The options for vehicle donations to support the National Corvette Museum are many. Stock, original un-restored, vintage, rare, classic or show cars carry the greatest value, but even an ‘everyday’ vehicle can generate support for the Museum.

The Donation Process:

  • Review our Collections Policy Summary here.
  • The Museum Collections Committee will review the Artifact Questionnaire Form, and the Registrar will notify you of the Committee’s decision and complete the donation paperwork and make delivery arrangements.
    • Donors are responsible for an appraisal if one is desired.
    • We may choose to have a Museum representative travel to see the vehicle.
  • Ready to begin? Click here to download our Artifact Questionnaire Form.
  • Do you have additional questions? Please contact Ashlee James at 270-777-4562 or [email protected].

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What vehicles is the Museum looking for?

Although one might think that the Museum only accepts Corvettes, that is not the case! Currently the Museum is looking for several Corvettes for our collection, as well as other vehicles that have a significant tie to the Corvette story. View our ‘wish list’ here.

What will the museum do with my car?

The Museum’s Collections Committee only accepts vehicles it intends to keep for long-term posterity. However, all gifts are unrestricted and the Museum has the right to display, drive or sell the vehicle that you donate. Museum staff will discuss with you what the best option for your vehicle donation would be

Does my car have to be running to qualify for a donation?

Not necessarily, but the vehicle must be intact and movable.

How much paperwork is there?

For you as donor, the key piece of paperwork is a clear and signed title in the name of the donor without a lien. If you have misplaced the title you can get a duplicate title through your state Department of Licensing. The Museum provides a few documents that must be completed to record the donation, and we will assist you with completion of the documents.

So how does the IRS get involved?

If you wish to take credit for a donation when you file your taxes, the IRS has guidelines for you and the Museum. We notify the IRS of your donation and when you file your taxes you need to document the value of the donation. IRS Form 8283 provides a section for your appraiser to complete and then a section for the Museum to complete upon transfer of title. You will then file this form with your taxes to take the deduction.

Depending on the estimated value of the car, the IRS may require you to have a certified appraiser inspect your vehicle no more than sixty (60) days prior to the donation. We recommend you consult your tax advisor for more information. We can direct you to lists of eligible independent appraisers upon request.

Certified appraisers will be cognizant of requirements they must meet for the IRS to recognize their work. The costs of appraisal are the responsibility of the donor and may also be tax-deductible as part of the donation expenses.

Can I leave my treasured car to the Museum in my will?

Yes, we do accept donations in this manner. The Zora Arkus-Duntov Society was formed to honor those who recognize the importance of investing in the National Corvette Museum and have included the Museum in their estate plans. However, please be aware that bequests for our Collection must be evaluated by our Collections Committee at the time of the estate’s disbursement. If the Collections Committee declines the bequest for inclusion in our Collection, the vehicle may be sold and all proceeds directed to our Collections Acquisitions Fund to further benefit the needs of our Collection.

Please provide a copy of your will to Lexi Stewart, Donor Relations Coordinator, to receive induction into this society. For more information, please consult your estate planner or contact the Museum.

How can I check out the IRS requirements for myself?

The easiest way is to go to their web site at www.irs.gov and look up Publication 4303 titled A Donor’s Guide to Car Donations.

How does my car get to the Museum?

Donors are responsible for transporting the vehicle to the museum. In some special cases, we may be able to find a volunteer or Museum staff member to transport the vehicle for you. Any shipping expenses to the Donor may also be tax deductible as part of the donation expenses.

What are the benefits of donating my vehicle to the Museum?

Donating a vehicle to the National Corvette Museum can bring considerable tax benefits to a donor. When the Museum accepts a vehicle, the donor may take a federal income tax deduction for the “fair market value” of the vehicle (as determined by a qualified appraisal), subject to certain restrictions.

The Museum also recognizes vehicle donors with the following privileges:

  • Option to have a car “presentation” ceremony complete with photographs and video commemorating the event.
  • Coverage of the donation on the Museum’s blog, social media (Facebook, Twitter), eNewsletter and/or America’s Sports Car magazine.
  • Guided and personalized tour of the Museum (by appointment), typically on the day that their car is presented to the Museum.

Is the Museum interested in donations of vehicle related materials?

Yes! Corvette related research materials and other items we call “Automobilia” are accepted and subject to Collections Committee review. We also accept items that can be used for silent, live and online auction fundraisers. Some items that we would accept are:

  • Vintage Garage Signs and Gas Pumps
  • Vintage Corvette Car Brochures and Manuals
  • Corvette books, videos, DVDs
  • Mechanic/Repair Manuals
  • Automotive Collectibles
  • Vehicle Accessories
  • Automotive and Corvette back issues of magazines (contact us for a list of our current needs)
  • Any Corvette memorabilia in good condition

To discuss donating vehicle-related materials, please contact Sharon Kinser at 270-467-8831 or email [email protected].

May I lend you my car instead?

Due to our growing collection, we no longer accept loans of vehicles except under rare circumstances or for a particular upcoming exhibit. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact Sharon Kinser at [email protected]. Please also note this information regarding loans to the Museum: KRS Revised Statutes