James, there a 76 for sale
- Thread starter Nassau65
- Start date
antijam
CCCUK Member
It certainly looks the part.....
.... but at only 14k miles in 45 years I'd be very interested in its history. Was the 14k done in the first year (and it's been sitting immobile ever since) or has it been regularly driven and maintained during its life? Could be a very nice buy for someone - or a sea of problems.
.... but at only 14k miles in 45 years I'd be very interested in its history. Was the 14k done in the first year (and it's been sitting immobile ever since) or has it been regularly driven and maintained during its life? Could be a very nice buy for someone - or a sea of problems.
Baron von Del Boy
Well-known user
They claim 14,000 miles from new but who knows.
It seems to be acceptable in the US to zero the clock and start again if you do a restoration.
It had better be genuine or a decent restoration at that price.
It seems to be acceptable in the US to zero the clock and start again if you do a restoration.
It had better be genuine or a decent restoration at that price.
Nassau65
CCCUK Member
Just checked the license plate, it was first registered in the UK in September 2017. Not that it matters much, as there’s plenty of low mileage cars stateside, and they are bought into the UK. It is strong money, obviously due to the mileage, which I assume they have proof of.
kentvette
CCCUK Member
From the photos, the condition looks commensurate with a car that age and with the advertised mileage. The interior is certainly very nice. What are missing of course are photos of the undercarriage, which would tell more of a story. 
The UK perception of "strong money" is interesting, and perhaps a little disappointing to someone like me, who has for the past 10 or more years been trying to promote the early Vettes as true classics. Unfortunately, they are still seen as a "cheap yank" by too many. And, it shows why, before stupid brexit, many were sold to Europe, where prices are generally higher for Corvettes of all ages.
The UK perception of "strong money" is interesting, and perhaps a little disappointing to someone like me, who has for the past 10 or more years been trying to promote the early Vettes as true classics. Unfortunately, they are still seen as a "cheap yank" by too many.
And, it shows why, before stupid brexit, many were sold to Europe, where prices are generally higher for Corvettes of all ages.
Baron von Del Boy
Well-known user
The UK perception of "strong money" is interesting, and perhaps a little disappointing to someone like me, who has for the past 10 or more years been trying to promote the early Vettes as true classics. Unfortunately, they are still seen as a "cheap yank" by too many.
Surely (dont call me...) the value is dictated by what they can be bought for in the US.
Im on a very exclusive facebook group where you have to be a 1981 Corvette owner to be accepted (no 80's or 82's
) and having converted what i paid for my car 8 months ago to US Dollars i posted what i paid for my car as an example of UK prices... they were blown away and several jokingly (i think) offered to ship me their car upon receipt of said amount. They said that i should have bought direct from the US and shipped it myself but having previously been in the UK Hot Rod scene and seen some of the horrendous not as described junk thats arrived from the US i decided to avoid that risk. On on occasion i was visiting a well respected UK Hot Rod builder who showed me a car that arrived completely unfit for purpose that he was completely rebuilding using a new chassis, the old chassis was clearly very dangerous even to my untrained eye.I bought my Corvette from a UK specialist who has a man in the US who looks for reasonably good but inexpensive cars. I know for sure that hes doing very nicely making a good mark up on the cars but im perfectly ok with that, i would prefer to pay more to avoid the lottery of good/bad car (plus im lazy).
If they wish to pay an even higher mark up in the EU then thats up to them, we are paying good money in the UK considering what they sell for in the US.
Roscobbc
Moderator
Being realistic.......the seemingly unexhaustible supply of 70's Vettes from the USA must at some point either dry-up......or the sellers start demanding more money for the cars as they become fewer in numbers. With low land and associated property costs in many parts of the 'States many people whether cars enthusiasts or not have huge garage and dry storage spaces. When the 'septic's had a good economy, full employment levels even the most humble factory worker could easily afford a new car. Many were bought, perhaps used for a few years until something went wrong or they got fed-up the car and simply left it languishing in the back of the garage and forgot about it - they just wern't worth anything for many years - after all it was a lo-po mid 70's smog era Vette and considered a shade of its former late 60's self. The 'States has been 'drip-feeding' the UK with these vehicles for years. They are still 'out there' for those who are prepared to go find them, pay someone else to do ity - or - buy once it comes on to the UK market. But, but, but you need to be careful, so careful - there is a lost of crap being bought for relative peanuts over there and sold here in the UK by 'chancers' (not reputable specialist traders). £20K for a mid 70's Vette would seem to be the limit - for that money you could potentially get a really nice car with a number of upgrades.
Nassau65
CCCUK Member
Yes, I do think that £22k IS strong money for a mid 70’s Corvette. I personally don’t think any corvette in reasonable condition was considered a cheap yank. Camaro’s firebird’s Mustang’s yes. Corvette’s no. Of all American cars produced, once secondhand they were always the most expensive.
Cars are worth different amounts in different countries. During the 70’s and 80’s were we’re bringing them ( US vehicles ) in from Belgium. Again not Corvettes as they were by far the most expensive US car out there, and in very short supply a very rare sight on Belgium roads. They were Worth about the same there as in the UK to buy without our import tax etc.
It is now getting harder to find reasonable priced mid 70’s Corvettes in the US. Prices for nice usable cars has gone up considerably as the home market for them has picked up, and our own exchange rate is not favourable pound to dollar.
They are out there but take some finding, and of course the American guys are looking as well. I’ve been out bid or beaten to the post 5 times in the last three weeks on 74-82 cars. I would have pulled my hair out in frustration if I had any.
Cars are worth different amounts in different countries. During the 70’s and 80’s were we’re bringing them ( US vehicles ) in from Belgium. Again not Corvettes as they were by far the most expensive US car out there, and in very short supply a very rare sight on Belgium roads. They were Worth about the same there as in the UK to buy without our import tax etc.
It is now getting harder to find reasonable priced mid 70’s Corvettes in the US. Prices for nice usable cars has gone up considerably as the home market for them has picked up, and our own exchange rate is not favourable pound to dollar.
They are out there but take some finding, and of course the American guys are looking as well. I’ve been out bid or beaten to the post 5 times in the last three weeks on 74-82 cars. I would have pulled my hair out in frustration if I had any.
Mr. Cricket
Committee Member
One of our NW members has bought two from Oldcott a '74 Corvette and a newer Challenger and swears by them. They do seem to find low mileage examples
Forrest Gump
CCCUK regional rep
Has James gone and bought a Mustang??
James Vette
CCCUK Member
Looks good but a bit pricey.