C2 moving to Germany, what to do?

[Bill Farmer]

My wife and I have been in the Air Force for 13 years. Just got the Corvette I have always wanted in May. I went into work Friday, checked my email, and received notification that I got orders to Germany. Like I said, I bought the car May, drove it for a week or two, blew the engine and it has been in the shop since. It should be back on the road in another month. That leaves me with only about 4 months before I will have to ship it. If I sold it, I believe I could make a small(and I mean small) profit. We can retire after 20 years. So, we are going to try to stay the remaining 6 years over there. We will be there for 4 years no matter what. I have no one that I trust or has the facility to keep the car. I could store it but what do they care. It would not be a good idea to let it set for 6 years. What would you guys do? Thanks for the advice in advance. Bill#44207

By the way, the AF will ship the car for free.

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 moving to Germany, what to do?

Bill-----

Ship it to Germany. When you eventually return, have it shipped back. Make sure that all necessary engine and other repairs are completed BEFORE shipping it to Germany as the cost and difficulty of repairs will be compounded if you wait until the car is in Germany to perform them.

[Jim K.]

Re: C2 moving to Germany, what to do?

Airforce to ship car for free??? Seems like that's your answer, take it with you, maybe you can sell it in a few years to someone over there. I hear American muscle goes for big money overseas. then you can buy/build a better one when you get home... just my thoughts...
Good luck!!!
Jim

[Ian S.]

Re: C2 moving to Germany, what to do?

I would take it to Germany no questions asked. Beautiful driving especially if you can get down to Bavaria!

Ian

[Steve D.]

Re: C2 moving to Germany, what to do?

Bill

Keep the car; it's one of life's spices.

By the way, how did you blow the engine?

Steve

[Mike M.]

Can you say "Autobahn" and Corvette on Autobahn *NM*

[Klaus Friedrich #33362]

Re: C2 moving to Germany, what to do?

Hi Bill,

hope to see you here in Germany.
If you need advice or help, let me know.

Corvette and Germany:
- Don't drive too long on our "Autobahn" - the Corvette is overheating fast. And it is no fun getting passed by Smarts.
- Remember our gas prices: 1.50 Euro per litre = app. $5 per gallon.

If you come to Bavaria, there are many many beautiful streets there and a big Corvette Club in Munich.
Enjoy it! But be prepared that driving in Germany is more offensive than in the States.

Greetings from Germany
Klaus

[Gary #41345]

Re: C2 moving to Germany, what to do?

Don't know about Europe, American muscle has a whole new meaning there today than it used to back in the good old days.....But I do hear the Japanese are buying Corvettes older versions and shipping them back to Japan where they are making excellent profits with them. Ummmmm or are they taking them apart to duplicate them????? Wouldn't be the first time for them. Automobile Magazine rates the 100 coolest cars of all time and the C2 takes the number 1 spot over some good competition and the wheels roll on........

[Bill Farmer]

Re: C2 moving to Germany, what to do?

Klaus, I heard that insurance is very high based on the size of the engine. I have a 427. How far is Ramstein from Munich? Thanks Bill

[Ian S.]

Re: C2 moving to Germany, what to do?

I think it is about 4 hours to munich.

[John H.]

Re: C2 moving to Germany, what to do?

Don't know if it applies to American servicemen, but I understand the German TUV safety inspection is quite demanding; perhaps Klaus can comment.

[mike cobine]

Re: C2 moving to Germany, what to do?

You need to discuss with Klaus and with your AF contacts in great detail as to what will be needed.

Some places require a separate turn signal from the brake light, so you will have to attached some type of turn signal to the rear. You may also have to change some lenses. A lot will depend on what the requirements are for the year of your car.

Insurance, you need to get an idea of that asap. It will be different for the GI vs the civilian. The AF should be able to help you contact a few over there to find out BEFORE you decide to ship, because you won't be able to take delivery of it without all the insurance and paperwork in order.

Parts, stock up. You won't find a Pep Boys around the corner carrying a PF25 or AC-44 plugs. Need some hoses? Sure, you can get a friend back here to send you some, but the return is rough if they don't fit right.

Selling. Things may be different now, but for a long time, the GI couldn't sell his car to the locals without paying a heavy tax. That is because under the NATO agreements you were able to bring your car in without the import duties because the country assumed you would be leaving with it. And how many GIs will afford the price of a C2 these days?

Garage space. Premium. Those towns were built 500 to 1000 years ago, before anyone had a dream of a car. You think sections of towns over here that were built in the teens and '20s with the Model T-sized garage are bad, try a place that has no garages or very few. I had a duplex in England where the garage was just big enough to get a Lotus Elite in, but make sure your passenger got out outside.

Housing. While Europe is growing and getting newer style housing, you may not. Some base housing on US bases were built around 1945.

Recommendations:
1. Find someone who has recently returned who is a car nut and talk to them.
2. Find someone over there now who is a car nut and talk to them.
3. Explore the costs and problems.

[Dave B.]

Re: C2 moving to Germany, what to do?

Talk to USAA in San Antonio about insurance, if you haven't already. Some of the best GI insurance, including overseas. Good luck, have a good tour, and check 6.
Dave

[Bill Farmer]

Re: C2 moving to Germany, what to do?

Steve, I dropped a valve, punched a hole in the piston, punched a hole in the head, and scored the #5 cylinder wall. We sleeved #5 and they were able to repair the head. I was just driving down the road. No racing, hot*******, nothing. How is your 63 coming along? Bill

[Steve D.]

Re: C2 moving to Germany, what to do?

Bill

Ouch! If it blows when you have your foot in it , that's ok; but to have it blow when you're being a solid citizen, that's a bummer.

The 63 is going back together. As soon as I get the engine cranked (perhaps tonight) and lined out, the body can go back on. A New Year's day drive, perhaps?

Good luck in your new post.

Steve