Corvette Classic Car

Corvette Classic Car

Classic Cars Search Tips

There are no shortages of websites that show classic cars for sale. Between private seller classified ads, classic car dealer ads, auto auction ads, it can be almost overwhelming.

Where do you start? Here are some tips that will help sort through the process.

First, zero in on what car you are looking for, or at least in a range of years. For example, before I bought my "62 Corvette, I was looking between 1958 and 1962. That narrowed the field. Then after some time I decided I wanted the "62, and it got a lot easier!

Next, you need to know what condition of car you want. Show car, project car, solid driver, etc. Formal ratings range from Excellent to Parts Car, and each is priced accordingly.

So, if you want a "good" condition 1967 GTO convertible you would be getting a car that probably needed some work, mostly minor, had been either well maintained or had a decent restoration at some time (not recent). The car as it exists would be a solid driver and probably not too hard to get into "Very Good Condition" (near perfect, great driver).

With this information, next go to some of the many dedicated vehicle sites - just type in 1967 Pontiac GTO in Google and start reading. Once such site is http://www.gtoalley.com/. Tons of information on the standard options, VIN number decoding and things you should now.

Many of these sites have books for sale that have great detailed information that a lot of professionals don't even know. Pick up one or two. It will be money well spent.

Based on the above, you are now armed and marvelous, as they say. You should have an idea form the various price guides what the relative values are for your car. If you have not posted on any forums looking for your car, now is a good time to start. You'll get some good information.

The next decision is how far geographically you will search for your car. Some will only look in their back yard; others have no problems with distance. Decide your preferences and plan accordingly.

If you find a listing from a private seller, rejection is your friend. Sounds odd, but you need to quality him / her as a legitimate seller quickly or move on.

• How much do they know about the car? You should be armed with VIN, Trim Tag and rear axel numbers so you can quickly determine how original the car is - or that the seller really doesn't know.

• Do you have a lot of pictures that show detail? If not, then ask for more. If the seller hedges, then they may not actually have the car. Digital cameras are cheap and there is no reason why several more can be taken. Their version of "good" may not be the same as Hemmings Motor News.

• Does the seller have the proper documentation and authentication? For example, GM cars had Protecto-o-Plates, a metal credit card like plate glued into the Owners manual with VIN, Trim Tag & Drive train Decoding. When the car was taken in for service, the dealership would take an impression. How can they prove the car is authentic?

• If the seller wants a deposit or he will sell the car to someone else, then that's a red flag for me anyway. I understand having skin in the game, but sending someone a few hundred or thousand dollars site unseen is not realistic. If they car seems okay, then agree to have it inspected. Once you get the inspection, you can make a decision. First, you'll know that the seller really has the car! Second, you'll know what it is worth. It may cost $200 for you to walk, but better than buying the wrong car.

• When contacting dealers, go through the same questions. They should have all the information at their finger tips. Once thing to realize is that many dealers purposefully do not update their inventory. They may show your car for sale and when you call - oops - it' sold. They will offer to find one for you though. Your call. If you get a good feel it may be worth it. DO NOT enter into any exclusive agreement where you are obligated. Bad idea.

• If using ebay - all the above applies. There are scams everywhere and you need to be careful.

Don't want to spend the time dealing with the flakes and scammers? Let Your Dream Car Finder do the heavy lifting. We know cars, where they are, and can find and deliver your car to you with no hassles.

About the Author

Tim Leary is a serial car nut and likes nothing better to find you your long-time dream classic car!
http://www.yourdreamcarfinder.com

Would it be possible to put say an Acura or Honda more modern engine into a 72 corvette for more reliability?

I am looking at a classic car, I dont care too much about the engine, I lvoe the styling of the classic corvettes however. I am not comfortable with the maintainance and such of these cars and would be fine to put another engine in there. I just don't know too much about how it works, say you found an old corvette and you replace the engine wiht tan Acura engine, would it be possible in any way to work and how much around and what issues and what kind of places could pull this sort of task off? Thanks folks

Well most people are mislead and misinformed by marketing gimmicks put fourth by consumer advocate publications saying that only imports are reliable. More specifically the most overrated is Honda. Now American car manufacturers have had there bad times but in recent have really done a turnaround. If you are serious about this not only would the new engine have to be put in place, but a transmission that was compatible. Basically a lot of drive train mods so it wouldn't just be the engine. So to have an import engine in is kind of odd and not a good choice. Have the old motor rebuilt (of course remove the pollution pump!) or purchase an aftermarket crate motor that's small in size like (instead of the original 350) try a 307, They come with warranties. With instillation and the engine purchase, it should run roughly 7 or 8 thousand. It isn't wise to consider a small import motor. Way to much money and its really not compatible. Enjoy~

Classic Corvettes at the 2009 La Jolla Classic Car Show La Jolla Cove