dont trust anyone!!!
I bought this corvette from a dealer, but, it was a consignment car. I spoke with the owner who had the car for 22 years and he had all the paperwork and receipts to prove it.
I think I bought a good one.
I veiwed lots of corvettes that were in great shape, but a matching numbers one IS hard to find.
I have bought many cars (and bikes) from the USA, and I think I bought a good car at a very good price!
I had a similar experience driving all over the the west coast, looking at disappointing cars.
I won't mention names, but some dealers just pray on the less knowledgable to sell POS cars with paint jobs.
Consignment cars can be good deals, the dealers takes a percentage of the sale price (much like real estate) and just want to move it.
But original engines (not restamps) no rust and no hit bodies with decent paint are very hard to find at a reasonable price.
Mine has some minor mechanical issues, nothing I can't fix, but it's "as above" and I'm pretty happy with it too.
Glad you found a good car as well.