Collectors Edition Corvettes
Are They Collectible?
BY: Bob Kroupa of Vette-N-Vestments
As Chevrolet begins production of the 2004 Commemorative Edition
Corvette, we take a look back at the other "Collector Edition"
Corvettes that Chevy built during the last years of a production
generation.
1982 Collectors Edition
In recognition of the last years of the C-3’s (1968-1982),
Corvette introduced the 1982 Collector Edition. This was the
first in a series of special Collector Editions that would
follow.
Indeed, the 1982 Collector Edition was special in many
respects. For openers, it had special serial number
identification, so bodyshop replicas were not possible. The
sixth digit of the serial number had a “0” that was the
Collector Edition designation.
There was not a predetermined production as there had been with
the 1978 Pace Car. Instead, the Collector Edition was built to
meet customer orders. The final tally reflected that 6,759
units were built. This count was 257 units more than the 1978
Pace Car.
The 1982 Collector Edition was a fully optioned Corvette that
included special features unique to this model. Included were
the Silver-Beige exterior paint, a Silver-Beige leather interior
and special cloisonné emblems. The glass roof panels had bronze
tinted treatment and the rear glass “hatch” had a lifting
feature for easy access to the space behind the front seats.
Also included were special cast-finned wheels that resembled the
optional 1967 “bolt-on” wheels.
The 1982 Collector Edition was offered at a list price of
$22,537 that was $4,247 more than the standard Coupe. However,
if we add the standard features that were optional on the
standard coupe, the price difference dropped to $2,615.
In today’s resale market, the value of the 1982 Collector
Edition has an average value of $15,500. This is $5,000 more
than the standard 1982 Coupe. Thus, the initial purchase price
has a better resale value. In addition, the Collector shows a
one-year appreciation factor of 4% while the Coupe reflects a (-
1%) depreciation factor for the sale time period.
1996 Collectors Edition
Chevrolet once again produced a Collector Edition, the 1996
Corvette model, celebrating the final year of production for the
C-4’s (1984-1996), the fourth generation Corvette.
The 1996 model is distinguished by it’s exclusive Sebring Silver
paint, chromed “Collector Edition” emblems, 17” five-spoke
aluminum wheels painted silver, P255/45 ZR-17 (Front) and
P185/40 ZR-17 (rear) tires and black brake calipers with raised
bright aluminum “Corvette” lettering.
The cockpit style interior featured perforated Sport Seats
with “Collector Edition” embroidery available in Torch Red,
Black or Light Gray Leather.
In 1996, the “Collector Edition” was treated as an option with
no serial number designation. And it was a very popular option
selected by 23% of the Coupe buyers at a production number of 4,
031. Even more so was this selection by the convertible buyers;
32% selected this option for 1,281 units.
The list price of the Collector Edition option was $1,250. In
today’s market it, too, was a good investment. A Collector
Edition Coupe at $21,500 in average condition will return more
than $3,500 over the standard Coupe. The Collector Convertible
at $25,900 shows $2,100 more than the standard
Convertible.
The bottom line is that the $1,250 investment in the 1996
Collector Edition has an excellent dollar return in today’s
resale market.
2004 Commemorative Edition
At this time no pricing information is available on the
Commemorative Editions. However, we expect to see three levels
of pricing based on the paint and special carbon fiber hood on
the Z06, the paint work on the hood, roof and rear deck area on
the Coupe, and the hood and deck paint on the Convertible.
Based on previous Collector Edition trends, buying the
Commemorative Edition package should be an investment when
looking at future resale.
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