69 435hp...what's it worth???

**Robert S.** · January 8, 2007, 02:57 PM

Re: 69 435hp...what's it worth???

Can't help with the value...but NOM means non(t) original motor.

Good luck with your search

**Steven C.** · January 8, 2007, 04:54 PM

Re: 69 435hp...what's it worth???

Greg,

I'm about halfway through putting my '69 L71 roadster on the road. Original block, original trans, original tuxedo black paint, 2-tops. Came to me with the front clip off/disassembled.

To use your description, almost everything was very, very tired. I paid under $12k, and still firmly believe that I stole it.

I think that if you can find a complete, tired, tripower roadster with documentation and original block, that you'll pay $15k-$30k for a project car. At the bottom end, if you can do some/all work yourself...you are in bargain territory. At the high end, with a professional frame-off, you'll probably be somewhere near market value.

One other opinion, a documented tripower roadster will always be easier to sell, in any market and in any condition, than any other C3 I can think of.

Steve

**Greg L.** · January 8, 2007, 09:55 PM

Re: 69 435hp...what's it worth???

Hey Steve I have an offer that you can't refuse...how about a 200% return on your "investment"! Ah just kidding...or am I... Sounds like you have what I'm looking for though and the $15k-$30k is in my ballpark so my dream might just happen some day...$30k is really pushing it though!

My preference would be one like yours but I'm not really set it because I think I'd be just as happy with a L68 A/C convert or a L71 coupe and I wouldn't want to miss out on a good example of one those if I was only looking for one like yours.

I understand what you say about documentaion but I would think that it's much easier to fake documents than it would be to fake an engine pad so I was thinking that as long as the pad looked right that I would be okay. Maybe I'm wrong about that because I really don't know much about that part of the hobby. This again is why I would like to get a tired original rather than a "done up" one. I was never concerned about documentaion with my car because I've had it so long that I know that it is what it is. It is also a Canadian car so if I ever needed paper work I would just phone GM of Canada...plus I don't think anyone is forging L36 cars. I see though that I will have to educate myself a bit on this so that I don't get taken down the road.

Anyways, would you happen to know how to go about finding one of these project cars? Ebay is obvious...just wait and pay. I do check the Driveline but there isn't much for 69's. Most of the sites I have seen only have drivers or restored cars so I hit a dead end there too. I am in no rush what so ever but I figured that I would start to keep an eye open just in case the "right one" came along so any L68 or L71 hunting advice here would be appreciated!

**Tom D.** · January 8, 2007, 11:38 PM

I'd Call Canada soon - Before they change...

their mind about documentation service.

Tom D.
4889

**Verle R.** · January 9, 2007, 09:15 AM

Re: 69 435hp...what's it worth???

Greg,

would you happen to know how to go about finding one of these project cars?

This should be a continuing process. When you are talking to car people, not just Corvette people, always ask if they know someone with an old Corvette. Follow all leads until they reach a dead end or reach a car. Be prepared for 90% (more likely 99%) failure rate, but that one time ever few years you make a find is worth it. If you are real lucky you find a desirable car, otherwise you find an old, tired, NOM beater that is not worth restoring and they want $40,000 for it. Just found a 60 in that catagory. I have found a few treasures and lot of beaters. I have found some nice people and met a couple of shotguns. Be prepared to retreat!

You can find those cars on Ebay and Driveline but they will probably be no bargain.

Good luck

Verle

**Steven C.** · January 9, 2007, 10:41 AM

Re: 69 435hp...what's it worth???

Excellent advice from Verle.

On mine (as Joe Lucia says NOT FOR SALE, but thanks for the offer), I first spotted the car ~5 years ago, and was firmly told that the car was not for sale. I remained in contact with the owner, and he came back to me 2 years ago...but wanting to sell this car, a car hauler, and a '71 NOM complete vert only as a package.

I didn't have the means to fulfill that dream, and told him...fearful but aware that I might miss out on the '69. Fortunately, he found other buyers for the hauler and other car.

I think, as Verle appears to, that two things are important: persistence, and getting the word out about what you are seeking.

I agree with you on a good pad being most important, part of my point was that the values swing widely based on POP and/or tank sticker.

Good luck,

Steve

**Greg L.** · January 9, 2007, 07:00 PM

Re: 69 435hp...what's it worth???

Thanks for your input guys.

I was just thinking about how I ended up with the cars that I have and realized that I just kinda fell into them. Actually that's not totally true because back when I got my 69, all I was looking for was a 68-69 427 Vette and just happened to see it in the Winnipeg Free Press. I remember asking the guy on the phone if it had the three carbs and he just kinda laughed and said no. I also remember him not being to keen on selling me the car because of my age!

He asked me a few questions about Corvettes in general like if I knew what ignition shielding was and if I realized that it still had the original engine as well as what I was going to do with the car if he sold it to me and I guess I answered them okay because the deal was made. This was long before the internet so that plus the Auto Trader was the only way to find old cars back then. All the other ones just happened to be in the right place at the right time so I never really have gone looking for a specific car. I'll try the word of mouth thing but I don't have much hope for that in this part of the country because there just isn't many up here...you never know though.

I know that you won't likely get a deal in the Driveline and especially on ebay but I'm more concerned with finding the right car than saving a few bucks. My Dad missed a lot of good 58-60 Corvettes when he was looking 15 or so years ago because he always wanted a deal rather than pay market value. I remember of a blue 60 Fuelie in South San Fransisco for $14k. Fuelie unit was missing but other than that it was a nice clean running car. I haven't told him what they are worth today!

Anyways thanks again for the advice. I guess if there is no secret to finding these cars I'll just try and spead the word and I'll keep my eyes open!

**Verle R.** · January 10, 2007, 07:38 AM

Re: 69 435hp...what's it worth???

Greg,

You may be suprised how many old Corvettes are in your area. They are setting in garages, barns and sometimes outside, often covered with "stuff" so they are not visible even if the door is open.

I have been searching for years and know of a number of cars within 25 miles of me. These cars have been out of sight for a long time so are unknown to the Corvette community. Most are not for sale now, "I'm going to fix it up some day."

Keep looking, you will find what you want.

Verle

**Ronnie Rains** · January 10, 2007, 01:00 PM

Re: 69 435hp...what's it worth???

I just bought a 69 cpe 435/auto for $31,000.00. Very restorable car with all the parts and some extra features F41/CY-M40/Ao1/A85J50/N14/N37N40/TJ2/UA6/U15/U69/leather
I think i paid top dollar but is a good place to start.
RDR

**Dick W.** · January 10, 2007, 03:44 PM

Re: 69 435hp...what's it worth???

Sounds like a neat car Ronnie. The key word in your post is "with all the parts". There are some $3k-$5k parts that sometimes do not come with those cars

69 435hp...what's it worth???

69 435hp...what's it worth???

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