has changed in the Corvette world since we ran this list in our premier
issue two years ago, including four new members of the Million-Dollar Club
#1—1963 Corvette Rondine Concept sold for $1,760,000, Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ, 2008
Rank Model
1 1963 Corvette Rondine Concept
2 1962 Corvette 327/360 Gulf Oil Race Car
3 1963 Corvette Z06 Yenko “Gulf One” Race Car
4 2009 Corvette ZR1 Coupe
5 1953 Corvette Roadster #003
6 1953 Corvette Roadster #005
7 1967 Corvette L88 Competition Convertible
8 1965 Corvette Cut-Away Autorama Display
9 1967 Corvette 427/390 Coupe “The Last Sting Ray”
10 1968 Corvette 427 Race Roadster
11 1968 Corvette L88 Coupe
12 1971 Corvette ZR2 Convertible
13 1962 Corvette 327/360 FI Convertible
14 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible
15 1969 Corvette L88 427/430 Convertible
16 1953 Corvette Roadster
17 1953 Corvette Roadster
18 1969 Corvette L88 Convertible
19 1969 Corvette 427/430 L88 Coupe
72 Corvette Market FALL 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
Sold Price Location
$1,760,000 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ
$1,485,000 Gooding, Pebble Beach, CA
$1,113,000 Mecum, Kissimmee, FL
$1,100,000 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ
$1,080,000 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ
$840,000 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
Date
1/20/08
8/17/08
1/25/09
1/20/08
1/14/06
6/16/06
$744,000 Bonhams & Butterfields, Carmel Valley, CA 8/15/08
$704,000 RM, Tarpon Springs, FL
$660,000 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ
$605,000 RM, Phoenix, AZ
$572,000 RM, Monterey, CA
$550,000 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$489,500 Gooding, Palm Beach, FL
$467,250 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$446,250 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$440,000 RM, Lapeer, MI
$440,000 Worldwide, Hilton Head, SC
$435,750 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$412,500 Russo and Steele, Scottsdale, AZ
12/1/07
1/21/07
1/20/06
8/15/09
6/28/08
1/24/06
6/17/07
10/6/07
6/9/07
11/3/07
6/28/08
1/20/08
Lot #
1304
121
S110
1316
1311
S527
355
859
1285
161
537
S107
27
S67
S88
229
46
S91
S714
*Auction sales as recorded in the Corvette Market Digital Plus database
Page 71
Rank Model
20 1953 Corvette Roadster
21 1967 Corvette 427/435 L89 Convertible
22 1967 Corvette 427/435 Coupe
23 1953 Corvette Roadster
24 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible
25 1964 Corvette 396 Styling Coupe
26 1963 Corvette 327/360 Z06 Coupe
27 1966 Corvette 427/425 A Production Race Coupe
28 1971 Corvette ZR2 Coupe
29 1954 Corvette Roadsters (Lot of 3)
30 1955 Corvette Roadster
31 1958 Corvette 283/245 Retractable Hardtop
32 1967 Corvette 427/400 Convertible
33 1969 Corvette 427/430 L88 Coupe
34 1963 Corvette 327/360 Z06 Coupe
35 1955 Corvette Duntov EX-87 Test Mule
36 1969 Corvette 427/430 L88 Convertible
37 1968 Corvette 427/430 L88 Coupe
38 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible
39 1953 Corvette Roadster
40 1953 Corvette Roadster & 2003 Convertible
41 1953 Corvette Roadster
42 1957 Corvette 454/510 ZL1 Custom Convertible
43 1960 Corvette Convertible “First of the 1960s”
44 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible
45 1989 Corvette DR-1 Convertible
46 1953 Corvette Roadster
47 1953 Corvette Roadster
48 1963 Corvette 327/360 Z06 Coupe
49 1963 Corvette 327/250 Tanker Coupe
50 1963 Corvette 327/360 Z06 Coupe
Sold Price Location
$396,000 Worldwide, Houston, TX
$393,750 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$393,750 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$390,500 RM, Tarpon Springs, FL
$378,000 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ
$367,500 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$367,500 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$362,250 Mecum, Kissimmee, FL
$357,500 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ
$353,700 Kruse, Auburn, IN
$346,500 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$340,200 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ
$336,000 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$334,800 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ
$330,000 Gooding, Los Angeles, CA
$328,600 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$323,300 Mecum, Kissimmee, FL
$318,000 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$308,000 Russo and Steele, Monterey, CA
$300,000 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$297,000 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ
$296,625 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$291,600 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ
$291,500 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$286,000 Gooding, Los Angeles, CA
$286,000 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ
$285,600 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ
$283,500 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$280,800 RM, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
$280,500 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ
$280,500 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ
Date
5/5/07
6/24/05
10/6/07
12/1/07
1/14/06
6/16/06
6/17/07
1/27/07
1/20/08
9/2/07
6/16/06
1/26/05
6/28/08
1/14/06
10/21/06
5/17/09
1/25/09
6/27/09
8/18/06
10/6/07
Lot #
55
S1
S99
856
1284
S510
S63
S83
1290
2789.1
S539
993
S73
1271.1
17
F208
S142
S119
S256
S281
1/26/05 994/994.1
6/17/07
1/14/06
6/27/09
10/21/06
1/19/09
1/21/07
6/17/07
2/11/07
1/21/07
1/21/07
S91
1295
S60
53
1218
1294
S53
SP30
1280
1280.1
#2—1962 Corvette 327/360 Gulf Oil Race Car sold for $1,485,000, Gooding & Company, Pebble Beach, CA, 2008
www.corvettemarket.com FALL 2009 Corvette Market 73
Page 72
By the
Numbers
#3—1963 Corvette Z06 Yenko “Gulf One” Race Car sold for $1,113,000, Mecum, Kissimmee, FL, 2009
Rank Model
51 1964 Corvette 327/365 Styling Coupe
52 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible “Gus Grissom”
53 1959 Corvette 283/290 FI Competition Convertible
54 1955 Corvette Bubbletop Roadster
55 1954 Corvette Roadster
56 1969 Corvette 427/430 L88 Convertible
57 1957 Corvette 283/283 FI Convertible
58 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible
59 1953 Corvette Roadster
60 1955 Corvette Duntov V8 Test Mule
61 1969 Corvette Convertible
62 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible
63 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible
64 1967 Corvette 427/435 Coupe
65 1957 Corvette 283/283 FI Convertible
66 1963 Corvette Coupe
67 1968 Corvette 427/430 L88 Coupe
68 1953 Corvette Roadster
69 1965 Corvette 327/375 FI Convertible
70 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible
74 Corvette Market FALL 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
Sold Price Location
$278,250 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$275,000 Russo and Steele, Scottsdale, AZ
$275,000 RM, Amelia Island, FL
$270,000 Kruse, Phoenix, AZ
$269,500 Worldwide, Hilton Head, SC
$267,300 Kruse, Auburn, IN
$265,000 Mecum, Kissimmee, FL
$264,000 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ
$264,000 RM, Phoenix, AZ
$262,500 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$262,500 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$262,500 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$259,200 Barrett-Jackson, West Palm Beach, FL
$259,200 Barrett-Jackson, West Palm Beach, FL
$258,500 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ
$257,250 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$254,500 Bonhams & Butterfields, Carmel, CA
$249,900 Mecum, Kissimmee, FL
$249,375 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$248,400 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ
Date
6/16/06
1/21/07
3/8/08
1/27/08
11/4/06
10/21/06
1/25/09
1/21/07
1/18/08
10/31/03
6/24/05
6/16/06
4/1/05
3/29/06
1/21/07
6/25/04
8/17/07
1/26/08
6/16/06
1/14/06
Lot #
S507
S719
260
753
43
744
S138
1334
182
F16
S12
S528
383
659.1
1242
F6
424
S109
S506
1298
Page 73
Rank Model
71 1961 “Big John Mazmanian” Corvette
Drag Racing Car
72 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible
73 1958 Corvette 283/240 Convertible
74 1969 Corvette 427/430 L88 Coupe
75 1957 Corvette 283/283 FI Convertible
76 1969 Corvette 427/430 L88 Coupe
77 1954 Corvette Roadster
78 1963 Corvette 327/360 Z06 Coupe
79 1963 Corvette 327/360 Z06 Coupe
80 1963 Corvette 327/360 Z06 Coupe
81 1967 Corvette 427/435 Yenko Convertible
82 1959 Corvette LS7 Custom Convertible
83 1968 Corvette L88 Coupe
84 1990–95 Corvette ZR-1 Coupes (Lot of 5)
85 1963 Corvette 327/360 Z06 Coupe
86 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible
87 1969 Corvette Baldwin Motion Phase III Coupe
88 1967 Corvette 427/435 Coupe
89 1988 Corvette Callaway Sledgehammer
90 1967 Corvette 427/400 Convertible
91 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible
92 1963 Corvette 327/360 Z06 Coupe
93 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible
94 1967 Corvette 427/400 Convertible
95 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible
96 1959 Corvette 283/245 Convertible
97 1967 Corvette 427/435 Coupe “Ed Cole”
98 1966 Corvette 427/425 Convertible
99 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible
100 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible
Sold Price Location
$247,500 RM, Los Angeles, CA
$246,750 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$242,000 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ
$240,000 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ
$237,600 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ
$237,600 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ
$237,600 Barrett-Jackson, West Palm Beach, FL
$233,625 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$231,000 Mecum, Kissimmee, FL
$231,000 RM, Monterey, CA
$231,000 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ
$231,000 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ
$231,000 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$231,000 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$230,050 RM, Boca Raton, FL
$228,960 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ
$226,800 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ
$226,800 Mecum, Kissimmee, FL
$221,400 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ
$221,400 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ
$221,400 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ
$220,500 Mecum, Kissimmee, FL
$220,000 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ
$220,000 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ
$220,000 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ
$220,000 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ
$217,300 Mecum, Monterey, CA
$216,000 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ
$216,000 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ
$216,000 Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ
Date
9/26/09
6/28/08
1/20/08
1/21/07
1/14/06
1/14/06
3/29/06
4/5/08
1/21/05
8/18/06
1/21/07
1/21/07
6/28/08
6/28/08
2/10/06
1/14/06
1/26/05
1/27/06
1/19/04
1/14/06
1/14/06
1/27/06
1/20/08
1/21/07
1/21/07
Lot #
245
X9
990.1
1327
1282.1
1325
652
B34
C298
157
1326
1261
S6
S32
SP17
1265
1014.1
X27
685
1275
1236
X12
1267
1267.1
1308
1/19/09 1019
8/15/09
1/14/06
1/14/06
1/14/06
S86
1263
1027
1303
#4—2009 Corvette ZR1 Coupe sold for $1,100,000,
Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ, 2008
#5—1953 Corvette Roadster #003 sold for $1,080,000,
Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ, 2006
www.corvettemarket.com FALL 2009 Corvette Market 75
Page 74
Trick
Stuff
What you need for your Corvette and where to get it. By John Gunnell
It's Beginning to Feel a Lot Like Vettemas
From pictures and sweaters to tools and trick exhausts, here are some
suggestions to cozy up to
Sidepipe Santa's picks
Sidepipe Santa Troy Anderson runs a
car-oriented gift emporium at Evanswood
Village, a gift mall in Weyauwega, Wisconsin.
Anderson's store is open year-round and he has
a good handle on what friends and relatives of
Corvette owners think are great Christmas
gifts. If you're shopping for a Corvette fanatic,
here are his Top 10 Corvette holiday gifts this
year:
1. Picture of a Corvette
2. Corvette T-shirt
3. Corvette models (especially the same
year, model, and color of the recipient's
real one)
4. Light-up pictures of old cars and
Corvettes at drive-in restaurants
Give 'em a brake
Corvette enthusiasts want brake calipers to look as
good as the rest of the car, and painting or touching up
red, black, or silver calipers is a familiar winter garage
project. Eastwood claims its urethane caliper paints are
the only coatings on the market to use nano-ceramic
technology. This technology resists heat and road
grime, and brake dust wipes off easily. Apply the finish
without disassembling the brakes. All three colored
coatings resist high temperatures, ultra-violet sunlight,
and most chemicals. For added gloss and durability, add
Eastwood's 4:1 urethane activator, which comes in a
handy kit to prep and paint four calipers. This paint is
also great for brake drums on earlier Corvettes. The kit
includes 16 oz. of Eastwood's Caliper Paint and one PRE
paint prep spray can. $39.95. The Eastwood Company,
www.eastwood.com.
5. Nostalgic Corvette ads
6. Reproduction Corvette tin signs
7. Corvette satin or flannel jackets
8. Reproduction Corvette neon clocks
9. Real or reproduction gas pumps with
Corvette globes
10. Coke machines and Coke coolers
Troy Anderson, Lucky's Rod & Custom, 920.867.2910.
Don't walk the plank again
Winter is a good time to “ramp up” equipment
you use to trailer your Corvette to springtime shows.
Race Ramps has added three new sizes of trailer ramps
designed to get
low ground-clearance vehicles like
Corvettes on and off trailers without scraping. Trailer
ramps are much safer than wooden planks and other dodgy arrangements like loading
docks and steep lawns.
Their patented lightweight, solid construction makes them durable, virtually inde-
structible, and very stable. The textured coating prevents sliding and won't scratch or
damage floors. Trailer ramps have built-in straps for transport or wall hanging, clean
easily and won't rust. Five models are available: 46″ long x 4″ high x 14″ wide with
5.5% incline, $259; 67″ x 5″ x 14″ with 4% incline, $289;
45″ x 6″ x 14″ with 7.8% incline, $259; 74″ x 7″ x 14″
with 5.2% incline, $362; and 54.75″ x 8″ x 16″ with 8.4%
incline, $289. Custom trailer ramps can also be made
to the user's exact size requirements. Brute Industries,
Inc., www.raceramps.com.
76 Corvette Market FALL 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
Page 75
Spoil that special C6 owner
Mid America Motorworks has added a C6 Corvette front spoiler
to its winter holiday products. The stock replacement
spoilers were developed after GM discontinued
them. Factory spoilers were prone to damage
from curbs and parking lot bumper blocks, but
without a front spoiler (or with a damaged one)
C6 cooling will be compromised.
“With the discontinuation of GM's C6 spoiler,
we felt there was a gap that needed filling,” says
Mid America's Corvette merchandiser Blake
Yager. “Many C6 Corvette owners have experienced
broken or ripped-off spoilers due to low
ground clearance.”
The new spoiler ensures adequate airflow
through the radiator. The install requires no
modifications and simply reuses the original
hardware. The complete three-piece front spoiler
set for a base C6 is $99.99. Left, center and right sections are also sold separately.
Mid America Motorworks, www.mamotorworks.com.
Electric exhaust system's a scream
After designing an electrically operated exhaust
cutout, Quick-Time Performance has upped the ante
with its new Screamer Electric Exhaust system, available
for your 2005–08 Corvette. The systems include a
dual-mode muffler with a single inlet and dual outlet.
One outlet is a straight pipe with a valve at the end. When the
valve is opened, you get a loud and free-flowing exhaust system.
Close the valve and the exhaust gases are diverted through the
muffled section for a quieter, mild-mannered sound.
The Screamer lets you control the noise from the driver's seat
and gives you power and sound at the flick of a switch. All systems
are made of TIG welded and polished stainless steel for durability
and a clean look. Prices range from $1,250 to $1,370. www.quicktimeperformance.com.
$10 glove that gives you a hand
Don't hump grubby tires around anymore. The Tire Glove is a reusable tire
bag made of 500D polyester fabric and with sturdy cloth handles. Corvette racers
will also find it an easier way to carry tires.
Outdoors, the Tire Glove protects expensive tires from the sun's damaging
ultra-violet rays. The bag has a one-size-fits-all design and can be used with or
without a locking strap. Different colors are available, so sets of tires can be
organized by color for racing. $9.95. www.TMimportExport.com.
www.corvettemarket.com FALL 2009 Corvette Market 77
Page 76
In
Miniature
By Marshall Buck
Speaking
Volumes
By Mark Wigginton
High-Performance C5 Corvette
Builder's Guide
By Walt Thurn, Car Tech,
144 pages, $18.96,
Amazon
With the introduction
of the C5, the Corvette
world took a giant leap
forward in design, build
quality, handling, and
horsepower. In fact, the
clean-sheet redesign that
hit showrooms in 1997
pretty much pegged the
fun-o-meter and added
to the Corvette legend.
Walt Thurn has been around the cars and the hobby
since 1963, writing about, driving, and racing a variety
of models. He has done public relations for race teams
and written for several Corvette publications, including
VETTE, Corvette Fever, and Corvette Quarterly.
All of that seat time and shop time has blessed
1969 Corvette Stingray Convertible
This was the second year of the “new” Stingray. The C3 Corvette was the only
true American sports car at that time—not just a straight-line muscle car, but a real
sports car.
The Danbury Mint is one of my favorite model companies, and this latest 1:24-
scale release of the '69 Corvette Stingray convertible is one of their best models. Every
year DM puts together a great version of what is marketed as a “40th Anniversary”
limited edition, and usually offers it for that one year. This time we've been caught off
guard, with the latest anniversary edition being available for only half that time.
I don't know what it is, but there is something alluring about the look of a svelte
roadster sitting on whitewall tires. Now don't let the tires and deluxe wheel covers fool
you; this is no sissy version. Under the stunning metallic Burgundy paint finish lies a
potent L71 Tri-Power 427 big-block V8, mated to a 4-speed manual transmission. The
engine bay on this beast is jam-packed with all the detail you could want. I had to enlist
the service of my little LED flashlight to see all that was there, and I could just make
out the triple Holley two-barrel carbs tucked under the triangular air cleaner with its
miniaturized “3x2” flagged sticker. Nice work.
The stance of our subject is just right, and all the opening and working parts func-
tion smoothly. As with all models from the Danbury Mint, there are numerous working
features—about twelve on this one. Also included is a separate tan convertible top,
which looks very good when in place.
Typical of DM, they've picked out little details, like the chromed side body louvers
that were an option just that one year. Above the louvers are oh-so-delicate chrome
“Stingray” appliqués. Moving inside, the dashboard is complete with legible multicolored
gauges and the new-for-'69 dash-mounted storage pocket on the passenger
side.
This interior is quite complete, including perfectly accurate door panels, hinged
sun visors, carpeting, lap belts, and seat backs that tilt forward allowing access to
three storage bins, which all open. The one behind the driver
even has the Delco battery nestled inside. There is much
more detail too, but I don't want to spoil all the surprises.
The only negative about this model is DM's attempt to
'69 Vette Details
Production Dates: 2009 only
go over the top by trimming the seats in real leather, which
is less than perfect in its looks and application. And that's a
shame, because it wasn't necessary to add and it does take
away a bit from what is an otherwise excellent and still
highly recommended model. So, unless you only collect
Corvette racers, there is no excuse not to grab one of these
beauties while you still can. It's great value at $129.
Available from Danbury Mint, 800.243.4664. ■
78 Corvette Market FALL 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
Quantity: 5,000 to 15,000
approx.
Ratings:
Overall Quality:
Authenticity:
Overall Value:
Web: www.danburymint.com
Thurn with the insight and contacts that go into his C5
Builder's Guide.
Designed as a primer on the C5 for someone new
to the Corvette hobby, the book is broken down clearly
and simply, starting with a bit of history, some basics
of the C5, and then moving on to more specific chapters
designed to get you up to speed on various projects
to make your C5 Corvette handle better, go faster,
brake harder, or look more menacing.
Since each chapter covers a huge world of potential
challenges, you shouldn't expect a high level of detail.
Instead, think of each chapter more as an executive
summary, a quick exploration of a topic that could lead
you to much greater depth should you decide to, as
Hunter Thompson said, “Buy the ticket, take the ride.”
But despite the quick overview that is each chapter,
there is plenty of meat on the bones, enough detail and
guidance (including resources and shops) to help you
get on the road to higher performance, whether you
want to autocross your car, get the big grin that comes
with a track day, or head for the drag strip.
There is plenty of fun on the road before you, and
the High-Performance C5 Corvette Builder's Guide is
the map.
Provenance:
With his depth of knowledge and contacts, Thurn
has access to the documents and people that made the
C5 a game changer for the Corvette brand, and that
access shows up on every page.
Fit and Finish:
What the C5 had in style, this book lacks. It's
a cookie cutter approach to layout and design that
doesn't do justice to the car it explores. But what is
here is well reproduced, with plenty of sharp color
images and informative charts.
Drivability:
If you are new to the Corvette world, and the C5 in
particular, this will be a welcome introduction to the
choices in front of you to make a C5 your own. If you
are already immersed in the culture, there won't be
much here for you.
Page 77
NOW AVAILABLE:
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Keith Martin's Guide to Car Collecting, Second Edition,
will be your one-stop resource for collecting. ALL copies signed by the author!
The updated edition includes over 300 pages of insider information about the collector car market,
with tips and insights you simply won't get anywhere else.
It includes everything, from the top 1,000 prices of collectible cars, to collector car legal advice, to picking out your best
first Ferrari or Porsche. It's a must read. The first edition of Keith Martin's Guide to Car Collecting sold out completely.
If you order from SCM, your book will be shipped by priority mail WITHIN 24 HOURS of the receipt of your order.
Keith Martin's Guide to Car Collecting, Second Edition, signed by the author: $25,
including priority shipping anywhere in the U.S. ($40 outside the U.S.).
A limited number of signed and numbered copies, from an edition of 250, are available.
Includes instant digital download of the complete book. $40, including shipping anywhere in the U.S. ($55 outside the U.S.).
To order, or to learn more about Keith Martin's Guide to Car Collecting, Second Edition,
visit sportscarmarket.com/kmoc2 or call Mary Artz at 877.219.2605 x 204
Page 78
Resource
Directory
Auction Companies
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 annual Labor
Day Auction is 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)
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)
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)
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)
Put your company in the CM Resource Directory. Call 877.219.2605 x211,
or email advert@vettemarket.com
Corvette Parts &
Restoration
County Corvette 610.696.7888,
Sales, service, parts and restoration.
When it must be right.
www.countycorvette.com. (PA)
Mid America Motorworks
800.500.1500, America's leader in
1953-2008 Corvette parts and accessories.
Request a free catalog at
www.mamotorworks.com. (IL)
Corvettes for Sale
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. (MI)
County Corvette.
610.696.7888, The most modern
and best equipped Corvette-only
facility in the nation. www.countycorvette.com.
(PA)
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. (OR)
Museums
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.
(KY) ■
Ad Index
Al Knoch Interiors .....................55
Autobahn Power ........................80
Bloomington Gold.................3, 49
Bob Bondurant School
of H.P.D......................................35
Bowling Green Convention &
Visitors Bureau...........................84
Bruce Shaw................................57
Chubb Personal Insurance...........7
Collector Car Price Tracker.......61
Continental Western Group.......47
Corvette America.......................11
Corvette Central.........................27
Corvette Expo Inc......................41
Corvette Market
Insider's Seminar .......................65
Corvette Repair Inc....................45
Corvette Specialties ...................37
Corvettes Of Houston................51
County Corvette...........................2
Factory Reproductions...............83
Grundy Worldwide ....................43
Heacock Classic ........................31
Intercity Lines ............................67
Jim Meyer
Racing Products Inc...................37
Leland-West Insurance ..............39
Long Island
Corvette Supply Inc...................61
Mid America Motorworks.........59
Midwest Corvettes
and Classics ...............................61
National Corvette Museum .......57
National Corvette
Restorers Society .......................59
Palm Springs
Exotic Car Auction.....................53
ProTeam Corvette ......................33
Reliable Carriers ........................29
Russo and Steele........................13
Seatbelt Solutions.......................59
Silver Auctions...........................15
Speed Lingerie ...........................59
The Chevy Store ........................23
Thomas C Sunday Inc ...............61
Van Steel.....................................37
Zip Products ...............................57
80 Corvette Market FALL 2009 www.corvettemarket.com
Page 79
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Page 80
Vette-o-bilia
Online trash and trinkets—some valuable, some not. By Carl Bomstead
Good Grief! Snoopy Scores
NCRS #1 magazine for $510? Topps trading card and '60 Snoopy Corvette
music box prove that collectible values ain't just Peanuts (sorry about that)
A
n outsider may often wonder why someone pays silly money for some Corvette goodie to decorate the
garage or sit on the desk where one toils for his wages. We, of course, think nothing of it and when
questioned are quick to point to other collecting areas that are far more goofy.
How about the lock of Elvis's hair that was retrieved from the Army barber shop floor when he
entered the service and received his regulation haircut? Hard to believe it sold for $15,000 plus the premium,
and there was no guarantee that some of it was not from the guy ahead of Elvis in the haircut line.
Here are a few that make a lot more sense, at least to us.
EBAY #1603700205544—
PEANUTS CHARACTER
SNOOPY IN CERAMIC
MUSICAL CORVETTE.
Number of Bids: 12. SOLD AT:
$183. Date Sold: 10/22/2009.
Charlie Brown's dog Snoopy
was sitting in what appeared to
be a rather crude ceramic 1960
Corvette. It was a wind-up music
box and the piece appealed to
Peanuts fans as well as Corvette
fanatics. To my mind, it sold for
all the money and then some, but
there was lots of activity, so perhaps
the price was about right.
EBAY #270442377874—
EBAY #350267309423—
1954 CORVETTE JIM BEAN
DECANTER. Number of Bids:
22. SOLD AT: $86. Date Sold:
10/26/2009. This '54 Corvette, in
Pennant Blue, was in very nice
condition, but there was no mention
of any packaging, so we as-
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1, THE
CORVETTE RESTORER.
Number of Bids: 4. SOLD AT:
$510. Date Sold: 8/23/2009. This
was the premiere issue of the
NCRS publication, The Corvette
Restorer, and was in as-new condition.
It was offered by Noland
Adams, president of the Solid
Axle Corvette Club and author
of the Corvette Restoration and
Technical Guides. Bloggers
agreed it was not a reproduction
due to the positioning of
the staples. Expensive, but the
first of most anything brings a
substantial premium.
sume there wasn't any. The seal
was intact, and it was stated that
the contents were not intended
for consumption—terms we are
positive the buyer will abide by.
Price was fair, considering the
unusual color and the missing
box.
for about twice what another
example in lesser condition
realized. Not unrealistic money,
considering the condition.
EBAY #370280420318—
EBAY #380169812635—
1956 KIDDIE CORVETTE
PEDAL CAR SALES
BROCHURE. Number of
Bids: Buy-It-Now. SOLD AT:
$90. Date Sold: 10/20/2009.
This three-panel sales folder
was stated to be in excellent
condition and the graphics of
the Corvette pedal car were
very cool. In 1956, Dinah Shore
gave away 60 Kiddie Corvettes
in her “See the U.S.A in your
Chevrolet” contest, and if you
found one today in decent
condition, expect to pay a pretty
penny. The brochure is a whole
lot less expensive.
AMT 1973 CORVETTE
PLASTIC MODEL. Number of
Bids: 13. SOLD AT: $51. Date
Sold: 11/01/2009. This model
was complete with all the little
plastic pieces still on the “tree.”
Finished in white, so a little
painting was in order. Cheap
enough to be a fun project with
your kid and display the box with
your Corvette stuff when done.
EBAY #230387669860—
EBAY #110447184498—
TOPPS WORLD ON
WHEELS #161, 1954
CORVETTE TRADING
CARD. Number of Bids: 12.
SOLD AT: $105.34. Date Sold:
10/28/2009. In the trading card
world condition is king, and
this card was in excellent shape.
The corners were crisp and
there were no creases, so it sold
FRANKLIN MINT GARAGE
DIORAMA WITH 1958
CORVETTE. Number of Bids:
6. SOLD AT: $66.12. Date Sold:
10/15/2009. This garage display
was about 13″ long and was
highly detailed, with beer cans
scattered about, grease on the
floor, and an empty pizza box on
the work bench. The family dog
was even sitting in the corner.
The 1:24-scale '58 Corvette was
red with white coves. These were
priced at $295 when first issued,
and two were offered at around
$275, but another sold for $79 so
the market speaks. ■
82 Corvette Market FALL 2009 www.corvettemarket.com