Should I buy a C3?

[Nelson84]

I like the way the C3 looks and I know they don't handle as good as the newer ones but they look so good.

Which years to stay away from and what are the bargains right now?

I like the look of all of them so which to choose.

I will stay away from the 68 and the 82. I was thinking 72 or 75.

I don't like the 73 or 74. With the weird bumpers and the 82 is to slow.

I like the 80 to 81
And the flat back window on the earlier ones but would like to stay under budget under $15,000.

 

[taylorsk8]

You will likely spend a fair amount more on a 72 vs a 75. The chrome bumpers are more desirable to most people. 72 has a removable rear window (which is pretty awesome, I put one in my 73) and better stock power. A stock 75 would have catalytic converters and HEI. The 75 was also only available with a 350ci engine whereas a 72 had a big block option.

If you have a line on a 72 in your price range that is what I would go for, but you may have some trouble.

As for handling, they may not be as good as newer ones but they are still a sports car and I have never though of my car as having bad handling.

Hope this helps some.

T

 

[Bearly Flying]

I have a 75 that I could part with to make some room in the Garage...

3 Corvette's, 2 Motorcycles and 27 RC airplanes in a double gargage make it a bit crowded.

Shoot me a PM and We can discuss it.

 

[williame3590]

Keep it up Don, your definately on the right track. I would not part with that c3, looks awsum and you will miss it. Get another hoist!

Bill

 

[Jeremiad]

oooo..... want to trade that 75 for a 93 LT1 6-speed Trans Am?

 

[Bearly Flying]

Jeremiad, Now that wouldn;t help the overcrowding in the shop very much....

 

[XFIRE82]

when I was looking I wanted a 81 also cause last year of the carb and more my era of mechanics. But when I found my 82 I think it is the best thing I did, I would never trade it for a older C3. Cream of the crop for the body style, some options the others don't have , last of the mako shark style , first year for fuel injection ( comeback ) , o/d tranny auto only , best fuel milage of any prior corvette , fastest american production car in 1982 , first new corvette to sell for 20K plus , air induction hood, and more. I think it is one classic for the collectors some day . And nothing hard to swap out the engine if a guy wants more jamb . But yeah I agree any C3 rolling down the highway is the one that people easily spot and know that it is the american dream.

 

[Rruuff Day]

There is definitely something to be said for the 'shark' Michael....

 

[Black 03 Z06]

Great looking car X. Well written story line to go along with it. Some things I did not know.

 

[gdh]

If you find the C3 in your price range and ate serious do yourself a favour and either bring someone who is very familiar with these cars and knows where to look for rust. Repairing the birdcage can get expensive. If you do not know someone take the car to a Corvette specialst who is also very familiar with C3's. A shiny paint jof and nice interior can hide $10's of 000's in repairs if you cannot do the work yourself. Good luck in your search.