Commenters often speculate about the possibility of Florida cars being sold as a result of flood damage. Well, speculate no more as here’s a real live example, specifically a 1963 Chevrolet split window Corvette that’s gotten the dunkeroo treatment. It’s located in Miami, Florida, and is being sold by RepairableCars-ForSale.com (that name tells you something right off the bat). Those with an interest will find it here on craigslist where it’s available for “make an offer”.
First, a comment on this entire matter. I’ve lived half my life in the Sunshine State, and as of late, the Gulf Coast from Tampa to Naples has been inundated with hurricanes and the resulting damage. Some parts of the state are definitely more inclined than others to encounter flooding. That said, flooding is far from a statewide issue, as many parts of this very large and topically diverse state never encounter a problem with the potential results of heavy weather. This iconic Corvette, however, wasn’t fortunate enough to stay out of harm’s way. The listing for this ‘Vette is light on details, and I wasn’t able to find it on the seller’s website, so the images will have to do the talking. The exterior’s Saddle Tan finish looks pretty good, a little flat maybe, but certainly passable. The trim, minus the wheel covers, is all intact, and there’s no obvious indication of crash damage.
The engine compartment tells another story. Occupying it appears to be either a 250 or 300 HP, 327 CI V8, and the highwater mark, up to about the base of the carburetor, confirms what this car has experienced. Boy, it’s unfortunate as this ‘Vette appeared to be stock, original, and not messed with. Engine water intrusion is a big problem, one that is difficult to remedy. As is often the case, a four-speed manual transmission handles gear-related matters.
The interior, sadly, tells the same tale as the engine compartment – it has been soaked. It also shows as if it were in nice original condition, or well restored, but there’s now a film of salt up to the armrests. The wiring in one of these is relatively simple, at least compared to a modern car, but there’s still enough complexity that a salt shower is gonna cause a big headache.
The seller concludes with, “These vehicles typically sell for one half to one third of their Kelley Blue Book value, depending on the condition… MAKE AN OFFER (Will Be Sold With NO RESERVE And NO MINIMUM To The Best Offer)”. All that may be true, but what a sad state of affairs the next owner will encounter – and we haven’t even gotten a glimpse of the underside. I don’t know about this one. What’s your take? Is this water-logged split window worth the risk?
Hi Jim, If I had more time above ground I might take a chance, My Buddy had an Ermine white splitty before he checked out. I could not take my eyes off it! I do not follow pricing much any more. Maybe 50 K? Pretty sure this will be a frame off resto. Nice write up.
Good write-up Jim. I’m glad you made the observation about Florida and flooding; it’s easy to inappropriately paint with a broad brush about a given state and its climate/weather.
Must have been a sad day for the owner. Flood cars are normally a “no thanks,” but perhaps here is an exception. It might be worth the effort as a frame-off, as leiniedude says.
I’m thinking 50k also. And that would make anyone in the Corvette business happy. Sure it’s going to need a frame off restoration. The hard part is neutralizing the salt in the birdcage and frame. I’m sure an end to end wiring harness is available to make that job easy as possible. Send the gauges out to professionals. Spent another 100k , you will be happy that you did. I feel it’s too complete for a restomod treatment.
I agree with you Bob and also leiniedude as well. But theres an awful lot to work with here. The body looks great. Maybe if carefully torn down and done right it could be saved. Its a lot of work. But a nice Vette. My heart would have sank for sure if this was mine and that happened. I hope it gets a new lease on life.
What’s the remedy for these flooded cars ?
Lots of time and money. Been there, done that, and lost a car 7 years ago that I couldn’t save. If you succeed it’s great. If you don’t it’s sad. We saved two out of 3 of our special cars and all the other rolling stock but it was tough. The waterline on the Vette tells me there is a chance the bird cage can probably be saved. It wasn’t a Vette but our Mini was a special car to us.
Sorry guys. I disagree if you pay 50 K for this underwater Vette you will soon be under the water with it!
This is absolutely, 100%, a scam ad. The photos are stolen. The website link contains a virus. DO NOT CLICK ON IT!
This is likely a scam….The ’67 Corvette was sold by Copart last December. The seller says to go a website for more cars. I did. I checked about a dozen of the cars. All highly desirable, with (way)too-good-to-be-true prices. All images were from other sources, some 10+ years old. Some were connected to almost identical other websites with same photos.
Another red flag: No address, no phone number.
yep Ive seen the car before
SCAM site
This appears to be a scam. I tried to log on the link, got all sorts of warnings, etc. Finally got on, then they wanted me to pay for being on the site. Not a good place to go. If it’s real they need to reach out to folks and let them know they are legit. BTW I’ve resurrected several flooded cars over the years, including salt water dunk. It can be done and is not as difficult as people want you to believe, especially cars/trucks that are pre-computer.
lt was sold on Bidcars for $49k, I did a search of the image and it popped up with the vin so I checked and this info came up.
1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
30837S119553
Bid:
$49,250
5
COPART
Danger danger young Will Robinson!
Salt!
Walk away, in fact run. Do not even ask me how i know! Awwww go ahead. It was a totaled bronco 2, but in certain states that can be changed on the title. Enter unscrupulous dealer and walllaaa you have a mobile sinker. Believe me. Everything electronic is gone, tossed out, you will become accomplished at tossing it into neutral, jumping out while still moving and push it to the curb… assuming salt water will not adversely effect fiberglass, that maywellbe the only part unscathed. Everything else it TOTALED
This is a shame to see this happen to what appears to be a unmolested 1963 Corvette. I am sure the owned got pay decent from the insurance. A lot of comments say it can and cannot be saved. If it was priced low enough It could be saved with a lot of work.
I think a whole lot of people post their thoughts here without reading any of the previous comments. They just look at the pictures and start typing.
I miss the days of buying cars from newspaper ads and the like. The problem today is scum bags steal listings and never get caught. $49,000 for this was cheap, but if salt water got into the birdcage, you will be under water unless you have the skills of Mid Year Mitch.
Here it is
https://pastandpresentmotorcars.com/inventory/39183/view/119553/Ocoee-FL/1963-Chevrolet-Corvette