Question: 25th Anniversary Value

[BlueZ]

My wife has a 1978 Silver Anniversary C3 she is thinking of selling. Not the pace car, but the two tone silver with a red interior. We just don't drive the car since she bought a 50th ZO6. I am trying to get an idea of what this car is worth so I can establish an asking price. It is in great mechanical shape, fair paint (no dents, dings, ect, but an even general fade), and has low mileage (around 60k). I saw one other for sale on this forum, but it had 250k on it. Will KBB give an accurate value for this car? Thanks for any input.

 

[Vette79]

How about some pics?

 

[6880 Mike]

Prices will vary across the country. An unmolested original SA should bring a decent price.

Good luck with the sale.

 

[Koop]

Put the car in

http://www.classic-carauction.com/

Pay for a prime auction time on Saturday between Noon and about 2:30. What ever the car is worth that auction will get you a good price. Have it detailed before you put it in and put an ad in every web page you can find linking to the auction. If you have the nerve go no reserve, write up your web ads with a link to it on the auction list with put NO RESERVE in the ad. The no reserve thing brings bidders out of the woodwork. Midday Satruday is key.

 

[mike82]

go to www.usedcorvettesforsale.com , do a search for '78s, that should help give you an idea on pricing.

 

[78Vette-SA]

For what it may be worth, my repainted, original Oystor interior, body-on restored 78 with 44k on it, L82 Automatic, sold for 17k a few years ago.

I really like the red interior, if in good condition. If an L82, and better yet, a 4 speed, in decent shape it would bring more then that I would hope. If in lesser condition, L48, Auto, would bring less I would imagine.

Comes down to finding the right buyer at the right time. Good luck.

 

[BlueZ]

78Vette-SA,
I believe it is an L48, as it has no hood badges like yours. It is an auto, I didn't know the 4spd was available that year. Yours looks awesome, the paint on my wife's is not as distinct between the two tones. We are in CA and the car is stored at her parents' place in KS, so I will have to work on the photos. Do you think it would fetch a much higher price in CA? I could have it driven or trailered out here if so.

Figured out the photo link deal. Looks like it worked! Here you go, these were taken 3 weeks ago in KS.

Mike82, I looked on that site. Thanks, that gives me a good idea of price. I am thinking 16k or so.

 

[BlueZ]

OK, here we go. Album under photobucket located at http://s342.photobucket.com/albums/o434/Livitup78/1978 25th Anniversary Corvette/

 

[BlueZ]

Are the pics that bad that noone wants to revise their estimate? Am I off looking for 16k for this car?

 

[78Vette-SA]

Hard to tell without some closer interior and engine shots but the car does look mighty decent from these. I would definately consider having it buffed out to see if you can get some more shine out of it, but again, pictures can be deceiving.

Obviously what also is going to matter is how it runs, condition, frame and other other items such as bushings, bearings, brakes, steering, etc. Assuming all good to go, I'd ask $16 and see what happens. The red interior is not all that common and may help. My .02.

 

[6880 Mike]

...I would definately consider having it buffed out to see if you can get some more shine out of it...

Personally, I would leave that to the new owner.

Looks like a nice SA to me.

 

[Mitch]

BlueZ,
With the exception of the Headers and True Duals (cats removed) my '78 is a factory unmolested L-48 and according to NADA she's worth around 20k the shape she's in. She needs nothing except some bushings and a new leaf spring in the near future. Once I take care of that and finish detailing her, then I may ask 15 to 16k and try to remain patient until someone wants her. Whomever, they'll be getting a really nice car for the money--and it'll truly appreciate, that is if the new owner continues to baby it like it has been! I only wish I could afford to have 4 or 5 of these '78's and sit on them for a few more years til their true value comes around!

Your car looks really great and from the pics you provided, the next owner is not going to have to spend a ton of money restoring her! If there are no mechanical, body, frame, paint and interior problems...and if you'll detail it out from top to bottom like I'm currently doing, then I'm sure you'll get what you want for her.

 

[BlueZ]

Thanks Mitch. I think that she will list it for 16k and just wait for the right buyer to come. In the meantime her father is going to begin detailing it. I appreciate all the input from guys who have experience in these C3s, it really helps.

 

[Yoda]

hmmm Well why not ... My personal observations on selling older Corvettes..

NOT everyone wants one, and most that want one DON'T want to pay what NADA or the Owners think they are worth

When a person can get into a Nice C4 or C5 for the price someone wants for a C3 ... then the person usually goes for the less dollar value, and more bang for the buck. Esp. if it's their first Corvette or they are looking to get into somthing that *Might require less maintenance or restoration.

Having said *, MOST folks have NO CLUE the time, effort, MONEY and patience it takes to get an older Corvette dependable, presentable and DRIVEable to the point you can cross the country or drive it to the local Walmart. Thus they don't see nor understand the TRUE VALUE of older cars.

NOT Every older Corvette is a Barrett / Jackson ready car, nor has it been fully documented or owned by Elvis.

The market will be what it is, you'll hear folks say ~ "I've seen xyz for about $4K less or whatever"... I find that very interesting because if the car they see for that much less, WHY bother me or should I say Honor me with their opinions, GO BUY THE CHEAPER priced car!!! Oh, it's not really as nice or documented as this one..

If you truely believe your car is worth what you are asking for it, stick to your guns or re-evaluate the situation in a few months I was told a long time ago, the best time to SELL is March/April (Tax Returns ) and the best time to BUY is September/October/November

Good Luck and develop a thick skin, and don't be afraid to tell the TIRE KICKERS to take a Hike

Bud