Need ballpark value - 1957 fuelie sitting 25+ years

[Gary C.]

Re: Need ballpark value - 1957 fuelie sitting 25+ years

Kevin, at Carlisle there was a real basket case. Can't recall exactly what was there and no it wasn't worthy of any photos. Don't believe it had any of the exterior chrome nor instruments and the price was firm at $15k. It had really been cut up as a drag car; inner fenders missing, Ford 9 inch rear end, etc. Draw your own conclusions as Ed says about restoration projects and their value. Gary....

[Stewart A.]

Re: Need ballpark value - 1957 fuelie sitting 25+ years

I wouldn't pay 20k for it. You will never know what your getting until it's completely stripped and it's all there in front of you. It's a hit body on top of that ? How do people let cars get this bad. I could spend 130k on that without blinking. My advice would be stay away unless your a masochist with fat pockets. Stewy

[Kevin D.]

Re: Need ballpark value - 1957 fuelie sitting 25+ years

I was not in the market for a 1957 Vette when I stumbled acrossed this one. I just completed a partial restoration on my 1969 a month ago and knowing what the incurred cost was on that (many items completed by myself) I cringe when I think about the work this one requires.

I need to conclude what my final needs would be for this car. I do not believe it has the correct pedigree to concourse it and would most likely end up a driver quality restoration.

I was under the impression the car was sold but received a call last night asking if I was still interested.

I will try to pull more numbers off this week.

Again, thanks for all the input.

[Bruce B.]

Re: Need ballpark value - 1957 fuelie sitting 25+ years

Kevin,
The 57 is now on Ebay with a $20,000.00 starting bid.
No bids yet.
Bruce B

[Jerome P.]

Re: Need ballpark value - 1957 fuelie sitting 25+ years

You will spend 2, 3 maybe 4 times that in restoration. Plus the time involved to restore. Which brings in to the equation "the time value of money"
Pro Team (http://proteamcorvette.com/1957.html) has a couple listed for $99K to $129K.

From an investment prespective it is questionable. If it is for love of labor and whatever, that is your call.

[Cecil L.]

Re: Need ballpark value - 1957 fuelie sitting 25+ years

If you have a place to store it, and can afford the cash outlay,buy it. Even if you didn't do anything to it, what do you think it would be worth in 5-10 years? Think your $20k would do better in a CD or the stock market?

[Jerome P.]

Re: Need ballpark value - 1957 fuelie sitting 25+ years

If you have a place to store it, and can afford the cash outlay,buy it. Even if you didn't do anything to it, what do you think it would be worth in 5-10 years? Think your $20k would do better in a CD or the stock market?

Without a question it would do better.

[Paul J.]

Re: Need ballpark value - 1957 fuelie sitting 25+ years

Without a question it would do better.

Very...very good point. Even at the outrageous price of $20k, it will eventually be worth that if you do nothing to it at all. I have several "investments" parked around my yard, at least that's what I tell the wife. I guess I have to be honest and tell you that her response always is "It's only an investment when you sell it and make money".

[Jerome P.]

Re: Need ballpark value - 1957 fuelie sitting 25+ years

I am very close to purchasing a 1957 fuelie that has been sitting for 25+ years in a barn. I need to know what to pay for it from the following description:

Not an air box car
Front passenger fender damaged back to firewall
Original engine block - casting is 3731548
Head casting 3740997
4 speed manual - original not verified
Rear end - original not verified
Fuel injection unit is missing
99% sure it is a fuelie
Surface rust on frame and chrome is slightly pitted
Optional hardtop
95-98% of the car is there
Vin#2839

Any help to put me in the ballpark would be great
Kevin - member 49129

Kevin, Did you conclude your thoughts? If so did you; make the investment in the '57 or the stock market/CD?

[John S.]

Re: Need ballpark value - 1957 fuelie sitting 25+ years

Kevin..i was almost 60 when i started my 57..lots of rust on a california car...looks like a lot of work.. 20 grand would b top money for me in that condition..hard to believe that car cud b flte winner but with lots of money anything is psble..i wld keep looking for an easier fix..but...good luck any way u decide keep us posted..John

[Kevin D.]

Re: Need ballpark value - 1957 fuelie sitting 25+ years

A big thanks to everyone who replied with their great advice.

I passed on the car and will be looking in the future to sell my 1969 small block to get into something different. I can't decide on a newer ZO6 or stay with the c2's and 3's.

[James G.]

Re: Need ballpark value - 1957 fuelie sitting 25+ years

Kevin, as stated above the car was a real fuel injection car. White with red interior. The three speed trans is a correct 56-7 Corvette three speed. What is the vin number ?If it can be bought for $20000, there is over $75000 needed to fix it.