Musclecar or Corvette?
 

I am hoping to be in the market for a collector car within the next year or so. The problem is, I like all of the cars; musclecars and Corvettes primarily. I would have to buy something in the 20-25 thousand dollar range which limits my choices. I was wondering what you guys think about the 1969 Corvette as an invetsment / toy? I love the body style but don't see the Corvettes going up in value like the musclecars. Do you think the 'Vettes will continue to go up in value like the musclecars or, if I am hoping to use the car as an investment as well as a toy, should I look for an entry level musclecar?

Re: Musclecar or Corvette?
 

First off, if you are looking for an investment, go elsewhere.

Secondly, when buying a car for fun, buy what you like. Just my personal opinion, but if you like it, you will likely be much happier than if you were just looking for what is "hot" in the market. Besides, while I really don't see the muscle car market crashing, it still could. The "hot" Ferrari market sure did in the late 80's. If it does crash, you still have a car that you like, and don't have to worry about the "investment" side of it. (Doesn't mean you can't use that angle to convince the wife if need be).

If you want a toy that probably won't go down in value, I don't see how you can lose with a Corvette. I really like the chrome bumper vettes from 68 on. I have never figured out why the Camaros have passed them by on the dollar scale.

Still some bargains out there, and you don't have to worry as much about rust!!!

Just my opinion. There are many more knowledgeable guys on here than me.

Lynn

Re: Musclecar or Corvette?
 

Maybe investment was a poor choice of words. What I meant was I would like to buy something that will hold it's value or increase like the musclecars seem to be doing right now. Hell, I sold a 1968 Camaro SS/RS that was a factory big block car six years ago for $12,500. This car was not very original but, definately drew it's fair share of attention. If I had kept that car it certainly would be worth much more than I sold it for. Oh well, hindsight is 20/20.
Another problem of mine, and I have many, is that I like so many cars it is going to be very hard for me to choose which one to buy.

Re: Musclecar or Corvette?
 

1996Z16--

Instead of buying a 1969 Corvette, look at the 1970 Corvette. The cars that are up and coming are the 1970 Corvette Convertibles with a small block 350, manual trans, Posi rear, and air conditioning. There have been some big numbers for these up and coming Vettes. It is a classy shark style body with the performance of a small block. Check the NCRS Driveline for cars.

Re: Musclecar or Corvette?
 

I would only consider purchasing a car that I like, don't worry about the investment angle, unless you're trying to convince your banker to give you a loan. A little known fact about 1970 corvettes... At 17,316 units built, there were fewer Corvettes built for the 1970 model year, than for any other year since 1962 or before. If you look around much, 70' Vettes are not that common. Something to think about anyway.

Re: Musclecar or Corvette?
 

You said that you like corvettes mainly over the muscle car.I would go with your heart I would buy a corvette.If the 69 covette is you favorite year buy that year.Never buy for investment unless you have alot of money then you can afford the car corvette that you want and plus buy other corvettes for investment.

Re: Musclecar or Corvette?
 

If a 69 cranks you up then look for a BB big HP 425 or 435 HP and you will have something that will hold its value. Of course it will be hard to find a pristine one for $25K.

Pantera

Re: Musclecar or Corvette?
 

If your buying a car for investment you will proably not be driving it that much as the more you drive it the more wear and tear the car will see. Even now in the muscle car market clones are holding their value well and make a great driver. You may want to buy a restorable car and restore it while you drive it, best of both worlds. Car goes up in value as you drive it. Buy a 69 vette and do a ZL1 clone project, great car nice clone and if done right resale will be strong.

Re: Musclecar or Corvette?
 

Actually a ZL-1 clone would be pretty tame looking. They only had a little extra paint on the L-88 style hood to set them apart from a stock '69 BB vette with a L-88 hood.

Unless he could find a real alum motor which would make a lousy street motor he would be better off picking up on something more fun like a mid-year grandsport clone.

68-73 year vettes were not the distinctive looking cars that cloners want to emulate. A 69 Yenko Camaro would be a much better choice for a clone in the price range he is working in.

I wish him good luck in his endeavor no mater what way he goes. Tough to chose sometimes.

If I was him I would try to buy a 70-73 Z-28 while they are still in the lower price range and have a streetable "real" collector car that will appreciate in value.
Pantera

Re: Musclecar or Corvette?
 

Pantera that is my other choice: the '70 - '73 Camaro Z28. I owned a Forest Green automatic when I was in my early twenties. That thing was a great all around car; loved the sound of the solid lifters. I wish I still had it; would have never imagined that they'd be knocking on the $40,000 range.
Corvette..........Z28 ........decisions, decisions

Re: Musclecar or Corvette?
 

Well look at it this way. The longer you ponder the more one will cost you.

Get out and look you just never know what you will find. I was test driving a '98 vette a few weeks ago and decided I really was to old to enjoy a 6 speed anymore so I passed and noticed he also had a nice looking yellow 66 Buick Skylark sportcoupe. To make a long story short I wound up with it and it was a one owner/famly car.

The original owner of Ike's Chili parlor here in Tulsa (a old family run instution) was who bought it new. He let his daughter drive it for a while and they turned it over to her daughter about a year or so ago and she turned in down in favor of one of the new econobox vans the kids seem to love.

SO I am now the proud second owner. If you try you can find all kinds of old cars around and usually in some of the dammest places.

Pantera

Re: Musclecar or Corvette?
 

My vote is a '69 Corvette... or a Nova!

Here's my silver '69...

http://www.seidata.com/~cardo/Vette/...iveway%201.JPG

Re: Musclecar or Corvette?
 

The third generation Corvettes are great cars and nice ones can be found in your price range. Don't rule out a nice 1973 soft bumper Corvette, either. Also, the 1973 Z28's are the nice bumpers and they have the fairly potent L82 motors.
These are certainly in your price range and you can have an original car that is very similar in looks to the rip roaring 1970 to 1972 LT1 Z28's. How about a nice 1970 to 1973 Trans Am, you can find a fairly nice one for a decent price as long as you don't go into 455 SD territory.