Value difference on '63 Coupe Matching# or not.

[Jeff Debs]

Hello all!
I've got a '63 327/340 Saddle/Saddle leather coupe that is fully restored. It's got only 2,600 miles on it since the speedo was zero'd at frame-off restoration 7 yrs. ago.
The frame is a replacement from a '65 big block, it's got a '65 rear (fully rebuilt 3.73 posi), '65 4 speed trans, 63 327/340 block (from a '63 of later production), brand-new blot-on knock off's, perfect chrome, stainless is in good but not excellent condition, and the entire car is in basically, freshly restored condition for the past 6 years or so.

Now that you've got a "picture-in-your-mind" of this car, I'm curious to learn how many of you out there, more experienced that I, view this car from a value perspective. I.E.,...what would you say the "general" difference would be in real dollars between this car, and another with the condition being identical, but the other car having all matching #'s?

In other words, how much in dollar terms does having matching #'s drive up the price?
Thankyou in advance for all that reply.
JD

[Jack layton #896]

Re: Value difference on '63 Coupe Matching# or not

Value is in the eye of the beholder. If the "beholder" is well healed $$$$ then he may not give a hoot about the relationship of some old numbers. Esp. if the price is $25k-$35K range. What becomes important to the beholder is 1. I like it. 2. it's in great shape. 3. It's here available now. 4. No long distance wild goose trips ect. 5. Will you take a check? Now the game may change a little as you approach major dollars. As you approach $50K a buyer will expect a little more
than a "pretty" face. Although a 63 Split window has a general desireability which may carry it into the $40's without needing much documentation as long as it is in the shape you have described. Remember that the buyers financial ability is a large portion of the equation. SHINE SELLS! I know this is not a "numbers" answer but it will give you a greater perspective on "value".

[Jeff Debs]

Re: Value difference on '63 Coupe Matching# or not

Hi Jack,
Your perspective on my post is very true in the way many transactions within our/this hobbie occur.
Even though your response didn't actually answer my question,..it nuntheless did provide me with another valuable way of looking at the "Big picture."
Thankyou for your input.
JD

[Duke W.]

Re: Value difference on '63 Coupe Matching# or not

Jacks reponse was excellent. To paraphrase "value is in the eye of the beholder" - a car is worth what someone is willing to pay for it.

A two year old Corvette is basically a commodity, so the value range is easy to peg. At this point in time each 39 year old Corvette is unique, and its unique value is in its history. Is in an original unrestored car? A Duntov quality restoration, or a nicely restored car with a lot of "incorrect" parts that may limit it to no higher than Second Flight in NCRS judging?

You have to bounce this off what your objective is. Do you want to achieve a Top Flight or Duntov award, or do you want a nice restored car that you can drive and enjoy? If you want a car to go to local shows and cruises it may well win trophies along with accolades from spectators because they don't know/care that it has a '65 BB frame and other "incorrect" parts. They just seeing a virtually new looking SWC - with a rare color to boot - and appreciate it.

You have to understand what you want, what you are willing to spend, and then determine if you are willing to pay the market price will to achieve your ownership objectives.

Duke

[David H.]

Re: Value difference on '63 Coupe Matching# or not

Jeff;
This car sounds very "sellable" to the person wanting a swc without having to rebuild or restore it. The big part of the work is done. when it is advertized as you mentioned (ad says what it is) the buyer can make the choice as to whether he/she would want to make major, but doable, changes over time to make the car exactly corect, or take it and enjoy just the way it is.

I think that body modifications hurt the price more than drive-train and therefore would bring the cost down more. Any restored car is "modified" from original so carries with it the value problems that the market will bear. After said car recieves certificates the price should be higher because this assures the buyers that the work was done properly and did not hurt the value but indeed helped it.

For real numbers in differance I would say 5k to 7k from top price on a "certified" restored 63. This would give the buyers and yourself a cushion, for them to look for corect parts, (whether they intend to replace or not), and for you to make the car move beter in a restored car market.

I sold a 69 camaro that was a Z-28 clone and had all the right parts to put it the way it really came and got very close to what I was asking because it was advertized as a clone and priced about 1/2 between a real z and the market for a restoed camaro. Every-one was happy except the people that wanted it to be a real Z-28.

I also have the oportunity to purchase a 63 sadle/sadle coupe with N.O.M and shark body mods for about 9.5k. The car has No rust anywhere and would make a great project car, but if I would want to put the body right then the price becomes too high at -0- as the cost to do that and the unoriginal glass at the end would never bring what your car will.
Your car may be more desirable because of the frame as disc brakes can be easily placed on, as oposed to changing the frame to original and back to drums. Well I've done my damage sory for the long post; David

[Robert C.]

Re: Value difference on '63 Coupe Matching# or not

Jeff, When I appraise a Corvette and the engine is a replacement I generally deduct $5k. Same with a car the wrong color.

[Robert Nissenbaum]

Re: Value difference on '63 Coupe Matching# or not

Jeff, as a follow up, when you appraise a car with a NOM, is the $5k pretty much a flat deduction, or based on how much of the motor is non original. I am sitting with a wrong block and everything else correct (or at least the goal when done restoring her). Does this affect value differently?

[John C.]

Re: Value difference on '63 Coupe Matching# or not

Here's my opinion: with as many '63 coupes as there are for sale I wouldn't give any more than $30k for one with as many non-original parts as yours no matter how nice it looked. If you got any more than that, then you probably found a buyer that didn't know the market.