Finding a high-end sports car without a six-figure price tag usually involves a lot of scrolling through sketchy Craigslist ads. But if you’ve spent any time looking for C5 or C6 Corvettes in the Northeast, you’ve probably stumbled across Contemporary Performance LLC cars.
They’re all over the place. Based out of Alverton, Pennsylvania, this outfit has carved out a very specific, and somewhat controversial, niche: the "R-Title" specialist. Honestly, if you mention the words "reconstructed title" in a Corvette forum, people start sweating. There’s a lot of fear there. But the reality is a bit more nuanced than most car guys realize.
The Reality of Contemporary Performance LLC Cars
Let’s be real. Buying a car with a salvaged or reconstructed title feels like a gamble. You’re wondering if the frame is straight or if the airbags are actually going to fire.
Contemporary Performance LLC basically functions as a one-stop-shop for 1997-2013 Chevrolet Corvettes. They don't just sell them; they part them out on eBay and service them in-house. This is important because it means they aren't just some middleman flipping auction junk. They actually know the guts of a C6.
The typical inventory you’ll find on their lot—or more likely on their website—ranges from 2000 C5 coupes for around $12,000 to 2013 C6 models hitting the $20,000 mark. In a world where "clean title" Vettes have skyrocketed, these prices look like a typo.
Why the "R" Matters (And Why It Doesn't)
An R-title usually means an insurance company decided the car was a total loss at some point. Maybe it was a fender bender that cracked the expensive fiberglass, or maybe it was something more structural.
The guys at Contemporary Performance argue that because they specialize in one specific platform—the Corvette—they can repair these cars more efficiently than a general body shop. They use their massive inventory of used parts from their eBay store to keep costs down. It’s a smart business model, but it requires the buyer to do their homework.
If you’re looking at Contemporary Performance LLC cars, you have to look past the shiny paint. Ask for the "before" pictures. They usually have them. Seeing the original damage is the only way to know if you're buying a car that had a light bump or one that was wrapped around a telephone pole.
Not Just Corvettes Anymore
While they are known as the Corvette people, their inventory has branched out. You might see a 2010 Jeep Wrangler for $10,000 or a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport for $17,000.
These are almost always R-titles too.
It’s a different vibe than a traditional dealership. You aren't paying for a fancy showroom or a guy in a suit. You're paying for a car that has been "reconstructed" in a town with a population of about 300 people.
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The E-E-A-T Factor: Is it Worth the Risk?
Expertise in the automotive world isn't always found in a certified master technician's plaque. Sometimes it's found in a guy who has disassembled 500 LS engines. Contemporary Performance has been in business since 2009. That’s a long time to survive in the salvage business if you’re doing bad work.
However, there are limitations you have to acknowledge:
- Resale Value: An R-title car will always be worth 20-40% less than a clean title equivalent.
- Financing: Most big banks won't touch a reconstructed title. You're likely looking at a cash deal or a specialized credit union.
- Insurance: Some companies will insure them for liability only, while others won't cover them at all. Call your agent before you drive to Alverton.
What Most People Miss About the "Contemporary" Name
Interestingly, if you search for "Contemporary" in the car world, you might get confused with Contemporary Classic Motorcars, the legendary 1980s Shelby Cobra replica builders. Those guys are famous for the CCX chassis—arguably the most accurate Cobra replicas ever made because they were molded from a real CSX3045.
That is not this company.
The Contemporary Performance LLC in PA is focused on the modern era of performance—specifically the "plastic fantastic" Chevy era. They deal in real-world, daily-driver performance, not six-figure replicas.
Actionable Steps for Potential Buyers
If you’re seriously considering one of the Contemporary Performance LLC cars, don't just show up with a trailer. Follow this checklist to keep yourself from getting burned:
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- Request the VIN early. Run your own Carfax or AutoCheck. You want to see exactly when and where the "Total Loss" occurred.
- Ask for "Before" Photos. This is non-negotiable. If they don't have them, walk away. You need to see the extent of the damage before the new bumper was slapped on.
- Third-Party Inspection. If you aren't a mechanic, pay one to meet you there. Have them put the car on a lift and look for frame welds or mismatched paint in the door jams.
- Check the eBay Store. Browse their "contemporaryperformance" eBay account. It gives you an idea of the sheer volume of parts they move and their reputation with other enthusiasts.
- Secure Your Insurance. Get a quote for a reconstructed title vehicle specifically. Don't assume your current policy covers it.
The bottom line? These cars are a shortcut to performance for the budget-conscious enthusiast. If you want a C6 Corvette for the price of a used Honda Civic, this is how you get it. Just keep your eyes wide open.