That generation of Corvette, in that color, is the only one I ever wanted. But only if it does not have a black interior, which it appears that one unfortunately has (though I can't tell for certain).
It has a blue interior. Well I did "find" it, in that the family called me over to look it over and tell them how much they should sell it for. Being an appraiser, it is a violation of professional ethics for me to be interested in purchasing it, but I am allowed to send buyers to the family (but generally don't do that--I don't want to hear any complaints later on).
You know, people die, abandon their projects--things get shoved to the back burner. I see this on a weekly basis. Of course, not all of these cars are '64 Corvettes. Some are '95 Ford sedans with chickens in the back seat.
With this Vette, there's a tricky part about a car in this condition (about a #4---"fair"). It does not have the original engine--it's a Chevy crate engine, a 350 with a ZZ code. Not a bad engine, but nowhere near correct.
Here's the dilemma for the buyer: Since this car really needs a total restoration (meaning, that there is no part of the car that doesn't need renewal, even if that part still functions "as is"), then why pay a high dollar for something you are going to completely tear apart? Why not buy a 100% complete "poor" condition car for $10K or $15K less, since you will be restoring every little piece anyway.? This year Corvette is not an easy restoration, and some parts are very difficult to find. Could be an expensive proposition.
On the other hand, this Vette could be washed, cleaned up inside, given new tires, tune up, brake work, all fluids flushed, and it could probably be driven "as is"---a shabby-chic classic that you don't have to worry about.
What's it worth? To me, being sober, realistic and not particularly in love, maybe the high teens. To the starry -eyed dreamer who sees it with all that "patina", just sitting there begging to be taken home, they'd probably "overpay" into the mid $20Ks.
It would be a tough call, Shifty. But assuming the original engine is gone forever and not sitting in a corner of the garage, even if it is beautifully restored for big bucks it is not going to ever get top dollar. So that argues for the sympathetic refresh where needed and driving and enjoying it, maybe picking away at things as they start bothering you too much. It would be fun to be able to drive and enjoy a C2 convertible without worrying about every paint chip.
That's what I'd do. Buy it for about $15K, put $2K--$3K into it just to make it safe and drivable. With no power steering and drum brakes, however, one might be tempted to pour more money into it.
well, to me, if it runs and drives, and has a stick, I would be more than happy to have it to bop around in for $20K. And not have to live in fear of every speck of dust or getting a rock chip. I assume that it would have some needs to make it a reliable driver, but not stuff requiring a ton of money (normal tune up, brakes, shocks, etc.).
I was just going to say, you got both me and fintail with those pics, LOL.
That red Lark looks a lot like my Mom's old friend Mary Bright's little Lark VIII with 3-speed stick.
That Rambler American wagon is a '64 model, at the oldest.
When I was a kid, I remember people putting red reflectors directly underneath the taillights of '60 Fords, in that part of the bumper that mirrored the shape of the taillights.
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When my dad got his 60 Ford, I thought the indents below the taillights were for the optional reverse lights (which his car didn't have). I later learned they were just a design, and the reverse lights were small round lights inboard from the main rear lights - it appears the white car has them.
Interestingly the 1967 Mazda Cosmo Sport, now quite a collectible, has a very similar rear light design, but has lower lights too:
First time I ever saw one of those. Looks like an auto show creation!
I think the first Japanese vehicle I was aware of, was my uncle's '68 (I think) Datsun pickup. He retired from active-duty Navy in Poway, CA and moved back home to our town in NW PA in 1969 or so. It seemed so unusual to me compared to everything else...and it was. When I was probably 13 or something, I got to pop the clutch when it wouldn't start for whatever reason. That's a scary experience the first time, LOL.
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It's a rare car. The local high end specialty dealer had one some time back, unfortunately, on regrettable wheels:
I suspect a Datsun dissolved in that climate in 1969, and really seemed like a tin can to those used to older American iron. On the west coast, Japanese cars were trickling in several years prior, and were in full force by around 1970. When I was a kid, I didn't care for older Japanese cars, but there are some now that I think are pretty interesting.
@PF-Flyer, I should know what the movie is, Obviously NYC. I see a 59 Ford police car and an early 60's Mopar, not sure if Dodge or Plymouth, going to guess Plymouth. Some nice smog too.
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Those were cool little cars though rather buzzy. I liked the second-gen ones better but my opinion may be distorted by the smoking-hot lady I knew who owned one of those...
@PF-Flyer, I should know what the movie is, Obviously NYC. I see a 59 Ford police car and an early 60's Mopar, not sure if Dodge or Plymouth, going to guess Plymouth. Some nice smog too.
I worked with a guy, two years older than me, who bought a new '81 Scirocco. We carpooled. He couldn't stand my new Monte Carlo, and I wasn't a fan of the Scirocco. IIRC they both cost about the same--his was an "S" I think (I might be remembering the model name wrong--red trim and emblems). Two things that turned young me off was the single wiper, zero back seat legroom and a dash that waved at you when the clutch was let out. Of course I know none of that is what someone buys a Scirocco for.
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I was going to post that this is very nice but ridiculously overpriced. But then I saw the asking prices on others listed at Hemmings and now I'm not so sure. Maybe they have taken off?
Yeah, it is a GS and it is a GS 455, so if the car is "local show" quality, a solid #2 that you have to nitpick to find defects, then it's worth the price. I looked at all the photos from Hemmings and I"m not sure it is a solid #2, but maybe a 3+. You'd have to look in person.
You have to keep in mind that for many domestic cars, 1971--1972 is the cut-off date, and you'll see values drop in 1973 models, all across the board.
So if you compared this to a 1973's values, you'd get fooled big time.
Nobody usually wants anything '73 or later--bumpers and smog.
When those Rivs were new, I didn't like them. Even then I thought the car was too large for the styling. I actually preferred the '74-76 Riviera (I still like them; last full-size GM car until the '96 Impala SS to be available with buckets and console shift). But, the boattail Rivs have grown on me. I like the '71 details the best. In '72 they added that curvy strip down the upper side of the body sides. I know the trunk louvers were a one-year thing that supposedly caused issues, but I like the looks. I definitely remember that color on a lot of '71's.
I don't think it was available on a Riviera, but I always liked that metallic turquoise GM offered on full-sizes in '71--Chevy called it "Sea Mist". Not often seen even then. I can remember our hometown dealer had a '71 Bel Air in that color that sat there for most of the model year, LOL.
Too bad this Riv doesn't have the buckets and console. Still, real nice car.
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According to Roger's FB page (posting by his son) he was in hospital recently for the second time in the last few months for treatment of an infection that they believe happened while he was working on the Minerva that Carini and Marano bought from that eccentric character "Hawkeye" last year. No Worker's Comp because he can only work part time now and apparently Carini has been fighting it anyway saying that it is not certain the Minerva was the source. What a mess and a sad situation for it to come to this.
Looked at one of these today. It wasn't a show car at all--nice patina, guy just drives it around. I swear, you could put the engine into a small suitcase!
Looked at one of these today. It wasn't a show car at all--nice patina, guy just drives it around. I swear, you could put the engine into a small suitcase!
That stinks, more of that exceptionalism, the only developed area in the world where people face disaster due to such issues. But insurance execs will make 7 and 8 figures, so I guess it is just a matter of time before it all trickles down. Probably worthy of a donation.
According to Roger's FB page (posting by his son) he was in hospital recently for the second time in the last few months for treatment of an infection that they believe happened while he was working on the Minerva that Carini and Marano bought from that eccentric character "Hawkeye" last year. No Worker's Comp because he can only work part time now and apparently Carini has been fighting it anyway saying that it is not certain the Minerva was the source. What a mess and a sad situation for it to come to this.
Saw two today. First, a Chrysler Crossfire. I kind of like their looks, but probably wouldn't fit in one. Then a pretty nice condition cream colored 64 Ford Galaxie 500 XL convertible. The only drawback for me was that it had a black top (but interior was kind of beige. IIRC, those originally had beige or white tops. I don't think the black top enhanced it, but maybe that was the only top they could find since it looked in good shape.
Yep, Crossfire has SLK DNA. I like the cabrio more. I remember the local dealer had a 10K ADM on them (coupes, cabrio came later IIRC) at launch, I bet that didn't last long.
Yep, Crossfire has SLK DNA. I like the cabrio more. I remember the local dealer had a 10K ADM on them (coupes, cabrio came later IIRC) at launch, I bet that didn't last long.
The wife and I took a look at the Crossfire Cabrio when they first arrived. Spent a solid 15-20 minutes with several sales folks trying to lower the top, to no avail.
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I do have an oil pan gasket for an E30 BMW in my garage, still new in the package. But, that’s worth maybe $15, tops.
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Saw a MGBGT this afternoon, it had just started sprinkling out - risky!
What is something like that worth, in that condition?
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White, blue or black? I think those are the only colors I've seen with that exterior
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You know, people die, abandon their projects--things get shoved to the back burner. I see this on a weekly basis. Of course, not all of these cars are '64 Corvettes. Some are '95 Ford sedans with chickens in the back seat.
With this Vette, there's a tricky part about a car in this condition (about a #4---"fair"). It does not have the original engine--it's a Chevy crate engine, a 350 with a ZZ code. Not a bad engine, but nowhere near correct.
Here's the dilemma for the buyer: Since this car really needs a total restoration (meaning, that there is no part of the car that doesn't need renewal, even if that part still functions "as is"), then why pay a high dollar for something you are going to completely tear apart? Why not buy a 100% complete "poor" condition car for $10K or $15K less, since you will be restoring every little piece anyway.? This year Corvette is not an easy restoration, and some parts are very difficult to find. Could be an expensive proposition.
On the other hand, this Vette could be washed, cleaned up inside, given new tires, tune up, brake work, all fluids flushed, and it could probably be driven "as is"---a shabby-chic classic that you don't have to worry about.
What's it worth? To me, being sober, realistic and not particularly in love, maybe the high teens. To the starry -eyed dreamer who sees it with all that "patina", just sitting there begging to be taken home, they'd probably "overpay" into the mid $20Ks.
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That red Lark looks a lot like my Mom's old friend Mary Bright's little Lark VIII with 3-speed stick.
That Rambler American wagon is a '64 model, at the oldest.
When I was a kid, I remember people putting red reflectors directly underneath the taillights of '60 Fords, in that part of the bumper that mirrored the shape of the taillights.
Interestingly the 1967 Mazda Cosmo Sport, now quite a collectible, has a very similar rear light design, but has lower lights too:
And they are illuminated:
I think the first Japanese vehicle I was aware of, was my uncle's '68 (I think) Datsun pickup. He retired from active-duty Navy in Poway, CA and moved back home to our town in NW PA in 1969 or so. It seemed so unusual to me compared to everything else...and it was. When I was probably 13 or something, I got to pop the clutch when it wouldn't start for whatever reason. That's a scary experience the first time, LOL.
I suspect a Datsun dissolved in that climate in 1969, and really seemed like a tin can to those used to older American iron. On the west coast, Japanese cars were trickling in several years prior, and were in full force by around 1970. When I was a kid, I didn't care for older Japanese cars, but there are some now that I think are pretty interesting.
I should know what the movie is, Obviously NYC.
I see a 59 Ford police car and an early 60's Mopar, not sure if Dodge or Plymouth, going to guess Plymouth.
Some nice smog too.
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This car shot probably gives it away
https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/buick/riviera/2086121.html
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You have to keep in mind that for many domestic cars, 1971--1972 is the cut-off date, and you'll see values drop in 1973 models, all across the board.
So if you compared this to a 1973's values, you'd get fooled big time.
When those Rivs were new, I didn't like them. Even then I thought the car was too large for the styling. I actually preferred the '74-76 Riviera (I still like them; last full-size GM car until the '96 Impala SS to be available with buckets and console shift). But, the boattail Rivs have grown on me. I like the '71 details the best. In '72 they added that curvy strip down the upper side of the body sides. I know the trunk louvers were a one-year thing that supposedly caused issues, but I like the looks. I definitely remember that color on a lot of '71's.
I don't think it was available on a Riviera, but I always liked that metallic turquoise GM offered on full-sizes in '71--Chevy called it "Sea Mist". Not often seen even then. I can remember our hometown dealer had a '71 Bel Air in that color that sat there for most of the model year, LOL.
Too bad this Riv doesn't have the buckets and console. Still, real nice car.
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We all had new respect for old Mrs. Whatshername..
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According to Roger's FB page (posting by his son) he was in hospital recently for the second time in the last few months for treatment of an infection that they believe happened while he was working on the Minerva that Carini and Marano bought from that eccentric character "Hawkeye" last year. No Worker's Comp because he can only work part time now and apparently Carini has been fighting it anyway saying that it is not certain the Minerva was the source. What a mess and a sad situation for it to come to this.
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The Bantam was built in Butler, PA, maybe an hour or less from where I grew up.
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