Vintage Cars: additional value question, rising gas prices, value question

Question
QUESTION: I have a 1982 corvette, it runs amazing, it's all numbers matching and the paint is great. In my opinion it's in perfect condition, there are only really 2 problems with it, the first is the 130 thousand miles it's been driven. But it drives just as well if not better than the day I bought it back in 82. When I purchased it, I got around 15 on the highway. But now, for some reason, I can get in the vicinity of 20-22 miles highway. The second problem is the fuel buey in the tank is broken and I can't get a reading on fuel status...

I love it to death, but with the rising gas prices, I am wondering if i should sell it and upgrade to a newer generation.

Jake

ANSWER: Wow- tough question.  Although the '82 was the last of the "Mako-shark" Corvettes, they aren't at the top of anyone's collector lists, at least not yet.  Biggest problem: most consider them to be underpowered.  So, if you go to sell it, don't expect much, ESPECIALLY with those miles.  Keep it or sell it?  Only you can answer that, but a newer 'Vette will get about the same mileage, and cost a heck of a lot more than what you can get by selling what you have.  If you do go for a newer one, avoid the '84-'86s.  It always takes GM a few years to get the problems worked out of a new model, and the C4 had more than its fair share.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: If I do in fact sell it to upgrade, which year would you recommend? Would you suggest coupe or convertible? I'm looking for both style and aggressiveness, and I love every years styling cues, so I'm looking for the most powerful and affordable year.  

Answer
Again, this is tough to answer with any accuracy in the space we're allowed here.  The thing with Corvettes, each "era" has its own fans.  There are those that will only look at a C2, and think the C3 is worthless.  Or the ones that have a C1 because it's the "original," and ignore the rest.  The C4 fans think the C1-C3 are crude, etc...  See where I'm going?  It's so hard to recommend any one year.  As for coupe vs convertible, the ragtop of ANY model of car will always be worth more than the coupe, but you'll pay more, too.  The coupes (with their more rigid body) will handle better and develop fewer squeaks and rattles.  For me, the original C4 Z06 (the one with the square tail lights when the standard model had round ones) is a keeper, one certain to increase in value over the years.