Auction Action From Corvettes At CarlisleOnce again, Dana Mecum assembled some of the finest Corvettes in the country for the Corvettes at Carlisle auction.
One of the feature Corvettes was Chip Miller's '57 Aztec Copper roadster with only 13,317 miles. It was equipped with the base 283-230 motor, four-speed transmission, and removable hardtop. It was the high sale price of the auction at $134,000. Proceeds went to raise awareness and fund research for amyloidosis, a rare blood disorder that took Chip's life at an early age. Chip will certainly be missed; however, the many events at Carlisle, especially Corvette-related, will keep fond memories of Chip in all of our minds.
The early Corvette models were well represented with the sale of three rare-color '54 roadsters. One in Sportsman Red, one of 100 built in this color, was the price leader at $59,250. Close behind was the sale of two Pennant Blue models (only 300 built in this color) at sale prices of $54,750 and $52,500.
Breaking the $50,000 threshold were several other solid-axle Corvettes. Among them was another '57 Aztec Copper roadster with a fuel-injected 283-250 motor and a four-speed transmission that sold at $77,000. Right behind was a '58 Silver Blue roadster with the dual-carburetor 283-270 motor that sold for $71,500.
Low-end pricing for the '53-'62 series was represented by a red '58 with a non-original motor and a sale price of $29,000.
The high mid-year sale went to an Ermine White '67 roadster with the optional 427-435 motor in restored condition, and with NCRS and tank-sticker documentation. It found a new owner at $102,500. Close behind was another '67 roadster, a rare 427-390 with factory air that sold for $90,000.
A vintage Corvette does not require a high-performance motor to draw a "high sale" bid. An example is an Ermine White '67 roadster with the base 327-300 motor, four-speed transmission, power steering and brakes, and side exhaust. It had a frame-off restoration and 37,000 documented miles. The sale price? $70,000!
Another example was a '66 Milano Maroon roadster, also with the base 327-300 motor. It had a black leather interior and knock-off wheels, and found a new home at $51,000.
At the low end for the mid-years was a '64 Satin Silver roadster in street-driven condition. It had a non-original 327-300 motor and an automatic transmission. The sale price was $27,000; not too long ago, this car would have sold for under $20,000.
The '68-'82 models sold extremely well. The top sale went to a '68 L89, aluminum-head 427-435 roadster in restored condition. It also had a vinyl-covered removable hardtop, and sold for $54,000. Another '68 L89, a T-top in restored condition, sold for $30,000. The majority of other sales in the $25,000 to $33,000 range were models in restored condition with optional high-performance motors. Different from the vintage models, these Corvettes bid to higher prices with the optional high-performance motors.
Several Corvettes with extremely low original mileage were offered. Included was a '78 Pace Car, an L48 automatic with 981 miles that sold for $22,200, and a '79 T-top with the L82 motor, four-speed transmission, and only 3,000 miles, that sold for $21,250.
For bargain hunters, a number of Corvettes were available; however, most needed paint and/or interior work. The low price went to a '77 T-top at $3,300. It was also the lowest-price Corvette sold at this auction.
The C4s ('84-'96) are becoming entry-level Corvettes for many first-time buyers. These models provide a considerable amount of performance and handling, as well as comfort features. They, too, provide a number of special editions.
The high sale price for these models was $29,500 for a '96 Grand Sport coupe with 8,000 original miles. Close behind was a '96 Collector Edition coupe with a Lingenfelter conversion at $26,500. The seller indicated it was "too fast."