Chevrolet - Corvette [Pre-1982] (1990)

Welcome to the definitive reference for the iconic Chevrolet Corvette—the touring machine that has defined American sports car excellence for decades. Whether you’re researching a pristine 1963 Corvette, evaluating a mid‑century shift to a 1970 model, or simply looking up general pricing, this description provides all the essential details you’ll need to understand the beloved pre‑1982 Corvette pricing landscape.

Below you’ll find a clean, scannable layout: a concise spec list, realistic depreciation insights, a comparison to similar era models, and market positioning. Each section highlights how used Chevrolet Corvette pre‑1982 prices have evolved and what you can expect from a Chevy classic in today’s market.

• Year/Model: 1963‑1978 Chevrolet Corvette
• Engine: 4‑L V8, 8‑L V8 (1976+), up to 409 ci/7.1 L
• Horsepower: 150 hp (1963) – 255 hp (1978 300‑CID)
• Torque: 154 lb‑ft (1963) – 230 lb‑ft (1978)
• Transmission: 3‑speed automatic or 4‑speed manual
• Fuel Type: Gasoline, 87 / 91 / 93 octane
• Weight: 3,200–3,700 lbs
• Top Speed: 115–155 mph, depending on year & gear ratio
• 0‑60 mph: 6‑8 seconds (early models), 5‑6 seconds (late 70s)
• Body Style: 2‑seat coupe
• Dimensions: Length 166 in, Width 70 in, Height 50 in, Wheelbase 115 in
• Drivetrain: Rear‑wheel drive
• Notable Features: Drop‑pan body, “stepped” hood, signature “Corvette” emblem

Key Spec Highlights – A Snapshot at a Glance

Below is a quick reference to the most influential specs that shape used Chevrolet Corvette pre‑1982 price trends:

• Early models (1963‑1968) saw fuel‑efficient, smaller engines but became highly prized for their classic styling.
• Mid‑1980s revisions introduced higher‑output 8‑L engines, thus influencing higher depreciation curves for those specific years.
• Models such as the 1972–1973 “G1” concave body offered a rare look, often commanding premium prices relative to other years.

Depreciation Insight: What Does a Classic Corvette Lose in Value?

Understanding depreciation is essential when you navigate the Chevrolet Corvette pre‑1982 price spectrum. While many collectors regard these cars as long‑term investments, the initial drop is significant.

• First year: Typically loses 15‑20% of its value. A 1965 Corvette might start around $25,000 in the secondary market and decline to roughly $20,000 within the first 12 months.
• Three years: Roughly 30‑35% total depreciation from the initial auction price.
• Five years: Most models have lost between 40‑50% of the original value, stabilizing thereafter as “classic” status sets in.
• Two or three‑decade mark: Depreciation usually plateaus, and appreciation tends to depend on historical relevance, condition, and rarity.

For pre‑1982 Corvette collectors, the key takeaway is that the price drop slows dramatically after the first five years. Distinctive features—such as early unibody construction or rare “L” powerplants—tend to command higher fees and stronger appreciation.

Price Snapshot: “Chevrolet Corvette Pre‑

---

Last 20 car trackeds