I have been looking at C-2 coupes. I have 4 differant ones that I am interested in. 1 has full documentation from day 1. 1 of the 67's has paperwork back to 1981. And the other 2 have no paper trail at all. How important should this be in the decision to buy a car???Thanks in advance for the advise! Tom Stanton #41491
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Re: Importance of paperwork?
The rarer the car, the more important the paperwork. (Legitimate paperwork, not forged.) I personally would pay significantly more for a vehicle with original paperwork and documentation, but I'm an originality nut. My favorite Corvette is not my nicest one, but my most original one.
A documented car will always have, other things being equal, more value than one that is not documented.
(As an aside, the only Vette I've ever had (out of 80+) that had the original window sticker, warranty book, etc., is my 65 convertible. The problem with that is that it is a base-motor, 3-speed car with two options: radio, and whitewalls. Change it to a 4-speed, and it doesn't match the window sticker!) -
Re: Importance of paperwork?
It's a big deal at BJ but have you ever noticed the paper work under glass looks like they were just printed. Crisp and clean with no wriggling.
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Re: Importance of paperwork?
I know I would feel more comfortable with paperwork. The thing is one of the cars with no paperwork I have lined up is only 2 hours away! So I geuss I was looking at taking the easy way out! I geuss as usual that is not the best way out. My gut tells me I should probably pass on that one! TomComment
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Re: Importance of paperwork?
If your buying a C2 at 200k 500k paper work would be great , but I would think 90% of nice Corvettes don't have it, back then who would think of keeping any ,they were just cars.I would worry if some one had every documentation you could think of because so much now is reproduced .(you got the money you can get any papers you wont) and dont let anyone tell you different!
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Re: Importance of paperwork?
Some paper work can not be reproduced. I have copies of every title from the Office of the Secretary of State from the two states that my car was titled in back to the selling dealer. I also have Notarized statements from 3 of the original owners.
So I would say there is paper work and then there is paper work and history.
Bill Lacy
1967 427/435 National Top Flight Bloomington Gold
1998 Indy PacecarComment
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Re: Importance of paperwork?
I love original paperwork! I have three binders. But, why are you going to buy a car? Do you 1. want to have an origianl/resto and/or have it judged, 2. as an investment, or do you 3. want a nice driver? If one or two then paperwork is important. If you just want a nice driver and do not care about the cars lineage or history then paperwork is not as important.Comment
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Re: Importance of paperwork?
"Paperwork"? "Full documentation"? That's like saying "numbers matching". It can mean almost anything depending on whether you view the glass as half full or half empty or whether you are a buyer or a seller.
It comes down to what specific documents/paperwork are associated with the specific car.
DukeComment
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Re: Importance of paperwork?
I want a nice original car to have judged. I want one to drive also.I have had cars judged that I also drive some. I don't want a daily driver, but something I can work on and keep improving on.Investment also but not top on my list. I have an 08 that I drive and really enjoy. The C-2 would just be for shows and local and regional NCRS judging. Thanks TomComment
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Re: Importance of paperwork?
Right you are Duke! I am a little uncertain what full documentation is as there is always something else that could be had. For my cars I look for order form, build sheet, window sticker, tank sticker, etc. Easy to do on the cars that have real, original ones. I have those for two of my cars because I ordered them. One I do not, but wish I had something. All I have is conversations and letters and emails from the previous owners but that is not what I would call undisputable documentation, although I believe them. I have a feeling in many cases the seller's definition and the buyer's definition, or wants, can be VERY different.Comment
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Re: Importance of paperwork?
I have gotten some really good reply's here. It seem's to be pro paperwork SO FAR of some kind at least. Please keep the cards and letter's comming as they said in the Army. TomComment
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Re: Importance of paperwork?
Tom,
Your question is a good one. I have been looking at '67 Coupes also and thinking about the same thing. I think that the paper work is very, very nice to have, but I don't think that I would pass up the "right" car if it had no paper work.
Also-I am sending an email directly to you if you don't mind...
-BrantComment
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Re: Importance of paperwork?
Tom,
As William Lacy stated, some paperwork cannot be reproduced. I am the original owner on my '71 and I have the bill of sale, the invoice, a letter from John DeLorean, maintenance stuff with my name on it. But the best is I have pictures taken with the old Polaroid that dated stamped the photo in the frame. A skinny young me with my beautiful wife. If you squint a bit and look at me next to my car we are one and the same.
You should get the best car you can find and that includes the paperwork. The only problem is when it gets too good you can't take the "driver" anywhere and even park it to have lunch. The consequence of high standards.
Good luck in the search. Buy one you can continue to play with, "Never Done" is a good thing!
KenComment
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Re: Importance of paperwork?
more importantly I think making sure the car has it original mechanical equipment in tact and checking drivetrain #s, frame #s. like what what was said 90% of cars dont have paper work, but you can certainly check every aspect for originality. why pass up on a car that you know has been untouched ( you can tell )because of no so called paperwork.Comment
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