Zoomin

My C2 has power steering. If you find one that doesn't, it can be added pretty reasonably.

The biggest, most costly mistake people make when buying a car is not having the frame and birdcage inspected for rust.

As you mentioned, the styling is awesome and if you're looking for a long term relationship this car is it.

They are simple to work on and aren't a constant hassle. All my post purchase expenses have been maintenance items and improvements.

I had a Porsche 944 Turbo and gees it was fun to drive but I don't think Warren Buffet could afford to keep it on the road so I know where you're coming from.

I own a 69 Camaro too, and it's about the same to maintain. Same rules apply - don't get a rustbucket.

dudman

Ok I kinda know what your struggling with. I asked a lot of these same questions before I made the jump. Just got my 65 vert last week after owning 3 c4s and a c6 over the past 20 years. When I asked the guys in the c6 section about thinking about a c2, many said I would be disappointed. But I found many of the c2 owners used to have c5s and c6s and prefer the c2s. After a week of owning a c2....I absolutely love it. It has a fun factor that is far beyond my c6 to drive. Not as fast, not as smooth, not the bells and whistles....but fun as hell to drive. Not to mention the continuous horn toots and thumbs up. I'm lucky enough to be able to own both cars.

Revfan

This, is a nutshell, is what most of the C2 experience is about...

But
The trick for you will be finding the well sorted out driver in your price range. The closer you are to 50 (or if you can go a little more) the better off you will be because you "should" be getting a car that has had most of the important stuff done.

The best values will be in the 63 Convertibles and 64 coupes/verts.

I spent 40K on a driver 67 Convertible, and have had to do a lot of work... and its almost ready. I have put about $6K more into it, and it has taken about 9 months... when I am finished, it should be able to be driven a fair amount without too much worry...

But...

they are 50 year old cars... things happen.

jkuzzy

Like you, I have always loved the C2 style. The 64 is a great way to go because the price is the lowest of the 5 years that they made that style. No regrets on my end.

ChattanoogaJSB

'64 is the cheapest car for car, and has the best of the minor styling changes which makes it my pick. I bought a solid presentable numbers matching car for a tick under 30k and drive it straight home 570 miles last year after selling the c6. Best decision I ever made. It has been the most reliable old car I've ever owned by far- there are no guarantees in a 50 year old car. There is no comparison to the razor edge handling of modern sports car, but I enjoy the raw sensations of the c2 of the c2 and it's a great performer when you factor in when it was designed. The sheer effect of the car visually in and out is second to none in my book, sitting with rare classics costing many, many multiples more. Go for it. Forget any comparison to your late model car.

DansYellow66

Dang - you are going to destroy the illusion of superiority that we all share with owning old Corvettes.

Stan's Customs

Well ..I hate to disagree...but I believe upkeep for a Camaro will be MUCH cheaper than an old Corvette.

ANYONE in the garage or body shop business can fix anything on a Camaro for nickels compared to what an experienced Corvette shop charges.

The joke is that Corvettes are made of "unobtanium".

...and not just any body shop "should" work on an old Corvette, they can make some very expensive mistakes.

If I had it to do over ..I would buy a steel bodied muscle classic....they are sooo much easier to make "near perfect" if you are so inclined. ...and a "nice" highly optioned steel bodied car usually cost about what a very sound entry level mid year Corvette begins at. (There are exceptions to that of course...like a Hemi Cuda Convertible or some of the COPO cars).

A LOT depends on how big of a guy you are too. If you are a big man, old Corvettes can be very cramped for extended drives.

If you haven't... you ought to drive one. Dealers like Greg Wyatt that deal in steel and fiberglass classics might be a big help if you are ready to lay down some cash...jut don't expect many test rides unless you are serious..

Good luck ...Stan

corvetteed

Like you, I too had a classic Jag. In fact, I was also the president of the local British Car Club for a few years, and had plenty of exposure to Jags. I've owned two Vettes now for the past 27 or so years (a 58 & a 64), and believe me, there is no comparison to the Jag. The Vettes do need work every now and then, sure, but the Jag never let you forget it was a Jag and needed attention all the time. I loved the classic looks of that Jag, but, after only 10 years, and never getting any closer to being 'finished', I couldn't take it anymore, and sold it. I haven't regretted it. The Vettes stay 'fixed' once you've attended to the problem, and you can enjoy them for a relatively long period, before the next problem crops up.

ChattanoogaJSB

I don't think Greg Wyatt has anything close to down around 50k for a c2, but if the OP is in the area his shop/farm/airstrip/ dealership of Corvettes is a must see. He's a great guy and did Steve here on the forum a real solid with some shifter trouble. I have no affiliation. Also, I don't think he has many non corvettes in.

magicv8

If you get a 327 car with a Carter carburetor you should be fine. All a Carter AFB ever needs is to have the float bowls wiped out with a rag every 20 years or so.

colo63sw

No power steering?? My 63 has PS. PS, PB, PW & AIR were options on all C2's (except for 427-435 cars, no AIR). If you take your time you can find a well optioned C2.

Paddy

I sold my 1967 Camaro 350 SS (clone) when I found a 1963 SWC in a gagrage. After replacing/repairing all of the mechancial systems and installing new bushings, bearings,ball joints etc. I had the car stripped and repainted with base coat/clearcoat.

I have owned the car for ten years and have updated it with some more modern features such as new carb and intake, 4 wheel disc brakes, cam and HEI, but I have basically kept the look and feel of the original.
Love to drive the car to Cruise-in and shows. Way more attention getting than the Camaro!

Go get a C2!