C6 Z06 Effect on C5 Z06 Values

[OldCorvetteFan]

With the upcoming introduction of the C6 Z06, and its significantly higher price (proportionately compared to C5 Coupe to C5 Z06 pricing), what do you think the effect will be on C5 Z06 prices?

I can construct two equally plausible scenarios -

A). The price of the C6 Z06 is a barrier to entry for many potential buyers, who will then elect to purchase C4 Z06's. This scenario will tend to stop, and potentially reverse, C5 Z06 depreciation.

B). The price of the C6 Z06 will NOT be a barrier to entry for many buyers, and the population of buyers of C5 Z06 will be relatively smaller. This scenario will tend to accelerate C5 Z06 depreciation.

I know that the real answer lies somewhere between these extremes, but I can't seem to settle on one effect or the other.

I would appreciate your thoughts on this topic!

Thanks,
Steven

Full Disclosure: I want/intend to purchase a Z06 RPO Z16 within a year (I hope!). At the same time that I want a good bargain, I also don't like it when Corvettes slump in the market (screwy, huh?? - this is why I don't have a dealership!).

 

[*89x2*]

...remember what the "then new" Z06's did for the values of ZR1's in the used car market??



History may soon repeat itself :ugh

 

[Patrick]

There's a reason that GM's employee pricing offer does not include Corvette. $65,800, while certainly lower than the cost of a new GT, is uncharted territory for a Corvette.

I have to believe that C5 Z06's will remain an attractive option for performance enthusiasts. And let's not forget that the C5 Z06 has at least a feature that makes it easily recongizeable as the performance sibling to the Coupe and Convertible- that notch-back window. The C6 Z06 is virtually indistinguishable from the Coupe. That's another factor in the C5 Z06's favor.

Just my $0.02

-Patrick

 

[bluecoupe]

The new Z51 option fills the price/performance gap between the "standard" C6 and the Z06. The bar has been raised. Anyone that wants the fastest, meanest Corvette won't have any problem justifying the extra expense for the new Z06. Those not willing or unable to justify it can still get an incredible machine for their new Corvette dollars.

IMHO if Corvette history is any indication the C5 (and C5 Z06) prices will drop steeply for their first 5 years then slowly drop down slowly for 10 years then level off flat for the next 5 years. Then prices will creep up for another 10 years then it will take off like a rocket. Options, condition and originality will have a big effect on price. Basically for the first 20 years of its life a Corvette is a purchase. After it is 20 years old it is an investment. So for the first 20 years the most important thing is not what it is worth to others but what it is worth to you.

Frank (bluecoupe)

 

[Aurora40]

IMHO if Corvette history is any indication the C5 (and C5 Z06) prices will drop steeply for their first 5 years then slowly drop down slowly for 10 years then level off flat for the next 5 years. Then prices will creep up for another 10 years then it will take off like a rocket. Options, condition and originality will have a big effect on price. Basically for the first 20 years of its life a Corvette is a purchase. After it is 20 years old it is an investment. So for the first 20 years the most important thing is not what it is worth to others but what it is worth to you.

It seems hard to imagine a 1985 Corvette rocketing up in value. I could see the 1984 car being somewhat collectible. It was the first year of the new body, it was sort of a big change in direction for the 'vette. While not underpowered, the focus was certainly more on track performance than just acceleration. Plus, for that year only, the Z51 was a brutal car that they had to soften the next year. So it's pretty unique. But the rest of the 80's, I dunno... It's hard to see them getting more valuable over the next 5 years.

 

[bluecoupe]

It seems hard to imagine a 1985 Corvette rocketing up in value.

I heard the same thing about the 1960, 1964, 1966, 1971, 1976 ... Just take a look at what a nice example of those years are going for now. A fully restored 1985 4+3 Z51 is looking pretty good to me.