69 Corvette valuation
 

Can I get some opinions on the difference in value between a standard 300 H.P. 350 and a 350 H.P. model. I haven't seen the car in person yet but am planning on taking a look tomorrow evening so I don't know a lot of details. I've never owned a Vette before but have casually been looking for a couple of years. It is a 4-speed car so that helps but I can't pin down a rough % between the two. Sorry to be so vague, but that's all I know at the moment. Thanks

If it's a nice car with original motor, I'd say between $5,000 to $10,000. I just bought a nice '68 Corvette with the L79 option and that's what I pegged the difference at on mine.

A side note; in 1969, the only engine that you could not get with an automatic transmission was the L79. Even the L88, L89, L71 and ZL1 could be ordered with an automatic.

Wow, That much between the standard 350 and a L46? I would have never guessed that much but I'm not that familiar with C3 pricing. I'm glad I asked.

The L46 350/350 was offered in 69 and 70 and they are much more powerful than the 300 HP engine, they have 11:1 compression, different quadrajet, 6000 red line and as stated 4 speed only but Air was available. Cam intake and carb and it becomes a LT1.

A M20 3.70 geared L46 will surprise the heck out of a a guy in with M21 3.73 1969 Z28...

So just to be clear, If we have a 7 out of 10 car, numbers matching drivetrain, all else being equal would we say 20-25% deduction for the standard engine? It's a Red on red Roadster with both hard and soft top and he's thinking around 21K. Is he out of line if everything checks out? I realize it's impossible to give an actual value without seeing detailed pictures but is that in the ball park?

----The only thing that might bring the value of a base motored 69 closer to a 350hp would be air conditioning. Base motor cars without AC are difficult to sell in the best of times. The red/red combo and the second top only help marginally.

----I should add that I hope the car has power steering. C3's become a chore to drive without it. Even more when radials are installed. Safe to say we can live without PS when there's a big enough engine combo to make the car interesting. As well,,, at least in my case, the tilt and tele column is a necessity. I have a hard time getting my legs under the standard column!......Bill S

I would say the asking price is a little on the high side but as you pointed out depends on condition and paperwork.
C3's are great driving cars if you get one I would suggest that you will enjoy driving it. Much different ride as compared to a C2.

OK, Thanks guys.