peelerboyHi everyone! First post ever here at C3VR!
I am on the hunt to buy a 1969 through 1972 hardtop or convertible C3. I'm looking for nice, lawn show quality, good driver, that does not need any work to enjoy. Does not have to be mint, but do not want anything with rust in the frame/birdcage or has been repaired because of corrosion damage. Big block or small block is fine, manual or automatic transmission. Only color I do not want is white. Any other color is fine. I do NOT want restomods, personalized customs, or high HP builds. Car must look close to or completely stock. Want it near Michigan solely for convenience of going to look at it. Do not want to fly around the country. Budget is $10,000 to $50,000.
Thanks in advance!
Norsky
Welcome to "The Shark Pool"!
There are a TON of Corvette dealers out there and most will arrange shipping if you don't have the time to go and fetch your new "pride-n-joy". I know CraigsList doesn't have the highest ranking with some folks but you might be surprised with what may pop up. Facebook MarketPlace is another place that might have a "hidden gem".
Getting a first had look at any potential buy is important and I get that. If you find one that really looks like "the one", and it is a bit too far away for you to easily check out, use one of the search links on the Members menu tab to see if there are any members nearby (try C3VR Member Map or Member Zip Code Search). Reach out to them and ask if they would be willing to go over and take a look at it for you. I'm sure any member would be happy to do that for you. Having a list of questions to ask and things to look at would be helpful since you wouldn't be there in person.
Good luck with your hunt...!!!
Jim Olson 
"The Toys"...!!! Save the Wave! 
peelerboyThanks for the great info! I'm still a tad gun-shy after having been burned with "sight-unseen" purchases. The last one I got dinged on I even had a very trusted resource who missed something that I wouldn't have. And I'm not even that crazy anal about such details. Probably just a fluke, but I vowed to not buy things sight-unseen any longer. The car would have to be super incredible for me to want to throw those dice again. Not saying it's impossible, but a little difficult to entertain is all.
Just saw your ad. Too bad you’ve ruled out white. I have a 69 Convertible in the Detroit metro area. 4 sp car with high output L46 small block. In excellent shape. I might be convinced to sell. Right now it’s in storage (accessible) for the winter. Would be looking to get in the mid 30s. I use Masterworks for service and they could attest to the condition. I’ve owned going on 5 years and I bought it off a 30 year owner. Let me know. Jim.
NorskyAs an example here's one in your neighborhood: Beverly Hills
And a couple outstate: St Joseph - Kalkaska
Maybe near the top of your budget but a starting point for looking.
Jim Olson "The Toys"...!!! Save the Wave!
peelerboyHey Jim! White is just my least desired color, but would still entertain owning one if the rest of the boxes check off nicely. Shoot me a pm and we’ll swap contact info. Thanks!!
peelerboyNorsky- thanks so much for the links! That red vert is right by my house and I’ll be going to look at it this weekend if the other buyer falls through.
NorskyGuessing the car close to you has sold as the link has gone away (hopefully you snagged it as it looked like a beauty).
If not, another source that I look at occasionally (for curiosity) is the Bring A Trailer auction website. Cars listed there usually sell for top dollar but it is fun to look anyway.
Jim Olson "The Toys"...!!! Save the Wave!
peelerboyHey Jim, The car that's close to me (red big block vert) has a potential buyer flying in to Detroit to look at it this weekend. The seller (super nice guy) said that he'll call me when the guy leaves his house to tell me if the car sold or not. His ad on craigslist expired cuz it's over 90 days old. He's still got the car, but is holding it for the guy flying in.
I've been keeping my eyes on BAT as well. A lot of those cars are far away, but if they're within a 5hr drive to me, I'll give them serious considering since I can go inspect them before plunking down a final bid. Thanks for mentioning their site, though!
I'm still on the hunt. :)
NorskyI'm still on the hunt. :)
👍
Jim Olson "The Toys"...!!! Save the Wave!
peelerboyUpdate: victory is mine! Jim- that Craigslist big block car’s seller reached out to me stating that his buyer flaked out and offered the car to me. I bought it. It’s a very solid car and runs/drives beautifully. Thank you for your help locating this fine machine. 😊
manchestersharkVery nice ride! Bumper Cars aren't always in the carnival. Enjoy it!
Congrats on the purchase!!! She looks to be a beauty. I’ll look for you out on Woodward next summer!
peelerboyCongrats on the purchase!!! She looks to be a beauty. I’ll look for you out on Woodward next summer!
Thanks, Jim! Looking forward to seeing you out there in the boulevard! I used my new purchase to run some errands today and quickly realized how much I miss driving a stick. I can’t wait for the warm weather to return. Brian at Mastworks said your car is extremely nice, by the way.
peelerboyVery nice ride! Bumper Cars aren't always in the carnival. Enjoy it!
Thank you!!🙏 there’s nothing quite like chrome bumpers on a C3. ❤️
NorskyMOST EXCELLENT...!!! 👍 👍 👍 Glad it worked out for you...!!!
From the write-up and the pictures I saw on the CraigsList ad it certainly looked like a beauty. Enjoy the living daylights out of it...!!!
Jim Olson "The Toys"...!!! Save the Wave!
peelerboyThanks, Jim. And too funny on your "MOST EXCELLENT", because I often use that phrase. Bill & Ted taught me that one. :)
I was using this cool car to run errands yesterday afternoon and was in heaven. The sounds, the feels, the smells... everything was right on the money. Now it's gonna make me wish winter away more than I can remember in a long time. Good things come to those who wait, right?
