Trying to buy my 1st vette, 1976 and need help?

I also own a '76. I looked for a year before purchasing. I also let a couple of good deals get away because I waited. The '76 vette had the highest production numbers of all C3s, and it was in the middle of the smog and gas crunch. The horse power was not that desirable. This is why the average sale price for a '76 is lower than others. But when I read your post, it sounds like the owner has spent the money to upgrade and enhance the performance. To me this would be a plus. If the paint is new and in good shape this is a plus also. A good paint job is a big investment ($4000 plus). Check to see what it will cost to have the A/C and wipers repaired. Use this information to see if the owner will come off the price of the car. He probably has more in the car than the sales price. And most important, ask your self how much is too much? Because if you spend too much, you will never truely enjoy the car. Oh, it's not just a car, it's a VETTE!

Corvettekev said: ...Keep in mind, that '76 is the least valuable (re-sale value) year according to many sources. ...

Least valuable??? Hey - I saw a 76 going for $175,000.00 on eBay!!

Seriously though, I have a 76 and the car did the show circuit for a couple of years (pulling First places Street/Show before retiring) and is once again back on the road and a fun hobby.

There's not a C3 owner on here who can say they don't put money into their car. They're old - things wear out - break - etc. Even if they don't, there always seems to be things you'll want for the car, to do to the car, etc.

I bought my 76 back in 1983 for $4600. She looks nothing like she did when I got her and I love that car.

I'm kind of curious why the 76 would be listed as a lower re-sale than the 75 which has even less HP than the 76! Maybe just because of the number built? Anyway, like some of the other posts said, if this car has grabbed you, and you understand what you're getting, do it!

Oh - one other thing you should check out - the rear spring mounts. Mine had cracks and had to be replaced. I ended up going with a fiberglass spring at the same time. I'd definitely recommend that as well!

Good luck!

|UPDATED|12/3/2003 7:53:14 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

personally, unless you want a project car, I would buy a car in as good a shape as I could afford, because no matter how big a steal you think you got, you will put more money into it than it's worth. we all have. Besides, you'll get to enjoy the car sooner. makes it easier to spend more and more. get the drift?
I read the same book as Scotts77. he's right, a great book. read it if you can.

Thanks all for the input, you have been very helpful. Just to let you know what I have decided about the car.

I am still looking for a vette. Not saying I am done looking at the 76, just taking my time so when I get it I know its the right one.

Just if he would come off the price alittle more.

THANKS ALL!!!

I agree w/ hank51. I bought my car from a Corvette dealer in GA I paid a premium price but the car was in exc shape! Besides general maint I have had no other exp in three yrs

One of the first things you need to decide is numbers matching or not. Then why are you buying it? Show? Fun? Repair project? etc. Either way, like others have said, I would buy the vette in the best shape you can afford. I always go with my gut on something like this. Look till you fall in love with one, then work the price on that one. Then buy it! After owning it, you will wonder how you ever lived without it. As far as repairs go, they don't call these money pits for nothing. As far as price goes, most of the matching number C3s that are in better shape around here go from 12-15K.

FYI, the registry is advertising the restoration book by Newton.