2023 Market Review - Chevrolet Corvette 1954-1982
Money being sought for pre-1980s Corvettes has remained steady since the market hit its peak in 2021, however the numbers of available C1 and C2 cars are down significantly.
Big-block C2s with 396 (6.5-litre or 427 7.0-litre) V8s are particularly scarce and $250,000 for one of these is looking realistic. People with less to spend but wanting big-block performance might consider a C3 version with the 427 or 454 engine at around $100,000.
Cars with the desirable chromed bumpers and a basic 5.7-litre V8, hold steady at around $70,000 and are still easily found. So are 1974-82 versions with fibreglass bumpers but these suffer from eroded performance and, in good RHD-converted form, make around $40,000.
Special editions like the 1978 Pace Car are worth a little more.
Roadster 1954-62 $174,965 [3]
Small Block 1963-67 $153,680 [7]
Big Block 1963-67 $249,625 [3]
Small Block 1968-73 $74,485 [23]
Big Block 1968-74 $94,235 [8]
Coupe 1974-78 $46,290 [18]
Coupe 1979-82 $50,645 [12]
[*] = number of recorded sales
(Note: concours & special cars may demand more.)
Numbers from our 2023 Muscle Car & US Car Value Guide.
| 2021 Market Review – Chev Corvette 1954-82
– 2023 Muscle Car market review
– Understanding our Muscle Car Value Guides 2023
From Unique Cars #473, Dec 2022/Jan 2023