Advise please 69 Camaro or L-34 Nova or L-78 Nova

[92646]

I am looking for opinions. What would you focus on if all you had was around $30,000 to spend on a car? I have found a 1969 SS 396 4-speed Camaro with a color change, no documents but in very nice driver condition that will cost about $32,000. A 1970 SS-350 4-speed Nova that has been nicely restored and a bunch of documents for $30,000. A 1973 R/S,LT,Z/28 original black with a bunch of neat options but no paper work and I could get it for less than $20k. Or a 69 396/350 hp Nova with a 854 396 replacement motor and a color change in very nice condition with no paper work for about $25,000. Or should I wait and save up my money for a 1970 L-78 Nova with a replacement 396/375 drive train and no paper work that is in real nice condition for $40,000 plus?
Mark Sheppard

[Allen]

What sort of advice are you looking for?

To answer a question with a question, what car do YOU like?

I'd vote for a Nova because that's what I like. What do you like?

[Dave Rifkin]

Is the SS 396 Camaro with the color change a numbers matching, genuine 396 4 speed car? If that's the case I think I'd go for the Camaro as long as the new color is something you like. As far as I'm concerned a color change, as long as it was done correctly, would not be that big of a deal to me.

[92646]

I am looking for advise of what would be the best car for the money? I know that in 5 years or less I will get bored with the car and want to sell it. What car do you think will be most desirable in the future? Is a SS 350 Nova with paperwork worth as much as a SS 396 Nova with out paperwork? Is it better to save my money and buy a L-78 Nova later on for a lot more money?

[92646]

The Camaro has a date coded replacement motor and it was changed from dark green to white. It is a nice car that has over a 100,000 miles on it but it has been well taken care of.

[TimG]

I'd go for the car with an original engine and some type of paperwork to verify its options. The '73 Z with no paperwork has the L82 verified in the ID number and the Z28 option on the trim tag. Pretty good verification it is a true Z28, even without paperwork. As noted above, I wouldn't worry about a color change if the other things are appealing. In the long term, original engine and paperwork will hold their value. You do have to worry about exploding the original engine, though.

[iluv69s]

I think the 70 to 73 Z's are a great deal for the money...lets face it...they made 20k 69'Z's...less than 8k 70 Z's...maybe 2500 72 Z,s...and you can get into a real sweet 2nd gen Z for about 30k....I think they are the best value out there....

I love the look of a 69 RS Z just like the next guy...or an L-78 RS-SS for that matter....

...but a 70 split bomper Z with the spoilers and stripes and basically a DZ motor with 48 more cubes...nuttin' wrong with that!!


wait it out until you find a documented car...even if you have to spend a little more...in the future, no if's ands or butts!! good luck!!

just my .02

[427king]

Quote:
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Or should I wait and save up my money for a 1970 L-78 Nova with a replacement 396/375 drive train and no paper work that is in real nice condition for $40,000 plus?


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Mark, the certified L78 Nova you just sold for 10K is far and above a better deal than a no paperwork driver for 40K or any of the cars you listed,dont you think???

[92646]

Chuck I know you are right but in my area I was certain that I was going to have more than $40,000 in the car and to be honest I was fooling myself in thinking I would have the time to do a project like this.
Mark Sheppard

[427king]

Mark, 4k a month for 12 months will get you this super nice real #s ac pace car with no stories or resto bills.

[Allen]

I know it's probably blasphemy for me to say it, but if you've got the money to spend on a play-toy like that, forget about the unknown future resale and get the one that you simply like.

I feel fortunate enough to have a '70 Nova and '69 Corvette. I love the looks of them sitting still in the garage or driveway, and always enjoy cruising them around.

Unfortunately, there is money wrapped up in both of them, but I try not to let it get in the way of simply enjoying them for what they are - fun cars to look at and drive!

Get the best one that you can afford that you'll enjoy the most. If your interests change in a few years, deal with it then. The whole market might be different then too.

[Salvatore]

In my opinion the L78 nova sounds nice. Most have replacement engines anyways. For paper work there are a few good men on this site for that deal. Just fly Marlin where the car is to verify it. Paper work has only become important since the non car guys got into the hobby. Sooner or later most cars identify themselves. A real L78 nova with credentials from people like Marlin, MacNeish, Wayne Bushy or Schonye along with your gut feeling would be good for me. I don't think you can go wrong. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[akcamaro]

The 73 Z28 gets my vote.

[92646]

I can tell you that the last Nova with Jerry's inspection paperwork meant very little to the Nova people. Chuck, what a buddy you had the pace car listed for less money in the cars for sale section. What do you think of the L-34 Nova that is just as nice for almost half the price?

[427king]

[ QUOTE ]
Chuck, what a buddy you had the pace car listed for less money in the cars for sale section

[/ QUOTE ] Mark, you work in a car dealership...you have to count the interest! was just making a comparison, i have the pace car already sold.

[370454s]

I would go with a Nice 70 Nova SS. With a L-48 and a M-20 and 3:31 or 3:55 gears that is a great car.
Mike

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Chuck, what a buddy you had the pace car listed for less money in the cars for sale section

[/ QUOTE ] Mark, you work in a car dealership...you have to count the interest! was just making a comparison, i have the pace car already sold.

[/ QUOTE ]

That's a pretty steep 15% interest rate!

My advice, buy what you like - worry about the resale if/when you get bored in 5 years.

[370454s]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1970-Nova...1QQcmdZViewItem (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1970-Nova-SS-Frame-Off-Resto-Protecto-Plate-Beautiful_W0QQitemZ180157478434QQihZ008QQcategoryZ 6172QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

[427king]

[ QUOTE ]
Just fly Marlin where the car is to verify it.

[/ QUOTE ] Just make sure you pay for it first http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[1969l78]

I would say nova also but thats the car i love, depends on what you like http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[firez]

I think the 73 Z for the price would be a fun car and in 5 years make you a little money. Looking forward to those Selman frames.

[92646]

That is the L-48 I was talking about. Nice car huh. The L-34 Nova in on the Auto trader website and is out of Washington.

[92646]

The frames left Monday by UPS.

[firez]

Thanks,the 73 cars are going to go up as younger guys start looking for cars and lets face it the first gen cars are out of range for young married fellows just stating out. Those 2nd gen. cars ride great down the road.

[92646]

This one is pretty nice with the original drivetrain, dash-dash paint code with the deluxe LT interior, R/S front end, 4-speed, no stripes and factory power windows with no A/C. I had a black 1973 R/S Z/28 about 5 years ago and it took me almost a year to sell it for $17,500.00. It was a neat car but just did not get much interest when it came time to sell.

[68 Vert]

IMO, I would wait...you'll know when the right car comes along. It doesn't sound like any of these cars fits the bill.http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

Now, if I had to pick, it would be the '73 Z28. The early second gen. cars are picking up steam, I know, I've been trying to find the 'right' Pontiac Formula. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Mike

[69LM1]

Mark,

I would really think hard before pulling the trigger on the 73. I have been dabbling in the second gens for a year or so, and for some reason (HP rating change?) the 73's seem to bring way lower dollars than the others. 70's bring in the most, 71-72's next and 73's are much less desired on resale. For that price, you should be able to find a 72 easily. For 25-30ish, you can find a 70 or 71 Z.

Now, conversely, if you are looking for a "I'll keep it forever" sort of thing, the 73 would be the way to go, it would be much less than the others.

I know some don't agree, but with prices the way they are, wait for the right car! Unless it is a COPO type car, the deals seem to be out there.

In fact, they just had a 69 Camaro L78, project yes, but a running driving project, sell for 27.5! That would have been a deal (IMHO)!

Like others have said, start with what YOU want, then look for something in that range. Post here when you figure it out, and knowing the guys here, someone will probably point you in the right direction.

Just beware of guys selling LM1's unless they are certified http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

http://www.69lm1.com/pics/lm1srock.gif

[Tommy]

My vote would have to go to the Nova. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif


Tommy http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

[70CitrusZ]

I haven't seen any cars ever advertized as lm1's

[427king]

It took me 25 years in this hobby before i found out on this site what an LM1 was, and now that i know,im not surprised it took 25 years http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Steve Shauger]

Those 5 certified horses over the two barrel base 350 put in the performance arena. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif