Found a C2

**Al Corelli** · November 9, 2002, 12:00 AM

Re: Found a C2

I'd be curious as to why the engine was rebuilt with so little mileage. I'd also take a very good look at the stamp pad, and all numbers.

In my opinion (no offense), an UNMOLESTED car does NOT have a rebuilt engine.
It would be, well, UNmolested.

AC

**Riley** · November 9, 2002, 12:23 AM

Re: Found a C2

AL,

I do not pretend to have the terminology right but I was advised by a long time trusted friend who is the founder/Pres. of one of largest Corvette clubs up here that this 1966 sat in a garage from 1971 (owners wife hated the car) for 19years under cover. The engine seized up and it was re-done. Now to what extent it was re-done, I'm still checking on this......I also have two very Knowledgable corvette mechanics here that can speak to this cars authenticity......thank-you for your input!! I

**Gary S.** · November 9, 2002, 05:50 AM

Re: Found a C2

As Al suggested, unmolested can be a matter of semantics. As a matter of preference, I prefer cars that have not been restored. I love the look of restored cars, but the thought of a well-maintained, unretored car just seems to me to be the ultimate. When I was looking at a fairly "unmolested" and unrestored car, one member of this board put it quite nicely: "a car can only be original once". Or he said something very close to that.

Gary

**Richard S.** · November 9, 2002, 08:42 AM

Re: Found a C2

Riley, the price sounds quite fair....depending on exactly how much you will want to "restore" the car, if at all. There are many questions to ask yourself before you buy in this price range. Your proflie says you live in B.C. where you have the opportunity to drive the car most of the year. Will you want to drive the car on a regular basis? You're looking at a collector car with full documentation. The 66 425 horse cars are one of the most desirable of the 63 to 67 models. Driving a car with original everything and full documentation can make you feel somewhat uncomfortable when driving. Some, on the other hand, are satisfied just owning a "survivor" car.
On the other hand, take it from me, it's a real thrill to drive these cars, especially the big blocks....so much for your "joy of ownership" question.
As respects "survivor" versus "restored" again, this depends on how you feel about looking at one or the other in your garage. If you're like me you'll want it to look it's best...so I restored. I couldn't look at a Vette like this and not want it to look and drive like it just came off the showroom floor. Then there is the fun and effort requird to keep it looking that way while driving it 10,000 miles a summer. On the other hand if you're not going to drive it and you get more out of owning a "survivor" car you can trailer it.
As respects value, there are "buyers" for both "survivor" and "restored" cars. Will one be more "valuable" than the other in a few years? Possibly. It only makes sense that there are fewer and fewer "survivor" cars out there. But how many buyers are there for "survivors"? Mostly the NCRS people who can see the beauty in originality....even if it does not look very good. On the other hand, there always seems to be "newbies" around to pay auction prices for pristine Mershon or Pro Team or Corvette Mike "restored" cars.
And of course there is the joy and satisfaction to be had from correctly restoring a car such as the one you describe. This can become a wonderful part of your life if you are into a restoration and your life will be enriched by meeting and interacting with most of the members of the NCRS who share your love of these cars....and a 66 425 horse convertible is certainly one worth the considerable cost involved in working towards a "Top Flight" car.
(You should also know that if you want a "restored" car it is often less expensive to buy one already done than it is to "body off" a "survivor".)
Your post seems to focus on "value", so I'll say again "correctly restoring". This means correct/original parts and experienced workmanship. Anything less and you devalue your car.
So...let me see...."good to own"...one of the best..."right price"....seems to be...."good investment"....without a doubt......"joy of ownersip"....more joy than you can imagine....
So....what are you waiting for?
Just one last comment...the car you are looking at is highly sought after....don't wait too long....and take an expert with you to look at the pad, tags and paperwork. There are fakes out there and you can't be too careful. Best of luck.

**Larry S.** · November 9, 2002, 01:23 PM

Re: Found a C2

I have a over restored 1966 427/425 convertable.The body is sharp as an arrow.Not a riple in it.2 Years ago I had the pleasure of seeing 2 true survivor cars the difference was night and day.My choice of course would be a true survivor.
In my area a poorley restored 66/67 b/b car
(meaning car is actually NOT restored just and old lady in a new dress)
is going for those numbers.

**Wayne C.** · November 9, 2002, 02:58 PM

Re: Found a C2

If you really can verify it's authenticity, and can live with it the way it is (sounds nice enough to me) and house it in a heated garage...

the price is right, buy it.

**John Pickens** · November 9, 2002, 03:40 PM

Re: Found a C2

I am a "newbie" but a careful shopper- learned more about C2 than I thought
possible in the last 6 months, and attended several shows and auctions, am reading the books, etc.-sounds like this is one to buy if all numbers pan out.

**Loren L.** · November 9, 2002, 04:05 PM

Don't forget - Canadian cars can

be documented through their import paperwork.

**Patrick H.** · November 9, 2002, 04:58 PM

Re: Found a C2

Is that why we both own unrestored cars?

Many of us have used the phrase that it's only original once, as Gary mentions. It's true. Personally I make sure to pass that piece of information on to anyone I can. In fact, I recently purchased my aforementioned unrestored car from a friend who found it SO nice and original that he didn't want to own it if he couldn't "tweak" it. I was happy to take it off his hands.

I know that Dale Pearman loves to say as well that every time someone modifies their Corvettes, the value of his unrestored ones creeps up a little more.

If the car is what you say it is, I'd go for it.

Patrick

**Al Corelli** · November 9, 2002, 10:05 PM

Re: Found a C2

OK
At least we now know why it was rebuilt. I had no idea from tour post that there was that much info on the car.

AC

**Wayne M.** · November 10, 2002, 03:29 PM

Alas, prior to '67, only....

...the VIN, dealer #, shipping date (from Windsor, Ont ?), Trim and Paint codes are available in GM Canada records. Of the 381 '66 Corvettes sent north, my collection has only 35% of them. I see only one maroon on tan convertible, but about 5 coupes.

**Kevin T.** · November 11, 2002, 07:29 PM

Re: Found a C2

That was an awesome answer. I wish I had sought out these types of opinions and information before I became one of those "newbie" buyers who allow their emotions to overrule their better judgements.

Found a C2

Found a C2

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