1971 corvette convertible value

[Ted K.]

I have a 1971 corvette convertible with 1970 motor 455/450 Hp. How much does the value of the car change with the incorrect motor. It was a race car at one time I believe

[Don L.]

Re: 1971 corvette convertible value

Hi Ted. I see this is your first post. WELCOME!

Your question will be a tough one to answer here. I think to begin to address your issue, it would be helpful to know more about the car. Was it born a big block car? Is the engine the only major component that doesn't match the rest of the car? You say you think it was once a race car. What makes you think this? Is the body modified?

Surely, not having its original engine will decrease the car's market value. If it was a notable race car, the history might have a positive influence on the car's value. Tell us more of what you know.

Regards.

[Rick T.]

Re: 1971 corvette convertible value

Hey Ted. I agree with Don and would add that, in my opinion, the answer about an actual dollar amount is always the same.

It's whatever someone is willing to pay for it.

My 1972 Corvette was purchased by my dad in September of 74. I was 8 years old then. My dad passed away in 2012 and my son, who is now 11, will be the next owner. So, I own a small block convertible Corvette that is not worth a whole lot of "money"........but to me it's priceless and it will never be for sale.

In the future I may add another Corvette to the family, but I wouldn't be interested in owning a Corvette that is not an original car. That doesn't mean that I don't appreciate a car like the one you own, it just means that I wouldn't be interested in it if it was for sale. My neighbor, on the other hand, has a 1982 Corvette with a really nice crate motor, racing seats, 5 point harness, and roll cage. He takes it to all the 1/8 mile races at our local track so if it was once a race car he might be interested in it. It's always about supply and demand.

Again, I like old Corvettes, even ones with mis matched engines or transmissions. I would also never criticize a well done rest-o-mod of a classic car as long as it wasn't a complete survivor car in the first place.

Personally, if it was my car, I would try to find the original motor for it, or try to find the original car for the motor. There are lots of great contacts through NCRS and The Driveline always has tons of people looking for, or selling, original engines and chassis. I think it would be a really cool thing if you found the car that was born with that motor or vice versa.

It would be interesting to ask the members on this forum what the discount would be between your car, as it is now, and what it would be worth with the matching motor. I will go out on a limb here and say at least 20% less. It's kind of a guess, but that's the price difference I would expect to see between two identical 1970 big block cars.

I'm curious to know more about the car. How did you end up with it and how much did you pay for it. I understand if you don't want to give out that information but I have to ask.

In the end, it's your car. Get it out as often as you can and share it with anyone who is interested, but most importantly, enjoy it as you see fit.

Good luck.

Rick