1955-1982 Chevrolet Corvette market review 2020
The prices asked for C1 Corvettes seemingly owe more to sentiment than objectivity. Then again, that can be said for a lot of classic vehicles.
Spending $150,000 will fund an excellent 1950s car but for considerably less you can own a C2 Stingray with improved performance plus startling looks. Versions with 427 cubic inch engines, even rare TriPower units, rarely exceed US$140,000, so asking $350k here is ambitious.
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Collectors wanting a car at realistic money with some capital gain still to come might prefer an early C3 Roadster with the 427 engine. These make $150,000 locally and the US market says they are worth more. For a weekend fun car at around $30k, consider the ‘glass bumper 1974-82 version or spend a bit more on a Silver Anniversary or Pace Car commemorative.
Roadster 1955-62 $139,990 [5]
All Models 1963-67 $120,900 [11]
‘Big-Block’ 1965-67 $347,995 [3]
All Models 1968-73 $55,065 [18]
‘Big-Block’ 1968-74 $83,625 [11]
Coupe 1974-82 $34,575 [58]
[*] = number of recorded sales
(Note: concours & special cars may demand more.)
Numbers from our 2020 Muscle Car & US Car Value Guide.
| Understanding our value guide price charts
From Unique Cars #447, December 2020