1961 FI Survivor value

[Larry S.]

A local man got this 61 as a high school graduation present in 1961. (His dad was the local bank president, so they could afford it.) It's white with red interior, everything on the car, except the tires, is original--paint, interior, etc. No power options. Zero rust, never any body damage. Paint is not bad, just some rock chips and parking lot dings. Driver's seat has sag because the owner is a big man, passenger seat is okay, so is dash. Carpet is pretty faded. It hasn't been cranked or driven since about 1985, and it's on jack stands in his enclosed garage. Owner is 69-years-old now and will sell it. Price? We haven't talked about that yet.

What's your guess on a fair price?

[Don H.]

Re: 1961 FI Survivor value

Whatever amount you are willing to pony up that will get him to say "SOLD". I would tell him "I want it, and will pay what it takes, so where should I start? How about $20K ?" See where it leads. He may say that sounds fair. Or he may say "I would not take a penny less than $30K" Then say, let me think on that for a moment, but do not walk away. Then say "SOLD" and whip out your check book. Good luck.

[Larry S.]

Re: 1961 FI Survivor value

Thank you, Don, but I have no idea of the value. Obviously, I don't won't to pay too much, although I'm not looking for a real bargain either. I just don't want to have too much in the car.

[Tim S.]

Re: 1961 FI Survivor value

IMO, presuming the car is unhit, the frame has no rust issues, and really knowing nothing more, I would not blink to pay 40-50K. 2 tops? Colors?

I have had a few experiences where I was the first one in to only set a price to begin with for others. That is why I tend to get right to the value and get the deal done. Just my .02. Good luck!

Tim

[Larry S.]

Re: 1961 FI Survivor value

Tim, car is definitely unhit, absolutely no rust (Southern car all its life), and unmolested. 40-50K is what I was thinking, even with no idea if the engine runs. Colors are white with red interior, both tops (white). All I want is to be able to get my money out of it if I should sell it, not looking to make a big profit. It's just a very nice, solid, original, one-owner car.

[Tim S.]

Re: 1961 FI Survivor value

Larry,

Assuming you would have to rebuild the engine, go throught the fuel unit (mechanically), clean the fuel system, change the fuel pump, and service the brakes, I cannot see where a person would invest any more than 5K (if you did it yourself). It really sounds like a sweet find. No doubt, many of us would kill for a car like that. The story makes it only better. It is just the type of car I look for. You better go get it! I would

[John F.]

Re: 1961 FI Survivor value

How about a few pics?

[Paul J.]

Re: 1961 FI Survivor value

Whatever amount you are willing to pony up that will get him to say "SOLD". I would tell him "I want it, and will pay what it takes, so where should I start? How about $20K ?" See where it leads. He may say that sounds fair. Or he may say "I would not take a penny less than $30K" Then say, let me think on that for a moment, but do not walk away. Then say "SOLD" and whip out your check book. Good luck.

Larry,

First of all, you're sure that it is unmolested, right? You've had someone very knowledgeable look at it? This is a Fuelie, not an everyday used Corvette.

Secondly, you can get a good idea of the value of a car by seeing what they are selling for elsewhere (Post #2):

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...sites&uid=7896

Finally, this is not an everyday used car. If you're really interested in the car use your negotiating skills and be serious with the first offer. If you make him mad to start with you can forget it. This is not the right car to try to lowball it.

One more thing, some people think that a survivor is worth a lot, and they'll pay extra for that. But like anything else, there is a point of no return where the car may be a survivor, but it's really only a fair example, not a prime one. This is where another knowledgeable opinion helps. Get someone to look at it.

Paul

[Larry S.]

Re: 1961 FI Survivor value

Paul, I've known the car since it was new. I remember the day he took delivery (showing my age here). It is unmolested, and there is one Corvette expert who has verified that. Thankfully the expert is a friend of mine and wouldn't try to buy the car out from under me. I'm confident that is has never been changed in any way. Is it a prime survivor? Paint and chrome, yes. Interior is only fair because of the driver's seat. Mechanical condition is unknown other than the engine does turn over. Does it need other things to run? Don't know.

[Mike E.]

Re: 1961 FI Survivor value

Larry,
sent you an email.
Mike Ernst

[Larry S.]

Re: 1961 FI Survivor value

Don't have it yet, Mike.

[Mike E.]

Re: 1961 FI Survivor value

Larry,
tried a pm this time.
Mike

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1961 FI Survivor value

Mike,

FYI, My e-mails and PMs through here apparently haven't gotten to you either.

Patrick