C3 Big Block or just a croc....
Discussion
I've seen a C3 Vette coming up at auction that appeals. It's a big block manual and I love the colour.
Always fancied something like this but know very little about American cars in terms of what to look for and originality. The auction description is brief so I suspect there is little paperwork with the car.
As the car was only imported in 2018 my start point was to do a Carfax check but it doesn't recognise the Chassis No quoted by the auction house (which the auction house have confirmed matches the VS5). So I have no idea whether it's a genuine matching numbers big block or a previous total loss claim etc. etc. There is also an anomaly in that the car was first registered in 1972 but it's on a G plate (1968/9). The MOT when imported is fairly clean but the owner didn't get it MOT'd last year.
Have I already learn't enough to keep clear or am I being too cautious? If it was a dry state car can I assume it has a sound chassis and thus limiting potential big bill repairs? The engines last forever right? I'll be able to start the car but obviously can't test drive it.
What would be a reasonable punt figure for a sound but non original big block manual that needs some mechanical refurbishment?
Here's the link;
https://www.historics.co.uk/buying/auctions/2020-0...
All guidance gratefully received, thank you.
Always fancied something like this but know very little about American cars in terms of what to look for and originality. The auction description is brief so I suspect there is little paperwork with the car.
As the car was only imported in 2018 my start point was to do a Carfax check but it doesn't recognise the Chassis No quoted by the auction house (which the auction house have confirmed matches the VS5). So I have no idea whether it's a genuine matching numbers big block or a previous total loss claim etc. etc. There is also an anomaly in that the car was first registered in 1972 but it's on a G plate (1968/9). The MOT when imported is fairly clean but the owner didn't get it MOT'd last year.
Have I already learn't enough to keep clear or am I being too cautious? If it was a dry state car can I assume it has a sound chassis and thus limiting potential big bill repairs? The engines last forever right? I'll be able to start the car but obviously can't test drive it.
What would be a reasonable punt figure for a sound but non original big block manual that needs some mechanical refurbishment?
Here's the link;
https://www.historics.co.uk/buying/auctions/2020-0...
All guidance gratefully received, thank you.
From the picture it is definitely not a '68-'69 as the gills on the front wings are later. It has chrome bumpers front and rear and '72 was the last year that was so. The big block is 454 which was fitted post '69 so it all looks towards it being a '72. As for it being a genuine, original, big block an inspection and/or a VIN plate check will be needed.
It looks good, hope it all checks out for you.
It looks good, hope it all checks out for you.
Some good advice from Xyyman there. Certainly looks "tidy" in the photos. If you Google that VIN number, it brings up some ads for the car in Reno Nevada describing it as a '72 454. On decodethis.com, it shows it as a '72 car also.
https://www.decodethis.com/vin/1Z37W2S506669
If still interested, I'd ask on the CCCUK website, Plenty of C3 owners/experts on there who may be able to help more. If it has an Mot from 2018 that's positive (few miles since?) Cant Historics tell you over the phone what paperwork is a available with car? If not, should be available on the pre Saturday sale viewing days.
https://www.decodethis.com/vin/1Z37W2S506669
If still interested, I'd ask on the CCCUK website, Plenty of C3 owners/experts on there who may be able to help more. If it has an Mot from 2018 that's positive (few miles since?) Cant Historics tell you over the phone what paperwork is a available with car? If not, should be available on the pre Saturday sale viewing days.
Edited by Black C7 on Saturday 29th February 12:23
Edited by Black C7 on Saturday 29th February 12:33
Edited by Black C7 on Saturday 29th February 12:41
Out of curiosity I ran it through the MOT checker. It has no UK mot history and is currently sorned. The following is the entry. No idea how it ended up with a 'G' registration.
Vehicle Details
Vehicle make CHEVROLET GMC
Date of first registration January 1972
Date of first registration with DVLA August 2018
Year of manufacture 1972
Cylinder capacity 7440 cc
CO₂ emissions 0 g/km
Fuel type PETROL
Euro status Not available
Real Driving Emissions (RDE) Not available
Export marker No
Vehicle status SORN
Vehicle colour ORANGE
Vehicle type approval Not available
Wheelplan 2 AXLE RIGID BODY
Revenue weight Not available
Date of last V5C (logbook) issued 20 July 2018
Vehicle Details
Vehicle make CHEVROLET GMC
Date of first registration January 1972
Date of first registration with DVLA August 2018
Year of manufacture 1972
Cylinder capacity 7440 cc
CO₂ emissions 0 g/km
Fuel type PETROL
Euro status Not available
Real Driving Emissions (RDE) Not available
Export marker No
Vehicle status SORN
Vehicle colour ORANGE
Vehicle type approval Not available
Wheelplan 2 AXLE RIGID BODY
Revenue weight Not available
Date of last V5C (logbook) issued 20 July 2018
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