1957 Corvette

[Cal Metal]

Brian:

There used to be a guy in Ohio that took a lot of people down in the parts/cars area. His name was Terry something or other. Declared bankrupcy and took some people down. He got me for $3.75 on his brochure that I never received. Actually received five notices from the bankruptcy judge. Wonder what that cost the taxpayers?

I would NEVER buy a Corvette from a dealer unless he was a brother or a close friend. If you want a premium car--no stories--go to NCRS and look through their list of members and see what is for sale. The one nice thing about NCRS, if a car is Top Flighted,' it has been picked over with a set of tweezers. When the judges examine these cars it looks like a crime scene investigation. Some people think the boys at NCRS are a little anal over "correctness", but this is a good example where the buyer has to be thankful that they are the quality organization that they are.

Personally, I think that this market is soft. Dana Mecum aka Mecum Auctions, who owns some very rare factory "one off" Corvettes, said that, generally, $50,000 is becoming the threshold for many collectibles right now. The solid axle cars (53-62) don't enjoy the pricing they did a few years ago. Even the mid years (63-67) show some softening.

[bnewell]

Cal Metal,

I couldn't agree with you more!! This whole vette market is just one of things that steered me to the Cobras. It seems as though most of the cars out there have too many stories that go with them!! The name was Terry Macalis (spelling?) and he is still the owner of Pro Team. I have heard some other stories about the place but I do not feel they should published on a public forum such as this.

Brian

[mrmustang]

Brian,

I used the corvette folks as an example (after first looking at their site this morning), they can ask what ever they like, but the car will not sell to anyone unless they have no clue as to what they are buying. With that said, I based my initial estimate of this particular cars worth all on the description by the owners son (who is posting it here for his father). Based on this, and the knowledge of what is and what has not selling at the larger auctions over the last year or so (and what it cost to make a car like this into a Top Flight winner), I stand by my original estimation. Since my client is not interested in the car, and I do not want it for myself, I would say that I have been most fair in what the "true market value" is, or is not (as I always have been on this forum). Compare apples to apples, and we are all fine, compare apples to oranges, and nothing will ever work out between your opinion and mine..........I've rambled on enough, time to take my son to Pizza Hut and bond for a while........


Sincerely,

Bill S.

[bnewell]

Bill,

I understand completely!! In todays economy, asking prices and selling prices are two totally different figures. Happy holidays and have a great time with your son!!

Brian

[Ikestaa]

Wow. My dad was upset to hear that a local collector car dealer valued it at 32,000. Mrmustang, I'm sure you know your stuff, but there is no way he will sell it for low to mid 20's. All I know is that I have seen many 57 vettes for sale online and in Hemmings and the only cars in the 20's were in pieces.

[Cal Metal]

Ike:

Mr. Mustang is being candid. I would have to think that the car would have to be pretty complete with the original motor sitting in the car to realize a high dollar value. These cars have to be pretty clean these days to get maximum value. Everything from body to interior to frame to drivetrain has to be right up to snuff.

The '57 is a very significant Corvette but today it is sought after primarily by collectors. They typically want only Top Flight cars---no stories. NCRS top Flight designation precludes one from buying a car with hidden problems, missing components, or a questionable history.

In no way am I being critical of your car, as none of us have seen it; however, to get the top dollar with this marque, most everything about it must be close to concourse condition. For most buyers, the era of the "fixer upper" Corvette is long gone unless it is a bargain basement steal or the car is "option" significant (Fuel Injection, Big Brake, 579E option) to make it worthwhile to restore. There aren't many of those left.

Tell your Dad to enjoy it. The '57 is one of the great designs of that era. I have owned four of them over the past thirty years. Still my favorite--- bar none.

[Fuelvette]

Hi guys, I have owned my 63 fuelie Blk/Blk SWC Top Flighted (3 times) for about 3 years now and I have learned a couple of things:

#1-Stay away from the large place in Ohio..many a man has been screwed by them (go to www.corvetteforum.com and search)
#2-There are lots of nice cars available privately, and as with anythign else cash is king...so asking prices are usually not indicative of the market (I love 67s, however who ever would pay $120k for a restored car is nuts..an original with 5k miles maybe...
#3-As matching #s plays a huge role in the value of these cars, there are lots of counterfeits....I suggest having an NCRS judge look at any car you might buy that has been represented as original
#4- They are wonderful cars......and a nice midyear or solid axle at the right price is a decent investment (as far as cars go...)...there is a huge demand for these cars...

Hope this helps!!!

Oh yes, many of these guys never drive their cars...after having owned my car for 2 months I encountered a guy at a show with a beautiful 63 that he owned for 14 years... and asked him his rpm at 60 (to determine which rear he had) and he told me he didn't know..its only seen trailer duty..that is pathetic!!!
Regards,
Jordan

[Ikestaa]

Hey Fuelie, could you give me your email. I was wondering if you could give me advice on my dad's 57 he is selling. I have some exterior, engine compartment, and interior pictures. If you would like to keep it private, email me at Ikestaa@home.com