Profiles
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13
Corvette Market
The Insider's Guide to Collecting, Investing, Values, and Trends
FLAWLESS
'61 FUELIE
$121k
►1971 454/425 ZR2 Convertible Right-Priced at $466k
►Restoration Controversy: Factory Sloppy or Shop Perfect?
►1984 Corvettes—Cheap yes, a bargain maybe
DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE! FEATURING VIDEOS OF SELECT VEHICLES
Courtroom Corvettes—Beware of Fraud / 147 Car Auction Report
Keith Martin's
Page 2
Corvette Market
Keith Martin's
Volume 3 . Issue 13 . Fall 2010
20 1961 Fuelie
22 Pilot Line convertible
30 C5 convertible
Profiles
C1 1961 283/315 Fuelie
20 by John L. Stein
C2 1963 327/360 “Pilot Line” Sting Ray convertible
22 by Thomas Glatch
C3 1971 454/425 ZR2 convertible
24 by Michael Pierce
4 Corvette Market FALL 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
$466,400 at Mecum (VIDEO)
This ZR2—just one of two on the planet—is completely origi
nal. This convertible has its original engine, transmission,
interior, rear end, glass, exhaust, tires, wheels, body panels
and paint
$104,500 at RM (VIDEO)
There is no question that the 1963 Corvette was a defining
moment in American automotive history, not only for its
striking style, but also for its engineering innovations
$121,000 at Gooding & Company (VIDEO)
The difference between a Top Flight car and an also-ran
can be as subtle as the sheen of the frame paint, the trueto-period
look of the exterior finish, or the shine of the
interior vinyl
C4 1984 Corvette coupe
26 by B. Mitchell Carlson
C5 2000 Corvette convertible
28 by Chip Lamb
C6 Mini Profiles of C6 coupes & convertibles (VIDEO)
It will be a really long time before this low-mileage Z06
Corvette is collectible. And driving it would destroy the
ultra-low mileage that makes it special in the first place.
So, think of this car as a chance to buy a nearly new Z06
while saving over $20k
30 by Geoff Archer
$15,900 at Mecum (VIDEO)
This was a $45,000-plus car when it was new, and it doesn't
show major wear or accident damage. And it has a top
that goes down. So, why did this handsome car sell for just
$15k in 2010?
$8,500 at Mecum (VIDEO)
Don't think that a low-mileage, original 1984 will suddenly
balloon in value in another 25 years. The huge production
run means that survivor cars will have plenty of company
Page 3
Market Reports
34 Mecum Auctions, Des Moines, IA
Mecum's Hawkeye Classic Sells 21 Corvettes for $355k
by B. Mitchell Carlson
44 Carlisle Auctions, Carlisle, PA
Fall Carlisle sells 7 of 14 Corvettes for $247k
by Chip Lamb
50 Global Roundup
104 Corvettes from 16 auctions total $5.8m
by CM Market Analysts
Feature
18 Corvette Funfest
Tens of thousands celebrate America's sports car in Effingham
by John Gunnell
Digital Bonus
CM
Departments
6 Publisher's Note
8 Insider's View: Should I make my Corvette as nice as possible,
or replicate factory sloppiness?
10 Q&A: Cooling down a souped-up Corvette
12 Courtroom Corvettes: Beware of fraudulent advertising—do
you know what you're really buying?
14 Events: Things to do and places to be with your Corvette
16 Auction Calendar
32 Market Overview
78 By The Numbers: Top Corvettes sold since June
80 Price Guide: Current Corvette pricing
84 Trick Stuff: Corvette computer mouse, C6 carpet and more
86 In Miniature: XP-755 Mako Shark
86 Speaking Volumes: The Corvette in the Barn
88 Resource Directory
90 Vette-o-bilia: Old Hawaiian license plates bring big bucks
Additional Seat Time contributions, videos and images are available on this issue's Digital Edition, included with every print
subscription. To sign up for your Digital Issue, go to www.corvettemarket.com/digital or call 503.261.2555 ext. 1
18 Corvette Funfest
www.corvettemarket.com FALL 2010 Corvette Market 5
Page 4
Publisher's
Note
By Keith Martin
Back to the Desert
Corvette Market
Keith Martin's
Volume 3 . Issue 13 . Fall 2010
Publisher Keith Martin
Art Director Jeff Stites
Executive Editor Chester Allen
Managing Editor Jim Pickering
Auction Editor Tony Piff
Data Analyst Chad Tyson
Copy Editors Yael Abel
Bill Neill
Auction Analysts B. Mitchell Carlson
Linda Clark
Tom Glatch
Daniel Grunwald
John Clucas
Chip Lamb
Norm Mort
Dale Novak
Arizona in January is a Corvette lovefest
A
s the days grow shorter and the rains begin, all of us at CM World Headquarters in
Portland, OR find our thoughts turning towards Arizona in January—and the warmth
of the winter sun.
We've been attending the Arizona auctions for 24 years, and we've watched what
was a large regional event, the Barrett-Jackson auction, turn into the epicenter of a week
crammed full of car auctions and related activities.
Barrett-Jackson is still the once and future King of Fiberglass in Scottsdale, with literally
hundreds of Corvettes offered for sale—and an exclusive relationship with NCRS. Russo and
Steele is back in business after their collapsing-tent disaster last year. Their new location is
near the old one, but will have superior weather protection and asphalt paving.
RM and Gooding will duke it out in the rarified atmosphere of million-dollar cars; you
won't find more them offering more than a few Corvettes, but those they do have will be very
special.
And for a casual afternoon of tire-kicking, you can't beat Silver at Fort McDowell. Far
from the land of $5 Cokes and $12 hamburgers, Silver always has an appetizing array of
collectible classics.
CM staff and auction reporters will be at every event, and we'll share a booth with Sports
Car Market at Gooding and Russo and Steele. Stop by, say hello, tell us about your Corvettes
and pick up your latest edition of the 2011 Corvette Market Price Guide, which is free to all
subscribers.
Insider's Seminar
The luminaries of the Corvette world will assemble once again for the 4th annual
Corvette Market Insider's Seminar. Hosted by Barrett-Jackson and with primary sponsor
Barrett-Jackson Endorsed Collector Car Insurance, the six panelists are: David Burroughs
(Bloomington Gold), Jim Jordan (County Corvettes), Kevin Mackay (Corvette Repair, Inc.),
Terry Michaelis (Pro Team Corvettes), Michael Pierce (NCRS) and Mike Yager (Mid America
Motorworks).
They will discuss where the market is headed, and when it makes sense to preserve rather
than restore a Corvette. Then, they will each give their best-buy picks in the $25,000, $50,000
and $100,000 price range. You won't want to miss it—admission is free for CM subscribers.
The seminar will take place on Thursday, January 20th from 9 to 11 am. For registration
information, see page 83. Separate admission to Barrett-Jackson is required.
Special Edition of Corvette in the Barn
Automotive barn-find sleuth Tom Cotter has released The Corvette in the Barn, and you'll
find it reviewed on page 86. I wrote the forward to the book, and CM has available just 100
leather-bound copies, signed by the author and me, and numbered. CM subscriber price is just
$35 including shipping, and when they're gone, they're gone. Order yours by calling 877-2192605
ext. 204, or at www.corvettemarket.com/barn.
Thank You
This marks the beginning of our fourth year of publishing Corvette Market, and we want
to thank all of the subscribers who have made this journey an exciting and enlightening one.
Your stories and your feedback are a never-ending source of education and entertainment;
thanks for making us part of your Corvette experience. ■
6 Corvette Market FALL 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
Contributors Carl Bomstead
Marshall Buck
Colin Comer
John Draneas
Michael Pierce
John L. Stein
Operations Manager Molly Gray
Marketing Intern Rich Coparanis
Senior Web Developer Jerret Kinsman
Information Technology/
Internet Bryan Wolfe
Software Engineering Intern Nidhi Saini
Financial Manager Nikki Nalum
Print Media Buyer Wendie Martin
Director CM Television Roger Williams
ADVERTISING SALES
Advertising Executives Tom Mann
tom.mann@corvettemarket.com
877.219.2605 x 211
Cody Wilson
cody.wilson@corvettemarket.com
877.219.2605 x 213
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Subscriptions Coordinator Kyle McBride
Subscriptions 877.219.2605 x 1
9 am to 5 pm, M–F
service@corvettemarket.com
503.253.2234 fax
CORRESPONDENCE
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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 © 2010 by Keith Martin's
Corvette Market, LLC, Automotive Investor Media Group,
and Automotive Investor in this format and any other used
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PRINTED IN USA
Page 6
Insider's
View
The current state of the Corvette Market
Restored 427/435: Orange Paint Overspray?
To overspray or not to overspray will ultimately depend on your goals for the
restoration. Overspray was how the car was done at the factory
T
he CM question: “I'm finishing the restoration of my 1967 427/435, and the engine bay is perfect. But my Corvette guru friends tell me it is
way too nice. They say the car needs sloppy orange paint overspray from the cylinder head to the exhaust manifold. Why? Shouldn't I make
my Corvette as nice as possible?” CM readers say...
discussion. I am a purist, and
detail is important to me.
Dave Woollings, via email:
The cars were built in a factory
by guys who may or may not
have liked their jobs. Mondays
were always hard to get good
quality work, and, quite often,
sloppy overspray happened—on
all makes of cars.
However if a guy is restoring
his own car and wants it as nice
as possible, well then make it
so....
Paul Schreiber, via email:
I think the idea of making
everything appear as it did from
the factory is wrong! If you
are going to spend oodles of
money on a restoration, it should
be as perfect as you can make
it. Otherwise it's just another
sloppy job coming out of the factory
after a night of drinking by
the assemblers, and how is this
even remotely OK?
Dwayne Bublitz, Flagstaff,
Monte Cox, via email: It has
to have overspray, just like from
the factory, to go for Gold. Ask
the judges, and they will tell you
that.
Victor Dominelli, San
Diego, CA: Overspray is a good
thing, but just a hint of it is what
you want. I learned this from
reviewing several cars with a
judge at this year's Bloomington
Gold. Too much overspray, however,
is an indication of someone
who's trying too hard to be
period-correct. They'll actually
be docked a few points for their
efforts.
Hudson G. Vitaich,
Sacramento, CA: Overspray is
not OK. Why? Because it has
now developed into camouflage.
Sloppy restorers use it as a way
of covering up sloppy gasket fits,
excessive use of sealants and the
use of incorrect fasteners—while
telling their overpaying (pun intended)
clients: “It's supposed to
look this way.” I build very good
engines, and I'll be damned—
and beaten at the show—before
8 Corvette Market FALL 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
I slop Chevy Orange all over the
place in pursuit of some indefinable
NCRS standard.
Chris Schaff, via email: If
you're going for correctness,
use the overspray and make sure
the orange shade is correct. I
did get docked for too nice and
too-bright orange paint when
I had my ‘57 judged. If you're
not getting judged, I wouldn't
worry about the overspray. If you
want to do the local shows, some
people may not understand the
overspray, but it makes for good
AZ: Who cares about overspray
unless you're an NCRS guru?
It's your car, and you should
restore it the way you want. The
only reason to overspray would
be for judging, and who wants to
go through that nonsense? Drive
the car and enjoy it! Ignore the
NCRS judging manual and make
it a driver.
Mark Rudnick, via email:
It depends on how closely one
wants the car to appear factory
original. The big-block Corvette
engines were assembled in
the Tonawanda plant and
were painted orange with the
exhaust manifold in place. The
Page 7
exhaust manifolds didn't receive
overspray—they received a
direct hit as the engine painter
made a quick pass down the side
of the head. To authenticate the
build process, one would spray
paint the engine with the exhaust
manifolds in place, as was done
in Tonawanda.
Most of the orange will be
burned to black within a few
hours of run time, but the flange
area that mates to the cylinder
head will stay orange for many
years to come.
Michael Pierce, Portland,
OR: NCRS and Bloomington
Corvette judges expect to see
some orange overspray on the
exhaust manifolds, water pump
bypass hose and on some intake
manifolds. During the initial
assembly process, exhaust manifolds
were hung on the heads,
and a shield was used before
painting the blocks orange.
Judging by the book
On hydraulic lifter motors,
intake manifolds were completely
painted the same orange
as the block. Solid-lifter motors
used cast aluminum intakes
and were masked when painted,
but they usually show some
overspray. In fact, it is often the
case with this type of judging
that points may be deducted for
“over-restoration” or “not typical
of factory production” if orange
overspray does not appear to be
“as original.”
Concours—and most car
show judging—is all about
cleanliness and condition
without any eye to originality.
Judges want to see pretty cars.
Overspray, although authentic,
often distracts, detracts and
deducts.
Ultimately, the choice is
yours. If you are going to
compete for the highest awards
in the Corvette preservation
and restoration world, you will
have your car judged by experts
who look for hundreds of very
specific things. NCRS judging
is actually an open-book test.
The judging manual is written in
exhausting detail, so you know
exactly what standard your car
will be judged against. If you
follow that guide, there should be
very few surprises.
In either case, once you're
done with the restoration, just
drive the car and don't worry
about it. ■
www.corvettemarket.com FALL 2010 Corvette Market 9
Page 8
Questions
&Answers
Please send your questions to questions@corvettemarket.com. By Colin Comer
What if My Lady is Really a Dude?
These suspect cars sell for about what the restorations cost, so is there any
harm in just pretending it is my dream car?
Does my 2010 Grand
Sport need a bra?
I just bought my first
Corvette, a new 2010 Grand
Sport Coupe. The salesman
recommended a “clear bra” paint
protection system. Do they
work? What are the pros and
cons? Worth the money (about
$1k installed)? Thanks—D.M.,
West Chicago, IL
Yes, the clear paint protection
kits offered by a variety
of companies typically use 3M
Scotchgard Paint Protection
film, and they are quite effective.
It is a thin, clear urethane
film—like a really tough contact
paper—that is applied to the
most vulnerable areas of your
car, such as the nose, painted
side mirrors and behind wheel
openings.
A thicker version is used to
protect headlight lenses. I have
this on a number of my own cars,
and it has sustained reasonably
violent rock attacks without
damage to the paint.
Pros: Pre-cut kits are avail-
able for almost every Corvette
ever built, it's almost invisible
once installed, and it saves your
paint.
Cons: Do not try to install it
yourself, it's not invisible enough
for show cars, it needs an occasional
clean up with rubbing
alcohol or plastic polish to remove
fine scratches, and it does
eventually need to be replaced
(about every five years or when
it is sufficiently worn).
I'd say it
is well worth the expense if you
drive your car often and want to
save its shiny new finish.
What if my lady is really
a dude?
I've been looking for a
'67 427/435 convertible in
Lyndale Blue for a while. After
many false starts, I am starting
to ease up on my requirements of
finding one with good docs and
an original motor.
I recently found an NCRS
Top Flight winner and had it inspected.
The car has no original
paperwork, and limited owner
history, but it is quite stunning.
The asking price is $160k. My
inspector advised me that he
believes the engine to be a restamped
unit—and not original
to the car. There were enough
other yellow flags that led him to
believe the car may just be a nice
427/435 clone based on a real
Lyndale Blue roadster—as the
trim and VIN tags checked out
as original.
Should I stop worrying about
paperwork and originality? It
seems to me that these suspect
cars sell for about what the restorations
cost, so is there any harm
in just pretending it is my dream
car? How much less than a “real/
known” one is a “UFO” worth?
I want a Corvette, and I am not
getting any younger.—D.H., via
email
Good question. For many,
a shiny, correct car—with a
lack of paperwork—is well worth
the discount. Others want all the
UFOs to stay in Area 51 and not
in their garage.
And you are correct in that
some of these unknown 427/435
Corvettes can be purchased for
less than it takes to restore or
build one from scratch. And not
many people at a local show or
cruise night will look at your car
any differently if you don't have
GM paperwork in your safe at
home.
That said, I think the current
market for a very convincing
427/435 car of unknown origins
10 Corvette Market FALL 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
Gain peace of mind with a protective shield
is $90k-$125k, while cars with
airtight, bulletproof history, real
docs and a display case full of
Bloomington Gold and NCRS
National awards are moving up
again, with recent sales in the
$200k-$250k range. Another
point to consider—when it comes
time to sell—is that “live” is a
lot easier to sell than Memorex.
The real question is, can YOU
slide behind the wheel and be
happy with knowing that your
pretty lady may have once been
a dude? That's a decision only
you can make.
A Tri-Power '58?
OK, help me settle a bet. I
was watching the TV show
“American Pickers” with a car
buddy when they “picked” a 3x2
carb setup—Rochester 2-barrels
by the look of it—with three
individual chrome louvered
air cleaners. The seller told the
Picker guys that the carbs were
from a very rare 1958 Corvette
Tri-Power car, after which the
Pickers agreed and flashed a
photo of a 1958 Corvette on the
screen. They paid $50 for the
carbs and said they were worth
a lot more due to the rarity. I'm
not a big C1 guy, but I cried foul.
I don't know of any C1 factory
Tri-Power cars. My buddy says
I am an idiot, that they research
these shows, so it has to be true.
I bet him $50 that he's wrong and
I'm right. So, was there a factory
3x2 1958 Corvette?—R.E.,
Rapids City, IL
As they say, don't believe
everything you see on
TV. There were no Tri-Power
C1 Corvettes, and your buddy
owes you fifty bucks. Please
send my 10% cut to CM World
Headquarters.
Cooling down a soupedup
Corvette
Ok, I have a 1969 427 coupe
that I have owned since
'77. It is mildly souped-up, with
a big cam, Holley 850, Hooker
headers, a Mallory distributor,
and all the other go-fast stuff we
Page 9
used to bolt on. The problem is,
at my advanced age I am getting
tired of how hot this damn thing
gets. I'm not talking coolant temperature.
I'm referring to radiant
heat under the hood and under
my feet. I know it is the nature of
the beast but is there anything I
can do?—TT, Coloma, WI
I can't believe anything gets
hot enough to be annoying
in Coloma! Kidding aside, I will
assume the car is tuned properly
(jetting, timing, healthy cooling
system) and is mechanically fit.
Since your first hop-up days
with this car, lots of technology
has emerged to fight radiant
heat. I have found that ceramic
coating headers and exhaust is
a big help, especially thick ones
such as the “White Lightning”
(.015”) coating from Swain Tech
Coatings. They claim a reduction
of underhood temps of 35% to
55% just by doing the headers.
The downside is the white color,
but a rattle-can high-temp
paint can be applied over it in
the color of your choice. Cost
is about $300 for a pair of V8
headers. For your hot feet, there
are tons of high-tech heat shields
for exhaust, reflective blankets
to mount or glue to the underside
of your floors, and also pre-cut
heat insulation kits that go under
the carpet. All of this will make
a big difference and keep your
shoes from melting on a long
drive.
Pulling engines with ease
I just had the engine rebuilt
in my 1964 coupe, and un-
fortunately, it has to come back
out to fix some leaks.
When I pulled it out the last
time, I used one of those engine
lift plates that bolts to the carburetor
flange of the intake and had
a hell of a time maneuvering the
engine in and out without doing
major damage. Is there an easier
way to do this? I've been told an
engine balance bar would help
but then the engine will want to
No factory Tri-Power in 1958 Corvettes
swing sideways. I'm just a hobbyist,
not a professional, so any
advice is very welcome.—C.H.,
Scottsdale, AZ
I know this problem. It is
always like a high-stakes
game of “Operation” when
you're pulling or installing a
motor into a car you care about.
I recently found (completely
by accident) a slick little tool
called, simply, the Pivot Plate
from Mac's Custom Tie-Downs.
It bolts to the carburetor flange,
just like the plate you used, but
has an infinitely adjustable pivot
that goes from zero to 35 degrees
or so.
We just used it in our shop
and I think one of my guys wants
to propose to it—and he's been
pulling engines for 32 years. For
$149, it may be just the thing to
ease some of the pain of having
to do your engine job twice.
Hope this helps. ■
www.corvettemarket.com FALL 2010 Corvette Market 11
Page 10
Courtroom
Corvettes
The legal side of the hobby. By Bruce Shaw, Esq.
Beware of Fraudulent Advertising
A 1962 Corvette Fuelie was displayed with a sign that described the car as
“Survivor Quality.” What does this mean?
What the seller says is just a starting point
believe in what they read. Corvette buyers love to believe that they have found the car
of their dreams. Fraudulent advertising is the main highway that steers some Corvette
buyers into the potholes of bad Corvette purchases. Fraudulent advertising is any
marketing tactic, such as oral or written statements, that intentionally deceive another
person into entering into a transaction that he or she would have avoided. A seller is
responsible for what he knows or what he should have known about a product—be it a
Corvette or vacuum cleaner—before making a statement.
C
Dangers in paradise
Let's go to a typical Corvette-only show.
Buyers can look forward to a great selection of Corvettes for sale, but buyers also
get a selection of fraudulent advertising scattered over those acres of shiny fiberglass.
Some unscrupulous sellers bait their snares with carefully written descriptions to fool
the unwary.
Let's imagine it's a perfect day for Corvette perusing—not a cloud in the sky, a
temperature of 82 degrees and rows and rows of Corvettes. Unfortunately, as I am a
lawyer, I am always looking and thinking law stuff at these events.
Are the potholes filled to avoid tripping hazards? Does the event have insurance
if someone chokes on a vendor's food? But, most importantly, are some sellers using
fraudulent advertising in their signs or oral statements?
At the event I was attending, the operative words on some signs were “Survivor
Quality,” “Appears to be/Believed to be” or “Numbers Matching.”
These descriptions, when applied accurately to a Corvette ad, may be characterized
as “terms of art”—as they convey a special definition or meaning in the industry. Of
course, the industry here is Corvette transactions. The problem is that all of these
“terms of art” can be used to deceive a potential buyer. The descriptive words can be
12 Corvette Market FALL 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
orvette fraud comes in three flavors: Re-stamped or counterfeit parts, fake documentation
and fraudulent advertising.
The worst of these evils is fraudulent advertising, as it reaches the greatest
number of potential buyers. People want to believe in what they are told—and
intentionally manipulated by the seller—and transform
the “terms of art” to false meanings.
Survivor Quality
I ambled up and down the rows of Corvettes, and it
wasn't long before I discovered my first case of fraudulent
advertising. A 1962 Corvette Fuelie was displayed
with a beautiful sign next to the front fender. The sign
described all of the attributes of the car, and “Survivor
Quality” was the head note.
So, what is “Survivor Quality”? What does this
mean to the Corvette buyer?
Dave Burroughs of Bloomington Gold trademarked
“Survivor” in 1989 to define Corvettes that are nicely
preserved and unrestored originals. “Survivor” means
that the Corvette must be at least 50% original. This
definition is a term of art, as it defines a custom or
standard of the industry. I asked the seller of that 1961
Fuelie owner what he meant by “Survivor Quality.” He
proudly stated that the brand-new paint job and interior
“were exactly like what the car had when it was new.”
BUZZ! This is false advertising. Remember that real
Bloomington Gold Survivors must have 50% of the
original finish and interior. What's more, the seller
should know what “Survivor” means prior to his statements.
It is believed
My next stop was at a 1965 396/425 convertible. This
Corvette had imported knockoff aluminum wheels,
Page 11
Coker redline tires and side exhaust. The advertising
stated, “It is believed to be a real big block car.” This is
false advertising.
Here is the falsity: The statement “It is believed to
be real” is a typical deceptive term that has no purpose
except to hook a potential buyer. After questioning the
seller, I discovered that he had no basis for the “belief,”
but it just sounded good!
Yet, if there is a problem, the seller will be the first
to say, “I never said it was real, I said it was ‘believed'
to be real.”
There is a big difference between saying something
is real, which is an affirmative, no-leeway statement,
and “It is believed to be real,” which is a statement that it
could easily be seen as “not real.” This creates an escape
for the seller's statement—a statement that the buyer
relied upon.
“An” versus “The”
Then I stumbled across a beautifully restored 1967
convertible with the following descriptive words: “This
beauty sports an original drivetrain.” AN original drivetrain?
Not THE original drivetrain?
When I questioned the seller, his answer was, “Yes,
it could be the original drivetrain.” Further questions
resulted in the seller ignoring me.
There is a difference in the words “an” and “the.”
The word “an” can be understood in two ways. In one
way, “an” can mean the actual, original drivetrain of
that particular car. In another way, “an” can mean an
original drivetrain—the type used in that particular car—but not necessarily the real,
original drive train. Using “The original drive train” limits that particular drive train
to that particular car.
“Matching numbers”
Finally, I came across everyone's favorite: “matching numbers.” This pristine 1969
coupe had the 427/400 engine, air conditioning and transistorized ignition. The ad included
a copy of the tank sticker and dealer invoice—and said the car was “guaranteed
100% numbers-matching.”
But was this actually a numbers-matching Corvette? The car had the entire smog
pump assembly removed, a Pep Boys replacement alternator, an ACCEL distributor
and Hooker headers. Clearly, this Corvette was far from a 100% numbers-matching
car. The figure 100% was the death blow for the seller. Once again, the seller knew
or should have known—prior to making any statements—that the Corvette was not
100% numbers-matching, so the ad could easily mislead a potential buyer.
So what have we learned?
Every word stated on a sign or coming from the mouth of a seller must be carefully
evaluated. Is the seller particularly careful with his words as he talks with you? Could
the advertisement have two meanings? Could a word in the advertisement change the
complete meaning of the Corvette's description at any time? Could a word leave a back
door open for an unscrupulous seller?
You bet!
As always, when evaluating a collectible Corvette, ask lots of questions, see all the
paperwork, consult with experts and don't be pressured to “make the deal today.” A
misrepresented car that you walk away from may just be the best deal you ever do. ■
BRUCE SHAW, ESQ. is an attorney specializing in collector car fraud. He is a former
Bloomington Gold instructor, and an NCRS national judge. His comments are general
in nature and are not intended to substitute for consultation with an attorney.
www.corvettemarket.com FALL 2010 Corvette Market 13
Page 12
Insider's
View
Event
Guide
Arizona
January 20, 2011
4th Annual Corvette Market Insider's
Seminar, Scottsdale
The 4th Annual Corvette Market Insider's
Seminar will be from 9 am to 11 am on
Thursday, January 20 at the Barrett-Jackson
Auction site in Scottsdale, AZ.
CM Publisher Keith Martin will lead the
discussion, and the panelists include:
Mike Yager, founder of Mid America
Motorworks
Michael Pierce, NCRS senior judge
Roy Sinor, NCRS National Judging chairman
David Burroughs, Bloomington Gold CEO
Terry Michaelis, ProTeam Corvette owner
Kevin Mackay, expert Corvette restorer and
owner of Corvette Repair restoration shop
Jim Jordan, president of County Corvette.
Admission is free for CM and SCM subscribers,
registered Barrett-Jackson bidders
and consignors, owners of Bloomington
Gold-certified Corvettes and NCRS members.
Space is limited! To register, go to
www.corvettemarket.com
California
March 25-27, 2011
Legends of Riverside Racing Film Festival
and Gala, Riverside
Parnelli Jones is the 2011 honoree of the
third annual festival of racing films and
legends. This festival grows in popularity
each year, probably because of the winning
combination of great racing films, great food,
great racers and great conversations.
Only 150 tickets are available for the 2011
event, and one $199 price covers all the
events, lunches and dinners—plus a goodie
bag—over the three-day festival.
www.legendsofriverside.com
Florida
January 9, 2011
5th Annual Open Car & Truck Show,
Sunrise
While most of the United States is mired
in winter, the sun-kissed members of the
Renegade Corvette Club will put on a
car show that includes Top 30 awards for
Corvettes ranging from 1953 to 2011.
Cash goes to winners of Ed Morse Choice,
Renegade Choice and Top Corvette awards.
The first 100 to register will get free T-shirts
and dashboard plaques. Live music, food,
door prizes and a 50/50 raffle are also scheduled
for the event, which will be at the Ed
Morse Sawgrass Auto Mall. Sunshine is not
guaranteed, but ice and snow are unlikely.
Pre-registration by January 1 is $20. Day-ofshow
tickets are $25.
www.renegadecorvetteclub.com
January 22, 2011
ACC Reflections in Glass, Fort
Lauderdale
The annual Corvette and GM show happens
this year at Maroone Chevrolet of
Fort Lauderdale. This is one of the largest
Corvette events in Florida, and it is held rain
or shine.
More than 200 Corvettes are expected
to pass under the eyes of judges, and the
categories include stock, modified, wash and
show and custom cars.
The show starts at 10 am and ends at 5 pm.
First-place winners bring home $100, and
$50 goes to 2nd place. Live music, a silent
auction, food and drinks, vendors and door
prizes liven up the day. Register by January
15 for $25 or fork over $30 on the day of the
show. www.renegadecorvetteclub.com
January 26-29, 2011
33rd Annual NCRS Winter Regional
Meet, Kissimmee, FL
This huge NCRS event brings vendors, a
swap meet, car corral, judging, a wash and
shine show and a Corvette cruise through
Old Town. www.ncrs.com
CMers at the 2010 Scottsdale Insider's Seminar
14 Corvette Market FALL 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
The current state of the Corvette market
Send your Corvette event listing to cmcalendar@corvettemarket.com.
Page 14
Insider's
View
Event
Guide
The current state of the Corvette market
Send your Corvette event listing to cmcalendar@corvettemarket.com.
Texas
February 12-13, 2011
33rd Annual Corvette/Chevy Expo,
Houston
March 11-13
16th Annual Amelia Island Concours
d'Elegance, Amelia Island
2010 Amelia Island Concours d' Elegance
Tennessee
This famous event brings more than 250
amazing cars onto the green fairways of
the Golf Club of Amelia Island at Summer
Beach. Racing legend Robby Rahal is this
year's honoree. Dinners, RM and Gooding
& Company car auctions, tours, seminars
and other events round out this gearhead
paradise. www.ameliaconcours.org
March 13, 2011
25th Annual Spring Meet Corvette Show,
Miami
The Sunshine Corvette Club and Kendall
Chevrolet join together every spring to put
on this show, which features judged classes
for all Corvette generations. Original and
modified cars compete for 1st, 2nd and
3rd places. Raffles, door prizes and live
music are staples of this popular event.
www.sunshinecorvetteclub.com
Illinois
March 4-6, 2011
Chevy Vettefest, Chicago
The 30th Anniversary Chevy Vettefest
rumbles into Chicago's Stephens Convention
Center. A lot of original and restores
Corvettes will compete for Triple Crown
awards, which are considered one of the
top prizes for fans of America's Sports Car.
Gold Spinner Awards go to exceptionally
original Corvettes from all generations. Cars
competing for Triple Crown awards must
have a Gold Spinner award—and NCRS Top
Flight and Bloomington Gold certificates.
Registration for Triple Crown candidates is
$250, while registration is $95 for cars in the
Gold Spinner category. www.chevyfest.net
NOVEMBER
March 25-26, 2011
34th Annual Corvette Expo, Sevierville
The Sevierville Event Center, located in the
foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains,
will become Corvette Heaven for a couple
of days. An auction, a swap meet, a judged
Corvette competition, a cruise and horsepower
events fill up the two days. $10.
www.corvetteexpo.com
Nothing is small at this Corvette event. The
130,000-square foot Brown Convention
Center makes this show the largest indoor
Corvette show in Texas. Corvettes will compete
for more than 100 trophies. The Texas
NCRS is meeting and will judge cars. A car
sale mart is scheduled, along with a swap
meet. Hundreds of vendors will set up shop,
and did we mention the bikini contest?
$15 per day or $25 for a two-day pass.
www.corvettechevyexpo.com
Washington
February 12–13, 2011
37th Annual Corvette & High
Performance Meet, Puyallup
www.corvhp.com. ■
Auction Calendar
DECEMBER
4-6—HOLLYWOOD WHEELS
West Palm Beach, FL
5-6—MECUM
Canal Winchester, OH
6-7—RED BARON
Atlanta, GA
13—RM
Gainesville, GA
13—SILVER
Tucson, AZ
13—BONHAMS &
BUTTERFIELDS
Los Angeles, CA
13—VICARI
Panama City Beach, FL
15—SHANNONS
Sydney, AUS
19-21—MCCORMICK
Palm Springs, CA
19-21—LEAKE
Dallas, TX
3-4—AUCTIONS AMERICA
Raleigh, NC
3—SILVER
Spokane, WA
2-4—MECUM
Kansas City, MO
10-11—SANTIAGO
Oklahoma City, OK
JANUARY
6—BONHAMS &
BUTTERFIELDS
Las Vegas, NV
6-8—MIDAMERICA
Las Vegas, NV
7-9—DAVE RUPP
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
17-23—BARRETT-JACKSON
Scottsdale, AZ
19-23—RUSSO AND STEELE
Scottsdale, AZ
20-21—RM
Phoenix, AZ
16 Corvette Market FALL 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
21-23—SILVER
Fort McDowell, AZ
21-22—GOODING & CO
Scottsdale, AZ
26-30—MECUM
Kissimmee, FL
FEBRUARY
5—PETERSEN
Salem, OR
18-19—LEAKE
Oklahoma City, OK
18—WORLDWIDE
Atlantic City, NJ
MARCH
4-6—RM
Fort Lauderdale, FL
11—GOODING & CO
Amelia Island, FL
12—RM
Amelia Island, FL
26—SILVER
Portland, OR
Photo: Rashba.com
Page 16
Insider's
View
Corvette
Funfest 2010
Report and photos by John Gunnell
The current state of the Corvette market
Send your Corvette event listing to cmcalendar@corvettemarket.com.
George Barris and Thousands of Corvettes
The end-of-summer Corvette Funfest sees a 21% jump in registration, and 60
Corvette clubs showed up for the fun
Effingham, IL., from Sept. 17–19. The Corvette supplier's
2010 customer appreciation party featured many
T
cars,
famous people and seminars.
Mike Yager, Mid America's chief cheerleader, posed
specialty cars from his MY Garage museum in tents for
those who wanted to take photographs.
Popular attractions such as the three-day car show
with thousands of Corvettes, the Friday night Corvette
auction, on-site Corvette exhaust and brake installs,
Corvette burnout contests, best garage contest, Corvette
trade show and club tent program were busy all weekend.
It was Corvetteland.
1960s rockers The Guess Who filled the Saturday
night air with hits, such as
“American Woman” and
“No Sugar Tonight.” Corvette fans got to meet “King of
Kustomizers” George Barris, who hosted seminars and
autograph sessions. One visitor even went home with
a special “Barris Kustom Award,” for his customized
Corvette.
Linda Vaughn—known as “Miss Hurst Golden
Shifter” and “The Queen of Drag Racing”—was on hand
he Corvette Funfest is an annual “you-gotta-bethere”
event for tens of thousands of gearheads.
The 17th annual event rumbled to life at the
Mid America Motorworks corporate campus in
Laurie Yager, Linda Vaughn, Mike Yager and George Barris
to greet the ‘Vette fans with her bubbly personality. Both Linda and George danced the
night away at the Saturday evening concert.
Other guests included former Corvette chief engineer Dave McLellan, GM service
technician Paul Koerner, artist Dana Forrester and authors Jerry Heasley, Tom Benford,
Randy Leffingwell, Richard Newton and Dave Emanuel, all of whom signed copies of
their Corvette books.
Corvette experts presented outstand-
ing educational seminars, which made a
visit to the show worthwhile for any enthusiast.
The seminars were full of great
tips and leads, such as finding parts to
what is the right oil for Corvettes with
flat tappet cams.
David Burroughs, CEO of
Bloomington Gold and Kevin Mackay
of Corvette Repair, Inc., talked
about preserving the originality of a
“Survivor” car. ■
Details
Plan Ahead: September 16-18, 2011
Where: Effingham, IL
Cost: $25 to $500, depending on admissions
package
More: www.mamotorworks.com
The object of everyone's affection
18 Corvette Market FALL 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
Page 18
C1 profile
1961 283/315 Fuelie
The dollars live in the details, and the difference between a Top Flight car and
an also-ran can be as subtle as the sheen of the frame paint
by John L. Stein
Chassis number: 10867S108388
Engine number: F0501CS
cars, almost without interruption through to the present day.
In many important ways, 1961 marked the nascence of the Bill Mitchell era in
F
Corvette styling. Use of chrome on the Corvette had been in decline since its high
point in 1958, and by 1961, its use was relatively minimal. Gone were the curvaceous
rear fenders of the earlier cars, replaced with the muscular haunches and quad taillights
that preceded Larry Shinoda's forthcoming Sting Ray.
This particular 1961 Corvette is a documented standard bearer for the model.
Restoration work on the car was undertaken with utmost concern for factory-correct
detail, and it has been judged and Bloomington Gold Certified. Furthermore, this
Corvette has been the recipient of multiple awards and certifications by the National
Corvette Restorers Society, including the Duntov Mark of Excellence and several Top
Flight awards.
In Ermine White with silver coves, the finish on this lovely Corvette accurately
replicates the standards of its original application in period. The shape of the lightweight
fiberglass body is gently accentuated by the subtle contrast of silver and white,
and the car embodies a sporting elegance. The interior is finished in the correct red
and serves as an apt counterpoint for the subtle exterior. Inside, the car maintains the
same attention to factory-correctness present elsewhere, and the proper materials are
present throughout. It includes factory-correct components, including tar-top battery,
jack, spare and hard top wrench.
One of the many practical advantages to Corvette ownership is an owner com-
munity that is nearly unmatched in its knowledge of, and dedication to, the model.
This car carries a level of documentation and certification that would be astounding
for almost any other type of car. The recognized experts have scrutinized it, finding
that its restoration is faithful, detail-for-detail, to the original car as it rolled off the
assembly line.
20 Corvette Market FALL 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
Details
Years Produced 1961
Number Produced 10,939
Original List Price $3,934
CM Valuation $68,500–$139,000
Tune-up $500
Distributor Cap $19.99
Chassis # Top of steering column under hood
Engine # Right front cylinder head deck
Club National Corvette Restorers Society
More www.ncrs.org
Alternatives
1956-58 Porsche 356A Speedster,
1967 Jaguar E-type Series 1 4.2
roadster,
1967 Shelby GT500
CM Investment
Grade B
or many, the 1960s were the golden years of American high-performance automobiles.
No car did more to usher in that era than the Chevrolet Corvette. In 1955, it
was offered for the first time with a V8 engine. From then on, there was no looking
back—the Corvette has helped shoulder the banner for American sporting
The 1961 Corvette was an utterly brilliant car and a
world-class sports car in its day. This is a rare opportunity
to take ownership of a car painstakingly restored to
exacting standards.
Photos by Hugh Hamilton © 2010 Courtesy of Gooding & Company
Page 19
Digital Bonus
CM
CM Analysis This car, Lot 161, sold for $121,000 at the Gooding & Company auction
at the Pebble Beach Equestrian Center in Pebble Beach, CA, on August
15, 2010.
If cars were rock bands, this one would definitely be called No Doubt. That's because
its stunningly correct restoration—along with Bloomington Gold, NCRS Duntov and
Top Flight awards—gave it all the validation it needed to attract strong bidding at the
Gooding auction, admittedly a Eurocentric event.
And truth be told, even among a tasty array of competition-spec Ferraris at the
two-day auction, it still made my Top Ten list of cars that I wanted to take home. It sold
for the second-highest amount (following Saturday's Lot 1, a 1958 Fuelie at $137,500) of
any of the five Corvettes in the auction.
As solid-axles go, the '61 is one of the most characteristic, as it heralded the first ap-
plication of Larry Shinoda's Sting Ray-style tail treatment that would eventually define
all second-generation Corvettes. With this new styling cue, along with a new, roomier
cockpit and the highest horsepower of any Chevy to date, the ‘61 Corvette was a grownup
sports car for its time. It was well-suited for daily driving and grand touring, while
keeping its lust for a street race.
Numbers-matching Fuelies are rare
The bone density of this particular car gets even better, as it's also a numbers-
matching, fuel-injection model, which was a fairly rare option in 1961, with just 13%
of Corvettes so equipped. Having the preferred 4-speed manual gearbox and a lovely
optional hard top (a $236.75 option in its day but worth many thousands now) made the
car even more complete and usable.
And then there was the execution, which was as close to flawless as you could want.
As any restorer knows, the dollars live in the details, and the difference between a Top
Flight car and an also-ran can be as subtle as the sheen of the frame paint, the true-toperiod
look of the exterior finish, or the shine of the interior vinyl. Perhaps even more
than the inherent goodness of the 1961 Fuelie model, these details are what built lust in
my heart—to quote a certain peanut farmer—for this car.
Actually, the only thing not to love about this Corvette was that it's a '61 model, and
not the final solid-axle year of 1962, with its enlarged, higher-horsepower 327-ci engine.
But we're quibbling here, because while the 1962 Corvettes were technically stronger,
they're also significantly less rare than the '61 Fuelies.
Outstanding attention to detail
Showing 38,143 miles, this Ermine White with silver coves car shows little use after
its complete, frame-off restoration. The Plexiglass top windows look original, and the
addition of period-correct
bias-ply tires, old-school
battery, and California
black and yellow license
plates help anchor it in time
and place.
I gave the car a 1- rat-
ing when reviewing it for
CM and SCM at the auction,
as the only problems
were slightly rumpled seat
upholstery and some errant
glue around the weather
stripping. In actuality, the
assembly line workers in St.
Louis probably weren't all
that careful about where the
glue brush swept when the
Shirelles were on the radio.
Someone ought to invent a formula for determining bang-for-the-buck value in
classic cars. Why? Well, compared to other highbrow sports cars, such as Shelbys,
Ferraris and Porsches, this Corvette certainly would score high in all the important
areas, including exciting exterior and interior design, genuine performance credentials,
fun-to-drive quotient, easy parts availability and reparability, strength of resale value,
and overall pleasure.
In other words, in my personal bang-for-the-buck equation, this car at $121,000
Terry Goodman's ‘61 Fuelie
www.corvettemarket.com FALL 2010 Corvette Market 21
would have a much higher rating than the 1967 Shelby
GT500 that sold for $118,250 at the same auction.
This C1 was very well sold, but more importantly,
smartly bought. This is the last '61 that the buyer will
ever really need to own. ■
(Introductory description courtesy of Gooding &
Company.)
SEAT TIME
Jerry James, via email: Envision a 1961 Fuelie on
a summer evening with the top safely tucked away
heading west out of Denver into the Rockies....
That's my preferred memory for my 1961. It was
Horizon Blue with white coves and a medium blue
interior, white convertible top and white hard top.
This was the summer of 1972 and I'd owned another
1961 which had been stolen.
I bought the car with the insurance proceeds
from a local police officer who was frustrated with
it. It was originally a Fuelie, but he'd installed a factory
2x4 set-up because he couldn't make the fuel
injection work right. I remember that he blamed the
altitude. I didn't know zip about fuel injection but
decided I was about to learn. I ordered rebuild books
out of car magazines, and as I remember, I think that
I got two or three and read all of ‘em. I went down
to the local Chevy dealer and bought two fuel injection
rebuild kits. For some reason, the figure of $12
each sticks in my head. And I learned....
My first real ride with the finished injection rebuild
is the opening sentence; not only was I proud of
myself but I was also equipped with an ear-to ear
smile. I had set the valves, the injection was as close
to spec as I could get it without a manometer, and
I was gonna do some mountain driving! Wow, my
heart still sings when I think about it. The paint was
faded—typical for the Colorado sun—and I replaced
the carpets. I then drove it for the next three
years with absolute joy. I wish I still had pictures but
they went away in a flooded basement.
I still remember the Fuelie whistle and the pull of
a solid-lifter 283 with a 3.73 rear end. In a weak moment
I sold it to a fellow from Keokuk, Iowa.
Eric Goodman, via email: My Dad (Terry
Goodman) owns a 1961 Corvette 283/315 Fuelie.
He has owned the car since 1996 and is the second
owner. It is a numbers-matching car with under
50,000 original miles. The car has been repainted but
the rest is original. He bought the car from a local
California car dealer and it has the original black
California plates. He has owned about a dozen
Corvettes. He currently has four: the 1961 Fuelie, a
1965 convertible, a 1966 coupe and a 2000 convertible.
The ‘61 has always been his favorite. Every time
he takes it to a show (not very often, as it has such
low miles), everyone loves it. I do not think he will ever
sell the car!
Page 20
C2 profile
1963 327/360 “Pilot Line” Sting Ray Roadster
This is one of the oldest C2s in existence, and there's a great mystique to any
early production or pilot car, especially a landmark like the Sting Ray
by Thomas Glatch
Chassis number: 30867S100015
equipped with a simple yet effective independent rear suspension courtesy of Zora
Arkus-Duntov.
Of the four 327-ci engine options, the L84 360-horsepower variant propelled the
P
Corvette from 0 to 60 mph in under six seconds. Contemporary magazines unanimously
praised the new Sting Ray's handling and performance, with Motor Trend
testers remarking, “We thought the old model cornered darn well, but there's no
comparing it to this new one.” Perhaps the most telling endorsement came from Zora
Arkus-Duntov, who said, “For the first time, I now have a Corvette I can be proud to
drive in Europe.”
Both the 1963 Sting Ray and the fuel-injected models, in particular, remain design
and engineering benchmarks. This example is particularly remarkable as Sting Ray
number 15, being a real “pilot line,” or pre-production car, for 1963 and believed to
be one of approximately four such cars known to exist today. According to a recent
inspection, the Corvette shows just 15 miles since it received a body-off-frame restoration.
Today, the paint, door fit and interior are good, the brightwork is driver quality,
the engine bay is clean and proper but not over-restored, and the undercarriage remains
show-quality in presentation.
The Corvette includes a four-speed manual transmission, an AM radio, knockoff
turbine-style wheels and power windows. With its desirable color combination, highperformance
powertrain, sheer rarity and historical significance, the offering of this
fuel-injected 1963 Sting Ray is truly a rare opportunity that cannot be missed.
22 Corvette Market FALL 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
enned by GM stylist Larry Shinoda under Bill Mitchell, the all-new 1963
Corvette Sting Ray introduced the aerodynamic styling and superb engineering
that created an instant classic. Underneath that gorgeous new bodywork
was a serious sports car, riding on a 4-inch shorter wheelbase than before and
CM Analysis This Corvette, Lot 248, sold for $104,500,
Auctions Sports & Classics of Monterey Auction,
including buyer's premium, at the RM
Details
Years Produced 1963
Number Produced 21,513 (coupe and convertible)
Original List Price $4,375.95
CM Valuation $40,400-$70,000 (340-hp),
$66,000-$114,000 (360-hp)
Tune-up $150
Distributor Cap $19.99
Chassis # VIN plate on top of instrument
panel at base of windshield
Engine # Pad on front of block below right
cylinder head
Club The C2 Corvette Registry
More www.c2registry.org
Alternatives
1962 Jaguar XKE convertible,
1963-65 Shelby Cobra 289,
1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS
454/450 convertible
CM Investment Grade A
Photos: Darin Schnabel ©2010 Courtesy of RM Auctions
Page 21
Digital Bonus
CM
Monterey, CA, on August 13, 2010.
The venerable St. Louis Assembly Plant was abuzz
in mid-September 1962. Instead of the relentless pace
and mind-numbing monotony of the assembly process,
the line was moving at a crawl. A stunning automobile
was being built; all-new, save for the engine and transmission.
Workers used to building essentially the same
vehicle for the past decade were learning new assembly
processes and familiarizing themselves with new workstations
and new components.
There had to be a feeling in the plant that history
was in the making.
It's been called “the Original American Idol.” There
is no question that the 1963 Corvette was a defining moment
in American automotive history, not only for its
striking style, but also for its engineering innovations.
Car Life magazine gave the Sting Ray its 1963
Annual Award for Technical Excellence, while Road
& Track gushed, “As a purely sporting car, the new
Corvette will know few peers on road or track.” And
this one was just the 15th car off the St. Louis line, built
on or around September 18, 1962—possibly the same
day as the very first car.
Part of O'Quinn's collection
Sting Ray 15 went unsold at Mecum's Bloomington
Gold auction in 2004, but RM sold it in 2005 for
$128,400. Later, it was part of the collection of John
O'Quinn, the Houston mega-attorney turned megacollector.
Fortune magazine once called O'Quinn “the
lawyer from hell” for his success in earning over $20
billion for his firm through high-profile lawsuits against
drug and chemical companies, stockbrokers, and the
tobacco industry.
With over 670 cars in his growing collection, O'Quinn
was noted for buying anything that caught his eye. This
car's Riverside Red paint and red vinyl interior, factory
alloy knockoffs and 360-hp Fuelie power plant make it
easy to see why it attracted O'Quinn's attention.
O'Quinn amassed a personal fortune believed to be
around $4 billion before his untimely death in a singlecar
crash on a wet Houston road in October 2009.
In the era before government-mandated crash tests,
often just one or two “pilot” cars were destroyed after
thorough testing. The rest of the handful of pilot run
vehicles were often used as auto show displays or press
cars—and later sold to the public. Yet the Corvette C2
Registry lists only one known ‘63 older than this one,
30867S100003. Where the other 13 are is a mystery,
and a constant source of inspiration for barn-find wannabees.
Restoration questions
The C2 registry (www.c2registry.org) does not give
us a definitive answer as to the original color scheme
of this car. Sting Ray 15 is not listed in the printed version
of the registry, but shows up in the online version
describing this car as being built in Ermine White with a
Saddle interior. No source is given for this information.
Of course, an examination of the trim tag would tell
us what we want to know. But given that this car was
in the highly-regarded O'Quinn collection, I would say
that the chances are that #15 was born red, and not
white.
The registry also lists Positraction as its only other
option, so it's doubtful this car was built with the alloy
knockoff wheels (only 140 ‘63s were factory-equipped
with this option, and it did not become available until
later in the model year).
In any event, as with any Corvette, when no docu-
mentation is provided by the seller, it's up to the seller
to perform his own due diligence. We assume the buyer
did his homework here and was satisfied with what he
discovered.
There's no argument that this is one of the oldest
Sting Rays in existence, and for me there's a great mystique
to any early production or pilot car, especially a
landmark like the Sting Ray. With Z06 cars fetching as
much as $360k, you would think the historic value of
Sting Ray 15 would partially offset any questions about
its documentation.
That pesky convertible status—and the lack of docu-
mentation and correct restoration—relegated Sting
Ray 15 to just mid-book price for a 360-hp Corvette.
We hope the new owner will do some digging, ascertain
the correct original configuration and restore the car to
that status—so that this extremely early Sting Ray can
be properly preserved for posterity. Well bought. ■
(Introductory copy courtesy of RM Auctions.)
TOM GLATCH has been contributing stories and
photographs to automotive magazines, books and
calendars since 1983.
Seat Time
Jon Rost, Sheboygan, WI:
I own a 327/340, numbersmatching
Corvette. It
is red, with black vinyl,
black leather, sidepipes,
and knockoffs. Sweet.
Have owned it since 1990.
Nothing quite like the
rumble when it starts up.
To me, there is no Corvette
that surpasses the classic
styling of the 1963-67
midyears. Fun to drive, fun
to look at.
Tom Dunn, Winona
Lake, NY: I have had my
1963 Corvette since 1994. I
did a full restoration. I have
not competed in NCRS
yet, but I may some day. I
don't drive the car much.
I just keep it for showing,
but enjoy a few dashes
every year just to remind
me what it was like when I
was a teenager! These are
wonderfully simple cars,
but they are so far ahead
of their time when you
compare them to our cars
today. in many respects,
performance-wise, the
cars give little ground to
the cars of today.
www.corvettemarket.com FALL 2010 Corvette Market 23
Page 22
C3 profile
1971 454/425 ZR2 Convertible
This Corvette ZR2 is one of just twelve built—and it is one of only two
convertibles
by Michael Pierce
Chassis number: 194671S114630
T
he LS6 engine RPO has been offered only once in Corvette history, and for only
one model year—1971. With 454 cubic inches, a cast-iron block and aluminum
heads, the first LS6 was second only to the full-blown L88 racing engine (offered
from 1967 through 1969) in terms of both power and legend.
The original LS6 produced 425 horsepower and was the most powerful engine
offered in 1971. Only 188 cars were produced with this power plant, less than 1% of
Corvette's 21,801 production run for 1971. The option price was $1,221, or 22% of the
coupe's $5,496 base price.
When tested by a leading automotive magazine, an LS6 with a four-speed manual
and a 3.36:1 limited-slip differential produced impressive numbers: a 0-60 mph time
of 5.3 seconds, a time of 13.8 seconds at 105 mph in the quarter-mile and fuel mileage
between 9 and 14 mpg.
Building on the LS6 option was the ZR2 package. Priced at $1,747, the ZR2 in-
cluded the LS6, a heavy-duty, close-ratio four-speed manual transmission, heavy-duty
power brakes, transistorized ignition, lightweight aluminum radiator, special springs,
shocks, and front and rear stabilizer bars. A total of only twelve ZR2-equipped
Corvettes were produced, making them even rarer than the original Z06.
The ZR2 offered here is not only one of just twelve built; it is one of only two
convertibles—and the only completely original one in existence. The car is untouched
and has all of its original components.
The car won Gold at the Bloomington Corvette Corral in 1982 and Gold “Special
Collection” at Bloomington in 1984. It is fully documented with warranty card,
Protect-O-Plate, partial tank sticker, Delco Remy transistor ignition tag, Bloomington
Gold Special Collection certificate, Corvette Owner's Card and letter of congratulations
from General Motors GM John Z. DeLorean.
24 Corvette Market FALL 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
CM Analysis The car, Lot S118, sold for $466,400,
auction in Monterey, CA, on August 14, 2010.
including buyer's premium, at Mecum's
Details
Years Produced 1971
Number Produced 12 (two convertibles and ten coupes)
Original List Price $7,672.80
CM Valuation $450,000-$550,000
Tune-up $400
Distributor Cap $25
Chassis # Lower left windshield corner
Engine # Right front cylinder head deck
Club
National Corvette Restorers Society
6291 Day Road
Cincinnati, OH 45252
More www.ncrs.org
Alternatives
1969 Corvette L88 roadster,
1965 Shelby 289 Cobra,
1965-66 Ferrari 275 GTS Spyder
CM Investment
Grade A
Page 23
Digital Bonus
CM
In the world of Corvettes, part numbers, production
totals by model and RPO, casting numbers, assembly
dates, and so on are quoted by almost all owners and
aficionados. The word “rare” is spoken often—and appears
in print when describing certain models, colors
and options.
Well, here's a really rare one for you: In 1971,
General Motors built two RPO Corvette ZR2 convertibles.
Besides the two 1969 ZL1 Corvettes (with the
all-aluminum block, RPO L88), these 1971 ZR2 convertibles
are the RAREST of all production Corvettes ever
built—period!
So, why were only two of these cars built, and what
makes them so unique?
First of all, the Corvette ZR2 option—on ten coupes
and two convertibles—was only offered in 1971. Second,
the option tacked $1,747.30 onto the convertible base
price of $5,259, which immediately drove the cost up by
25%. To put this kind of money in perspective, the average
yearly household income in the United States was
$10,600 in 1971, and the average cost of a new house
was $25,200.
What did the owners get for forking over so much
cash? An aluminum head and intake; a 454/425-hp
block; Heavy Duty dual-pin, power-assisted brakes;
transistor ignition; a Muncie heavy-duty 4-speed transmission;
special springs; huge shocks/sway bars; and a
heavy-duty dual-disc clutch and flywheel combination.
Clearly, these Corvettes were not intended for daily
driving, and Chevrolet's sales literature made this clear
to prospective buyers. Like the L88-powered monsters
from 1967-69, keeping the engine cool was accomplished
by going really fast—not stopping and sitting in
traffic. These Corvettes were race cars.
To keep the weight down, no fan shroud was used.
Giving up weight and maximizing performance were the
reasons you could not get air conditioning, a radio or
heater in your expensive new Corvette.
The history of an excellent buy
This ZR2 was ordered from Kluge Chevrolet in
Bremerton, WA, with an MSRP of $7,276.80. It had
four options: black leather ($158), the ZR2 package
($1,747.30), 4.11 Positraction ($12.65) and an auxiliary
hard top ($273.85). It was financed through GMAC.
All that was a good bit of cash back in 1971, but this
same ZR2 Corvette brought $466,400 at the Mecum
Monterey auction on August, 14, 2010. I believe the
car at this price was an excellent buy. The reasons are
pretty simple:
This ZR2—remember it one of just two on the planet—is completely original. This
convertible Corvette has its original engine, transmission, interior, rear end, glass,
exhaust, tires, wheels, body panels and paint.
Its provenance is irrefutable, with the original Protect-O-Plate tank sheet, order
copy and purchase documents. Added to that is a complete chain of title and owner
history.
It received an NCRS Regional Top Flight award this year, and has accumulated
several prior Bloomington awards.
The car has just 8,650 miles.
Finally, the second of the two 1971 ZR2 convertibles brought a higher price at
auction—admittedly in 2008, when the Corvette market was stronger—even though it
is not nearly as original as our subject car.
The other 1971 ZR2 convertible
The only other ZR2 convertible, chassis number 194677S117850, sold for $550,000
at Mecum's St. Charles Auction on June 27, 2008. This Corvette also has documentation,
but it was a race car in Europe in its early years.
This car returned to the U.S. in 1982. It came home with a small-block engine and
is reputed to have been carrying racing wounds. When the tank sticker was uncovered,
the new—and lucky—owner found out the true identity of his car. Nabers Brothers
Restoration of Houston, TX, restored the car.
A very special car
The value and interest of our subject car goes beyond Corvette collectors to a wide
range of auto enthusiasts. Although it was probably a Corvette person who bought this
ultra-rare ZR2, I believe that it had an equal chance of being acquired by someone
who would have added it to his collection of rare, unique, high-performance, raceready
cars. After all, there were only two built, and of the two, this is the only one that
can claim to be original. Which, in the end, makes it one of one—the only original
ZR2 on the planet. ■
(Introductory copy courtesy of Mecum Auctions.)
Seat Time
Tom Marcucci, via email:
The 1971 ZR2 was the last GM
attempt at racing, It had the
mighty LS6 454/425-hp engine
and mandatory M22 rock
crusher 4-speed manual. An
automatic transmission was not
an option with this beast.
The other factory race equip-
ment was the same as the “King
of the Street” L88 cars.
I have owned this ZR2 for about four years. The color combo of Steel Cities Gray
and saddle leather is really nice.
www.corvettemarket.com FALL 2010 Corvette Market 25
Page 24
C4 profile
1984 Corvette Coupe
A clean sheet for the C4—and a new plant—was a recipe for brilliant
success or dark disaster
by B. Mitchell Carlson
Chassis number: 1G1AY0787E5112208
great and is reliable.
CM Analysis This Corvette, Lot F53, sold for $8,500, including premium, at the Mecum
T
auction in Des Moines, IA, on July 16, 2010.
1984 is the model year of Corvette that almost everyone picks on. Are these cars
really the foaming dung piles that some claim they are? Or are they a misunderstood
gateway model that signaled a significant change for Corvettes? Well, there is truth in
both statements.
An all-new C4 was in the cards by the mid-1970s. In 1976, Car and Driver magazine
drove a brand-new Corvette to Alaska and lamented the lack of performance—and
sloppy quality—as the car all but shook itself apart on the rough roads. One member
of the Corvette engineering team told the writers to hold tight, as great things were in
the pipeline.
GM certainly needed to change things up, as the C3 dated to 1968—and the under-
pinnings dated back to the C2 of 1963. Because of tighter federal safety and emissions
standards, the Corvette was looked upon as the poster child for the perceived death of
performance cars in the Disco era.
For heaven's sake, the Dodge Little Red Express pickup truck passed the Corvette as
the United State's fastest car—well, motor vehicle—in 1978 and 1979.
GM changed the Corvette on several levels. First, they designed the all-new Corvette
for world-class handling, rather than as a fire-breathing muscle car. Then they moved
Corvette production during 1981 to an all-new plant in Bowling Green, KY—one that
was built for Corvette production.
This was a clean break from the aging plant and indifferent attitude towards quality
at the St. Louis, MO, Corvette assembly line. The Kentucky-made C3s of late 1981 and
all of 1982 have since been recognized as being the best built of that generation.
However, that surge in quality was probably due to building what was basically the
26 Corvette Market FALL 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
Details
Years Produced 1984
Number Produced 51,547
Original List Price $21,800
CM Valuation $5,500-$8,500
Tune-up $150
Distributor Cap $8 to $15
Chassis # Riveted to the base of the dashboard
on the driver's side
Engine # Lower rear side of crankcase
Club
Corvette Club of America
P.O. Box 9879
Bowling Green, KY 42102
More www.corvetteclubofamerica.com
Alternatives
1985-89 Corvette coupe,
1982-91 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28,
1984-88 Pontiac Fiero GT,
1982-93 Ford Mustang GT
CM Investment
Grade D
his is a low-mileage (44,000) 1984 Corvette coupe with a removable hard top. The
car is in excellent condition and has never been in an accident. The car has a leather
interior, power windows and seats. Automatic transmission, electronic display and
Bose speakers. The car has always been garaged and is well cared for. The car runs
same car for 18 years. With a clean sheet for the C4—and
a new plant—it was a recipe for brilliant success or dark
disaster.
The delayed start of the Electric Corvette
The C4 was intended to be a 1983 model—and to
mark the 20th Anniversary of America's Sports Car.
Pilot models were built at Bowling Green for the press
Page 25
Digital Bonus
CM
introduction and evaluation in December 1982. Because
of bugs in development that the auto press ripped the car
over in drives of pre-production units, GM delayed its
full-scale assembly-line production until early 1983.
GM also held back the new car because it already met
all 1984 federal safety and emissions requirements. The
company felt it wasn't worth doing all the government
certifications for a 1983 model run when they could move
the new Corvette up one model year and start selling
them in March 1983.
When the new C4 Corvette was released in March
as a 1984 model, it became the longest model year in
Corvette history.
Christened the “Electric ‘Vette” because of the full
digital-display dashboard, the 1984 Corvette was GM's
answer to the 1980s trend of “Tokyo by Night” gauges on
Japanese performance cars. Digital dashboards played
well to the Buick market, but American performance
enthusiasts lambasted the light show as gimmicky and
difficult to read. Like most GM electronics of the era, this
initial year was problematic, but performance improved in later years.
A hard ride
One perceived strike against the 1984 Corvette was the suspension. The car press
bashed the last few years of C3 cars for too-soft suspensions. The Corvette engineering
team went to the polar opposite with the C4 design. In their efforts to make the new
Corvette really handle, designers used extremely stiff spring rates—especially on the
Z51 Performance Handling Package option.
Customers heard the pre-introduction buzz about the wonderful new suspension,
and roughly half of the cars were ordered with it. However, drivers soon complained
that the 1984 Corvettes had a very harsh ride. Later years saw softer spring rates and
improved tuning of both suspensions, but the 1984 cars cast the stereotype that C4
Corvettes ride like lumber wagons.
However once people got done whining about the ride quality and actually ran the
cars, they found that they had great handling. Some Corvette engineers still claim that
the 1984 Z51 was the best-handling street Corvette until the C5.
The rougher ride also exacerbated one other issue—build quality. From new, the fit
and finish of the new Corvette was only marginally better than GM's average, which,
quite frankly, was lousy in 1984. The cars had squeaks and rattles. Just as with the
suspension, problems were identified and ironed out in subsequent years, but the die was
cast for the 1984's rattle-trap reputation.
Best-kept secret or parts car?
GM made a lot of 1984 Corvettes.
Because of the extended model year, it was the second-largest production year for
Corvettes at 51,547 cars, just behind 1979 at 53,807 (another year that's generally considered
a yawner). Corvettes also have the lowest attrition rate in the industry, so that
means there are a bunch of 1984 cars in circulation. Remember that every single one of
those cars is a coupe, as the ragtop didn't come back until 1986.
With all this in mind, it's little wonder that 1984 has become the most inexpensive
Corvette. With a large supply and a checkered reputation, the law of supply and demand
is in full effect—and pushing down prices.
Unlike the previous generation of least-desirable Corvettes—the rubber bumper
C3s—nostalgia has not kicked in, and it is unlikely to show up for a long time.
By now, inexpensive Corvettes have often suffered from abusive owners. That
cheapie, under-$3k 1984 Corvette may not have had an oil change since the Clinton
administration, but it might have gained mag wheels, a high-rise, dual 4-barrel carb
poking through the hole cut into the hood with a hacksaw, and a big number 3 painted
on the doors. In short, a cheap C4 could really just be a parts car waiting to happen.
This is not to say that all 1984s are to be avoided like spoiled meat. Lower-mileage,
well-kept examples regularly enter the market, often
from the original owner. Still, don't think that keeping a
minimal-mile original 1984 will suddenly bring you a balloon
in value in 25 years. The huge production run means
that survivor cars will have plenty of company.
It's extremely tempting for someone who knows
Corvettes to plunk down $2,800 for a 1984 and have it
as a “run it until it breaks” daily driver. The car may
sport door dings or faded paint, but who cares? These
Corvettes are also eligible for collector or historical registration
in many states.
I see 1984s regularly sell for $4k or less. These cheap
Corvettes are not on the wrong end of a tow truck—they
are all runners. My personal “how low can you go”
poster child was one that sold at a 2009 ICA auction for
$2,592. That car, with baked-leather interior and brown
metallic paint, was not investment grade, but it was a
cheap runner that can become a parts car if it cops an
attitude on you one morning. A similar 1984 Corvette
was sold for $2,900 at Mecum's 2010 Bloomington Gold
auction.
And don't forget, well-tended 1984 Z51s can make
great track day cars for someone on a budget.
Our example seems to be a more typical 1984—ex-
cept in selling price. I expected this to be a $7k car on its
best day. Low mileage is what rang the bell here, as the
condition was average at best. With just 44k miles on the
clock, the only paint issues one would like to see are ones
from the factory. This car had some panels resprayed,
which makes Bloomington Gold certification out of the
question.
With some austerity measures visible in maintenance,
such as the low-budget exhaust and old tires, our subject
Corvette was more of a used car kept running than a babied
original. As you would only pay a premium for a nice
one, I'd call the price here fair enough to both parties,
but I bet the seller is glad to see the car gone. Which leads
to my overall conclusion of well sold. ■
(Introductory description courtesy of Mecum
Auctions.)
www.corvettemarket.com FALL 2010 Corvette Market 27
Page 26
C5 profile
2000 Corvette Convertible
Many C5 Corvettes are in the traditional used car market, so supply is
outweighing demand. This is not a formula for rising values
by Chip Lamb
bumper—and other innovations—federal crash safety standards dealt major blows
to car styling, comfort and convenience. Many then believed that convertible cars
without any sort of roll-over protection were doomed.
This was not to be, however, and the mid-1980s saw a renaissance of convert-
F
ible cars all over the world. From Chrysler K-Cars to Saab Turbos to Corvettes and
Ferraris, the ragtop was back.
For Corvette, the convertible roof would persist until the end of the C4 run and into
that of the C5, which is the generation of our subject car. Unlike the prior generation,
the C5 was available with a completely fixed roof (which was the only choice on the
new Z06), as well as the popular removable ‘Targa' top and a cloth convertible.
Amenities were plentiful, with all the power options, leather seats and a choice be-
tween a 6-speed manual gearbox and an electronic overdrive automatic transmission.
CM Analysis This car, Lot S61, sold for $15,900 at the Mecum Des Moines auction
on July 16, 2010.
At first glance and gut reaction, the 2000 Corvette convertible seen at Mecum's
Des Moines auction this past summer would seem to be a no-brainer at the price
where it was hammered away to a new home.
There will always be those who favor the triple-black car, be it a long, black
Cadillac or a Corvette. The prospect of owning a perennial roasting oven is tempered—not
just with air conditioning, but also with the sheer cool factor of black.
Johnny Cash and Roy Orbison knew what they were doing.
28 Corvette Market FALL 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
ollowing an absence of more than a decade, Chevrolet reintroduced the convertible
roof option for the 1986 Corvette. This may require some explanation
for younger readers, as in the mid-1970s the American car industry thought all
convertible cars had one foot in the grave. With the introduction of the 5 mph
Details
Years Produced 1997-2004
Number Produced
248,715 in all body configurations
Original List Price $45,320 for a 2000 convertible with
similar options
CM Valuation $15,000 – $22,000
Tune-up $500
Distributor Cap N/A (coil-pack ignition)
Chassis # Driver's side dashboard at base of
windshield
Engine # Pad forward of cylinder head on right
side
Club
Corvette Club of America
P.O. Box 9879
Bowling Green, KY 42102
More www.corvetteclubofamerica.com
Alternatives
1997-2005 Jaguar XK8 convertible,
1997-2004 Ford Mustang GT convertible,
2001-4 Maserati 3200 GT convertible
CM Investment
Grade D+
Page 27
Digital Bonus
CM
The subject car's paint appears to be largely without
major flaws or repairs, but the worn tires show that a few
dollars will be spent down the road. The chrome Z06 alloy
wheels give this particular example a nice stance.
The cloth top, while somewhat weathered, had no major
flaws and was perfectly serviceable. Inside, one immediately
notices the optional, dual-memory sport seats, which exhibit
normal wear, as do the carpet and steering wheel. Overall,
the condition of the car raises no serious red flags.
At closer inspection, all of these minor age-and-use flaws
would seem to be outweighed by the Active Handling package,
an in-dash CD player with a 12-disc changer in the trunk
and dual-zone heating and air conditioning as further niceties
ordered above and beyond the stock car when it was new.
An under-the-hood inspection reveals a GM service cam-
paign sticker, which means at least some dealer work. There
were no apparent leaks or broken items—everything is there.
My own preference is for a 6-speed manual in such a car, but
there are also those with a bad left knee or with other reasons to prefer an automatic,
which this car had. I can't and won't fault it for this equipment.
Why so cheap?
This was a $45,000-plus car when it was new, and it doesn't show major wear,
accident damage or poor repairs. And this car has a top that goes down. So, why did
this handsome car sell for just $15k in 2010?
Could it be the glut of C5 Corvettes churning through the used car marketplace,
especially given the deep discounts and zero-percent financing offered towards the
purchase of a new C6? And recall, these are just used cars produced in large numbers,
13,479 in 2000 alone. Also, this car was now ten years old, and not likely to get you
high fives in the gas station or a valet-chosen parking place in front of your favorite
restaurant.
But let's say that I'm being a bit hard on the used Corvette market. There is another
factor.
There is something that most folks who attend non-used-car-dealer, non-traditional
auctions, such as this Mecum collector car auction, come to expect. We all expect to
see a consignor-supplied description on the car's windshield card. That element was
completely absent here.
There are two reasons why this description is important:
First, potential bidders get information—hopefully credible—about the car.
The second reason is less obvious, especially at a fast-paced collector car auction.
This missing information leaves the auction announcer—the person who introduces
the car as it goes on the block—with very little to say
about the car. The auction announcer is in the same
knowledge-starved position as the potential buyers who
inspected the car during the preview. As a consignor
and a buyer at numerous collector automobile and motorcycle
auctions, I can tell you that less is not more in
this environment.
Supply and demand rule
Could this car have done much better at a traditional
wholesale used-car auction? Perhaps—but probably
not enough to make much of a difference.
As with anything else, the laws of supply and de-
mand set some of the parameters for desirability and
collectibility. Many of these C5 Corvettes are now in the
traditional used car market, so supply is outweighing
demand. This is not a formula for rising values.
This is a good car for the retail buyer. If pressed, I'd
have to say that perhaps this car was even slightly well
sold. This was also the opinion of B. Mitchell Carlson,
CM's senior auction analyst, who also covered this
sale—and drives a value-priced C5. But remember,
when you go to sell your Corvette at auction, provide
a good written description to entice bidders. That gives
the auctioneer, who is trying to get you all the money,
something to work with. ■
Seat Time
Glenn Hutchinson, Naples, FL: I purchased my
2000 from the original owner with under 6,000 miles
on it. It was an automatic with polished wheels,
etc…. Very nicely loaded car.
I had a GREAT time with that car, with quite a few
long trips of over 3,500 miles. The gas mileage this car
gave us was incredible. On a long trip we would get
27 to 30 miles per gallon if we weren't going up and
down hilly roads. This car had all the trunk room my
wife and I needed to make these outings.
Our Corvette had over 130,000 miles and was still
running strong when we decided to get a new C6
Corvette in 2008.
www.corvettemarket.com FALL 2010 Corvette Market 29
Page 28
C6
A Selection of C6s that sold recently on eBay
2005 Corvette convertible
#120627552633. S/N 1G1YY34U955126032. Silver/black canvas/Ebony leather. Odo: 46,981
miles. 42 Photos. Largo, FL. “Classic 'Vette styling, manual, well cared for with Florida owner
history. Paint is immaculate. This vehicle is one of the cleanest we have taken in on trade ever!
Its loaded with Heads Up display, remote start, full leather, power top. Priced below wholesale,
recently serviced, needs nothing.” 18 bids, sf 88. Cond: 2+.
CM Analysis SOLD AT $25,100. This is the best of eBay Motors right here: The selling dealer
port costs, and the buyer gets a great deal on a seemingly perfect used car. Well played.
moves what likely was aging inventory at wholesale without physical auction trans-
2005 Corvette coupe
#380274155742. S/N 1G1YY24U055123224. Daytona Orange & black/Ebony leather. Odo: 39,000 miles. 18 Photos. Bristol, PA. Powered by
a 6.0 liter, 400hp LS2 engine and 6-speed transmission. Nicely equipped with power leather sport seats, aftermarket wheels, custom satin black
paint stripes. Previous accident damage, was paid off by the insurance company. We replaced rear
suspension and painted quarter panel and rear bumper. Interior still smells new. We sell all our
accident repairables and reconstructed vehicles as ‘frame damaged.' PA reconstructed vehicle title.”
19 bids, sf 19318. Cond: 3+.
CM Analysis SOLD AT $18,206. Predictably, the seller offers, “They don't come this nice too
often, now is the time to step up for this BARGAIN C6 Corvette.” A savings of 25%-
30% over a non-rebuilt car might work if you like the cosmetic modifications, are a cash buyer, and
don't plan to resell until it depreciates into a high schooler's budget.
2005 Corvette Lingenfelter Z06 convertible
#120630690017. S/N 1G1YY34U955120294. Millennium Yellow/black canvas/Ebony leather.
Odo: 8,021 miles. 24 Photos. Kingston, PA. Boiler plate description uses more words to explain
the history of the dealership than to describe this actual car or even what is meant by “Lingenfelter
Z06.” I can see the decal on the windshield, the Lambo doors and the big chrome wheels, but
incongruously all the stats they have cut-and-pasted are stock. 0 bids. Cond: 2.
CM Analysis NOT SOLD AT $40,000. The lack of detailed information surely restrained bidding.
resulting depreciation to “advertising expense” for the dealership.
2006 Corvette Z06 coupe
#250704646587. S/N 1G1YY26E465124965. Victory Red/Ebony leather. Odo: 147 miles. 24 Photos. Burr Ridge, IL. “The lowest mileage 2006
Z06 we have recently seen for sale. Still smells new and comes with all of documentation, including video disc, navigation disc, owner's manual,
warranty books, and even the original plastic that protected the rugs, mats and vanity mirrors. Never driven in any bad weather, always properly
stored indoors in a climate controlled collection setting.” $1,500 Corsa exhaust. 21 bids, sf 42. Cond: 1.
CM Analysis SOLD AT $52,990. Seller suggests, “A low mile Z06 Corvette like this is ideal
for any collector who is looking for a special addition to their collection or just to
drive.” But it will be a really long time before this car is collectible. And driving it would destroy
the ultra-low mileage claim that makes it special in the first place. So, you have to think more
along the lines of, “If you are looking for a new Z06 but want to save over $20,000 then this is your
lucky day.” Someone who did not care about warranty coverage saved at least $20k.
2007 Corvette Custom coupe
#350402605433. S/N 1G1YY26U875109782. Victory Red/”Ferrari” tan leather. Odo: 3,500
miles. 24 Photos. Mount Vernon, NY. “ZX-1 ONE OF A KIND CORVETTE! THIS WAS #1 of 300
KARVAJAL DESIGNS BUILT. BUT DUE TO THE ECONOMY THEY HAVE NOT PRODUCED
ANY OTHERS. OVER $300k IN PRODUCTION COSTS. Super wide body design (80” wide at
rear). Exotic rear diffuser and LED lights, hoop painted black to match rear custom hatch. HRE
Custom Wide Aluminum Race Wheels. Auto finger touch door opener. Smooth door design with
no handle hole.” 600-hp supercharged V8, 6-sp. Some stone chips. Needs new center lens. 1 BuyIt-Now
bid, sf 3674. Cond: 2-.
CM Analysis SOLD AT $90,005. So for 40 years now car guys have pondered what might have happened if Ford had not been spurned in its attempt
to buy Ferrari. Lately people have been contemplating a Viper with Maranello componentry, given the Fiat-Chrysler conglomerate.
Finally bow tie fans have their turn to imagine the lovechild of a C6 Corvette and a 550 Maranello. The result has, well, a lot of personality, but was
it worth the price of two comparable base Corvettes? One correct ZR1? I don't think so. Very well sold. ■
30 Corvette Market FALL 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
Still, a $46,500 Buy-It-Now price is just on the edge of unrealistic in October in
Pennsylvania if the mechanicals are all stock. I say the sales manager should be a hero at his high
school's homecoming, relist this thing with a thorough description at no reserve, and write off the
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
Page 30
Market Report
Overview
Late Summer Sales: 120 Corvettes, $6.4m
High-end restorations were a harder sell, while usable driver-quality
examples brought strong prices
by Jim Pickering
tions from Monterey, California to Paris, France. With
the overall collector car market continuing to show
general improvement, buyers were out in force, and
quite a few cars saw very high prices across the block.
However, driver-quality examples saw a boost as well,
reflecting a growing middle market in tune with gradual
economic recovery—as well as buyers who increasingly
want something they can use rather than something to
just show.
The Monterey auctions in August are some of the
T
highest grossing sales on the U.S. auction calendar,
and this year, auctions by Mecum, Russo and Steele,
Bonhams, Gooding & Company, and RM grossed a record
breaking $172m in sales for 1,134 cars. Forty-three
Corvettes sold for $5.1m, and among them was the first
production 1967 L88 convertible at Mecum's Monterey
sale. In completely restored condition, it made $1.3m,
making it among the most expensive Corvettes ever sold
at auction. In addition, Mecum also sold a 1971 ZR2 convertible
at $466k (see the C3 profile, p. 24), and a 1957
283/245 convertible in 1- condition for $67k. Across
town, RM offered a rare “Pilot Line” 1963 327/360
Fuelie convertible, and after much interest across the
block, it sold for $104,500 (see the C2 profile, p.22). And
at Gooding's annual Pebble Beach event, a well-restored
1961 283/315 Fuelie convertible made $121k.
Mecum's annual Hawkeye Classic sale in Des
Moines took place in midJuly,
with 213 of 383 cars
selling for an overall total
of $3.8m—much improved
from 2009's $2.6m for 143
of 267 cars. Twenty-one
Corvettes sold this year
for a grand total of $355k,
including a 1961 283/245
convertible in driver condition
that topped the list
at $46k. Senior Auction
Analyst B. Mitchell
Carlson was there to note
a strong group of prices
among the sold lots, but he
also noted that the majority
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
32 Corvette Market FALL 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
he summer months are by far the best time to enjoy
a collectible Corvette, and this year, auctions from
July through September saw a healthy number of
examples from every era cross the block in loca-
Top Ten Sales This Issue
1. 1967 Corvette 427/435 L88 convertible,
$1,325,000—Lot S125, p. 68
2. 1953 Corvette 235/150 roadster,
$247,500—Lot 46, p. 50
3. 1953 Corvette 235/150 roadster,
$220,000—Lot 239, p. 50
4. 1958 Corvette 283/315 Fuelie convertible,
$181,500—Lot S646, p. 54
5. 1963 Corvette 327/360 Z06 Fuelie coupe,
$159,000—Lot F110, p. 62
6. 1981 Corvette 350/190 coupe,
$150,000—Lot 373, p. 76
7. 1981 Corvette 350/190 coupe, $150,000—Lot 373-1, p. 76
8. 1958 Corvette 283/290 Fuelie convertible, $143,100—Lot S79, p. 54
9. 1957 Corvette 283/283 Fuelie convertible, $134,200—Lot 651-1, p. 54
10. 1963 Corvette 327/360 Fuelie coupe, $132,000—Lot 279, p. 62
Best Buys
1. 1963 Chevrolet Corvette 327/360
coupe, $95,400—Lot S97, p. 62
2. 1965 Chevrolet Corvette 327/250
convertible, $31,900—Lot 348, p. 66
3. 1957 Chevrolet Corvette 283/270
convertible, $63,250—Lot 207, p. 52
4. 1969 Chevrolet Corvette 350/350
coupe, $14,580—Lot 524, p. 72
5. 1961 Chevrolet Corvette 283/245
convertible, $46,110—Lot F123, p. 36
of well-restored C2s and chrome-bumper C3s failed to sell. Later C3s and C4s did
much better, and many brought very strong prices, including a driver-quality white
1976 coupe that made $10k, a Corvette Tan 1977 coupe that sold at $8,700, and a black
1988 coupe that brought $10,865.
Fall Carlisle also featured a select number of Corvettes in late September, with
seven selling for a combined $247k. Auction Analyst Chip Lamb noted overall totals
to be up here as well, with this year's 143 of 271 cars changing hands for a combined
$2.2m, compared to last year's 111 of 281 for a shade under $1.9m. This year's high
seller was a 1965 327/375 Fuelie convertible at $90,300, followed by a similar 1965
big-block convertible with a few questions that made $57,750.
Prices continue their trend of stabilization within the collectible Corvette market,
and while buyers are still drawn toward rare equipment and high-quality restorations
when it comes time to bid, the overall results show interest returning to driver-level examples,
and that should be considered great news for owners of all classic Corvettes.
Page 32
Market
Report
Mecum
Des Moines, IA
Mecum Auction's Hawkeye Classic 2010
Driver C3s and C4s were the most common sellers, while only a pair
from each of the C5 and C2 generations were hammered sold
Company
Mecum Auctions
Hawkeye Classic 2010
Date
July 16-17, 2010
Location
Des Moines, IA
Auctioneers
Mark Delzell, Mike
Hagerman, Jim Landis,
Matt Moauec, and Bobby
McLaughlin
Overall cars sold / offered
213/383
Total sales rate
56%
Sales total
$3,809,521
Corvettes sold / offered
21/35
‘61 283/245 convertible brought $46,110
Report and photos by B. Mitchell Carlson
Market opinions in italics
M
ecum's had a good year, with several high-end auctions bringing substantial
results in locations across the Midwest and Florida. Running on the momentum
of those successful auctions, Mecum's annual Des Moines sale in the
Varied Industries building on the Iowa State Fairgrounds continued the trend.
It was similar to last year's event in layout, TV coverage, high temperatures with high
humidity outside to sauté most of the Friday cars, and a diverse range and a good
number of overall lots.
However, this auction wasn't simply a carbon copy of last year's event, as selling
prices were up across the board. Lots of dealers attend this sale, since it tradionally
has lower than average selling prices, but they were rarely the ones signing the buyer's
receipts this year—retail buyers were the ones getting the cars.
Thanks to a scheduling conflict with Discovery HD TV, the auction was delayed
for one hour, with automobilia starting off at
2 pm instead of the originally scheduled 1 pm.
This probably can help explain an over 70%
sell-though on Friday afternoon and evening,
with the last Friday car rolling off the block
at a quarter-past 9 pm—15 minutes after the
cameras went dark. On Saturday, it was back
to the regular schedule, with the auction taking
a bit longer due to the higher resistance
from sellers with regard to dropping their
reserves.
All told, with less sales on Saturday, the
overall sell-through came in at 56%. Corvettes
bucked the average, with an overall sell-thorough
of an even 60% over the two days. By
the close of the event, 213 cars traded hands
34 Corvette Market FALL 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
Mecum Sales Totals
$5m
$10m
$15m
$20m
$25m
0
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
Corvette sales total
$355,524
Corvette high sale
1961 283/245 convertible,
sold at $46,110
for a final total of $3.8m,
as compared to last year's
auction, where 143 of
267 cars made $2.7m. In
terms of just Corvettes,
this year's event looked even more solid, with 21 selling,
compared to just seven in 2009.
This year's highest-selling Corvette was a 1961
Buyer's premium
$300 on the first $5,499,
$500 from $5,500 to
$9,999, 6% thereafter,
included in sold prices.
283/245 convertible at $46,110. Decent overall and finished
in red and white, it came with both hard and soft
tops, and it was a decent deal at the price paid. Just behind
that was a 1965 Corvette coupe that had been fitted
with a 468-ci big-block and Torq-Thrust style wheels.
After a good five minutes on the auction block, it traded
hands for $42,930.
While average cars were selling at good levels for
their owners, highlight cars for the most part returned
home—both in terms of Corvettes and collectible cars
in general. Included in this number were all of the stock
C2 and chrome-bumper C3 big-block Corvettes. Worka-day
C3s and C4s were the most common sellers, while
only a pair from each of the C5 and C2 generations were
hammered sold. Indeed, it seemed like Corvettes with
issues (motor swaps as well as color and equipment
changes) fared better than one would usually expect.
But regardless, the final totals here were solid for the
cars that did change hands, and that was good news for
Mecum and the Corvette Market in general. ■
Page 34
Market
Report
C1
#F200-1956 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N E56S003900. Venetian Red
& beige/beige cloth/red vinyl. Odo: 837 miles.
265-ci 225-hp V8, 2x4-bbl, 3-sp. Judged an
NCRS Top Flight car at Flagstaff in 2006.
Authentically restored body retains typical
light rippling throughout. Better-than-original
paint and fit, rechromed bumpers better than
stock. New reproduction emblems and trim.
Mecum
Des Moines, IA
bought well, as they can't drop much lower
than this. Then again, I've heard that before...
C2
#F142-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 30867S113781. Riverside
Red/white vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 71,869
miles. 327-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Repainted
in its original Riverside Red, but red interior
has been changed to black. Good door fit, uneven
gaps at headlight doors. Rechromed
bumpers, some trim replaced. Swap-out interior
moderately faded and worn. Engine of uncertain
origin, as alternator is on the incorrect
160319). This bid reflects what the market is
looking to pay for a car like this, so the seller
could have cut it loose here.
#F189-1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N N/A. Red/red leather. Odo: 10,592
miles. 468-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Body tag missing,
engine pad illegible. Good prep work and
repaint, nice panel gaps, heavily shaved inner
wheelwell lips on all four corners. Fitted with
aftermarket tilt steering column, sidepipes, and
larger-than-stock Torq-Thrust wheels. New
seat leather, door panels, and carpets virtually
unworn. Note stuck on dash warns against
Minimal to no wear on reproduction interior
soft trim. New gauges. Concours-ready under
hood, although undercarriage shows evidence
of driving. Optional 225-hp dual-quad motor
and Wonderbar radio. Cond: 2+. NOT SOLD
AT $75,000. Last seen at McCormick's Palm
Springs auction in February '08, where it sold
for a then-market price of $90,038 (CM#
115934). With a reserve of $100k and C1s seeing
limited action here, this was rightly taken
home.
Best Buy #F123-1961 CHEVROLET
CORVETTE convertible. S/N
10867S104114. Red & white/white canvas &
red hard top/red vinyl. Odo: 74,143 miles. 283ci
245-hp V8, 2x4-bbl, 4-sp. Recent repaint on
original wavy body. Rechromed bumpers, with
mostly reproduction emblems and trim. Door
and panel fit to factory standard. All authentic
repro interior soft trim with minimal wear.
Engine bay not cleaned up since restoration,
now showing light dust and oil weeping. Said
side. Intake, carb, and air cleaner all obviously
aftermarket. Has optional Powerglide and
power steering. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $37,630.
1963 convertibles are more plentiful than their
beloved coupe variants, and they seem to end
up abused and patched together just as badly
as 1964s. Cheap for a C2 convertible... but
then again, it's a cheap C2 convertible.
#F164-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 40837S118408. Silver/black
leather. Odo: 1,050 miles. 350-ci fuel-injected
V8, 4-sp. Originally Daytona Blue with blue
vinyl interior, decently repainted, with masking
lines on dry vent glass seals. No driver's
door-to-glass seals, door fit off. Aftermarket
big-block-style hood, shaved and reinforced
wheelwells on all four corners. Newer interior
sharp turns. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $42,930. It
took well over five minutes to get this Parts-isParts
Special sold. The final bidder was willing
to raise his last bid by $500 to help convince
the owner (along with a lot of haggling by
Dana) to let it go. This was all that the car will
ever be worth, as going back to stock would be
too expensive, and it's too kludged to drive any
appreciable distance. A spendy garage ornament.
Well sold.
#S112-1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194375S101776. Red/black
soft top & red hard top/black vinyl. Odo:
57,550 miles. 396-ci 425-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp.
On display for 18 years in a Wichita, KS, restaurant.
Originally a big-block car in Glen
Green with green vinyl interior, now in nonoriginal
colors with a big-block of unknown
origin. Decent body prep, with reinforced front
wheelwells and satisfactory panel fit. Nonstock
chrome cowl vents. Original wheel covers,
spinners lightly pitted. Moderate wear
to have been judged in an NCRS event, but
with no mention of when, where, or the result.
Equipped with optional 245-horse dual-quad
motor, both types of tops, and Wonderbar
radio. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $46,110. The
$42,500 reserve showed the hit that late C1s
have taken in the market. Even with two bidders
chasing it past that mark, this was still
36 Corvette Market FALL 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
upholstery virtually unworn. Aftermarket AM/
FM/cassette deck. Powered by a Gen III smallblock
with GM Performance Ram Jet PPI fuel
injection. Crunched K&N air filter. Rear suspension
fitted with '79–'82 monoleaf spring.
Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT $40,000. Seen at the
last two Mecum Kansas City auctions, changing
owners in December '09 for $35,510 (CM#
153256) and in April '10 for $40,280 (CM#
throughout replacement interior. Fitted with
optional sidepipes, both types of tops, and AM/
FM radio. Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT $41,000.
The seller declared on the windshield card that
this was “your chance to get a nicely restored
396/425 at a non 396 price,” and all three
Page 36
Market
Report
C3
#S20-1968 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194678S419093. Tuxedo
Black/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 28,249
miles. 327-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Recent
frame-off restoration to show standards. Good
paint application, including authentic matte-togloss
transitions underhood. Still some light
body wave and clearance cuts in wheelwell
lips. Rechromed bumper, reproduction trim,
hard top molding poorly done. New interior
upholstery, uneven console re-dye. Generally
Mecum
Des Moines, IA
points were debatable at best. Well, you get
what you pay for, and today most folks spending
this kind of money would rather be paying
for a car that's 100% right, even if it's just for
something with a small block.
Thrust wheels. Custom, non-stock engine.
Aftermarket steering wheel and AM/FM/cassette.
Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $14,310. Customs
continue to be a hard sell, especially when they
have a dated look like this one did. Lots of
money had been spent here, but even so, this
price was all the money in the world.
#F56-1975 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1Z37J5S427344. Bright Blue/blue
vinyl. Odo: 82,276 miles. 350-ci 165-hp V8,
4-bbl, auto. Retrofitted with an '81-'82-style
rear spoiler tail. Good repaint, door seals replaced,
period replacement windshield. Good
driver's door fit, some fit issues on passenger's
side door and hood. Newer rocker panel trim.
Mostly repop interior soft trim. Expertly
of the dealers here were grumbling about not
being able to buy any cars they could afford to
resell. This was a good example, as it was
pretty much a driver-grade used car with no
real investment potential—especially at retailplus
pricing.
#F183-1977 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1Z37L7S401605. Corvette Tan/
brown cloth. Odo: 23,936 miles. 350-ci 180-hp
V8, 4-bbl, auto. Recent repaint with good prep
work and light overspray in places. Aftermarket
covers stretched over worn original seats.
Heavy wear on leather steering wheel rim,
heavier cracking on door arm rests. Optional
a/c, cruise, power windows, tilt/telescopic column,
and luggage rack. Engine reportedly
stock and detailed underhood. Equipped with
optional power steering, AM/FM, and Rally
wheels. Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $27,000.
1968 was both the inaugural year of the C3
and the final year for the 327 in a Corvette,
with 300-hp versions as the standard. Speaking
of standard, black-on-black was what a dealer
would get if he ordered a Corvette and failed to
specify the color, black being the default color
for both paint and interior. The 4-speed helped
here, but although more was likely spent on
restoration, it was pretty much bid to what it's
worth.
#S34-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Custom convertible. S/N 194679S723532.
Red/red hard top & black soft top/black leather.
Odo: 58,349 miles. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto.
Originally Fathom Green with saddle leather
interior, now red with black leather. Heavily
modified bodywork with fender flares, open
rectangular headlights, late C3 front fascia and
fenders, rear spoiler, and front fender top louvers.
Stylized hood must weigh at least
installed seat kits, with minimal wear since;
door panels poorly installed and bent at top.
Generally clean engine bay, with newer engine
paint, but not authentically detailed. Exhaust
system missing behind rear suspension. Cond:
3. SOLD AT $9,000. Last seen at Mecum's
Bloomington Gold auction in June '10, where
it failed to sell at $7,000 (SCM# 164926).
Bidding was rather lackadaisical until the reserve
was lifted at $7,750. Then again, the car
was somewhat lackadaisical, too. Enough paid
here, and the seller should be pleased.
#F134-1976 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1Z37L6S426248. White/maroon
leather. Odo: 89,370 miles. 350-ci 180-hp V8,
4-bbl, auto. Average body prep and repaint.
Factory-standard panel and door gaps. New
carpeting, interior otherwise original and quite
faded, seats look almost pink. Fitted with aftermarket
AM/FM/cassette deck. Newer engine
rebuilt 8k miles ago, with new water pump,
torque converter, hoses, belts, and battery,
along with rebuilt suspension and new brakes.
Overall, not neat, clean, or tidy. Cond: 3.
SOLD AT $8,700. 1977 was the only year that
Corvette Tan was used, and it's easy to see why
it wasn't really popular. The reserve was
passed at $7,500, and this price was all the
money in the world.
#F184-1979 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1Z8789S428976. Corvette Red/
light beige leather. Odo: 36,869 miles. 350-ci
195-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Originally painted
Corvette Light Beige, now Corvette Red.
Retains beige leather interior. Trim-off repaint
with good prep work, better-than-original door
gaps. Right side headlight much slower to retract
than left. Interior leather OK, upholstery
recently replaced. Poorly mounted aftermarket
stereo in dash. Engine has L82-style valve covers
and aftermarket intake and carb. Optional
a/c, power windows, power door locks, and
40 pounds. Brightwork blacked out. New door
seals, newer leather interior pieces. Wears performance
radials on 16-inch polished Torq-
38 Corvette Market FALL 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
and component repaint, but otherwise not well
detailed under the hood. Rattle-can black undercarriage,
rattle-can silver exhaust system.
With optional a/c, interior décor group, and
alarm system. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $10,000. All
tilt/telescopic steering column. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $10,600. Last seen at Mecum's Indy
Page 38
Market
Report
Mecum
Des Moines, IA
sale in May '10, where it sold at $9,000 (CM#
163439). Seen before that at Mecum's
Bloomington Gold auction in June '10, where
it failed to sell at that same bid (CM# 164948).
The consignor made loose claims that this was
both an L82 and an original Corvette Red
car—both of which were easily debunked. But
the $9,500 reserve was not only met, but exceeded
by another two bids. Hopefully the new
owner was clear on exactly what he was getting
here.
#S46.1-1980 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1Z878AS422720. White/burgundy
leather. Odo: 90,442 miles. 350-ci 190-hp V8,
4-bbl, auto. Repaint shows mediocre masking
and application, with light overspray on window
seals and door glass. Inconsistent gaps.
Interior heavily faded in places. Older replacement
seat upholstery holding up well, but still
has a case of stinky old car. Modified with
Torq-Thrust-style chrome wheels, aftermarket
ignition, and chrome valve covers and air
and gloss. Factory optional a/c, cruise control,
power locks, power driver's seat, rear window
defroster, and alloy wheels. Cond: 3. SOLD
AT $9,000. If you can't say anything nice, don't
say anything at all. Hence, a blank card actually
said a lot about this car. Bidding stalled at
$8,250, but when the auctioneer dropped the
reserve, one more counter-bid took it to $9k.
#S163.1-1981 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1AY8762B5100234. Beige &
brown metallic/tinted panels/beige leather.
Odo: 63,906 miles. 350-ci 190-hp V8, 4-bbl,
auto. Miles claimed to be actual, retains most
documentation from new. Recently buffed-out
original paint, typical minor warping of front
and rear fascias. Minimal wear on original interior
components. Modern DIN-mount stereo
system in console. Clean, mostly original engine
bay retains most original gold cad-wash
pling on fascias. Interior wear commensurate
with age. Professionally installed DIN-mount
stereo in stock radio location. Clean, lightly
detailed, and substantially original engine bay.
Undercarriage and original exhaust system
dirty but in good condition. Equipped with optional
Gymkhana suspension. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $15,370. The 1982 Collector
Edition—and no other '82—was the first
Corvette to have an externally accessible
cargo compartment since 1962—a long overdue
feature, since the rear glass fastback came
out in 1978. This car was worth every penny of
the $13,500 reserve, but the buyer went a little
further, paying a slight premium for a not-sominty
original.
C4
#F53-1984 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1AY0787E5112208. Silver/
gray leather. Odo: 44,117 miles. 350-ci 205-hp
fuel-injected V8, auto. 44,117 indicated miles
believed actual since new. Most paint original,
respray on nose noticeably darker. Door glass
seals peeling. Factory alloy wheels shod with
old, heavily worn OEM tires. Fitted with newer
stock-style economy exhaust system. Generally
tidy engine compartment. Moderate overall
cleaner. Obnoxious exhaust note, due to slapdash
aftermarket sidepipe installation. With
optional a/c and tilt/telescopic column. Cond:
4+. SOLD AT $9,750. This was declared sold
on Friday as lot F89 for $8,200 on the hammer,
and then ran again on Saturday, earning this
amount. Either price was more than fair in this
market, so the seller should be pleased.
#F75-1981 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1AY8765BS400366. White/
saddle leather. Odo: 36,470 miles. 350-ci V8,
4-bbl, auto. Older repaint with lots of undercarriage
overspray and touch-ups along body
edge at rear fascia. Wide door gaps, poor alignment
of front and rear fascias. Has '80s vintage
Alpine cassette deck, interior otherwise original.
Moderate wear and fading of seats
component plating. Very dusty undercarriage,
moderately rusty original exhaust. With optional
two-tone, a/c, rear window defroster,
sport mirrors, and alloy wheels. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $9,600. The 243rd Corvette from
Bowling Green, and nearly identical to the '81
that made $40,280 at Bloomington Gold in
June '10 (CM# 165055). This Iowa car, however,
was in lesser condition, so it was easily
distinguished from the other. Originally seen
as a $9,500 no-sale on Friday (lot F165), but
the seller reconsidered, re-ran it on Saturday,
and took the money. A decent deal for both parties.
#S30-1982 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Collector
Edition coupe. S/N
1G1AY0780C5101225. Silver & beige metallic/silver,
beige, & charcoal leather. Odo:
52,882 miles. 350-ci 200-hp fuel-injected V8,
auto. Stated to be generally original with actual
miles. Dull original paint could use a buff-out
(or even a wax). Minimal color shift and rip
seat wear, with holes worn through on driver's
outer seat bolster. Heavier wrinkling on the
leather steering wheel rim. Equipped with vintage
late '80s hard mount cell phone on console.
Cond: 3. SOLD AT $8,500. Even if this
was supposed to be a two-tone car, the upper
nose piece should have still matched the rest of
the upper body. At least two people got hung up
on the somewhat low mileage, and the lofty
$7,500 reserve was easily topped. Sold well.
See the C4 profile, p. 26.
#S7-1985 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
and floor. Economy-grade service components
underhood, with quickie dealer-grade cleanup
40 Corvette Market FALL 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
coupe. S/N 1G1YY0782F5110673. Black &
silver/black vinyl. Odo: 139,555 miles. 350-ci
230-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Dale Earnhardt
tribute car from well before he became The
Late Dale Earnhardt. Silver stripes faded and
starting to flake, but are still in better shape
than faded, baked, peeling original paint.
Inconsistent gaps. Aftermarket plus-size alloy
wheels protrude at least an inch past bodywork.
Non-OEM replacement windshield, peeling
tint film on other glass. Replacement rear vinyl
seat lightly soiled. Door panels, console, and
doorsills dyed silver. Cond: 4-. SOLD AT
Page 39
$3,800. Offered at no reserve. As this needed
more than just a repaint, it wouldn't take too
long to get upside-down here. Granted, this
was the right price for the running small-block
with TPI and 700R4, but then you get stuck
with the rest of the car. Plenty paid.
#F60-1986 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1G1YY6784G5902411.
Silver/black cloth/gray leather. Odo: 122,127
miles. 350-ci 230-hp fuel-injected V8, auto.
Recent, better-than-average repaint. Heavy
wear on door and window seals, both emblems
fading, original top moderately weathered.
Modified inside with woodgrain dashboard,
CD stereo, console fascia kit, console pad
(matching repro seat leather), and recent replacement
carpeting kit. Recent engine bay
Last seen at Mecum's Bloomington Gold auction
in June '10, where it failed to sell at $5,600
(CM# 164990). While this would've been a buy
at $7k (where the reserve was dropped), several
parties were overtaken with auction fever,
and they kept fighting until it sold for a retailplus
price.
#S35.1-1993 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1YY23PXP5110303. Quasar
Blue Metallic/gray leather sport. Odo: 22,596
miles. 350-ci 300-hp fuel-injected V8, auto.
Seller attests that miles are actual, and that the
car is essentially original. Well-kept paint
shows minimal orange peel and polishing
swirls. Original tires heavily worn. Interior
original in excellent condition, console cover
slightly warped. Fitted with aftermarket clear
plastic door sill protectors. Very original and
stiffer and steering wheel glossier than expected.
Optional dual power seats, Delco/Bose
cassette and CD stereo, and electronic climate
control. Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $17,500.
GM called it Black Rose Metallic, but it sure
looks like purple to me. While the miles were
low, the car had seen some light use—this was
no pickled virgin—and so I'll call the $19k+
reserve a bit steep. Like lot S35.1, the final bid
was about right for the car.
#F76-1996 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1G1YY32P9T5119253.
White & black/black cloth/tan leather. Odo:
33,853 miles. 350-ci 300-hp fuel-injected V8,
auto. Black Grand Sport-style hash marks
added at front wheelwell over original paint.
Newer replacement top nearly unworn, interior
condition commensurate with miles. Freshly
cleaned up engine compartment has all OEMtype
components. Equipped with optional dual
cleanup, mufflers rusting out. Older replacement
tires on original alloy wheels. With factory
optional power driver seat, power door
locks, and cruise control. Cond: 3. SOLD AT
$9,500. Like all convertibles for 1986, this
came equipped with the “Indy Pace Car”
package—which, in this case, amounted to
nothing more than a small console badge. Just
when I thought this was looking a little expensive,
the consignor dropped the reserve at the
last bid, and it went even higher. Sold well.
#F143-1988 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1YY3182J5122387. Black/
black cloth/black leather. Odo: 63,780 miles.
350-ci 240-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Old repaint,
with heavy crazing on front and rear
fascias. Emblems and side marker lights fading.
New replacement top and seat upholstery
expertly installed. Aftermarket plastic door sill
protectors, center console upholstered pad, and
embroidered floor mats. DIN-adapter kit with
modern CD sound system in the stock radio
location. Good engine bay cleanup and light
detailing. Dusty undercarriage. Fitted with
later C4 chrome alloy wheels on new performance
rubber. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $10,865.
detailed engine bay. Optional dual power
leather sport seats, blue tinted roof panel,
Delco/Bose cassette and CD stereo system,
and electronic climate control. Cond: 2-. NOT
SOLD AT $13,000. With 683 units so painted,
this was the second rarest color offered in
1993. As this was better than a lightly used
used car, and due to some increases in minty
low-mile late C3s, I can see why the consignor
would hold out for his $15,500 reserve.
However, if he needed to get rid of it, the final
bid would not have been out of line.
#S37-1994 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1G1YY32P9R5112697.
Black Rose Metallic/black cloth/black leather.
Odo: 10,549 miles. 350-ci 300-hp fuel-injected
V8, auto. Claimed all original with actual
miles. Superbly maintained original paint,
original top has apparently never been lowered
and is neither wrinkled nor weathered. Save for
fresh Interstate battery, engine compartment is
stock and as clean as when it left the factory.
Interior like new, although wrinkled seats are
power sport seats, electronic climate control,
Delco/Bose cassette and CD stereo. Wears
newer non-OEM performance tires on stock
rims. Cond: 2-. NOT SOLD AT $15,000. This
low-mile final-year C4 was not the $20k car
the seller believed it to be at Mecum's Kansas
City auction in March 2009 (a no-sale at
$14,500, CM# 120123), but it did sell at
$17,490 at Mecum's Bloomington Gold auction
in June '09 for $17,490 (CM# 120765).
Lightning didn't strike twice, so back on the
trailer it went.
C5
#F61-2000 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1G1YY32G3Y5109518.
Black/black cloth/black leather. Odo: 91,023
miles. 5.7-L 345-hp fuel-injected V8, auto.
Good, mostly original paint. Driver's door sagging
slightly, but gaps are good when shut.
Original top lightly weathered. Carpet worn,
www.corvettemarket.com FALL 2010 Corvette Market 41
Page 40
Market
Report
Mecum
Des Moines, IA
seat bottom wrinkled. High-gloss worn finish
on leather steering wheel rim. Bone-stock engine
bay well kept, with GM Campaign sticker
indicating recall work. Factory-optional
all interior wear, with only moderate wrinkling
of driver's seat bottom. Aftermarket high-rise
hood, Z06 body opening mesh grilles, crossdrilled
brake rotors with Z06-style calipers,
memory package, Active Handling, dual power
sport seats, dual zone a/c, and in-dash CD with
remote 12-disc changer. Aftermarket Z06-style
chrome alloy rims, well-used rubber. Cond: 3-.
SOLD AT $15,900. Well, here's another one
that had exactly nothing for a description on
the auction card. Seen recently at the Kansas
City Mecum auction in December '09, where
the reporter wrote “seller should have cut it
loose” at $14k (CM# 154539). Well, the seller
made that price and just a little more here.
With thousands of Y2K C5s to choose from in
the retail world, this was sold well. See the C5
profile, p. 28.
#S32.1-2000 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1YY22G3Y5122635. Black/
black leather. Odo: 55,386 miles. 5.7-L 345-hp
fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. Well-cared-for original
paint shows minimal polishing swirls, clean
engine compartment generally original.
Typical road dust on undercarriage. Wear generally
commensurate with or light for a 55kmile
car. Equipped with tinted roof panel,
power standard driver's seat, floor mats, body
Blackwing air cleaner feeding a Magna supercharger,
tube headers, stainless exhaust, and
Doug Rippie tuning. Stock options include
memory package, Millennium Yellow paint,
chrome rims, and 1SC Preferred equipment
group. Tires bald. Cond: 2-. NOT SOLD AT
$25,000. Last seen at Mecum's St Paul auction
in June '10, then a no-sale at $28,090 (CM#
164524). Not surprising that the seller held
onto it again for less money, even if it should
have been enough.
#S60-2003 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Z06 coupe. S/N 1G1YY12S735115470. Torch
Red/red & black leather. Odo: 30,644 miles.
5.7-L 405-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. Well-kept
original paint with usual stock light orange
peel. Plastic cowl trim panel slightly chalky,
engine bay clean, stock, and like new.
Replacement tires have a few miles on them.
Bone-stock interior shows a bit more wear and
accents on dashboard, console, and door panels.
Stock equipment includes chrome alloy
wheels, Head-Up display, memory package,
CD stereo, and electronic dual zone climate
control. Cond: 2-. NOT SOLD AT $75,000.
The glovebox was locked, preventing verification
of factory-installed configuration. Unit
141 of 180 converted by AAT as of this year.
I've been seeing quite a few of these C5s with
an identity crisis lately. This one—like most—
hadn't seen much use, so maybe the novelty
just wears off quickly. Final bid was in the
range of what they generally fetch nowadays.
C6
#S16-2005 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1YY24UX55105278. Black/
black leather. Odo: 22,776 miles. 6.0-L 500-hp
fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. Over $20k reportedly
spent on engine mods, including upgraded
pistons, injectors, Halltech induction, FAST
intake manifold, Granatelli MAF sensor, tube
headers, and Bassani stainless exhaust. Brakes
stock, with Z06-style painted calipers. Original
paint shows light scuffing. Tint film on door
and hatch glass. Interior wear commensurate
side moldings, Twilight Sentinel, Head-Up
display, single-disc CD stereo, Z51
Performance Suspension, and chrome alloy
wheels. Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT $18,750.
Last seen at Mecum's Bloomington Gold auction
in June '10, where it sold at $19,080 (CM#
165029). On the block, the reserve price was
stated to be over $20k, but this bid was really
all the money in today's market.
#S105.1-2002 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1G1YY32G225119562.
Millennium Yellow/black cloth/black leather.
Odo: 28,801 miles. 5.7-L 400-hp fuel-injected
V8, 6-sp. Good original paint, original cloth
top and seals worn just minimally. Light over-
42 Corvette Market FALL 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
soiling than expected on a 30k-mile car.
Aftermarket carpeted logo floor mats.
Equipped with optional memory package,
Head-Up display, and black/red interior trim
package. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $27,560. This
was a no-sale at $24,500 when it crossed the
block, with the auctioneer noting that it would
take closer to $30k for the seller to let it go. It
was declared sold post-block shortly thereafter
at $26k before commission—which is, I suppose,
closer to $30k.
#S53-2004 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
1953 Commemorative Edition convertible.
S/N 1G1YY32G845130598. Polo White/black
cloth/red leather. Odo: 18,646 miles. 5.7-L
350-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Paint and trim
like new, with good fit and finish. Inspection
stamps still visible on original Goodyear sidewalls.
Dusty interior, but good workmanship to
modified interior done in red with white
with mileage, blotchy passenger's dashpad,
holes in carpet where roll bar was mounted.
Optional selective dampening and heated seats.
Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT $25,000. Seen by
CM twice this year. At Branson in April, it
failed to sell at $26k (CM# 160461), and at
Mecum's Indy sale in May, it stalled at $22k
(CM# 162709). Now without the bad-boy
graphics and racer-boy interior, plus an added
fuel filler door, interest was still low, thus reconfirming
the proven rule that if you must
customize your car, don't expect any return on
it when it's time to sell.■
Page 42
Market
Report
Carlisle Auctions
Carlisle, PA
Fall Carlisle 2010
Corvettes were once again a strong portion of the total sales at Carlisle's
auction. Fourteen crossed the block, and seven found new homes
Company
Carlisle Auctions
Date
September 30–October
1, 2010
Location
Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Auctioneers
Jeffrey Knosp &
Brent Earlywine
Overall cars sold / offered
143/271
Total sales rate
53%
Sales total
$2,194,164
Corvettes sold / offered
7/14
Corvette sales total
$246,803
Corvette high sale
1965 327/375 Fuelie
convertible, $90,300
Buyer's premium
1965 convertible sold for $57,750
Report and photos by Chip Lamb
Market opinions in italics
the auction and the mountains of parts across the street, a sizeable car corral on the
show field also attracts many private buyers as well as dealers from throughout the
region, if not the entire world, who also come for Hershey the following weekend.
Once again, Corvettes that might have been at the Corvettes at Carlisle feature auc-
F
tion, which for two years accompanied August's Corvette-only swap meet and show at
the fairgrounds, were split between the Spring
and Fall auctions. Corvettes were once again
a strong portion of the total sale, numbering
fourteen in all, of which half found new homes
either across the auction block or in immediate
post-block negotiations.
Highest among these and the high sale of
Overall Sales Total
$2m
$1.5m
the cumulative results was a fresh restoration
of a Nassau Blue 1965 Fuelie convertible.
Described by its consignor to be numbersmatching
and sporting the rare and desirable
high-compression 327/375 engine with
Rochester fuel injection and a Muncie 4-speed
manual, it had been here in the spring where it
44 Corvette Market FALL 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
$1m
or the fifth consecutive year, Carlisle Events presented its two-day Fall auction
in conjunction with the large all-make swap meet at the fairgrounds across the
street. Held in Carlisle's Expo Center, another Carlisle Events property, the walkthrough
traffic never fails to impress those who come to bid and buy. Apart from
failed to find new ownership. With some competition in
the C2 category that included a big-block 427 convertible
and a Fuelie coupe, however, this showed itself to be
the bidders' favorite by show of hands.
Runners-up among the sold Corvettes included a
1965 big-block convertible, also in Nassau Blue with a
white top and blue interior but a non-original engine,
which sold for $57,750 including commission, as well
as an as-new 2009 C6 convertible in maroon metallic
with the deluxe LT4 interior package and paddle-shift
6-speed automatic transmission. With just over 2,000
miles and no apparent flaws, it was well bought at
$41,475 all-in.
Once again, quality examples from all generations of
$500k
the Corvette at Carlisle's auction continue to improve in
scope. It would seem that the company has continued to
embrace its place in the auction spectrum with aplomb,
and it has become more and more service-oriented as
the years progress. This is quite important in the grand
scheme of things, for while the heart of the activity continues
to be across the street at the fairgrounds, there
continue to be more than a few high-quality cars and
willing buyers at the Expo Center. ■
0
5%, included in sold prices
Page 44
Market
Report
C1
#F178-1954 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
roadster. S/N E54S003557. Pennant Blue/tan
cloth/tan vinyl. Odo: 185 miles. 235-ci 155-hp
I6, 3x1-bbl, auto. Concours-quality older restoration
has unwound, with some later touchup
work on certain panels. Chrome and
brightwork remain preserved to a high standard.
Interior restoration comprehensive and
exhibits little if any wear. Engine compartment
Carlisle Auctions
Carlisle, PA
price of this adequate driver-condition '65.
Not overly well sold, but somewhat for sure.
#F159-1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194375S112105. Glen Green/
black vinyl. Odo: 66,136 miles. 327-ci 375-hp
fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. Older high-quality
respray exhibits shrinkage around numerous
evident body repairs. Glass tidy and original,
apart from rear window scratches. Bumpers
wavy—likely rechromed originals, brightwork
original and surprisingly good. Nice older
least told their friends. A pretty car with plenty
of documentation, it sold just under market
price for its excellent condition.
#F155.1-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194677S117208. Marina
Blue & black/black vinyl/blue vinyl. Odo:
31,818 miles. 427-ci 390-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp.
Older comprehensive restoration with evidence
of front clip repairs and some heavy
polish marks. Paint shrinkage evident throughout,
heavy wear at rear hard top seating point.
Chrome redone and well-preserved, brightwork
sports a high-quality detailing with some age
apparent. Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $75,000.
Back in the days of the $300,000-$400,000
1953 Corvette, a few 1954s commanded some
pretty high prices. Pennant Blue is sure pretty
on these and the 1955s as well, but I'd rather
have a V8 at this bid. Thus, I would imagine
just about everyone else stopped at an ‘all-in'
number around $80,000, leaving this car unsold.
C2
#T89-1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194675S120887. Nassau
Blue/white vinyl/blue vinyl. Odo: 82,346
miles. 396-ci 425-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Older
body-on restoration has unwound a bit. Panel
fit off at driver's door and front of hood. Finish
quality uniform but with some shrinkage and
light dirt in the finish. Reproduction bumpers,
original brightwork, reproduction sidepipes
round out the exterior. Newer top fits but leaks
interior without any major issues. Engine bay
sports an older, high-quality detailing. Cond:
2-. NOT SOLD AT $66,000. The second of
two older restorations fielded by this same attentive
consignor/dealer (F155.1 also). It
would seem that both cars were likely sitting
on full retail reserve prices, as this top bid
ought to have bought this car. There was plenty
to do—or redo—here to make anyone think
twice about going past this bid.
#F186-1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194675S111601. Nassau
Blue/white vinyl/white vinyl. Odo: 183 miles.
327-ci 375-hp fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. Very
high-quality restoration exhibits uniform paint
and excellent panel gaps. Excellent chrome
and brightwork show just slight markings and
fit issues around windshield. Interior masterfully
executed, with seats, dashboard, gauges
and even the accessory floor mats pristine.
Engine bay well-detailed, with only minor
original with some polishing marks. Interior
remains nearly as-restored, AM/FM radio and
rosewood wheel help to dress it up. Engine bay
shows an older detailing. Cond: 2-. NOT
SOLD AT $75,000. While a bit forlorn in some
areas, this car did wear original sidepipes
along with its numbers-matching powertrain.
Heavy and fast, and it's also nice to have power
steering and brakes along for the ride. In this
day and age, the high bid was not far off. I
wonder how much more it would have taken to
make it happen.
C3
#T69-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194679S722285. Cortez
Silver/black vinyl/black vinyl & cloth. Odo:
62,732 miles. 350-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp.
Older driver-quality repaint over a stock, unmolested
body. Color resprayed heavily into
jambs. Chrome redone or replaced, brightwork
original with slight pitting evident. Newer
black top exhibits light use. Interior tidy with
headrest-equipped buckets, original console
in heavy rain. Older seat covers and carpet,
original center console. Engine bay exhibits
recent hoses and battery but no comprehensive
detailing. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $57,750. The
consignor wasn't sure of the pedigree of this
big-block, so I was a bit surprised with the sale
46 Corvette Market FALL 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
aging apparent to certain soft parts. Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $90,300. The high sale of all 271
cars to cross the block, this '65 Fuelie didn't
get it done this spring when it was last here, but
apparently a few people remembered the opportunity
they missed and came back—or at
and carpets likewise. Engine bay undetailed,
with all parts present and not particularly dirty.
Page 46
Market
Report
Carlisle Auctions
Carlisle, PA
Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $18,795. Quite the honest
driver-condition car here, with a long history
in a local Pennsylvania collection to back
it up. This may have been a factory a/c car, or
one that someone wanted to convert to a/c at
one time, as the bracket was there on the engine,
but it was unclear just what direction that
was going in. In any event, a nice price for a
decent car that wouldn't take much to advance
a bit more.
#F144-1971 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194671S104604. Dark blue
metallic/white vinyl/blue vinyl & cloth. Odo:
80,823 miles. 350-ci 270-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto.
Older respray exhibits numerous flaws, likely
done body-on a decade or more ago. Top tonneau
sits high, doors and clips as factory built.
Chrome redone, brightwork original. Newer
convertible top. Seats potentially recovered,
ingly well-detailed. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT
$18,270. With a/c and an automatic, this was a
nice boulevard cruiser from the final year of
C3 convertible production, but hardly a barnstormer.
I was surprised at this result for what
was no more than a fun weekend car. Slightly
well sold.
#F183-1978 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Anniversary coupe. S/N 1Z87L8S430697.
Silver & gray/oyster leather & gray cloth. Odo:
11,860 miles. 350-ci 185-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto.
Comprehensively original front to back. Paint
exhibits light fading with factory gaps. Trim
and emblems crisp, brightwork decent. Both
glass and fiberglass T-tops on and in car.
Unusual oyster leather with gray cloth seats,
reason the paintwork was not deemed original
was that it was a shade too good all the way
around. If it was original, it must have been a
particularly good day in St. Louis when this
went through the paint shop. 1981 was the last
year for an available manual transmission
throughout the entire model year, but that was
not present on this example, likely holding it
back as much as the L48 standard horsepower
small-block.
C4
#F243-1984 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1AY0781E5141753. White/
maroon leather. Odo: 107,739 miles. 350-ci
220-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Older respray
exhibits a few tape marks on trim and deteriorated
weatherstripping. Trim weathered.
Maroon interior original and faded, leather dry
and cracking on driver's seat. Steering wheel
rough, with loose horn button. Engine bay undetailed
and shows its age and mileage, yet
exhibits some fresher maintenance items
remainder of interior original. Engine compartment
not detailed but clean, with factory a/c.
Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT $13,000. Merely a
driver example, this found no takers beyond a
certain point. The average condition, combined
with a less-than-exciting color combination,
no doubt contributed to this outcome, and
it's unclear how much better this car may do
elsewhere—or in the future.
#T42-1975 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1Z67J5S432697. Red/white
vinyl/tan vinyl. Odo: 86,313 miles. 350-ci 180hp
V8, 4-bbl, auto. Newer red respray heavy
but uniform and well-finished. White top out of
keeping with red exterior and tan interior.
Brightwork about average and appears original.
Interior remains in driver-quality
good carpet, some wear to center console.
Engine repainted, remainder original and still
very clean and unmarked. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT
$14,700. A good result for a standard horsepower
automatic Anniversary Corvette. An
L48 automatic car wouldn't have been my
choice, but as a gap filler in a Corvette collection,
this was not a bad car, with very nice patina
inside and out. Well bought and sold.
#T29-1981 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1AY8767BS429087. Tuxedo
Black/black vinyl. Odo: 42,267 miles. 350-ci
180-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. High-quality respray in
places, if not comprehensive, with no evident
flaws. Crisp trim, brightwork and emblems all
well-preserved. Unmarked factory alloys still
have plenty of luster. Stripped-down interior
with black vinyl seating surfaces still fresh.
Nice dash, console and seats. Engine
such as spark plug wires. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT
$5,513. I contest that these first year Corvettes
are not throw-away cars; the purity of concept
is here and began to fade away in the years
that followed. A little TLC and attention to detail
could go a long way—if not today, then at
least down the road. These cars are still selling
squarely in the $5,000 range as drivers, and
while this wasn't the best one out there, it
wasn't a bad deal either.
condition with its original tan vinyl seats, dashboard
and carpet. Engine compartment surpris-
48 Corvette Market FALL 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
compartment very tidy and original, with all
correct finishes and emissions controls present.
Cond: 2+. NOT SOLD AT $14,500. The only
#F251-1990 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
ZR-1 coupe. S/N 1G1YZ23J8L5800344. Red/
red & blue glass/red leather. Odo: 2,157 miles.
350-ci 375-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. Factory
paintwork shows typical mismatching front to
rear. No flaws apparent, apart from light
scratches to door glass. Interior as-new
throughout. Engine compartment undetailed
and very original, light pitting to pot metal cast
throttle body. Cond: 1-. NOT SOLD AT
$18,500. Last seen at Barrett-Jackson's Las
Vegas sale in October '09, where it was sold as
a pair with a 2009 ZR1 for $102,850 (CM#
148840). This was another in-the-wrapper
first-year ZR-1, now 20 years on from when it
was new. Barely enjoyed, it found no takers
anywhere near a reasonable selling price.
Page 47
injected V8, auto. Flawless, like-new paint
throughout. Body perfect. Cloth top clean and
likely rarely raised. Opulent all-leather
Perhaps this is the fate of these one-time instant
collectibles. Time will tell if interest in
them grows, or if they just fall flat.
C5
#T12-2004 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Z06 coupe. S/N 1G1YY12S545130857. Blue
& silver/black leather. Odo: 6,653 miles. 5.7-L
405-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. Factory finish
throughout, with only minor chips to mirrors
and front bumper from flying road debris.
Slight entry wear to driver's seat, otherwise,
this looks and smells like new. Light use evident
under the hood, undetailed and not in need
of much. Cond: 2+. NOT SOLD AT $29,000.
While it may seem like a good deal at the top
bid for a few moments, this is now a nearly
seven-year-old car. And while 6,000 miles is
reflected well in this car's condition, the owner
might have considered using the car a bit more.
High bid should have been close enough to get
it done.
C6
#F193-2009 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1G1YY36W295105544.
Maroon metallic/black cloth/black & tan
leather. Odo: 2,081 miles. 6.2-L 430-hp fuel-
two-tone interior extends to dashboard top,
carbon-fiber fascia and surround. Engine compartment
exhibits only light use. Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $41,475. Had to get this fired up to
read the odometer. This has been sitting a
while, and I also confirmed the tire pressure
monitoring works—3 out of 4 tires were pretty
low. Actually not a bad buy on a year-old highoption
Corvette convertible. Well bought. ■
www.corvettemarket.com FALL 2010 Corvette Market 49
Page 48
Market
Report
T
Global Roundup
Corvettes across the block
104 Corvettes, $5.8m in Sales
he summer months are by far the best time to own a Corvette. These buyers were
in the market for everything from drivers to NCRS Top Flight and Bloomington
Gold-certified examples. They had plenty of choices at auctions spanning the U.S.
and Europe. CM's auction analysts were again out in force, and their on-site evalu-
ations make up the majority of this issue. We hope their analysis of each car helps you to
understand the current market for collectible Corvettes, and gets you thinking about what
you want to look for at the Scottsdale auctions.
Auctions Covered This Issue:
Bonhams, Chichester, UK, 7/2/2010—Paul Hardiman
Artcurial, Paris, FRA, 7/9/2010—Jérôme Hardy
RM Auctions, Rochester, MI, 7/24/2010—Donald Osborne
Silver Auctions, Reno, NV, 8/5/2010—Ian Anderson
Bonhams & Butterfields, Carmel, CA, 8/12/2010—Donald Osborne
Russo and Steele, Monterey, CA, 8/12/2010—Raymond Nierlich
Mecum Auctions, Monterey, CA, 8/13/2010—Paul Duchene
RM Auctions, Monterey, CA, 8/13/2010—Carl Bomstead
Gooding & Company, Pebble Beach, CA, 8/14/2010—John L. Stein
Worldwide Auctioneers, Auburn, IN, 9/2/2010—B. Mitchell Carlson
Auctions America, Auburn, IN, 9/2/2010—B. Mitchell Carlson
Branson, Branson, MO, 9/10/2010—Leslie Roberts
Bonhams, Reims, FRA, 9/11/2010—Jérôme Hardy
Mecum Auctions, St. Charles, IL, 9/16/2010—Dan Grunwald
Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV, 9/23/2010—Dan Grunwald
Silver Auctions, Portland, OR, 9/25/2010—Paul Duchene
Market opinions in italics
C1
TOP 10
No. 3
#239-1953 CHEVROLET
CORVETTE roadster. S/N
E53F001199. Polo White/black vinyl/
Sportsman Red vinyl. Odo: 24,698 miles. 235ci
150-hp I6, 3x1-bbl, auto. One of the first 300
Corvettes built, all of which were destined for
the rich and famous for maximum publicity.
An original car until 2004, when it was discovered
and was given a cosmetic restoration.
TOP 10
No. 2
#46-1953
CHEVROLET
CORVETTE roadster. S/N
E53F001274. Polo White/black cloth/
red vinyl. 235-ci 150-hp I6, 3x1-bbl, auto.
Recently restored by a shop that specializes in
6-cylinder Corvettes. Authentically restored
body tub, with factory-typical light waviness
and fabric weave under paint. All chrome replated
to proper non-show quality brilliance.
Dull, fading taillight lenses, light wrinkling of
new top. Original door knobs have light yellowing
in contrast to the repo dashboard fittings.
Clean and authentically detailed engine
new it would have been hard pressed to be a
#2. The consignor cut it loose at the end of bidding
for a selling price that was a touch under
what I would have expected. Worldwide
Auctioneers, Auburn, IN, 9/10.
#241-1954 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
roadster. S/N E54S004610. Polo White/beige/
red vinyl. Odo: 21,541 miles. 235-ci 150-hp I6,
3x1-bbl, auto. Variable panel fit, per factory.
Good paint shows light polish scratches, some
rubs, and a few small stress cracks. Very good
chrome and interior. AACA Jr, Sr, President,
and
Grand
National
winner,
1987-88, 2005 Top Flight award. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $77,000. A very good older restoration
still holding up well. The '54 is considered
the lightly loved middle child, between the '53
and the '55, and as such, they offer a discount
to entry for the C1 admirer, as long as expectations
for resale are kept realistic. Sold for
$88,000 at Barrett Jackson's 2007 Scottsdale
sale (SCM# 44030), and market priced today.
RM Auctions, Rochester, IL, 7/10.
#17-1954 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
roadster. S/N E54S003167. Sportsman Red/
beige cloth/red vinyl. Odo: 45,975 miles. 235ci
150-hp I6, 3x1-bbl, auto. Claimed to be both
originally Sportsman Red and a Bloomington
Gold award winner, but without proof in either
case. Authentically restored, with original
body wave and light hint of fiberglass weave.
Repaint superior to factory application.
Concours-quality engine bay restoration, with
correct late-production chrome valve cover
and dual air cleaners. Modern 6-volt battery.
Attractive, but far from show quality. Typical
fit issues, paint just OK, brightwork has an
edge. Newly installed seats, engine clean with
no fluid issues noted. A fun, straight-line
Corvette. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $220,000.
Prices on these have been a bit soft of late, and
this sale continues the trend—a few years back,
another $50k or so would not have been out of
line. Timing is everything. RM Auctions,
Monterey, CA, 8/10.
50 Corvette Market FALL 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
bay and undercarriage. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT
$247,500. So far, the car has not been shown at
any venue, let alone judged by the NCRS or
Bloomington Gold. Not glitzy or overdone, this
was done very faithful to the 58-year-old original
build methods—truly a restoration, in lieu
of the glamor jobs that are generally called
restorations. In that vein, it really is a #2 condition
car, despite being freshly done, as when
Expertly installed reproduction interior soft
trim and top, clean undercarriage. Cond: 2+.
NOT SOLD AT $58,000. Since no one really
knows exactly how many or even which ones
were painted Sportsman Red, one can pretty
much restore a car in it and get away with it.
I'm not saying that was the case here, but it
explains why others give pause on bidding on a
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Corvettes across the block
non-Polo White '54. If I restored one that had
tactile proof of originally being red (i.e. red
paint in inaccessible areas), I'd sure as heck
make it a point to show at least images of said
areas. With that in mind, it's easy to see why it
only was bid to this amount. Worldwide
Auctioneers, Auburn, IN, 9/10.
#648.1-1954 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
roadster. S/N E54S003591. Red/red vinyl.
Odo: 52,060 miles. 5.7-L 350-hp fuel-injected
V8, auto. All new paint, chrome and interior
with LS1 running gear and power disc brakes.
Aluminum radiator. New radio and billet banjo
steering wheel. Wide whitewalls on modern
perfect spot. But I'd still call it well sold.
Mecum Auctions, Monterey, CA, 8/10.
#F269-1956 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N E56S003307. Blue & silver/
tan/red vinyl. Odo: 43,244 miles. 265-ci 225hp
V8, 2x4-bbl, 3-sp. A 2005 NCRS Top Flight
car. Has a couple of small paint chips on nose.
All good chrome, including windshield header
and trim. Good trim fit. Wide passenger door
4-speed, and 15-inch wheels. Aftermarket
radio installed, but original comes with car.
Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $63,250. I would call this
well bought, as the issues were all minor.
Another $10k would not have been out of line,
considering the desirable options. RM
Auctions, Monterey, CA, 8/10.
tires. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $88,000. Last seen
at Russo and Steele's Scottsdale sale in January
'08, where it sold at $82,500 (CM# 51829).
Tastefully done, this stock-looking '54 is sure
to surprise many late-model Corvettes on the
road. A fair price paid. Barrett-Jackson, Las
Vegas, NV, 9/10.
#S112-1955 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
roadster. S/N VE55S00194. Gypsy Red/white
canvas/cream vinyl. Odo: 61,128 miles. 265-ci
195-hp V8, 4-bbl, 3-sp. Good repaint of an
original car back in the 1960s, now aging after
sitting for 50 years and probably needs to be
restored. Mileage could very well be original.
Typical body panel fit, trim dented, plastic
body seams showing. Upholstery looks to date
from same time, top is even older. One of 693
gap in front. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $60,500.
This was one of the nicest at Mecum's sale, and
it featured a very pleasing color combo. A
proper transaction, and both buyer and seller
should be smiling. Mecum Auctions, St.
Charles, IL, 9/10.
#F167-1957 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N E57S191923. Venetian Red
& white/white vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 3,611
miles. 283-ci 245-hp V8, 2x4-bbl, 3-sp. Frameoff
restoration of matching-numbers car, 3,611
miles since. Lovely paint in great colors, panel
fit typical, good chrome and tidy interior with
Wonderbar radio. One of 713 cars in Venetian
Red, and one of 1,200 with manual transmission.
Fitted with off-road exhaust. A California
noted on convertible top. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT
$104,500. A few years ago this would have
come close to the $150k mark, but the Corvette
market is not what it once was. Still, this could
have brought $10k-$15k more, and I don't
think the late hour at which it crossed the block
was any help. Well bought. RM Auctions,
Monterey, CA, 8/10.
car that's been in Arizona for the past decade,
so there should be no rust concerns. Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $67,310. A pretty car with a photodocumented
restoration, which certainly helps
a car find buyers. The color probably sold it,
but the CM market price range is $50k-$95k,
so I'd say the buyer got a rather good deal.
Mecum Auctions, Monterey, CA, 8/10.
V8 Corvettes in 1955, and one of 19 cars with
the 3-speed. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $106,000. If
the new owner's restoration is very well done,
he may see his money back eventually, but I'd
be surprised. This was only the first check he'll
be writing of many. The question is where do
you stop? At this point, he's in for the long
haul. On the other hand, if he wants his own
'55 V8 that hasn't been messed with, he's in a
52 Corvette Market FALL 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
CORVETTE convertible. S/N E57S104301.
Onyx Black & silver/red vinyl. Odo: 879
miles. 283-ci 270-hp V8, 2x4-bbl, 4-sp.
Restored by Classic Restorations in the mid'90s,
with only 879 miles since. Attractive
package, though with several areas of orange
peel noticed and windshield delaminating
along edge. Equipped with dual 4-bbl carbs,
Best Buy #207-1957
CHEVROLET
#E735-1957 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N E57S104274. Inca Silver &
ivory/black vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 395 miles.
283-ci 283-hp fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. Said to
be restored for use rather than for show, which
explains the modern retro-style AM/FM/cassette
deck and radial tires. Most inherent
#378-1957 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N E57S102794. Polo White &
silver/white vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 3,045 miles.
283-ci 283-hp fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. A well
presented example of one of only 713 283/283
Fuelies that left dealer showrooms in 1957.
Scored 99.2% in NCRS judging and received a
Top Flight award. Excellent fit and finish, stain
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body wave worked out, yielding a good base
for the repaint. Mostly reproduction
brightwork. No discernible interior wear.
Nearly concours-grade engine bay detailing,
undercarriage glossy black. Hard top included
along with soft top, but is not on site. Odometer
reset to zero miles at restoration. Cond: 2+.
NOT SOLD AT $90,500. I actually thought
this was too nice to use as a driver car, despite
the restorer's stated aim. Most folks willing to
pony up $90k for a '57 are looking to buy a
show car that they might use as a driver once
it's done winning trophies, so I didn't expect
the price to go higher than this. The not-always-user-friendly
Fuelie unit didn't help either.
Auctions America, Auburn, IN, 9/10.
#19-1957 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N E57S100230. Ivory/black
vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 51,887 miles. 283-ci V8,
4-bbl, 3-sp. Fresh from a high level nut-andbolt
restoration in the U.S., and absolutely
gleaming throughout. Probably better than
when delivered new. Twin carbs, equipped
with 3-speed stick, and both hard and soft
here to bring a big sale price. Barrett-Jackson,
Las Vegas, NV, 9/10.
#S625-1958 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N J58S106688. Light blue metallic
& white/white vinyl/blue vinyl. Odo:
3,524 miles. 283-ci 245-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto.
Recently completed $75,000 frame-off restoration.
Receipts provided. Very good body, paint,
and chrome. Interior excellent. No power
steering or power brakes. Optional tachometer,
Wonderbar radio. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT
$61,600. Last seen at Russo and Steele's
#S141-1958 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N J58S102422. Signet Red &
white/black canvas/red vinyl. Odo: 3,116
miles. 283-ci 283-hp fuel-injected V8, 4-sp.
Shiny older repaint showing some age. Good
panel fit, excellent colors, good plating except
for missing front license plate bracket. Top
wrinkled from being folded down for an
Scottsdale event in January '10, where it reportedly
failed to sell at $66,000. Winner of
“the car I'd most like to cruise Palm Springs
in” at this particular auction. Very pretty color
combination will be a hit with the ladies, and
the drum brakes and 2-speed “Powerslide”
automatic will rule out any hard driving in this
one. Purchased for less than the cost of restoration,
so I'd call it well bought. Russo and
Steele, Monterey, CA, 8/10.
tops. But no radio, no heater, and no two-tone.
Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $85,607. If you ask me,
this just wasn't flashy enough for a '57, but it
still managed to do OK, bringing about what it
would in the U.S. Add in the shipping and import
duties, and this was a very fair deal.
Bonhams, Reims, FRA, 9/10.
TOP 10
No. 9
#651.1-1957 CHEVROLET
CORVETTE convertible. S/N
E57S104336. Black & silver/black
vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 11,508 miles. 283-ci 283hp
fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. Most chrome new
with some older trim showing light scratching.
Mostly new factory-style interior and detailed
TOP 10
No. 4
#S646-1958 CHEVROLET
CORVETTE convertible. S/N
103413. Tuxedo Black/red vinyl. Odo:
64,756 miles. 283-ci 315-hp fuel-injected V8,
4-sp. Freshly over-restored example.
Bodywork, gaps, and black paint all fantastic.
Exceptional chrome by Christensen Plating.
Excellent interior. Restored with many N.O.S.
parts. Optional clock, tachometer, radio, and
heater. Matching-numbers 283 with Rochester
extended period. Nice interior and carpet. On
belted whitewall tires. One of 756 in this color
combination, and one of 1,007 290-hp fuel-injected
cars. Cond: 2-. NOT SOLD AT $90,000.
A very pretty car, but it felt like it had been sitting
for a while. A no-sale at $90k, which
should have been enough, with all the competing
cars in the same sale. As a fair, mid-market
offer, I'd have taken it. Mecum Auctions,
Monterey, CA, 8/10.
TOP 10
No. 8
#S79-1958 CHEVROLET
CORVETTE convertible. S/N
J58S195138. Charcoal metallic & sil-
ver/black vinyl. Odo: 2,011 miles. 283-ci 290hp
fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. NCRS Top Flight car
in May of 2010, appears to be a superior frameoff
restoration. Nice chrome, good panel fit,
nice interior with Wonderbar radio. Some paint
details not typical under-hood, but shields and
details look otherwise correct. No mention of
matching numbers. One of 729 in Charcoal
Metallic with silver coves, which was replaced
period-correct non-original engine. Some
nicks on windshield. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT
$134,200. This car had a great overall look in
black, silver, and red. That, along with nice
trim fits and an honest description, worked
54 Corvette Market FALL 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
fuel injection. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $181,500.
Easily the most spectacular black paint on any
Corvette. Usually when a car is over-restored,
it will attract a lot of attention from the crowds,
but somehow leaves me disappointed that it
wasn't done “right.” In this case I admit to
making an exception; the craftsmanship displayed
on this Fuelie 'Vette was stunning.
Leading the market for a '58, and rightly so.
Russo and Steele, Monterey, CA, 8/10.
by Tuxedo Black mid-year. Cond: 1. SOLD
AT $143,100. This car had considerable eye
appeal and definitely found its market. '58s
have their own following, for the unique styling
cues not seen in the production years before or
after. Rarer factory colors exist, but I suspect
many have been repainted in resale tones since
then. Well sold at the top of the current market
level. Mecum Auctions, Monterey, CA, 8/10.
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#W749-1958 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N J58S100724. Signet Red &
Snowcrest White/red hard top & white vinyl/
red vinyl. Odo: 2,544 miles. 283-ci 290-hp
fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. Recently freshened up
older restoration. Better-than-stock body prep,
panel fit, and paint. Minimal scuffing on earlier
rechrome work. Show-quality engine bay.
New, similar-to-period-style seat belts are the
only non-authentic interior components.
#41-1959 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N J59S108544. Inca Silver &
white/white vinyl/red vinyl . Odo: 1,065 miles.
283-ci 245-hp V8, 2x4-bbl, 3-sp. Just out of the
restoration shop, retaining the original powertrain.
Better-than-original body prep, panel fit,
and paint application. Original windshield and
cracking seal still in the car. Minty-fresh top
almost looks like a fixed carriage roof. All replated
or replacement brightwork, along with
all interior soft trim. Dashpad has wrinkling
the real deal was the modern Corvette alloys.
Since the frame has been modified to accept an
LS engine, perhaps that is what is needed for
the seller to hit his target price. The high bid
today couldn't have been much more than build
cost. Silver Auctions, Reno, NV, 8/10.
#S44-1960 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 00867S109619. White & silver/white
vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 88,622 miles.
283-ci 230-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Frame-on restoration
with 2k miles on rebuilt motor and new
paint, interior, and carpet. Fitted with hard top
and soft top. Excellent chrome, California
black plate, Elite whitewalls. Unusually good
panel fit, new dash cover baggy, door jamb
paint not typical. A bit untidy underhood, but
Most everything else inside is an authentic reproduction
that shows minimal wear. With
factory fuel injection, 2 tops, and Wonderbar
radio. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $90,200. The lovethem-or-leave-them
1958 arguers seem to have
mellowed out a bit over time. Sure, there are
still a few people who would cross the street to
avoid one, but overall they have been accepted
for their unique period styling touches. Four
years ago, this would've been a lock for hitting
a 6-digit price. Today, this was just realistic.
Auctions America, Auburn, IN, 9/10.
#245-1959 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N J59S103045. Roman Red &
Snowcrest White/white vinyl/red vinyl. Odo:
131 miles. 283-ci 230-hp V8, 2x4-bbl, 4-sp.
Variable panel fit, just past factory. Very good
paint, chrome shows some prep flaws under
plating but is still good overall. Interior has
abrasion scars on passenger seat back rest
along ends of passenger's side grab handle,
gauge lenses show light crazing from aging.
Concours-ready engine compartment detailing.
Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $55,000. Per the
catalog notes, the consignor found the car in
generally original condition, with original upholstery
and lightly touched up original paint.
So, did it get taken to 1. Bloomington Gold for
Survivor certification, or 2. the beauty shop—
er, restoration shop? Current logic would be 1,
but no, off it went to get a frame-off bare-body
restoration. So much for preserving original
history. An under-market bid. Worldwide
Auctioneers, Auburn, IN, 9/10.
#764-1960 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
custom convertible. S/N 00867S103017. Red/
white soft top/red hard top/red leather. Odo:
1,537 miles. 350-ci, 330-hp, 4-bbl, V8, 4-sp.
Recent resto-mod done to very high standard,
on original frame and body with C4 Corvette
suspension and drive components. Highquality
respray has no issues. New glass, seals,
and chrome all around. New period-looking
interior shows little wear. Digital radio, torn
shift boot. Engine bay well detailed, with lots
of chrome and all new bits. With power
looks factory. One of 5,827 built in this configuration
and by far the most popular color
that year, with 3,717 sold—more than double
the Roman Red runner-up. Owned since 1985.
Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $57,500. From the
mileage, this was clearly a car that had worked
well its whole life, but it felt like it had been
fluffed and buffed for the sale. The $57,500
high bid was mid-range for a low-horsepower
car with a slushbox and should have bought it.
Mecum Auctions, Monterey, CA, 8/10.
#268-1960 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 00867S100507. Eng. #
F1001CU. Tasco Turquoise & white/white
vinyl/turquoise vinyl. Odo: 83,137 miles. 283ci
270-hp V8, 2x4-bbl, 4-sp. Restored in the
mid-'90s, awarded NCRS Top Flight in '97,
cosmetically freshened in '06. Shows extremely
well with even gaps, proper panel fit,
and uncommon Tasco Turquoise livery. Fitted
and some stains on transmission tunnel carpet.
Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $62,010. Last seen at
Russo and Steele's Monterey sale in August
'06, where it sold at $72,600 (SCM# 42807). It
was nicely restored and finished in good colors,
but overall was a nothing-special car that
sold for a nothing-special price. Well bought
for a nice cruiser. Bonhams, Carmel, CA,
8/10.
56 Corvette Market FALL 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
steering, power disc brakes, and power windows.
Cond: 1-. NOT SOLD AT $70,000. This
achieved a nice balance of original 1960
Corvette looks with modern mechanical updates.
The only clue at first glance that it wasn't
with power windows and Wonderbar radio.
Desirable dual 4-bbl carbs. Cond: 2+. SOLD
AT $85,250. Even in a rather soft Corvette
market, this car sold at the market-correct
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price, and deservedly so. The quality was
there, and the buyers responded, reconfirming
the truism that good cars will still bring the
money. RM Auctions, Monterey, CA, 8/10.
#W641-1960 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 00867S108032. Silver &
white/white vinyl/red vinyl. 283-ci 270-hp V8,
2x4-bbl, 4-sp. Recently completed frame-off
restoration. Better-than-stock body prep, paint,
and panel fit. NCRS decal on replacement
windshield. Even with good panel gaps, the
doors must be slammed to latch properly. Poor
convertible top header seal—reproduction carpeting
gets soaked when it rains. Authentically
leather. Odo: 808 miles. 283-ci, 230-hp, 4-bbl,
V8, 4-sp. Original-appearing paint very thin in
areas, with eggshell cracking in coves and by
hood. Slight wiper marks on glass with ill-fitting
replacement rubber. New top. Clean and
tidy interior. Wonderbar radio. Dash, seat, and
door panels show only light wear, center console
scratched, carpet worn and faded. Engine
#161-1961 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 10867S108388. Eng. #
F0501CS. White & silver/red vinyl. Odo:
38,143 miles. 283-ci 315-hp fuel-injected V8,
4-sp. Fabulous restoration in an attractive color
combination with very good attention to detail.
Nearly flawless presentation. Nice Plexiglas
hard-top windows, NCRS decal. Nicely done
interior in a great color, but driver's and passenger's
seat upholstery are rumpled. Glue
visible on weatherstripping. Authentic-looking
bias-ply tires and vintage yellow California
detailed underhood and on undercarriage.
Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $67,500. Described
as “the best color combination around,” which
is true if you like silver and white with red interior.
Barring such subjective judgments, this
was a nice '60 correctly bid, but with an optimistic
reserve. Auctions America, Auburn,
IN, 9/10.
#255-1961 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 10867S105936. White and
silver/black vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 7,200 miles.
283-ci 245-hp V8, 2x4-bbl, 4-sp. Very good
panel fit. Very good paint shows a few small
cracks in top of left door and under right windshield
corner. Chrome shiny, has nick in right
front bumper. Nice interior let down by loose
glovebox door, chip on base. With radio delete
bay well sorted. Chrome air cleaner and ignition
shield, new paint on radiator and shroud.
On new wide whitewalls with correct hubcaps.
Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $37,500. 1961 was the
last year for the $16 painted cove option and
the first for the new “duck tail” rear end. This
car was a nice looker from ten feet, especially
with the unique color, but upon closer inspection
several issues appeared. The most troubling
were the repair on the right front and the
badly worn carpets. The sale price reflected
these concerns. Silver Auctions, Reno, NV,
8/10.
#737-1961 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 10867S103127. Roman Red/
white soft top/red hard top/red leather. Odo:
52,268 miles. 283-ci, 230-hp, 4-bbl, V8, 4-sp.
A stated numbers-matching car with recent
$100,000 restoration. Excellent respray over
good prep, touch-up on leading edge of driver's
door, small chip in driver's side cove. Datecoded
glass is like new. Chrome excellent, with
slight pitting on rear bumper, trim poorly fit
around right headlights. Trunk well detailed.
plates fitted. Restored undercarriage shows little
use. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $121,000. Sold for
$115,500 at Barrett-Jackson's Scottsdale sale
in January '07 (CM# 44032). The pre-auction
estimates of $120k-$150k were a touch aggressive,
and this expertly done solid-axle wound
up right on the money. With top-level awards
including Bloomington Gold and NCRS to its
credit, there was no real reason to hold back on
the bidding. The only unfortunate aspect here
was that this Fuelie was so nice, and sold for
enough money, that the odds of it ever being
driven are probably quite slim. See the C1
profile, p. 20. Gooding & Company, Pebble
Beach, CA, 8/10.
#W631-1961 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 10867S102287. Red &
white/white vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 59,108
miles. 283-ci 270-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Older
cosmetic redo, with a pretty repaint on an overall
heavily sanded down body. Mostly reproduction
brightwork. Passenger's door contacts
bottom of soft top frame when closed. Lesser
quality top fit, with heavier wrinkling along
sides. Older repop seats, door panels, and dashpad,
original carpeting is heavily faded.
and heater delete. Cond: 2-. NOT SOLD AT
$65,000. The '61 had a terrific, very aggressive
look, and this was a nice car, but in the base
spec. Prices for all but the most special
Corvettes have softened, and the high bid here
was still $5k light. RM Auctions, Rochester,
MI, 7/10.
#431-1961 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 10867S109667. Honduras
Maroon/white soft top/blue hard top/black
58 Corvette Market FALL 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
Includes both hard and soft tops. Excellent interior,
light rip in shift boot, scraping on door
threshold trim. Tidy engine bay with fresh
paint. Original windshield washer motor.
Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $61,560. A high quality
frame-off restoration that has seen little use
since completion. Sale price justifiably near
the high end of value for a 1961 Corvette with
this engine configuration. Well bought and
sold. Silver Auctions, Reno, NV, 8/10.
Recently detailed show-grade engine compartment
with fasteners mostly new. Matte black
undercarriage rather clean. Cond: 3+. SOLD
AT $42,000. First seen at Mecum's Kissimmee
sale in January '10, where it failed to sell at
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Corvettes across the block
$53k (CM# 158042), and seen again at
Mecum's Indy sale in May '10, again a no-sale
at $53k (CM# 163327). While it did have a
solid lifter 270-horse dual-quad motor, these
are far from rare. Not quite up to snuff as a
show car, but should make for a nice cruiser.
Auctions America, Auburn, IN, 9/10.
#W649-1961 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 10867S110634. Red &
white/red hard top & white vinyl/red vinyl.
Odo: 49,124 miles. 283-ci 230-hp V8, 4-bbl,
4-sp. Miles claimed actual since new. Comes
with both types of tops. Older repaint looks
decent, and the replated bumpers match up
with reproduction emblems, but most stainless
trim original and lightly scuffed. Engine bay
not authentically detailed. Unable to discern
and go home? Bid was under the money for a
driver fuelie, but the car had needs. Last seen
at the Mecum auction in Monterey last year,
where it failed to change hands at $52k (CM#
141259). If the seller wants a better offer, he
would do well to sharpen this one up. Mecum
Auctions, Monterey, CA, 8/10.
#222-1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 20867S104483. Tuxedo
Black/white vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 41,429
miles. 327-ci 360-hp fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. An
older restoration that won an NCRS Top Flight
award in 1992, now in need of cosmetic work
to return it to former glory. Top dirty, window
rubbers cracked, and trim pitted. One
until the replacement is ready (assuming you
do all of the work yourself). Not bad either if
you just want a look-at-me car to drive around.
Auctions America, Auburn, IN, 9/10.
#T236-1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 20867S107546. Red/red &
black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 29,782 miles.
327-ci 360-hp fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. Fresh
paint with few flaws, extra thick and shiny in
door jambs and on dash. New chrome and interior.
Has power windows and both tops. Said
any stampings on the engine block. Nonauthentic
shock absorbers and mufflers. Soggy
replacement carpeting, poorly fitted repro seat
upholstery with lots of wrinkling, replacement
Hurst shifter. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $39,600.
There was no mention made of any known history
of the car, especially driveline integrity.
Combined with the already declining values
for C1s, this driver car (a daily driver, almost)
sold for all the money in the world. Auctions
America, Auburn, IN, 9/10.
#S49-1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 20867S110032. Honduras
Maroon/black vinyl & maroon hard top/black
vinyl. Odo: 56,599 miles. 327-ci 360-hp fuelinjected
V8, 4-sp. Older repaint showing
cracks and flaws, chrome worn. Scruffy
underhood, with tinfoil under FI pump.
Scratched windshield on passenger side, pitted
surrounds. Older whitewall belted tires, new
of less than 2,000 Fuelies sold in 1962. Cond:
3+. SOLD AT $79,750. Even with the issues
noted, this was well bought. The question for
the new owner is how far to go with it. A full
restoration will put him upside-down in a
hurry, so my recommendation would be to use,
enjoy, and upgrade as required. RM Auctions,
Monterey, CA, 8/10.
#W692-1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 20867S108495. Red/red hard
top/red vinyl. Odo: 32,750 miles. 350-ci V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. N.O.M. generic 350 small-block,
with no attempt made at maintaining original
spec. Wears Edelbrock chrome valve covers
and air cleaner, matte white tube headers and
1980s GM corporate blue cast iron bits.
Slightly wavy bodywork with newer repaint.
Doors don't latch well, due to newer door-tobody
seals and poor fit between door glass and
hard top seals. Recent seat upholstery, door
to be an original numbers-matching Fuelie.
Cond: 2. SOLD AT $57,750. Said to have
complete owner history. As an example of the
last and best of the straight-axle Corvettes, I
would call this well bought. Mecum Auctions,
St. Charles, IL, 9/10.
#362.2-1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 20867S107021. Fawn Beige/
tan canvas/fawn vinyl. Odo: 37,737 miles.
327-ci 340-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Very fresh highlevel
restoration with flawless paint and all
flawless chrome. Very detailed throughout.
Fitted with chrome mags, but comes with restored
stock wheels and hubcaps. Stated to
have non-original engine. Cond: 1. SOLD AT
$115,500. The owners were here each day to
represent this spotless restored Corvette and it
paid off handsomely for them. They spent a
year doing just this car, and even with the big
price paid here, there was likely just as much in
it. Nicely bought and sold. Barrett-Jackson,
Las Vegas, NV, 9/10.
C2
Harrison radiator. Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT
$47,000. Just a driver, but in a good color and
with possible original miles. It's one o'clock in
the morning—do you fall in love or be smart
60 Corvette Market FALL 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
panels, and carpeting, all expertly installed.
Used car undercarriage with non-stock exhaust
and plenty of rust. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $32,725.
1962 was the only year for the 327 in a C1.
Provided that you either already have or know
where to find a 327, this wasn't all that bad of
a buy for something you could keep driving
#152-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 30867S116670. Riverside
Red/black vinyl/black leather. Odo: 73,300
miles. 327-ci, 350-hp, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Newly resprayed
from yellow to its original red after 13
years in storage. Engine stated to be a 1968
Corvette V8. Prep issues evident with dust
under paint, chips from door closing. Light pit
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Corvettes across the block
ting on replated bumpers, scratch on side-view
mirror. Original looking interior with door
panels and seats in good condition. Carpet
cords. Good panel fit, paint not typical but very
nice. Looks factory underhood, bumpers look
like repops. Very nice interior. NCRS-scored
99%. With L84 Fuelie engine, M20 4-speed,
327-ci 360-hp fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. Original
miles, numbers-matching components. A
4-speed Fuelie with full provenance dating
back to V.V. Cooke of Louisville, KY.
shows wear and is pulling up from the transmission
tunnel. AM Delco radio bezels loose.
New orange paint on block, with overspray.
Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $32,400. This felt like a
rush job. The respray was not high quality, the
prep on the chrome plating was lacking, and
the emergency brake, radio, and amp gauge
were non-functioning. If it had just been woken
from a long slumber in the shed, who can guess
what else might arise? Price paid reflects that
uncertainty, combined with the incorrect engine.
Silver Auctions, Reno, NV, 8/10.
#321-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 30867S115357. Riverside
Red/black leather. Odo: 384 miles. 327-ci,
340-hp, 4-bbl. 4-sp. Claimed to be a numbersmatching
car with over $50,000 invested.
15-year-old respray aging well, has a few small
chips and touch-ups, gas door logo cracking.
Replated chrome bumpers slightly pitted. Nice
gaps and good newer glass. Interior said to be
original, seats and dash in superb condition.
AM/FM, power brakes, and power windows.
One of 199 Z06s built. Cond: 2. SOLD AT
$159,000. Last seen at Mecum's Bloomington
Gold sale in June '07, where it sold for
$139,650 (CM# 45453). With all the Corvette
experts around the sale, this was bound to be a
market-correct result. Top bid was almost exactly
mid-price, let down perhaps by some
over-enthusiastic and non-typical restoration
choices, and a gap in otherwise complete records.
Nevertheless, a good deal for both parties.
Well bought, well sold, and a real
eye-catcher. Mecum Auctions, Monterey, CA,
8/10.
#F93-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 30867S119003. Silver blue/
black vinyl/blue vinyl. Odo: 49,698 miles.
327-ci 340-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Numbers
matching. Typical panel fit, OK top fit, fair
headlight fit, chrome replated quite well. Body
seams are gone under over-the-top finish, but
it's factory-looking under the hood, apart from
Repainted and reupholstered, superb panel and
headlight fit. Doors click shut of their own
weight. On factory mags with knockoffs. No
a/c. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $95,400. Close to the
best '63 Fuelie Sting Ray I have ever seen, with
the sense that everything just fit and worked
well. If all was correct, I'd say this was something
of a buy, since similar examples have
sold at up to $50k more. Very well bought.
Mecum Auctions, Monterey, CA, 8/10.
#248-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
“Pilot Line” convertible. S/N 308675100015.
Riverside Red/red vinyl. Odo: 15 miles. 327-ci
360-hp fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. A documented
“Pilot Line” or pre-production Sting Ray. One
of four thought to exist. Only 15 miles since
older body-off restoration. Paint just acceptable
with blemish on trunk, window rubbers
old and cracked. Panel fit to factory spec
Non-functioning clock. Door panels dirty,
driver's side window crank loose. Undetailed
engine bay mostly tidy and original. Optional
a/c and AM/FM Delco radio. New period-correct
whitewalls on knockoffs. Cond: 3+. SOLD
AT $45,900. This sale was hurt by lack of
documentation, lack of detailing, and lack of
top, which was included in the sale but not at
the auction and would need to be picked up. As
a result, the buyer benefitted and got a very
presentable first-year Sting Ray at under market
value. Let's hope the top is close by. Well
bought. Silver Auctions, Reno, NV, 8/10.
TOP 10
No. 5
#F110-1963 CHEVROLET
CORVETTE Z06 coupe. S/N
30837S114581. Riverside Red/black
vinyl. Odo: 94,091 miles. 327-ci 360-hp fuelinjected
V8, 4-sp. A numbers-matching car,
with actual miles and a 3-ring binder of re-
62 Corvette Market FALL 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
the usual inside hood paint, and has the appropriate
ignition shields in place. Appropriate
wear to seats. Optional AM/FM, power steering,
power brakes, turbine mags. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $47,700. This no-reserve car looked
like a very decent redo of a good original
driver, and it had an air of honesty about it.
Rather well bought at $5k under the current
market level for its condition. Summer fun indeed.
Mecum Auctions, Monterey, CA, 8/10.
Best Buy #S97-1963 CHEVROLET
CORVETTE coupe. S/N 30837S104064.
Daytona Blue/red vinyl. Odo: 62,931 miles.
(i.e., marginal). On aftermarket knockoffs.
Equipped with the desirable L84 engine. Cond:
2. SOLD AT $104,500. It's hard to explain the
issues noted with only 15 miles since restoration.
But, being a pre-production car added to
the value, as the price paid was what you
would expect for a near-perfect example. A
good buy for a Corvette collector. See the C2
profile, p. 22. RM Auctions, Monterey, CA,
8/10.
TOP 10
No. 10
#279-1963 CHEVROLET
CORVETTE coupe. S/N
30837S105440. Riverside Red/black
vinyl. Odo: 29,423 miles. 327-ci 360-hp fuelinjected
V8, 4-sp. Comprehensive restoration
by Glen Vaughn, very presentable and well
optioned. Equipped with L84 Fuelie motor
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restoration. When redone, seating was changed
from original vinyl to leather. Also has repro
carpet and door panels, in addition to aftermarket
carpeted floor mats. Repainted original
Sebring Silver over good body prep. Inner
wheelwell lips lightly shaved to a uniform
Good panel fit, new top very well fitted. Nice
interior with wood wheel. Engine bay clean.
Undercarriage clean as well. Positraction rear
end, power disc brakes. On P48 cast aluminum
with Muncie M21 4-speed, posi rear end, and
AM radio. Modern plastic tie-downs used, fuel
injection ducting not typical. The only year for
the coveted split rear window. Cond: 1-. SOLD
AT $132,000. I watched this cross the block at
McCormick's February sale of this year, where
it was a no-sale at $92,000 (CM# 159193). At
the time, I estimated the bid was about $15k
light; turns out, I was off by a factor of almost
three. Strong money, but a strong car. RM
Auctions, Monterey, CA, 8/10.
#W379-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 30867S108251. Silver/black
vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 45,088 miles. 327-ci
360-hp fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. “Numerous
NCRS Top Flight awards,” but none on display
with car. Correct year rebuilt motor, but not
claimed to be original. Better-than-stock paint
when redone, accumulated light patina now
resembles original. Dash more faded than rest
of upholstery. Well detailed under the hood
when restored, but now shows light soiling and
fuel staining. Configured with fuel injection,
width. Selective brightwork redo or replacement,
with most of it being original. Stock
wheel covers and newer radial tires on the
original steel rims. Modern digitally tuned
AM/FM cassette deck in the stock radio location.
Light scuffing and dullness on the console
trim. Less than perfect top fit between the vinyl
and seals. Presentable engine bay, motor of
unknown origin. Cond: 3+. NOT SOLD AT
$24,000. From the “More Great Cars” segment
on Friday. Hyped up by the buyer as a
good driver, but making no illusions on anything
being original. Light bid correctly reflected
light interest. Worldwide Auctioneers,
Auburn, IN, 9/10.
#534-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 30867S116014. Black & red/
black vinyl/red leather. Odo: 2,269 miles. 327ci
340-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Black paint with
non-original red spear in excellent condition.
Minor pinholes along driver rear fender top.
knockoff wheels. Lead hammer included.
Cond: 2. SOLD AT $38,880. The $77,000
spent on restoration and modification wouldn't
impress the purist, but this had great eye appeal
and will be a better driver for all the improvements
made. It was bid to $44,000 at this
spring's Branson Auction, but the seller held
on (CM# 160438). Based on what it realized
here, he's probably wishing he let it go then.
Well bought. Branson, Branson, MO, 9/10.
#F253-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 30837S10390. White/red vinyl.
Odo: 46,243 miles. 327-ci 340-hp V8, 4-bbl,
signal seeking AM radio, power windows,
steering, and brakes. On repro 1964-style
knockoff wheels. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT
$65,175. As they say for 1963 ‘Vettes, “If the
top goes down, the price goes down.” With far
more convertibles made than the iconic SplitWindow
coupes, a 1963 ragtop is worth about
the same (and basically is the same) as a 1964.
If it were a coupe, we'd be in six-digit pricing.
As an open car, this was market priced, a little
less than the $67,500 it was bid to at Russo and
Steele's Monterey 2008 auction (CM# 117471).
Auctions America, Auburn, IN, 9/10.
#365-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 30867S111003. Sebring
Silver/black vinyl/black leather. Odo: 91,813
miles. 327-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Older cosmetic
www.corvettemarket.com FALL 2010 Corvette Market 63
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4-sp. Good paint and chrome with smooth trim
throughout. Some paint chipped off rocker
trim. New interior with some dents in aluminum
console trim. Optional power windows.
Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $66,000. An all-time classic—one
of the best automotive designs in history—and
it's an American car. Well bought for
its condition. Mecum Auctions, St. Charles,
IL, 9/10.
#62-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 40867S14236. Metallic dark
blue/dark blue hard top/light brown vinyl.
Odo: 42,985 miles. 350-ci, 350-hp, V8, 4-bbl,
4-sp. Ten-year-old respray in non-correct color,
aging well. Decent chrome. Hood is from a
'67, paint cracking on scoop and rear right.
Left headlight fit off when closed. Side exhaust
added, rocker panels not cut for fit. Rear fender
wells cut to just above body crease. Fitted
the Split-Window and compared with the upgraded
body and interior of ‘65. Still, the car
was worth more money than this bid. The right
person just wasn't here today. Mecum
Auctions, St. Charles, IL, 9/10.
#S62-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 40867S108738. Blue/white
vinyl/white vinyl. Odo: 11,716 miles. 327-ci
300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Dull older repaint
shows lots of flaking, chips, and cracks. Some
flaws under bumper rechrome. Windshield
trims have scratches, hubcap spinners pitted.
Good top. Seats cracked and dirty, with a tear
for cost or time. Perfectly detailed and in mint
condition (for a race car). Engine bay spotless.
“The fastest Corvette in Europe,” and the beast
of the venue. Cond: 2+. NOT SOLD AT
$106,250. Offered at the right place, ostensibly,
as this was a contender at the 2009 Le
Mans Classic. And still, no one wanted to raise
a paddle. Artcurial, Le Mans, FRA, 7/10.
with aftermarket vinyl seat covers, door panels,
armrest, and water and temp gauges.
Carpet heavily worn. Dirty under the hood,
with a '68 350 Corvette engine. Chrome valve
covers. No soft top with car. Cond: 3-. SOLD
AT $21,500. The cut body, incorrect parts, and
lack of detailing reduced value, but many
checked it out after the hammer dropped and
wished they'd been there to bid. A classic case
of bidding hampered by early first day auction
placement. No upside potential, but lots of fun
for the money. A well bought driver. Silver
Auctions, Reno, NV, 8/10.
#F106-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 40867S106303. Red/tan
vinyl/tan vinyl. Odo: 36,004 miles. 327-ci 375hp
fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. New paint and what
appears to be the original chrome bumpers
lightly scratched. New seat covers with overstuffed
driver's seat. Scratches on console
on the driver's side. New, non-stock paint on
top side of engine. Non-stock fan. Cond: 3-.
SOLD AT $29,150. Lots of details and a repaint
needed here. Said to have had the same
owner for 21 years and papers dating back to
1976, but I can't say if that helped much.
Buyers seemed to be looking for finished cars
rather than projects this year. Mecum
Auctions, St. Charles, IL, 9/10.
#674.5-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 40837S108493. Yellow & black/
black vinyl. Odo: 2,226 miles. 327-ci 250-hp
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Mild custom Corvette with
bright yellow (940AA paint code) starting to
show cracks in several areas. Some trim pieces
duller than others. Rechromed door handles
and front bumpers show lots of pitting. New
chrome. Original alloy knockoffs showing
damage from hammer. Cond: 1-. NOT SOLD
AT $57,000. A “starts right up” Fuelie in all
the right colors. ‘64 can be a hard sell, without
64 Corvette Market FALL 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
interior and clean, mostly stock engine. 5,500
redline tach, a/c added. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT
$66,000. A very striking car with custom hood
scoop and sidepipes, as well as black-painted
cabin vents. Paint cracks show the very beginning
of the aging process. A strong price for a
custom '64 coupe. Barrett-Jackson, Las
Vegas, NV, 9/10.
#121-1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194675S109689. Olive green &
white/black cloth. 427-ci 650-hp V8, 4-bbl,
dash vinyl has been repaired. Stock-looking
engine bay well presented and tidy. Twosnorkel
chrome air cleaner, new alternator, new
hoses. Spinner hubcaps in good condition with
correct tires. Looks like a solid driver. Cond:
3+. SOLD AT $45,900. The 1965 Corvette
came standard with disc brakes in the corners
and new, distinctive, functional vents behind
the front wheelwells. If the mechanical work
was done as thoroughly as it appeared, the
buyer will get many miles of enjoyment out of
this car. Fair result for a nice low-horsepower,
low-option car. Silver Auctions, Reno, NV,
8/10.
#F117-1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194675S113447. Silver
Pearl/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 36 miles.
396-ci 425-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Numbersmatching
car treated to $25k complete frameoff
restoration, with 17 miles since completion.
One of 2,157 L78s and one of 2,552 '65s in this
#424-1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 19467S120902. Goldwood
Yellow/black vinyl/black. Odo: 77,957 miles.
327-ci, 300-hp, 4-bbl, V8, 4-sp. Said to be a
numbers-matching car with recent complete
mechanical restoration. Older respray shows
prep issues at rear. Touch-up spots on passenger
door. Chrome has some pitting, small dent
on rear left bumper. Glass good, rubber seals
dried. Interior clean and shows only light wear,
4-sp. A pure race car. Winner of the 2007
European Championship CER. Constructed by
Atlantic Racing, with no concessions made
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color. Extras like knockoffs and sidepipes apparently
added; all new suspension, wiring,
and interior. Paint and panel fit excellent but
ing on replacement top, light soiling on reproduction
carpeting. Older repro door panels and
seats. Excellent engine detailing, although
not factory typical. No power steering, brakes,
or a/c, so best headed for a moderate climate
and wide-open spaces. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT
$71,550. A very attractive car clearly restored
to the owner's particular tastes. A real eyecatcher
that should run as well as it looks, but
tweaked a bit too much for wide market appeal.
Sold just under the CM price guide level
for the model, so I'd say well bought. Mecum
Auctions, Monterey, CA, 8/10.
#E394-1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 124675S120123. Nassau
Blue/white vinyl/white vinyl. Odo: 46,711
miles. 327-ci 350-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Older
repaint competently done. Mostly replated or
replaced brightwork. GM-spec panel fit. All
reproduction interior soft trim, with some wear
and soiling starting. Clean and mostly tidy engine
bay, some stray wires over radiator
hoses are showing some chalkiness from age.
Non-stock dual exhaust system, with black
overspray on mufflers. Cond: 3+. NOT SOLD
AT $48,500. From the “More Great Cars”
segment of the auction. Not at all bad for a nice
cruiser car, rather than one to pimp up for the
NCRS show circuit. Bid to current market
value. Worldwide Auctioneers, Auburn, IN,
9/10.
Best Buy #348-1965 CHEVROLET
CORVETTE convertible. S/N
194675S116517. Silver Pearl/black vinyl/
black vinyl. Odo: 61,631 miles. 327-ci 250-hp
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Original engine, converted
from factory 3-speed to 4-speed (confirmed by
the original window sticker and Protect-OPlate).
Original 3-cog box said to be included
with the car. Presentable older repaint, door
and panel gaps not quite stock. Light wrinkling
sanding scratches on bottom left windshield.
Weak chrome on rear bumpers. Windshield
trim misfit. With Goldlines on alloys and side
exhaust. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $56,100. A very
desirable 365-hp 327-ci, and the wheels and
side exhaust pulled it all together. A decent
deal for both parties. Mecum Auctions, St.
Charles, IL, 9/10.
#S71-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194376S123329. White/black
vinyl. Odo: 9 miles. 427-ci 425-hp V8, 4-bbl,
4-sp. Toly Arutunoff's race car, ordered for
delivery in Germany in 1966. Complete bodyoff
restoration to race car standards (i.e., not
that shiny), but tons of history and a wellknown
original owner. With L72 engine, M22
4-speed, N03 Big Tank, J56 brakes, J50 power
support. Fiberglass monospring rear suspension
conversion. With optional 350-hp motor
(non-original block), knockoff alloy wheels,
clock, AM/FM radio (not working), and power
antenna (also not working). Cond: 3. NOT
SOLD AT $45,000. Pushed off the block and
towed back to its spot. No telling what was ailing
it, but somebody liked it enough to bid
$45k—and that should have been enough to
sell it. Auctions America, Auburn, IN, 9/10.
#192-1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194675S105996. Tuxedo
Black/black vinyl/red vinyl. 327-ci 365-hp V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. Equipped with power steering,
power brakes, and AM/FM radio. Older repaint
with light seam broadcasting, polishing swirls,
and nicks on door edges. Pitted original door
handles, lightly scuffed windshield trim, older
bumper rechroming. Light wear and weather-
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and weathering of replacement top. Older replacement
interior soft trim shows light wear.
Six 1970s era dash plaques stuck to scratched
glovebox door. Title in transit. Cond: 3. SOLD
AT $31,900. When you have a base-engine
Corvette, you talk it up as hard as possible with
regard to it having sufficient power. This consignor
had a paragraph of period performance
figures and reviews. At least he made the best
of what he had, in lieu of making it something
that never was. Bought well, as presentable C2
convertibles with any powertrain just don't sell
this cheap. Worldwide Auctioneers, Auburn,
IN, 9/10.
#F208-1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194675S101234. Red/white
vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 41,905 miles. 327-ci
365-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Wide gap at top of passenger's
door, several small paint chips. Chips
and scratches on side glass and heavy
booster, F41 suspension, C48 heater delete,
A82 headrest seats, and K66 transistor ignition.
Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT $200,000. A
big, thundering vintage racer that's sure to be
welcome and competitive anywhere. Still, old
race cars are a tricky sale, with owners sometimes
unrealistically proud of their machines.
The bottom line is always “What were you offered
lately?” In this company, I'd consider the
price market-correct and even generous.
Mecum Auctions, Monterey, CA, 8/10.
#221-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194376S116430. Red/black vinyl.
Odo: 71,159 miles. 427-ci 435-hp V8, 4-bbl,
4-sp. Originally Laguna Blue. 1968 435-hp
engine replaces original big-block. Equipped
with telescoping steering column, power windows,
and Wonderbar AM radio. Added stocktype
side exhaust. Wheelwell radiuses filled in,
then shaved and cut to allow tire clearance.
Older nicked-up body-on repaint, with easily
removed trim taken off. Passenger's door seal
replaced, driver's door seal missing. Poorly
fitted door panels and heavier seat wear, more
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fitted in 2002. Stock interior in good shape.
Fitted with power steering and power brakes.
Alloys either reproduction or refurbished.
Cond: 1-. NOT SOLD AT $63,480. Imported
to the U.K. in 1990. Correctly valued by auctioneers
at $75k-plus, but bidding predictably
fell about $12k short. Proper American collector
cars are hard going in the U.K. market.
Bonhams, Goodwood, UK, 7/10.
than just soggy floorboard carpeting. Cond: 4+.
NOT SOLD AT $32,500. In a good example of
how not to market a car, the car description
card was all but centered to frame a large chip
in the windshield. $10k less would have been
plenty for this, so the seller really should have
reconsidered. Worldwide Auctioneers,
Auburn, IN, 9/10.
#26-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194375115726. Nassau Blue/blue
vinyl. Odo: 69,251 miles. 396-ci 425-hp V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. Documented as sold by Nickey
Chevrolet. Optioned with transistorized ignition,
4.11 Positraction, power brakes, and AM/
FM radio. Bloomington Gold Survivor status
in 2002. Circa 1965 paint stained beneath fuel
filler, lifting along hood bulge and nose stinger,
and has discoloration at hood corners. Original
All new interior soft trim expertly installed and
showing no wear. Cond: 2+. NOT SOLD AT
$92,000. Since it was another virgin out-ofthe-shop
restoration, this hadn't been shown
yet. It should do well in NCRS judging in the
manner it was restored. This wasn't enough, so
the seller was right to take it home. Worldwide
Auctioneers, Auburn, IN, 9/10.
#F92-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1943376S126064. Blue/blue vinyl.
Odo: 55,346 miles. 427-ci 425-hp V8, 4-bbl,
4-sp. Shiny paint with a few chips and cracks
visible. Decent chrome, but has some flaws.
Some cracked and torn weatherstripping,
scratches on rear glass. Interior soft trim has a
#S667-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194677S120943. Black &
red/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 915 miles.
427-ci 435-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. No-expensespared
restoration completed in 2007, awarded
Bloomington Gold that year. Still excellent
bodywork with superb panel gaps. Paint very
good, with some slight scuffing on rear cowling
and slight shrinkage around headlight
doors. Gleaming chrome. Very nice interior.
Matching-numbers L71 V8, 4-speed trans,
dealer sticker on rear valance. Light pitting and
scuffing on original brightwork congruent with
rest of car. Light seat wear and light to moderate
carpet soiling along transmission tunnel.
Cond: 3+. NOT SOLD AT $75,000. With cars
retaining original documentation, it's interesting
to look at some of the parameters involved
with buying the car. In this case, the owner
traded in his 30k mile 1961 Corvette to the
tune of $2,250 towards this car, with $2,658.30
paid upon delivery. 45 years later, it's going to
take a little bit more to get it bought. Worldwide
Auctioneers, Auburn, IN, 9/10.
#71-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194676S116851. Tuxedo
Black/black vinyl/red leather. 427-ci 425-hp
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Factory-optional power steering,
power brakes, F41 suspension, leather
seating, shoulder belts, tinted windshield, sidepipes,
teak-rimmed wheel, telescoping column,
AM/FM radio, and knockoffs. Good body prep
and repaint, with few light polishing swirls.
Replated or replaced chrome and trim. Light
rust on exhaust manifolds and brake master
cylinder, with rest of engine bay show-ready.
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few loose pieces. With telescopic teak steering
wheel, power windows, and power antenna.
Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $55,000. Details,
details. The big dollars don't come when small
details are left undone, and this one just had
too many little issues. The seller should be able
to make more money, but he'll need to spend
some time with the car first. Mecum Auctions,
St. Charles, IL, 9/10.
#314-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194377S104280. Goodwood
Green/black leather. Odo: 70,000 miles. 327-ci
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Very tidy, brightwork all good.
No details of when or where it was restored,
but now with a/c and high-performance V8
4.11 rear end, sidepipes, HD suspension, electronic
ignition. No power brakes, power steering,
power windows, or a/c. Cond: 2+. SOLD
AT $123,200. Last seen at Russo and Steele's
Scottsdale event in January '10, where it was
damaged by a tent pole and failed to sell at a
reported bid of $105,000. Seen before that at
RM's Fort Lauderdale event in February '08,
where it brought $178,750 (SCM# 58742). The
repairs looked great, and it was still showing
exceptionally well throughout. Considering the
documentation and condition, I'd call this one
well bought. Russo and Steele, Monterey, CA,
8/10.
TOP 10
No. 1
#S125-1967 CHEVROLET
CORVETTE L88 convertible. S/N
194677S109097. Tuxedo Black &
blue/black vinyl. Odo: 513 miles. 427-ci 430hp
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. The very first L88 RPO,
raced by Tony DeLorenzo. Multiple championships
and run until 1982, when restored. Laser
straight, mirror sharp, complete provenance.
With M22 4-speed, G81 Positraction, J56 disc
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brakes, and probably 600 hp. Protect-O-Plate,
DeLorenzo letter of authenticity, Bloomington
Gold Special Collection Certificate, NCRS Top
Flight and Duntov awards. Of 20 built, 14 are
said to be left. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $1,325,000.
This was the L88 to own, as it was in excellent
condition and had good competition history.
Bought by a consortium of Corvette experts,
which pretty much says it all. $1.3m is a lot for
a Corvette, but I predict a time in the not-toodistant
future when this price will seem much
more reasonable. Mecum Auctions, Monterey,
CA, 8/10.
#S72-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194377S103688. Goodwood
Green & white/black vinyl. Odo: 67,004 miles.
427-ci 435-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Matchingnumbers
car from the Joe Amato collection.
Body-off restoration after being stored 20
years. Typical panel fit aside from right front
fender, replated bumpers, clean under hood.
L71 engine, M21 4-speed, K66 transistor ignition,
N14 factory side exhaust, G81 posi, F41
suspension. Fitted with side exhaust and bolton
alloys. Has Redline tires, power brakes,
messy. No power steering, power brakes, or
a/c. L71 V8 with triple carbs and 4-speed
mentation dating back to delivery. Cond: 2+.
NOT SOLD AT $57,000. This only had the
base-level motor, but there was enough documentation
backing it up to make it interesting.
The seller, however, failed to understand that a
decade-old restoration in human years is a
lifetime in the collector car market. Bid to top
retail, considering that it will need a bit of
spiffing up to show it again. Auctions America,
Auburn, IN, 9/10.
C3
#427-1968 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194678S405767. Red/black
vinyl/red leather. 427-ci, 400-hp, 3x2-bbl, V8,
auto. Claimed to be a correctly dated and numbered
Tri-Power replacement big block.
Quality respray in non-original color over
good prep, has crack along top of front right
fender and gouge on convertible deck. Newish
glass, good replated chrome on bumpers.
Interior looks original, with sun fade on carpet
and plastic steering wheel column. Clean, tidy,
driver-level engine bay. Chrome air cleaner
trans. With original Rally wheels and also 17inch
American Racing mags. Cond: 2-. SOLD
AT $40,700. This came across as a respectable
example of a C3 convertible 'Vette. White paint
is tough to make look appealing, and the Mako
Shark styling isn't yet back in fashion. A market
price for condition and options. Russo and
Steele, Monterey, CA, 8/10.
#S95-1968 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194378S412307. Rally Red/black
vinyl. Odo: 2 miles. 427-ci 435-hp V8, 3x2bbl,
4-sp. Matching-numbers car with frameoff
restoration. Superior paint finish not typical
but looks good. Decent panel fit, good plating.
L89 427/435 with aluminum heads looks nice
but has some non-stock detailing. California
smog pump in place. Fitted with power steering,
power brakes, power windows, AM/FM
radio, telescopic wheel, headrests, and
AM/FM, and original jack and tools. Cond: 2.
NOT SOLD AT $80,000. Goodwood Green
was the most popular color in 1967, with 4,293
built—now you can hardly give it away. This
looked like a thoroughly restored car, probably
showing original mileage, with good history,
and perhaps uprated with some extra goodies.
And yet it stalled way below the $93k CM price
guide level. Either somebody knew something I
didn't, or buyers just don't have a taste for the
color. Mecum Auctions, Monterey, CA, 8/10.
#E650-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194677S115916. Rally Red/
red hard top/black vinyl. Odo: 57,935 miles.
327-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. A Bloomington
Gold, NCRS Top Flight, and Gold Spinner
award winner ten years ago, driven occasionally
since. Older restoration is holding up well.
Excellent body prep, paint, and panel gaps.
Minimal wear and soiling on mostly reproduction
interior soft trim. Some stray wires dangling
below glovebox. Equipped with optional
4-speed, 3.36 ratio Positraction differential,
power brakes and steering, AM/FM radio, and
both types of tops. Mostly complete docu
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cover and chrome valve covers. New alternator.
With power steering, power brakes, and
power windows. Cond: 2-. NOT SOLD AT
$31,000. A very red Corvette presented behind
velvet ropes in a premiere location on a red
carpet. The incorrect exterior color clashed
with the red interior. With no documentation as
to original engine configuration, high bid was
not far off the mark, and the seller will be hard
pressed to get his $50,000 reserve. Silver
Auctions, Reno, NV, 8/10.
#F483-1968 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194678S407816. White/
black canvas/red vinyl. Odo: 91,446 miles.
427-ci 400-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Frame-off
restoration in 2007, less than 100 miles since.
Body and paint very good, gaps typically uneven.
Engine bay not well detailed, wiring
Redline tires. Original spare and jack. Cond: 2.
NOT SOLD AT $85,000. While 1968 is not a
popular year due to C3 teething problems, this
seemed like a very well equipped car, if rather
enthusiastically restored. It'd be interesting to
know the miles before the restoration, but the
original spare was a good sign. What's harder
to understand is the rejection of the $85k bid.
These cars range from $54k to $95k in the CM
price guide, and if I came that close, I'd be
gone like this car at a green light. Mecum
Auctions, Monterey, CA, 8/10.
#F41.1-1968 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194678S403635. Red/black
vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 69,223 miles. 427-ci
435-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Fresh, extra shiny
paint and good chrome. Driver's seat torn, passenger's
seat has burn holes. Cracks in steering
wheel. Aftermarket AM/FM cassette
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sole. Cracked windshield and weatherstripping.
Some new engine parts. Repaired tear in top,
dull rear window. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $26,400.
Last seen at B-J's Vegas sale in October '08,
where it made $34,100 (CM# 118328). Much
appeared original, and the windshield structure
looked solid. The market has shifted a bit
since '08, so I'd call this a fairly bought firstyear
C3 at the price paid. Barrett-Jackson,
Las Vegas, NV, 9/10.
#365-1969 CHEVROLET
radio. Fiber-optics still work. Chips on left side
window. Clean engine with lots of new parts.
Cond: 2. SOLD AT $44,000. A nice car with
most of the hard and expensive work already
done. Beyond that, it all boils down to the date
codes on the important parts. A market-correct
price paid. Mecum Auctions, St. Charles, IL,
9/10.
#S32-1968 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194678S419518. Yellow/
black vinyl. Odo: 76,578 miles. 327-ci 300-hp
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Lots of chips and scratches in
paint. Stone chips on windshield. 4-pin hood.
Chrome bubbling up on sidepipes. With roll
cage, Simpson belts, Hurst shifter, fire system,
CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194379S105852. Blue/blue/
black leather. Odo: 28,508 miles. 427-ci V8,
auto. An unfinished roadster project sold at no
reserve. New respray done to high standard
with good body prep. Hard top fit slightly off at
back with small crack on side. Front glass
good, rear glass scratched. Hubcaps worn and
dinged. Interior present well, with newer seats,
carpet, and door panels. Original dash and
console slightly worn. Correct stereo. Engine
bay freshly painted but unfinished. Big Block
has been mounted, but no electronics or tubing
connected. No fan, alternator, pulleys. On
imperfections in paint, chipping, and some
cracking along hood and rear deck. New
chrome on bumpers. Trim pulling away from
window on passenger side. Has new black soft
top, hard top nice with good fit. Interior refurbished
with good dash and console. Stain on
armrest, cracking on driver's door panel, good
seats and older carpet show some wear. Well
detailed engine presents clean. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $31,590. A very nice driver that was
let down by paint issues, but at price paid, the
new owner has plenty of room to make improvements
and still see some upside. Well
bought. Silver Auctions, Reno, NV, 8/10.
#F440-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194679S705127. Riverside
Gold/beige vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 67,553
miles. 427-ci 435-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp.
Restored. Gaps typical, paint rubbed through
rear of hood and shows some cracking. With
hard top. Chrome good, interior shows well.
L71 V8 with 4-speed trans, 4.11 Posi rear end,
and electric master switch. Large screwdriver
tear in driver's seat back. Top not shown.
Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT $26,000. A heavily
modded decal special. If all these sponsors
were included with car, you could probably
race for free. Many stock parts were kept and
included with the car, but that just didn't sway
the bidders. Mecum Auctions, St. Charles, IL,
9/10.
#54.1-1968 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194678S414670. White/
black vinyl/blue vinyl. Odo: 54,273 miles.
327-ci 350-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Old paint evenly
cracking everywhere and showing some chipping.
Chrome shows light scratches but not
period-correct tires. Cond: 4. SOLD AT
$14,850. A classic case of the unfinished project
being worth far less than the cost of car,
parts, and labor. The seller worked hard to recoup
his investment with great presentation
including mannequins dressed as mechanics
and prime location on auction floor. Even with
the cost of finishing the engine hookup and
properly fitting the hard top, the buyer should
have plenty of gas money left. As long as he
understands that there is no upside, a fair
transaction for both parties. Silver Auctions,
Reno, NV, 8/10.
#508-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194679S726200. Le Mans
Blue/white soft top/blue hard top/blue leather.
Odo: 45,267 miles. 350-ci, 350-hp, 4-bbl, 4-sp.
Older respray with some issues, including
power brakes, electronic ignition, and AM/FM
stereo. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $61,000. Last seen
at Russo and Steele's Scottsdale sale in January
'08, where it failed to sell at a high bid of
$65,000 (CM# 51821). Except for the L71 engine
option, this wouldn't be a collectible
Corvette. It simply didn't pop at all. Many details
had been left unattended, and it'll take
some work to bring the whole package together.
Well sold. Russo and Steele, Monterey,
CA, 8/10.
Best Buy #524-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N N/A. Yellow/black leather. Odo:
62,835 miles. 350-ci 350-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp.
New exterior paint with a little bit of dust noticeable
up close. Passenger door fit off at bottom
front, front bumper alignment off at sides.
Rear split bumpers and taillights in good
pitting. Passenger's seat has repaired torn
areas, screws and some paint missing on con-
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shape. Interior refurbished with new, excellentfitting
seat covers; clean dash and console.
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Engine bay partly restored. Non-numbersmatching
period replacement engine rebuilt
approximately 5,000 miles ago. With close-ratio
4-speed transmission, power brakes, power
steering. On Rally wheels. Cond: 3+. SOLD
AT $14,580. Yellow is a good color for the C3
Corvette. This one was a good five-footer, let
down mainly by the poor front bumper fit and
dust in the paint. The interior and engine bay
were in good shape overall, and the car had
the more desirable 4-sp transmission. It's hard
to find a 1969 Corvette in this condition for
less than $20,000 asking, so I'm going to call
this one well bought. Branson, Branson, MO,
9/10.
#423-1970 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194670S401813. Cortez
Silver/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 3,883
miles. 350-ci, 4-bbl, V8, 4-sp. A stated numbers-matching
car with original looking paint,
area of respray on front left fender. Wiper
scrape on windshield. Good chrome, with pitting
on luggage rack. New, poorly fit top is off
on both sides. Undetailed interior with new
seats. Threshold trim shows significant use,
aftermarket CD player in dash. Clean and tidy
with cheap replacement driver's side interior
door handle. Engine bay tidy but undetailed,
new paint and insulation on underside of hood.
With Turbo Hydramatic transmission, power
steering, brakes, and windows, a/c, t-tops, and
pop-out rear window. New tires with scrapes
on wheel inserts. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT
$18,630. The incomplete “freshen-up” job was
evident on this big-block ‘Vette. The areas of
poor paint prep on the “new” paint job made
one wonder about what else might be under the
two-stage white. The heavily worn original
parts suggesting significant use help further
explain the lack of bidding. Regardless, at the
price purchased there is plenty of room for the
buyer to tackle the issues on this well-optioned
car and still come out ahead. Well bought.
Silver Auctions, Reno, NV, 8/10.
#736-1970 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194670S110230. Daytona
Yellow/black/black leather. Odo: 38,119 miles.
454-ci, 390-hp, 4-bbl, V8, 4-sp. An older
frame-off restoration. Respray good overall,
with area of poor prep showing pin prick dots
well. New seats, center console good but not
refinished, door panels show little wear, steering
wheel repaired at bottom. With AM/FM
radio and functioning clock. Includes invoice
and Protect-O-Plate. Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT
$45,000. Even a Daytona Yellow Corvette convertible
can get lost in an auction of over 500
cars. Poor listing on the auction website, combined
with bad placement on the floor, no signage,
no information, and no seller on hand to
answer questions all made for a guaranteed
low bid. Silver Auctions, Reno, NV, 8/10.
#108-1970 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194370S413100. White/tan leather.
Odo: 81,865 miles. 454-ci 390-hp V8, 4-bbl,
auto. California car from Susanville. Rally
wheels, aging paint with chips and cracks, recent
leather interior. Fitted with a/c, tinted
widows, power steering, power disc brakes,
power windows, tilt wheel, and AM/FM radio.
Typical panel fit but front bumper very
stock engine bay has a well-maintained appearance.
Fresh paint on block, new hoses,
new looking exhaust manifold. Cond: 3. SOLD
AT $25,920. This was a nice, driver-level
Corvette that had been partially freshened up
but was not helped by lack of detailing.
Winning bid was on the mark for condition.
Well bought and sold. Silver Auctions, Reno,
NV, 8/10.
#696-1970 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194370S407793. White/tan leather.
Odo: 1,460 miles. 454-ci, 390-hp, 4-bbl, V8,
auto. New respray with prep issues at front
end, chrome pitting on front bumper and luggage
rack. Heavy wear on door handle indicates
significant use. Has new leather seats and
arm rest, original door panels dirty. Fitted
along right front fender, and thin paint near
edge of hood. Fresh chrome on bumpers, aftermarket
side exhaust. New top. Interior presents
nice and good headlight gaps. Rear bumper
pitted, luggage rack installed. Mileage very
likely correct. Cond: 3+. NOT SOLD AT
$20,500. Reportedly bought to be a driver
some years ago and maintained to that level.
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Its condition pretty much limits it to that use,
unless you want to go way upside down in a
restoration—although without a 4-speed, that's
hard to justify. Still, there was more in it than
this price, so the seller was wise to hang onto
it. Silver Auctions, Portland, OR, 9/10.
#787-1971 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194671S10594. Yellow/
black/black leather. Odo: 79,843 miles. 350-ci,
330-hp, 4-bbl, V8, 4-sp. Driver condition
Corvette restored in 1999. Older respray shows
use, with chips on nose and rocker panels,
crack on left front fender. Newer chrome replating
slightly pitted. Replacement glass and
seals in good condition. New top. Interior undetailed
but presents well. Seats starting to
split at seams, grass in heavily used carpet.
Engine bay unfluffed, oil seepage showing
power brakes, interior décor group, tilt/telescopic
steering column, full tinted glass, and
AM/FM. Cond: 2-. NOT SOLD AT $37,000.
Not quite ready for an NCRS event, but a bit
too nice to just drive—although the owner has
obviously been enjoying it since completing the
work earlier this year. The memory of the
money spent must still be fresh, as it should've
otherwise sold. Auctions America, Auburn,
IN, 9/10.
#87.1-1971 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194371S103967. Silver/black
leather. 454-ci 365-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Fitted
with a/c, power windows, power brakes, and
power steering. Protect-O-Plate. New paint
and chrome, some windshield chips and delamination
at bottom on left side. Visible rust
nearly $52k, and I'd say it was fairly bought.
Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV, 9/10.
#99-1973 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1267Z3S431943. Mille
Miglia Red/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo:
59,899 miles. 454-ci 275-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp.
Said to have been bought as a numbers-matching
car five years ago. Superior red paint job,
good panel fit including headlight doors,
American mags, OK tires. Fair interior, scruffy
underhood. Heater core and windshield washers
disconnected, windshield scratched. Front
around valve covers. With power steering and
brakes, LT1 engine, luggage rack. Rally hubcaps
with good trim rings and center caps.
Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT $23,000. A driverlevel
Corvette that was driven to the auction
from out of state. The seller has had the car
since its 1999 purchase in a summer snow
storm in Colorado. Not much effort was put
into the presentation, but bidders therefore had
a window into how the car was treated on a
regular basis. Bid was low and the seller could
improve results with not much work. Silver
Auctions, Reno, NV, 8/10.
#E648-1971 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194671S104234. Silver/
black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 86,489 miles.
454-ci 365-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. High-quality
repaint shows good prep. Consistent, betterthan-stock
door fit and panel gaps. Excellent fit
on replacement top, seat leather like new, lessthan-expert
installation of door panels and
A-pillar trim. Engine detailed just shy of show
standards. Recent chassis refurbishment,
on A-pillar behind glass on right side. Welldetailed
engine, valve cover paint shows issues.
Cond: 2. SOLD AT $49,500. All the right
options, mostly new parts, and good owner history.
C3s are approaching the C2 price territory
on a fairly regular basis, but they need to
be well-sorted and have good history. BarrettJackson,
Las Vegas, NV, 9/10.
#352-1973 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1Z67Z3S428760. Green/
black vinyl. Odo: 3,001 miles. 454-ci 275-hp
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Paint shows some age but
looks extremely good for being original, with
typical faded rubber bumper. Interior also in
great shape for being original. Engine not detailed
and shows driving dirt. Both tops.
Bloomington Gold Benchmark and NCRS Top
bumper nice, rear worn. Cond: 2. SOLD AT
$17,550. A fair example of an unloved model.
I'd guess the paint job was applied first, on
purchase, then other things went wrong and
discouraged the seller from keeping up with it.
No heater would certainly limit use in Oregon
and I'll bet that's a bear to replace. Price
seemed about right for the equipment and condition,
but I'd still call it well sold. Silver
Auctions, Portland, OR, 9/10.
#T152-1977 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1Z37L7S408461. Black/black
vinyl. Odo: 86,192 miles. 350-ci 210-hp V8,
4-bbl, auto. Shiny repaint at some point, paint
cracks on both sides by the hood hinges and at
the antenna. Weatherstripping showing age.
Driver's side seat and door panel worn. Engine
new bushings throughout. Fresh Flowmaster
exhaust. With optional LS5 big-block, a/c,
74 Corvette Market FALL 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
Flight at 98%. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $51,700.
Probably the best, most original '73 'Vette on
the planet. What's a top price for a plastic nose
454 car with all the right awards? Today it was
has new carb, air cleaner, and universal-fit
hoses, but has been rattle-can detailed. Cond:
3. SOLD AT $10,450. Late C3s are pretty easy
to come by, especially in this condition. The
winning bid may have been just a bit strong,
but overall, no harm done. Well sold. Mecum
Auctions, St. Charles, IL, 9/10.
#W308-1979 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1Z8749S433769. Corvette Red/
black leather. Odo: 62,253 miles. 350-ci 225
Page 74
Market
Report
Global Roundup
Corvettes across the block
hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Miles believed correct.
Better quality trim-off repaint in original
Corvette Red. Recently reconditioned seat
leather. Noticeably worn console, steering
wheel rim, shift boot, and door panels. Period
glass. First Corvette built at the Bowling Green
assembly line June 1, 1981. Glass roof panels
aftermarket AM/FM/cassette deck. Loosefitting
original carpet along top of the console.
Minimal engine cleanup. New Midas mufflers
on older exhaust pipes. Equipped with optional
L82 motor, a/c, and tilt/telescopic wheel. 1978
Indy Pace Car alloy wheels. Cond: 3. SOLD
AT $11,000. If you really wanted a '79 C3,
you'd be hard pressed to find one with better
options and colors, not that 1979s are really
popular. But this was a good deal for both
buyer and seller. Auctions America, Auburn,
IN, 9/10.
#267-1981 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1G1AY8767B5101816.
Black/red & black vinyl. 327-ci V8, 4-bbl,
auto. Converted from coupe to convertible.
Custom front end blends later C4 with C3, with
poorly fitting bumper level headlights in lieu of
pop-ups. Roll bar. Fairings glassed in behind
seats where rear hatch used to be. Excellent
paint. Lipstick-red interior, sports black and
and driver's 6-way power seat. Custom twotone
paint cost $399 extra. $19,919 on window
sticker. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $150,000. Sold as
a pair with Lot 373.1, with proceeds to the
Ralph Braun Foundation. Great for charity. A
huge price for any '81 Corvette, but both are
important parts of Corvette history. BarrettJackson,
Las Vegas, NV, 9/10.
TOP 10
No. 7
#373.1-1981 CHEVROLET
CORVETTE coupe. S/N
1G1AY876BS431611. Cream/cream
vinyl. Odo: 4 miles. 350-ci 190-hp V8, 4-bbl,
auto. Some age and buffing swirls apparent on
this essentially new '81 Corvette. Glass T-tops,
enough that masking lines are barely perceivable.
Headlight doors do not fit well, although
the passenger doors are fine. Mostly faded interior,
with the exception of new seat upholstery,
which looks more yellow than tan. Just a
quickie engine bay clean-up, but presents well.
Older replacement exhaust system is starting to
get rusty. “New” tires appear to have had some
use. Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT $4,800. 1984s
are definitely not the in-demand ‘Vette these
days. It was not a horrid car like some can be,
but top bid was still pretty much what should
have been expected from the market. But the
buyer held out, apparently needing a little
more to cover the cost of paint and wheels.
Auctions America, Auburn, IN, 9/10.
#T88-1985 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1YY0784F5133579. Blue/blue
leather. Odo: 30,187 miles. 350-ci 230-hp fuelinjected
V8, auto. Lots of paint cracking on
driver's side, color mismatch on front and rear
plastic bumper panels, paint rubbed on rear
lower bumper. Driver's seat and door
automatic, 6-way power seat. $19,138 window
sticker. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $150,000. Sold as
a pair with Lot 373, so essentially this one was
$75,000. The last Corvette built in the St. Louis
GM plant, and its cousin was the first off the
line at Bowling Green. Barrett-Jackson, Las
Vegas, NV, 9/10.
C4
red racing bucket seats. Dash looks new, carpets
tired, driver's door pull loose. “Corvette”
badge affixed to center back of windshield
header. Not for the purist. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT
$9,720. The car sat in the rain Friday night
after it sold, and no one attached a top, so that
probably means there wasn't one. I expected
lackluster bidding followed by a no-sale, but I
was wrong, as there was interest in the room.
Extremely well sold. Branson, Branson, MO,
9/10.
TOP 10
No. 6
#373-1981 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1AY8761B5100001.
Camel & brown/tan leather. Odo: 14
miles. 350-ci 190-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto.
Windshield delamination shows across top of
76 Corvette Market FALL 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
#W304-1984 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1AY0787E5119112. Gold metallic/tan
vinyl. Odo: 92,440 miles. 350-ci 205hp
fuel-injected V8, auto. A later production
car, with MT Car of the Year decal on hatch
glass. Recently repainted, and done well
panel show wear. The Z51 package digital dash
appears to be functional. Engine bay is “car
wash” clean with driving dirt. Cond: 2. NOT
SOLD AT $6,300. A 30k mile used Corvette
that presented as it should for the miles driven.
This bid was right on the money. Mecum
Auctions, St. Charles, IL, 9/10.
#F92-1986 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1G1YY6787G5906811.
Red/white vinyl/red leather. Odo: 435 miles.
350-ci 235-hp fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. Excellent
paint, top, and interior. Old Goodyear Eagles
are a bit scary, 4-speed a nice touch. Said to
have been driven every two weeks (though not
very far!) and all fluids recently replaced.
Page 75
Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $21,200. The first
Corvette convertible since 1975's last wheezy
165-hp gasp. Fundamentally a new car, but not
a particularly interesting one. All 7,315
Corvette convertibles were designated “pace
cars” in 1986, though the real Indy Pace Car
was yellow that year (and followed by 732
clones). I'd guess somebody was filling in a
gap in his or her collection and this was a fine
example for that. Consider this a benchmark
price and no harm done. Mecum Auctions,
Monterey, CA, 8/10.
#W323-1989 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1G1YY3180K5106609.
Red/black cloth/red leather. Odo: 45,088 miles.
350-ci 240-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Heavily
buffed-out original paint, consigning dealer's
decal on the rear valance. Heavier wear on the
driver's seat bolster, but not out of line with
overall interior wear. Clean engine bay and
undercarriage, with aftermarket quad glass
pack exhaust system behind rear suspension.
Equipped with optional performance rear axle,
dual-power leather sports seats, electronic climate
control, and Delco-Bose cassette stereo.
Cond: 2-. NOT SOLD AT $16,000. 1989 was
the last year for the original C4 dashboard,
and by then the electrical gremlins were pretty
much engineered out. Not at all a bad car for
what was bid. Auctions America, Auburn, IN,
9/10.
#38-1991 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1YY2388M5104648. Maroon/
black leather. Odo: 18,769 miles. 350-ci 250hp
fuel-injected V8, auto. Few chips in paint
on front clip, very clean engine, seats
100 hp. Dash reads “low oil level” on startup.
Cond: 2+. NOT SOLD AT $18,500. It looked
cosmetically correct for a well-kept 25k-mile
Corvette, but everyone who witnessed the dash
message kept their hands in their laps during
this car's run across the block. Mecum
Auctions, St. Charles, IL, 9/10. ■
stretching of leather on driver seat but otherwise
as-delivered. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $31,900.
Put away for profit in 1995, with a base list
price in 1995 of around $46,000. Instant collectibles
don't tend to deliver... I hope this
wasn't the kids' college fund. Mecum Auctions,
St. Charles, IL, 9/10.
wrinkled. Ugly plastic Chrysler dealer sticker
on rear bumper. Still has window sticker, with
$36,754.00 showing as the original price.
Cond: 2. SOLD AT $20,350. Low miles and a
#F113-1996 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Grand Sport coupe. S/N
1G1YY2259T5600127. Blue & white/black
leather. Odo: 24,293 miles. 350-ci 330-hp fuel-
www.corvettemarket.com FALL 2010 Corvette Market 77
car wash?). Top scratched, remains of plastic
dealer plate at rear. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT
$11,232. The general wear on this car didn't
seem commensurate with indicated miles,
which was reflected in the price. ZR-1 prices
still seem to be sinking, and at this point, they
represent a lot of car for the money, as their
reliability seems to have held up well. Quite
well bought and well sold, but only as a driver.
Silver Auctions, Portland, OR, 9/10.
#T241.1-1995
CHEVROLET
CORVETTE Indy Pace Car convertible.
S/N 1G1YY32P3S5113141. Purple & white/
purple & black leather. Odo: 509 miles. 350-ci
300-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. A new 1995
Pace Car Corvette with 509 miles. Some
good color, and it should be able to keep up
with most everything else on the road today. A
decent deal on a really clean C4 coupe.
Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV, 9/10.
#174-1991 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
ZR-1 coupe. S/N 1G1YZ23J9M5800922.
Bright Red/red leather. Odo: 49,249 miles.
350-ci 375-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. One of
2,044 ZR-1s in 1991. Paint buffed within an
inch of its life. Fair tires, good body fit, dried
leather interior re-dyed, door rubber shrunk,
driver's park lens fogged (from submersion in
driver's seat. LT4 engine shows only minimal
evidence of driving. Cond: 1-. NOT SOLD AT
$25,000. Someone really cared for this Grand
Sport. 24,000 miles had been driven lightly, but
there is no shortage of these cars in fine condition
to choose from. Bid was inline with the
current market, but there may still be a bit
more out there for it. Mecum Auctions, St.
Charles, IL, 9/10.
C5
#T156-2000 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1YY22G9Y5110716. Gray/
black leather. Odo: 25,266 miles. 5.7-L 345-hp
fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. A few light paint chips
on front. Glass T-tops. Driver's seat shows
some wrinkles. Lingenfelter engine mods add
injected V8, 6-sp. #127 of 1,000 Grand Sports
built. Spotless paint and only light wear to
Page 76
By the
Numbers
Top 85 Corvette Sales at Auction
July 2010 through October 2010*
Rank
Model
1967 Corvette 427/430 Coupe—First RPO L88 sold for $1,325,000 at Mecum Monterey
Sold Price
Location
1 1967 Corvette L88 427/430 convertible, First RPO L88 Built $1,325,000 Mecum, Monterey, CA
2 1971 Corvette ZR2 454/425 convertible
3 1953 Corvette roadster
4 1953 Corvette roadster
5 1958 Corvette convertible
$466,400 Mecum, Monterey, CA
$247,500 WWG, Auburn, IN
$220,000 RM, Monterey, CA
6 1962 Corvette 485 Z06 Resto Mod
7 1963 Corvette 327/360 Z06 coupe
8 1981 Corvette coupe
9 1981 Corvette coupe
10 1958 Corvette convertible
11 1958 Corvette 283/290 Fuelie convertible
12 1958 Corvette convertible
13 1957 Corvette convertible
14 2001 Corvette 50th Anniversary convertible
15 1959 Corvette convertible
16 1967 Corvette 427/435 convertible
17 1961 Corvette 283/315 Fuelie convertible
18 1957 Corvette convertible
19 1958 Corvette Custom convertible
20 1962 Corvette convertible
21 1966 Corvette 427/425 roadster
22 1960 Corvette convertible
23 1955 Corvette 265/195 roadster
24 1957 Corvette 283/283 Fuelie convertible
25 1963 Corvette String Ray 327/360 pilot line convertible
78 Corvette Market FALL 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
$181,500 Russo and Steele, Monterey, CA
$164,300 Mecum, Monterey, CA
$159,000 Mecum, Monterey, CA
$150,000 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$150,000 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$143,100 Mecum, Monterey, CA
$137,500 Gooding, Pebble Beach, CA
$137,500 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$134,200 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$132,000 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$129,600 Silver, Reno, NV
$123,200 Russo and Steele, Monterey, AC
$121,000 Gooding, Pebble Beach, CA
$118,250 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$117,700 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$115,500 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$107,250 Gooding, Pebble Beach, CA
$106,700 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$106,000 Mecum, Monterey, CA
$104,500 RM, Monterey, CA
$104,500 RM, Monterey, CA
Lot #
Date
S125 8/13/2010
S118 8/13/2010
46
9/2/2010
239 8/12/2010
S646 8/12/2010
F126 8/13/2010
F110 8/13/2010
373 9/25/2010
373.1 9/25/2010
S79 8/13/2010
1
8/14/2010
353.1 9/25/2010
651.1 9/25/2010
371 9/25/2010
467
8/5/2010
S667 8/17/2010
161 8/14/2010
643.2 9/25/2010
385 9/25/2010
362.2 9/25/2010
101 8/14/2010
660 9/25/2010
S112 8/13/2010
378 8/12/2010
248 8/12/2010
*Auction sales as recorded from June 28 through October 25 in the Corvette Market Digital Plus database (www.corvettemarket.com).
Page 77
Rank
Model
26 1960 Corvette convertible
27 1958 Corvette convertible
28 1967 Corvette coupe
29 1961 Corvette race car
30 1966 Corvette 327/350 convertible
31 1961 Corvette 283 convertible
32 1963 Corvette Split Window coupe 327/360 Fuelie
33 1965 Corvette convertible
34 1958 Corvette Fuelie convertible
35 1954 Corvette convertible
36 1967 Corvette 427/400 convertible
37 1967 Corvette 427/390 convertible
38 1957 Corvette convertible
39 1960 Corvette 283/270 convertible
40 1961 Corvette convertible
41 1962 Corvette 327/360 Fuelie roadster
42 1954 Corvette roadster
43 1958 Corvette convertible
44 1967 Corvette coupe
45 1957 Corvette convertible
46 2004 Corvette Custom convertible
47 1958 Corvette 283/250 convertible
48 1954 Corvette convertible
49 1965 Corvette 396/425 convertible
50 1961 Corvette 283/245 convertible
51 1961 Corvette Custom convertible
52 1967 Corvette coupe
53 1966 Corvette convertible
54 1963 Corvette 327 coupe
55 1963 Corvette Split-Window coupe
56 1957 Corvette 283/245 convertible
57 1964 Corvette coupe
58 1985 Corvette Custom 383/812
59 1963 Corvette Fuelie convertible
60 1963 Corvette Splint-Window coupe
61 1960 Corvette convertible
62 1957 Corvette 283/270 convertible
63 1966 Corvette 427/425 coupe
64 1961 Corvette convertible
65 1959 Corvette 283 convertible
66 1958 Corvette 245 convertible
67 1961 Corvette convertible
68 1961 Corvette 283/270 convertible
69 1969 Corvette 427/435
70 1963 Corvette 327/34 Split-Window coupe
71 1965 Corvette convertible
72 1966 Corvette 427/425 convertible
73 1964 Corvette convertible
74 1956 Corvette convertible
75 1966 Corvette 427/390 convertible
76 1964 Corvette convertible
77 1957 Corvette convertible
78 1962 Corvette 327/360 convertible
79 1962 Corvette 327/360 convertible
80 1963 Corvette 327/300 Split-Window coupe
81 1967 Corvette coupe
82 1967 Corvette coupe
83 1973 Corvette convertible
84 1965 Corvette 327/365 convertible
85 1963 Corvette 327/340 convertible
Sold Price
Location
$99,000 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$96,460 Mecum, Monterey, CA
$96,460 Mecum, Monterey, CA
$95,400 Mecum, Monterey, CA
$95,400 Mecum, Monterey, CA
$90,300 Carlisle, Carlisle, PA
$90,200 RM - Auctions America, Auburn, IN
$88,000 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$88,000 Gooding, Pebble Beach, CA
$85,860 Mecum, Monterey, CA
$85,607 Bonhams, Reims, FRA
$85,250 RM, Monterey, CA
$79,750 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$79,750 RM, Monterey, CA
$77,000 RM, Rochester, MI
$77,000 RM - Auctions America, Auburn, IN
$77,000 RM - Auctions America, Auburn, IN
$75,000 Silver, Sun Valley, ID
$74,800 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$74,000 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$73,000 Leake, Houston, TX
$71,550 Mecum, Monterey, CA
$71,500 RM, Rochester, MI
$71,500 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$71,500 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$70,000 Leake, Houston, TX
$68,900 Mecum, Monterey, CA
$68,000 Leake, Houston, TX
$67,310 Mecum, Monterey, CA
$66,000 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$66,000 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$65,175 RM - Auctions America, Auburn, IN
$64,800 Silver, Reno, NV
$64,000 Leake, Houston, TX
$63,250 RM, Monterey, CA
$63,250 Gooding, Pebble Beach, CA
$62,700 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$62,010 Bonhams, Carmel, CA
$61,600 Russo and Steele, Monterey, AC
$61,560 Silver, Reno, NV
$61,000 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$61,000 Russo and Steele, Monterey, AC
$60,000 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$57,750 Carlisle, Carlisle, PA
$56,250 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$55,080 Branson, Branson, MO
$55,000 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$55,000 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$54,540 Silver, Reno, NV
$53,900 RM - Auctions America, Auburn, IN
$53,265 Mecum, Monterey, CA
$52,500 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$52,470 Mecum, Monterey, CA
$52,380 Branson, Branson, MO
$51,940 Mecum, Monterey, CA
$51,700 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas, NV
$51,000 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$50,000 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
Lot #
457
Date
$100,440 Classic Motorcar Auctions, Canton, OH 547A 9/18/2010
$99,360 Silver, Reno, NV
8/5/2010
644.3 9/25/2010
S143 8/13/2010
F147 8/13/2010
S148 8/13/2010
S97 8/13/2010
F186 9/30/2010
W749 9/2/2010
648.1 9/25/2010
12
F50
19
8/14/2010
8/13/2010
9/11/2010
268 8/12/2010
361 9/25/2010
222 8/12/2010
241 7/24/2010
W713 9/2/2010
W689 9/2/2010
83
9/4/2010
670.2 9/25/2010
S193 9/16/2010
2472 9/17/2010
F117 8/13/2010
255 7/24/2010
671.2 9/25/2010
667 9/25/2010
2473 9/17/2010
S103 8/13/2010
185 9/17/2010
F167 8/13/2010
674.5 9/25/2010
S222 9/16/2010
W379 9/2/2010
490
8/5/2010
468 9/17/2010
207 8/12/2010
70
8/14/2010
630.1 9/25/2010
245 8/12/2010
S625 8/15/2010
737
8/5/2010
S37 9/16/2010
F440 8/18/2010
F253 9/16/2010
T89
9/30/2010
S121 9/16/2010
550 9/10/2010
F269 9/16/2010
S80 9/16/2010
352
8/5/2010
E627 9/2/2010
S58 8/13/2010
T236 9/16/2010
S147 8/13/2010
572 9/10/2010
S31 8/13/2010
352 9/25/2010
F208 9/16/2010
S173 9/16/2010
www.corvettemarket.com FALL 2010 Corvette Market 79
Page 78
Price
Guide
Buy-Sell Price Range
Low
High
C1 (1953–62)
235/150 Roadster
235/150 Roadster
235/155 Roadster
265/195
265/210 Convertible
265/225
283/220 Convertible
283/245
283/250 FI
283/270
283/283 FI
283/230 Convertible
283/245
283/250 FI
283/270
283/290 FI
283/230 Convertible
283/245
283/250 FI
283/270
283/290 FI
283/230 Convertible
283/245
283/250 FI
283/270
283/290 FI
283/230 Convertible
283/245
283/270
283/275 FI
283/315 FI
327/250 Convertible
327/300
327/340
327/360 FI
327/365 L76
53
54
55
55
56
56
57
57
57
57
57
58
58
58
58
58
59
59
59
59
59
60
60
60
60
60
61
61
61
61
61
62
62
62
62
(1956–62, add $2k–$4k for auxiliary hard top.)
C2 (1963–67)
327/250 Split-Window Coupe
327/300 L75
327/340 L76
327/360 FI L84
327/360 Z06
327/250 Convertible
327/300 L75
327/340 L76
327/360 FI L84
Grand Sport
327/250 Coupe
327/300 L75
327/365 L76
327/375 FI L84
327/250 Convertible
327/300 L75
327/365 L76
327/375 FI L84
327/250 Coupe
327/300 L75
327/350 L79
63
63
63
63
63
63
63
63
63
63
64
64
64
64
64
64
64
64
65
65
65
300
3,640
7
693
387
3,080
1,633
2,045
284
1,621
756
4,243
2,436
504
978
1,007
5,487
1,417
175
1,846
745
5,827
1,211
100
2,364
759
5,357
1,175
2,827
118
1,462
4,907
3,294
4,412
1,918
10,594
$125,000
$65,000
$62,000
$65,000
$45,000
$50,000
$42,800
$47,500
$57,000
$47,500
$66,500
$38,000
$42,800
$50,400
$46,100
$64,600
$37,100
$41,800
$50,400
$45,600
$63,700
$38,000
$42,800
$50,400
$46,600
$64,600
$39,000
$43,700
$47,500
$53,200
$63,700
$42,800
$45,600
$49,400
$71,300
10,919
$40,000
$43,000
$47,000
$72,000
$125,000
$35,000
$36,000
$39,000
$64,000
5
8,304
13,925
8,186
$6,000,000
$32,000
$34,000
$36,500
$55,000
$35,000
$37,000
$39,000
$56,000
$39,000
$39,000
$41,000
80 Corvette Market FALL 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
$275,000 A
$108,000 B
$125,000 B
$122,000 A
$85,000 B
$90,000 B
$85,500 B
$90,300 B
$109,300 A
$92,200 B
$119,700 A
$74,100 B
$83,600 B
$99,800 A
$83,700 B
$118,800 A
$68,400 B
$78,900 B
$95,000 A
$82,700 B
$117,800 A
$74,100 B
$81,700 B
$95,000 A
$85,500 B
$118,800 A
$70,300 B
$79,800 B
$83,600 B
$95,000 A
$115,900 A
$76,000 B
$83,600 B
$88,400 B
$131,100 A
$75,000 A
$78,000 A
$83,000 A
$125,000 A
$185,000 A
$63,000 B
$66,000 B
$72,000 B
$118,000 A
$10,000,000
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
A
$53,000 B
$59,000 B
$65,000 B
$95,000 A
$60,000 B
$64,000 B
$68,000 B
$97,000 A
$71,000 B
$70,000 B
$75,000 B
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
327/375 FI L84
396/425 L78
327/250 Convertible
327/300 L75
327/350 L79
327/365 L76
327/375 FI L84
396/425 L78
327/300 Coupe
327/350 L79
427/390 L36
427/425 L72
327/300 Convertible
327/350 L79
427/390 L36
427/425 L72
327/300 Coupe
327/350 L79
427/390 L36
427/400 L68
427/430 L88
427/435 L71
327/300 Convertible
327/350 L79
427/390 L36
427/400 L68
427/430 L88
427/435 L71
C3 (1968–82)
327/300 Coupe
327/350 L79
427/390 L36
427/400 L68
427/430 L88
427/435 L71
427/435 L89
327/300 Convertible
327/350 L79
427/390 L36
427/400 L68
427/430 L88
427/435 L71
427/435 L89
350/300 Coupe
350/350 L46
427/390 L36
427/400 L68
427/430 L88
427/435 L71
427/435 L89
427/430 ZL1
350/300 Convertible
350/350 L46
427/390 L36
427/400 L68
427/430 L88
65
65
65
65
65
65
65
65
65
66
66
66
66
66
66
66
66
67
67
67
67
67
67
67
67
67
67
67
67
Buy-Sell Price Range
Low
High
15,378
9,958
17,762
8,504
$43,000
$63,000
$65,000
$39,000
$39,000
$42,000
$43,000
$64,000
$70,000
$38,000
$43,000
$56,000
$68,000
$40,000
$45,000
$58,000
$70,000
$45,000
$48,000
$62,000
$72,000
14,436
$78,000 B
$114,000 A
$125,000 A
$75,000 A
$75,000 B
$80,000 B
$85,000 B
$121,000 A
$125,000 B
$75,000 B
$77,000 B
$102,000 B
$125,000 B
$80,000 A
$83,000 B
$107,000 B
$127,000 A
$80,000 B
$85,000 B
$109,000 B
$130,000 B
$1,200,000 $2,000,000 A
$95,000
$48,000
$50,000
$65,000
$75,000
$175,000 A
$94,000 B
$100,000 B
$121,000 B
$143,000 A
$1,200,000 $2,000,000 A
$99,000
$190,000 A
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
(For 1963–67, add $2k–$3k for side exhaust; $2k–$4k for auxiliary hard top; $4k–$6k for a/c; $5k–$8k for
knockoff wheels; $6k–$10k for aluminum wheels.)
68
68
68
68
68
68
68
68
68
68
68
68
68
68
69
69
69
69
69
69
69
69
69
69
69
69
69
9,936
18,630
22,129
$18,000
$20,000
$25,000
$28,000
$225,000
$40,000
$54,000
$24,000
$26,000
$36,000
$35,000
$275,000
$46,000
$59,000
$18,000
$21,000
$25,000
$29,000
$250,000
$38,000
$50,000
16,633
$2,000,000
$23,000
$24,000
$30,000
$34,000
$275,000
$36,000
$41,000
$50,000
$58,000
C
C
C
C
$315,000 A
$72,000 B
$95,000 B
$47,000
$52,000
$61,000
$69,000
C
C
C
C
$350,000 A
$83,000 B
$106,000 B
$39,000
$43,000
$52,000
$60,000
C
C
C
C
$3,000,000
$50,000
$55,000
$63,000
$70,000
$325,000 A
$69,000 B
$93,000 B
A
C
C
C
C
$325,000 A
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHHH
*Predicted appreciation over twelve months, where five-star cars will out-perform market at large, three-star cars are fully priced, and one-star cars are still depreciating
Yrs. Built
No. Made
Investment
Grade
Appreciation
Rating*
Yrs. Built
No. Made
Investment
Grade
Appreciation
Rating*
Page 79
Buy-Sell Price Range
Low
High
427/435 L71
427/435 L89
350/300 Coupe
350/350 L46
350/370 LT1
454/390 LS5
350/300 Convertible
350/350 L46
350/370 LT1
454/390 LS5
350/270 Coupe
350/330 LT1
454/365 LS5
454/425 LS6
350/270 Convertible
350/330 LT1
454/365 LS5
454/425 LS6
350/200 Coupe
350/255 LT1
454/270 LS5
300/250 Convertible
350/255 LT1
454/270 LS5
69
69
70
70
70
70
70
70
70
70
71
71
71
71
71
71
71
71
72
72
72
72
72
72
10,668
6,648
14,680
7,121
20,496
6,508
$45,000
$57,000
$18,500
$22,000
$28,000
$27,000
$24,000
$25,000
$33,000
$33,000
$18,000
$25,000
$25,000
$64,000
$25,000
$31,000
$33,000
$70,000
$18,500
$26,500
$27,500
$25,000
$35,000
$33,000
(1968–72, add $1k–$2k for auxiliary hard top; $2k–$3k for a/c.)
$80,000 B
$105,000 B
$39,000
$40,000
$56,000
C
C
C
$58,000 B
$50,000
$55,000
$68,000
C
C
C
$70,000 B
$36,500
$53,000
C
C
$55,000 B
$130,000 A
$48,000
$65,000
C
C
$67,000 B
$150,000 A
$40,000
$55,000
$56,000
$51,000
$66,000
$67,000
C
C
C
C
C
C
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
350/190 Coupe
350/250 L82
454/275 LS4
350/190 Convertible
350/250 L82
454/275 LS4
350/195 Coupe
350/250 L82
454/270 LS4
350/195 Convertible
350/250 L82
454/270 LS4
350/165 Coupe
350/205 L82
350/165 Convertible
350/205 L82
350/180 Coupe
350/210 L82
350/180 Coupe
350/210 L82
350/185 Coupe
350/220 L82
350/185 Silver Anniversary
350 /220 L82
350/185 Pace Car
73
73
73
73
73
73
74
74
74
74
74
74
75
75
75
75
76
76
77
77
78
78
78
78
78
25,521
4,943
32,028
5,474
33,836
4,629
46,558
49,213
24,991
15,283
6,502
Buy-Sell Price Range
Low
High
$13,000
$15,000
$17,000
$20,000
$22,000
$24,000
$11,000
$14,000
$15,000
$19,000
$21,000
$22,000
$10,000
$12,500
$18,000
$20,000
$9,000
$11,000
$9,500
$12,000
$9,500
$12,400
$12,400
$15,200
$19,000
$24,000
$28,000
$33,000
$33,000
$40,000
$42,000
$23,000
$28,000
$30,000
$32,000
$36,000
$40,000
$19,000
$23,000
$33,000
$37,000
$16,000
$20,000
$18,000
$22,000
$17,100
$21,900
$23,800
$28,500
$33,300
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
*Predicted appreciation over twelve months, where five-star cars will out-perform market at large, three-star cars are fully priced, and one-star cars are still depreciating
www.corvettemarket.com FALL 2010 Corvette Market 81
Yrs. Built
No. Made
Investment
Grade
Appreciation
Rating*
Yrs. Built
No. Made
Investment
Grade
Appreciation
Rating*
Page 80
Price
Guide
Buy-Sell Price Range
Low
High
350/220 L82
350/195 Coupe
350/225 L82
350/190 Coupe
350/230 L82
305/180 (California only)
350/190 Coupe
350/200 Coupe
350/200 Collector Edition
78
79
79
80
80
80
81
82
82
Convertible
Malcolm Konner Comm. Coupe
Coupe
Convertible
Callaway Cpe/Cvt
Coupe
Convertible
35th Anniversary coupe
Challenge Racer
Callaway Cpe/Cvt
Coupe
Convertible
Challenge Racer
Callaway Cpe/Cvt
Coupe
ZR-1 coupe
Convertible
Callaway Cpe/Cvt
World Challenge Racer
Coupe
ZR-1 coupe
Convertible
Callaway Cpe/Cvt
Coupe
ZR-1 coupe
Convertible
Coupe
ZR-1 coupe
Convertible
40th Anniversary coupe
40th Anniversary convertible
40th Anniversary ZR-1 coupe
Coupe
ZR-1 coupe
Convertible
Coupe
ZR-1 coupe
84
85
86
86
86
87
87
53,807
40,614
40,606
18,648
6,759
51,547
39,729
27,794
7,315
50
87
88
88
88
88
88
89
89
89
89
90
90
90
90
90
91
91
91
91
92
92
92
93
93
93
93
93
93
94
94
94
95
95
188
inc.
15,382
7,407
2,050
inc.
56 inc.
125
inc.
16,663
9,749
60 inc.
67 inc.
12,967
3,049
7,630
58 inc.
23 inc.
12,923
2,044
5,672
71 inc.
14,102
502
5,875
15,396
448
5,692
6,749
inc.
inc.
17,536
448
5,346
15,323
448
$19,000
$10,000
$12,800
$11,400
$13,300
$9,500
$11,400
$11,400
$16,200
$5,500
$6,000
$6,500
$9,500
$38,000
$18,100
$22,800
$19,000
$22,800
C
C
C
C
C
$17,100 D
$20,000
$20,900
$28,500
C
C
C
20,007
10,625
$10,000
$7,500
$10,000
$20,000
$7,500
$10,000
$11,500
$24,500
$20,000
$7,500
$10,500
$24,500
$21,000
$8,000
$20,500
$9,000
$21,000
$24,000
$9,500
$19,500
$11,500
$21,500
$10,000
$20,000
$11,500
$10,000
$20,500
$12,500
$14,500
$17,500
$30,500
$11,000
$28,500
$14,500
$12,000
$28,500
$9,000 D
$9,000 D
$10,500 D
$16,000 D
$20,000 D
$11,500 D
$16,000 D
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
(1973–82, add $750 for aluminum wheels, $1,250 for auiliary hard top. 1978–82, add $650 for glass top.)
C4 (1984–96)
Coupe
Coupe
Coupe
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
$32,000 D
$11,000 D
$16,000 D
$20,000 D
$37,500 D
$31,000 D
$12,000 D
$16,000 D
$37,500 D
$32,000 D
$13,000 D
$30,000
C
$16,000 D
$32,000 D
$35,000 D
$13,000 D
$31,000
C
$17,500 D
$32,000 D
$14,000 D
$31,500
C
$18,000 D
$14,000 D
$34,000
C
$18,000 D
$21,000 D
$25,000
$42,750
C
C
$16,000 D
$39,000
C
$19,000 D
$16,750 D
$40,000
C
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
Convertible
Pace Car convertible
Coupe
Convertible
Collector Edition coupe
Collector Edition convertible
Grand Sport coupe
Grand Sport convertible
95
95
96
96
96
96
96
96
Convertible
Pace Car convertible
Coupe
Convertible
Hard top
Coupe
Convertible
Hard top
Coupe
Convertible
Z06 hard top
Coupe
Convertible
Z06 hard top
Coupe
Convertible
Z06 hard top
50th Anniversary coupe
50th Anniversary convertible
Coupe
Convertible
Z06 hard top
Commemorative coupe
Commemorative convertible
Z06 Commemorative hard top
C6 (2005–present)
Coupe
Convertible
Coupe
Convertible
Z06 coupe
Coupe
Convertible
Pace Car convertible
Z06 coupe
Ron Fellows Z06 coupe
Coupe
Convertible
Z06 coupe
ZR1 coupe
97
98
98
98
99
99
99
00
00
00
01
01
01
02
02
02
03
03
03
03
03
04
04
04
04
04
04
4,444
527
12,326
2,798
4,031
1,381
810
190
9,752
Buy-Sell Price Range
Low
High
$14,500
$24,000
$13,000
$15,500
$14,500
$16,000
$22,000
$25,500
19,235
10,686
1,163
18,078
11,161
4,031
18,113
13,479
2,090
15,681
14,173
5,773
14,760
12,710
8,297
8,727
6,475
8,635
4,085
7,547
13,950
9,557
3,658
2,215
2,659
2,025
05
05
06
06
06
07
07
07
07
07
08
08
08
09
26,278
10,644
16,598
11,151
6,272
21,484
10,918
500
8,159
399
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
$15,000
$15,500
$19,000
$25,000
$17,000
$20,500
$16,500
$18,000
$21,500
$18,000
$20,500
$22,500
$22,500
$21,000
$24,500
$22,500
$22,500
$27,000
$24,500
$27,000
$28,000
$24,500
$29,000
$29,000
$26,000
$31,500
$29,000
$19,000 D
$31,500 D
$17,000 D
$20,500 D
$21,000 D
$25,000 D
$35,000
$47,000
C
C
(1984–96, add $1,300 for auxiliary hard top, $600 for 6-sp, $3,000 for LT4 in 1996.)
C5 (1997–2004)
Coupe
Coupe
$19,500 D
$20,500 D
$25,000 D
$32,500 D
$21,500 D
$26,000 D
$21,000 D
$23,000 D
$26,000 D
$22,500 D
$24,500 D
$28,500 D
$28,500
C
$26,500 D
$30,500 D
$30,500
C
$27,500 D
$32,000 D
$31,000
C
$34,000 D
$36,500 D
$30,000 D
$35,000 D
$33,500
C
$32,500 D
$36,000 D
$36,000
C
$28,500
$35,500
$32,500
$38,500
$49,000
$35,000
$47,500
$49,500
$54,500
$61,500
est. MSRP
est. MSRP
est. MSRP
est. MSRP
$36,000 D
$40,500 D
$38,000 D
$44,500 D
$54,500
C
$39,500 D
$53,500 D
$55,500 D
$58,000
$65,000
C
C
$43,000 D
$50,000 D
$65,500
C
$120,000 B
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HHH
HHH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
(Note: Bloomington Gold, NCRS certification, or racing history can add significantly to the value of a Corvette.)
*Predicted appreciation over twelve months, where five-star cars will out-perform market at large, three-star cars are fully priced, and one-star cars are still depreciating
82 Corvette Market FALL 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
Yrs. Built
No. Made
Investment
Grade
Appreciation
Rating*
Yrs. Built
No. Made
Investment
Grade
Appreciation
Rating*
Page 82
Trick
Stuff
What you need for your Corvette and where to get it. By John Gunnell
Make Your Mouse a Corvette
A big, bad tach, a garden bench and a mouse you want to drive on a desk
Big, bad tach
Sunpro's Super Tach III has a large, 5-inch dial that registers
-10,000 rpm. An adjustable swivel mounting foot allows
nstalling the Super Tach III at any angle. An adjustable shift
light can be positioned around the tach body for the best driver
view. It features a vibration-proof, air-core meter movement to
ensure a precise reading.
It is factory calibrated and certified.
The Sunpro website shows a Super Tach III installed in a 1987
Corvette. The price is $106. Visit www.sunpro.com.
Save those grinding discs
Corvette restorers can save
Corvette garden benches
Allen Ventures Rock Island garden
benches can be engraved to show your
passion for Corvettes. With prices
starting at $326 for a base model,
the maintenance-free benches are
durable and functional. Rock Island
Park Benches are offered with gray,
brown or cedar planking. All have black
legs. Stainless steel fasteners ensure
lasting good looks. Call 877.423.9800 or
visit www.allenventures.com.
money and trouble with Steck
Manufacturing Co.'s new
Disc Smasher. The tool keeps
grinding discs from curling up.
The ratcheting handle holds
grinding discs under pressure.
Squeeze a release lever, and you
can remove the Disc Smasher
and reach a grinding disc. The
capture-and-store design forces
the disc to conform to the base
for any of the three disc sizes,
ensuring safe, flat, vibration-free
grinding. Previously warped
or curled discs can be returned
to their proper shape. A Disc
Smasher kit sells for $55. Call
800.227.8325 or visit www.
steckmfg.com.
Colorful C6 carpets
Mid America Motorworks is offering C6 Corvette carpets that are available in
18 colors that complement factory interior trims and body colors. Each carpet set
is manufactured from the finest, hand-selected OEM quality pile carpets that have
been 100% solution dyed. Each set is also thermal-press molded and pre-trimmed for
superior fit and finish. These carpets replace the forward passenger area carpet and the
rear cargo area carpet of all C6s. The price is $499. Call 866.521.9922 or visit www.
mamotorworks.com/corvette.
Drive a Corvette mouse
Speeding down the high-tech highway is a mouse click away with Speedway
Motors' Corvette “Road Mouse.” The car-shaped computer mouse has a functioning
headlight and is PC- and Mac-compatible. There's a standard wired configuration
or a wireless model with a USB receiver that utilizes the latest RF and optical
technology. Priced from $32.99 to $44.99. Visit www.SpeedwayMotors.com or call
800.979.0122. ■
84 Corvette Market FALL 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
Page 83
NEW!
“Fair”, “Good” and
“Excellent” prices for all
models, 1900–88. FREE!
NOW ONLINE! The world's largest
collector car price guide based on
over 500,000 sold transactions
from
.
Updated weekly.
www.collectorcarpricetracker.com
For the collector who needs to
know what things are selling
for, right now.
Take your free test drive today.
Page 84
In
Miniature
By Marshall Buck
Speaking
Volumes
XP-755 Mako Shark
Corvette concept cars are really cool, and they always have been. It seems to
me that the show cars of the 1950s and 1960s era (pre DOT and EPA) were very
free flowing in thought, design and creativity. They were designed pretty much
with the feeling that anything was possible. The chiefs of Styling and Design
at the Big Three—and their top-tier designers—were akin to movie stars and
athletes of the day. As a kid, I could easily recite their names. GM Styling/
Design head Bill Mitchell and Larry Shinoda, the designer of the 1961 Corvette
Mako Shark were a couple of those celebrities.
AutoArt started
producing two models
of the XP-755
Mako Shark concept
car several years ago.
Both replicate the
car as it sits today.
AutoArt's first offering
was a 1:43 scale
version released in
2001, which was followed
with the substantially
bigger 1:18
scale piece in 2006.
Considering the parameters of making mass-production models, AutoArt
has done reasonably well. I believe AutoArt experienced as much difficulty trying
to reproduce the Mako Shark paint scheme as Bill Mitchell's team did with
their attempts to please the boss.
As the story goes, Mitchell had an actual mako shark—which he'd caught
off Bimini—mounted on a wall in his office. He ordered his team to paint the
car to match the distinctive way the shark's blue-gray upper surface gently
faded into a white underside. Numerous painting attempts to match the car to
the shark failed to satisfy Mitchell.
Well, the team came up with the idea to sneak into the boss's office one night
and “borrow” that troublesome stuffed shark. The team then painted the shark
to match their best efforts on the car. With the fish returned under the cloak of
darkness, Mitchell never noticed the difference and finally pronounced himself
pleased with the team's paint job on the car.
Both models perfectly capture the overall shape and major components of
the car. Paint finish is smooth and glossy, and all the little emblems are in place.
Interestingly, the side-mounted Mako Shark scripts and little shark emblem
itself are correctly positioned on the smaller, 1:43 scale model—but not on the
1:18 scale piece.
All emblems on the 1:18 car are beautiful chrome appliqués, but they are
silver decals on the 1:43 scale model. Both have chrome-plated wheels, which
are certainly not a match for the polished wheels on the real car. The chrome is
just too bright.
Each model has chassis detail, which certainly looks more impressive on the
little one, as it has a more delicate look. Interiors are quite good, although a few
minor details have been overlooked.
Even though the 1:18 model has opening doors, hood and trunk, I can't get
too excited as there is not much to see. The engine bay
is a bit heavy-handed with chrome and black, which
makes it appear more like a toy than a model. It is best
to display it all buttoned up.
The verdict? Although the larger 1:18 model fea-
Mako Shark Details
Production Dates:
The 1:43 scale was made in
2001; 1:18 scale was made
in 2006
Quantity: Thousands and
thousands of each!
CM Five-Star Rating:
Overall Quality:
Authenticity:
Overall Value:
Web: www.autoartmodels.com
tures more detail with regard to opening panels and a
few other bits, my personal preference is for the 1:43
scale model. Neither of these pieces is 100% dead on,
but both are really very close, and enough so that if
you're a fan of this car, then it's easy to justify buying
one or both. The 1:43 scale model is $35.95 and the
1:18 is $122.95. Available from Harrell's Miniatures,
856.435.6239 or send email to harrellsminiatures@
comcast.net
86 Corvette Market FALL 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
By Mark Wigginton
The Corvette in the Barn: More Great Stories
of Automotive Archaeology
By Tom Cotter, forward by CM Publisher Keith Martin, Motorbooks,
256 pages, $17.13, Amazon.com
Reviewing the newest of-
fering in Tom Cotter's In the
Barn series is like taking on
the fourth or fifth Harry Potter
installment. Folks who loved
what came before will love the
continuation of the series; those
who don't get it won't get it this
time either.
But, fellow motorheads,
what's not to get? Imagine
finding that perfect, missing
Sebring Sprite (hey, it's my fantasy;
fill in your own) tucked up
in a dry, insect- and mouse-free
barn in the naturally humidity-
controlled high desert of Eastern Oregon. Next thing you
know, it's on track at Laguna Seca, patina intact after little
more than a good wash and new brake fluid, with me behind
the wheel. Easy, right?
But there is more to it, as Tom Cotter and his army of
scribes makes clear in every edition of “(Automotive Noun)
in the Barn.” In this edition, the titular Corvettes (and all the
other models) follow the familiar formula that turned Behind
the Music into a VH1 brand: Scrappy rock band goes on to
huge success, is then destroyed by drugs and hits bottom.
But, in the end, they clean up and are ready to rock again! It's
the same story in “Corvette” with famous hot rods, television
show cars, race cars and all manner of rotting hulks lost,
found and brought back to life.
Each tale is relatively short, and sometimes the story of
the hunter is as interesting as the back story on the lost car,
with displays of single-minded determination and the social
graces of a stalker.
But that's the beauty of the series (this is the fourth book,
following the The Cobra in the Barn in 2005, The Hemi in the
Barn in 2007 and The Vincent in the Barn in 2009.) A great
barn find is a universal dream—and just like buying lottery
tickets, many dream—although few expect to win. I may not
find that Sprite, and I'll never be any good at quidditch either,
but I still keep my eyes open for a low-hours Nimbus 2000 at
every garage sale.
Provenance:
The tales can be fully developed or kind of sketchy, and
you have to take the word of lots of people about the authenticity
of the cars in question. The stories about finding the
cars are mostly single-source. I can only quote the famous
journalistic instruction: “If you mother says she loves you,
check it out.”
Fit and Finish:
A book with more of a feel of utility than design, the text
comes first for The Corvette in the Barn. The photos, more
than 125 in color, are the supporting cast rather than the stars
of the book.
Drivability:
The stories display a wide range of readability. Some are
lovely, while some lean toward the stylistic tone of a police
report, with fact bumping into fact—and style and storytelling
only a dream. But you aren't reading this for the prose.
You are reading because you know that you will, one day,
find your dream car in a barn. What more do you need? ■
Page 86
Resource
Directory
Auction Companies
Auctions America by RM.
877.906.2437, 5540 CR llA Auburn,
IN 46706. Home of the
480-acre Auction Park in Auburn,
IN, where the annual Labor Day
Auction is held in conjunction with
the Auburn, Cord, Duesenberg
Festival. www.auctionsamerica.
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
Put your company in the CM Resource Directory. Call 877.219.2605 x211,
or email advert@corvettemarket.com
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)
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)
AutoBahn Power. Performance
+ Looks + Durability + Comfort
= Autobahn Power! Autobahn
Power is a veteran of vehicle modifications,
parts and accessories.
Our specialty has been to carry
products that are better than original
equipment in performance,
safety and quality. Our warehouse,
service shop and retail store are
located in the Midwest for good
access to all parts of the USA. We
have completed literally hundreds
of project cars. These performance
vehicles are in enthusiast's hands
across the USA. Many of the cars
are in daily use proving the durability
of our workmanship and
products. Check us out at www.
autobahnpower.com.
Classic Car Transport
Intercity Lines, Inc..
800.221.3936, 413.436.9422.
Rapid, hassle-free, coast-to-coast
service. Insured enclosed transport
for your valuable car at affordable
prices. State-of-the-art satellite
transport tracking. Complete
service for vintage races, auctions,
relocations. www.intercitylines
.com. (MA)
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)
Corvettes for Sale
Corvette Central Parts and
accessories for all corvettes. Corvette
Central has been a leading
Ad Index
Baymont Inn & Suites .......................87
Bloomington Gold ......................45, 47
Bowling Green Convention &
Visitors Bureau. .................................92
Bruce Shaw .......................................88
Callaway ...........................................53
Chubb Personal Insurance ...................7
Classic Reflection Coachworks .........15
Classic Restoration ............................91
Continental Western Group ...............51
Corvette America ..............................11
Corvette Central ................................19
Corvette Correction ...........................89
Corvette Expo Inc .............................61
Corvette Eyewear ..............................81
Corvette Mike ...................................69
Corvette Repair Inc. ..........................67
Corvette Specialties ..........................73
County Corvette ..................................2
Cousin Joe's ......................................71
Grundy Worldwide ............................43
Heacock Classic ...............................35
JC Taylor ...........................................75
Jim Meyer Racing Products Inc. .......85
Long Island Corvette Supply Inc ......85
Mecum Auction ...................................3
Mid America Motorworks .................31
Midwest Corvettes & Classics, LLC 63
National Corvette Museum ...............89
National Corvette Restorers Society ...9
Nickey Chicago .................................57
Palm Springs Exotic Car Auctions ....55
Pro -Team Corvette Sales, Inc...........39
Reliable Carriers ...............................33
Route 427 ..........................................59
Silver Collector Car Auctions ...........17
Superior Chevrolet ............................65
SWISSVAX AG ................................37
The Chevy Store ...............................49
Thomas C Sunday Inc .......................81
Van Steel ...........................................85
Zip Products ......................................13
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) ■
88 Corvette Market FALL 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
Page 87
Subscribe Today!
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—Terry Michaelis, President, Pro Team Corvette
Subscribe online at www.corvettemarket.com/special
Call 877.219.2605 x 204
Page 88
Vette-o-bilia
A
Online trash and trinkets—some valuable, some not. By Carl Bomstead
Drive Away Work Worries with a ZR1 Office Chair
Having a bad day at work? Lean back and start up the Glo-mad clock
s we search the internet for trinkets and trash that will liven up our Corvette Car Barn, we continue
to come across all kinds of other stuff that we can attempt to sneak past the Chief Decorator and slide
into the cozy confines of the family room. Corvette couches, wall hangings, lamps and neon signs are
just a few of the things that have not made the cut.
It's time for a new approach. Arcade games just might be the answer, as the C.D. might get interested in
family unity by playing the games. We found a way cool 1994 Bally Corvette Pinball game with all kinds of
Corvette logos that had already sold after one bid for $2,425. The 1950s Chicago Coin Big Ball Bowler is still
available after failing to receive any activity with a Buy-It-Now price of $1,600. It was in original condition
and five of the six games were operable. Sadly, the C.D. said “No way,” as the darn thing was over 14 feet
long.
We will keep trying, but here's some stuff we can use elsewhere:
it was. Oops, another one was
listed at about the same time for
$36, and it sold quickly. It often
pays to spend a little extra time
poking around before jumping at
the first opportunity.
EBAY #270631312445—1994
BEACH BOYS CONCERT
POSTER FROM CORVETTE
MUSEUM DEDICATION.
Number of bids: 6. SOLD AT:
$52.53. Date sold: 9/12/2010.
This poster was from the
Corvette Museum dedication
that took place at Bowling
Green, KY, over the 1994 Labor
Day weekend. The Beach Boys
performed twice amidst a host
of other activities that took place
for the dedication. Cool piece of
garage art for not a lot of money.
VILLAGE McKENZIE'S
CHEVROLET WITH 1963
CORVETTE. Number of bids:
25. SOLD AT: $100. Date sold:
8/30/2010. Department 56 makes
all kinds of buildings and scenes
for their Snow Village series of
towns dating back to the ‘60s
and ‘70s. This period Chevrolet
store had a 1963 Split-Window
in the showroom. These were
priced at $85 when released, but
they were retired in 2007. This
one was new-in-the-box, so it
was certainly worth the small
premium paid.
EBAY #270634530898—
CORVETTE ZR1 OFFICE
CHAIR. Number of bids: 11.
SOLD AT: $545. Date sold:
9/19/2010. This was one of two
chairs that were assembled at
Bowling Green utilizing actual
ZR1 passenger seats. They were
made for a charity auction, and
the winner of this one decided
to cash in. Having a bad day at
work with the boss all over you?
Just lean back in your ZR1 chair
and think about cruising the
open road in your Corvette.
EBAY #370296104835—
1954 CORVETTE
POSTCARD. Number of bids:
Buy-It-Now. SOLD AT: $54.95.
Date sold: 9/20/2010. This original
postcard for a 1954 Corvette
was stated to be in excellent
condition, and the seller also
stated how rare and hard to find
EBAY #120621101529—
EBAY #110598480589—
EBAY #350387369165—
DEPARTMENT 56 SNOW
90 Corvette Market FALL 2010 www.corvettemarket.com
CORVETTE 50TH
ANNIVERSARY
MOTORAMA SIGN. Number
of bids: 20. SOLD AT: $182.50.
Date sold: 10/21/2010. The 50th
Anniversary Motorama featured
a Corvette from each of the
early years. It started in Bowling
Green, KY, and then went on to
St. Louis, MO, and finally ended
in Flint, MI, during its tour of
the sites where Corvettes were
manufactured. We suspect this
directional sign was “borrowed”
SNAP-ON DIE CAST LS7
CORVETTE GLO-MAD
DESK CLOCK. Number of
bids: 3. SOLD AT: $51. Date
sold: 9/16/2010. Snap-On developed
this clock as part of their
1957 Nomad street rod program
that was called the “Glo-mad.”
The engine is an exact replica of
the Corvette LS7 engine that was
used in the car. It even makes
authentic engine sounds and it
has a working flywheel. Boy, if
you had this on your desk—and
were sitting in the ZR1 chair—
who cares if the boss just chewed
you a new one about the six more
boxes of junk, I mean valuable
collectibles, that the UPS guy
just dropped off. ■
as a souvenir, and it will now
make a cool piece of garage art at
a reasonable price.
EBAY #130419651640—
PEWTER 1957 “FUELIE” BY
FRANKLIN MINT. Number of
bids: 7. SOLD AT: $600. Date
sold: 8/17/2010. This 1:12 scale
1957 Corvette was finished in
polished pewter and was highly
detailed, with the key fob in the
ignition and real leather seats. It
was number 889 of 1000 issued,
and it was priced at $1,000 when
new. It was complete with all
books and papers. Several others
were offered with Buy-It-Now
prices ranging from $650 to
$895, so based on those, we can
call this well bought.