This is the second of our five-part series where we take an in depth look at the factors that drive Corvette values. Yesterday, we looked at the Quantity Factor. Today, our attention turns to Condition.

Like any used car, pricing and valuations are based on the Corvette’s present condition at the time of the sale. Many like to use the 1 to 5 scale with 1 or C1 (Condition 1) being excellent, show quality and 5 or C5 (Condition 5) being a project car that is usually not running or unassembled in some fashion. Pricing between these points on the scale can vary wildly so it is important to know what your chosen Corvette model can be purchased for at any point on the condition scale. Most of the price guides will give you an idea as to what the price should be along each point of the scale or at the very least, a High, Low and Average figure.

Corvettes that have been restored are generally classified as excellent, show condition. They are usually a 1 or 2 on the Condition Scale. There are usually two types of restorations. Frame-off or Body-off restorations refer to the car being completely torn down with all components and body panels removed from the frame, and then reassembled. A Body-On restoration refers to a Corvette that may have had as complete a restoration as possible without removing the body panels from the frame. Some Corvettes may have been restored several years prior and are sometimes referred to as an older restoration. These Corvettes may be a 2 or even a 3 on the Condition Scale.

Then there are the Corvettes have been so well taken care of, that restoration may not be needed. At the Bloomington Gold Corvette Show, a separate class called Survivor was created for these unrestored, original Corvettes. While a Survivor Corvette may not be as polished as a restored Corvette, make no mistake that the condition of a Survivor Corvette’s value based on condition may just as well make it as valuable as that of one that has recently went through a frame-off restoration.

Lastly, there is the Project Corvette. Oh yes, the project car, with all its potential and a seductively low price that can lure you in and trap you. Unless you are experienced in the mechanical and body issues that a project Corvette will have, as well as having the budget, you are best advised to leave these examples to the professionals.

Many times you’ll be looking at Corvettes for sale and come across an ad for a “freshly restored” model, but the price seems to be thousands more than Corvettes in similar condition. This pricing anomaly could be the result of someone who got into a project and ended up spending way more than Corvette is worth.

On Wednesday, our attention turns to Options.

The Five Factors that Drive Corvette Values:
Part One: Quantity
Part Two: Condition
Part Three: Options

Quality, condition and options are important. However, if the Sandy Koufax Corvette he was awarded for either the 63 or 65 World Series ever surfaced, it would be a hit in either an off color or powerglide. Where is that car?
Thanks.

Freddie:

You are talking about one of the X-Factors in Corvette valuations - a Corvette that is either a celebrity or owned by one. We see them on eBay every once in awhile. The more popular the celebrity, the more the car is worth.

Thanks for the visit.

Keith

Yo Freddie, About sandy koufaxs corvette stingray he won in 65, my grandfather had that car for many years in burbank as the story went he bought it off a lot in the valley when koufax traded it in for a new one. I remember there was a plaque on the console,awarded to sandy koufax for MVP.When I got my license,I was allowed to drive the car one time,[with gramps ridin shotgun] back from george barris shop and Ill never forget that, how much do you think it would fetch today, I sure he let it go for under 10.000 in the late 80s-he had alzhiemers