chapter top flight designation and increased value to car

[Patrick C.]

I'm considering investing in my 1967 327/350 convertible car in beautiful condition to compete for chapter top flight, then possibly regional. So I can decide if I want to make the investment, what is the typical payback in value (% or $) I could expect to achieve if the car is awarded top flight? Is their added value, or is it more the honor? Realize we're dealing in generalities. Many thanks.

[Hank D.]

[Mark F.]

Re: chapter top flight designation and increased value to car

Hello Patrick –

From the NCRS Judging Reference Manual:
“Judging is NOT intended, nor has it ever been, for the purpose of determining market value of a Corvette”.

That said, some buyers may pay attention to awards the car has receive, but the award is only as good as the day it was earned and presented in the opinion of the particular judges on that day. Also, remember that the car is in competition only with itself. It’s judged to the standard of appearance and condition at the time of sale to its original purchaser.

I encourage you to have your car judged regardless. It’s the best way to learn more about it and provide you the opportunity to improve it as you desire. It’s also fun and a great opportunity to meet and interact with other NCRS members.

Very well put, Hank !

and Patrick, welcome to the TDB...

I would encourage you to buy and study both of these documents (if you don't already have them):

• NCRS Judging Reference Manual (JRM)
• NCRS 1967 Technical Information Manual and Judging Guide (TIMJG)

Understanding both of these documents should lead you to no surprirses when you go to your first event.

Good Luck !

[Patrick C.]

Re: chapter top flight designation and increased value to car

Many thanks guys! Yes I have the JRM

[Gary B.]

Re: chapter top flight designation and increased value to car

Patrick,





Gary

[Thomas S.]

Re: chapter top flight designation and increased value to car

Absolutely perfect. Lots of corvettes on the market with old judging dates. Also many that state the car was judged by a prior owner, not the person selling the car.

[Tim G.]

Re: chapter top flight designation and increased value to car

Many for sale adds say "ready for judging", that makes me run. Get it judged and see how it does in a real-world situation.

[Tony S.]

Re: chapter top flight designation and increased value to car

What Hank said! 👍

[Mark S.]

Re: chapter top flight designation and increased value to car

I just sold one of my Corvettes, and I believe that the recent Chapter Top Flight award added value to the selling price. There were several buyers interested in its Top Flight status (that came from the comments). One will see from some of the national auctions that the NCRS award is an added plus to the Corvette. Yes, I started this as a hobby, however it sometimes comes down to cold hard cash

[Kevin G.]

Re: chapter top flight designation and increased value to car

Your largest return on the investment would be knowledge, priceless, "so precious that its value cannot be determined."

[Bob B.]

Re: chapter top flight designation and increased value to car

"Investing" in restoring your older Corvette is like "Investing" in your golf game- do it simply because you love the game. I have spent a bit restoring my Corvettes and I love "the game" not as a investment. If I hear of a Corvette for sale I am interested in and it has achieved a TOP Flight I am pretty confident a group of the best available judges have spent a fair piece of their time and considerable knowledge and experience looking over that car. Does that mean it is perfect, NO but it sure gives me a lot better idea the car is pretty darn nice --- and pretty authentic. To me, that is a pretty attractive investment of time and money. Just my two cents.

[Kenneth B.]

Re: chapter top flight designation and increased value to car

I too would buy a recently judged Corvette over one that was not. Most of the time chapter judges are the same people that judge at the regionals.

[Pancho T.]

Re: chapter top flight designation and increased value to car

Patrick,

Gary is right on the money here

[Kenneth B.]

Re: chapter top flight designation and increased value to car

Gary is right on the money here

I agree. I saw it happen at a Arizona regional when i had my 70 454 judged. A guy had a C-1 that he took a half trunk load of parts off his Corvette 7 replaced with (I ASSUME) repo parts. From gas cap to radiator cap. You still half to know what you are looking at with any car you are buying. Buy the car not the story.