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After 30 years without a Corvette I began looking ( in 1994) and researching C1 cars and my decision was to buy a 62.
Nice styling, 327 engine , 4 speed, etc. I made a rule, don't buy the first 5 cars you fall in love with.
Ended up with my Almond Beige Red interior 340 HP 4 speed Hardtop Only car. Paid the going price and still have the car.
Listen to advice from Forum guys and read up on the particular car you settle on and take your time.
I have owned about 15 C1 cars over the years and they come in all shapes and sizes so do your homework.
Here is a picture after many enjoyable miles.
Bruce B
while I don't own a c1, (a 64 and 69) I will nonetheless chime in-
on c-1's the original color can be faked, there is no trim tag. The engine likewise carries no VIN derivative so a car of any power can be faked. Some are easier to spot than others in both cases.
I happen to own a couple of "numbers matching" cars but from my vantage point the premium up front and the premium down the road for a car with a little pedigree is kind of a wash. If I were you shopping in the mid-$40's I would give up a supposed "Numbers" car for a car that was cosmetically superior.
Why?
because paint and interior generally cost more than any other single element on these old cars. Maintaining on mechanically that is solid and pretty is always cheaper than going in knowing you need to paint one properly. Wise words I've learned.
I should add that radial tires will make a huge difference when you start test driving examples with and without.
Coming from a big block 68 you may not feel you want to thrash on the c1 so much but I suspect a well-built NOM small block will help you with any withdrawal symptoms versus a correctly rebuilt 283.
while I don't own a c1, (a 64 and 69) I will nonetheless chime in-
on c-1's the original color can be faked, there is no trim tag. The engine likewise carries no VIN derivative so a car of any power can be faked. Some are easier to spot than others in both cases.
I happen to own a couple of "numbers matching" cars but from my vantage point the premium up front and the premium down the road for a car with a little pedigree is kind of a wash. If I were you shopping in the mid-$40's I would give up a supposed "Numbers" car for a car that was cosmetically superior.
Why?
because paint and interior generally cost more than any other single element on these old cars. Maintaining on mechanically that is solid and pretty is always cheaper than going in knowing you need to paint one properly. Wise words I've learned.
I should add that radial tires will make a huge difference when you start test driving examples with and without.
Coming from a big block 68 you may not feel you want to thrash on the c1 so much but I suspect a well-built NOM small block will help you with any withdrawal symptoms versus a correctly rebuilt 283.
Good luck with your search...here's a shot of my Horizon Blue '60. I was fortunate enough that my Dad bought the Vette in '62 and never sold it! So, I am enjoying it today.
My Vette is a good 20 ft car. Exterior is pretty much original - paint and chrome, as is most of the interior. Mechanically rebuilt 25 years ago and has been running great every since.
Miles of smiles when I am cruising in the '60! BTW, I'm 6'2" and fit fine.
6'-2" and a little plump, fit fine with top down though the previous owner was larger also so the seats I think sag in just right so I am down in the car further than the average C1 I think, and my car does have a smaller diameter steering wheel that makes all the difference for me. Top up I fit once I am in it but it is an interesting sideways limbo dance to get my head under the side rails of the top or the hardtop edge then pull the rest of myself in. My plan is to never use it with the top up. Easy to do.
St. Jude Donor '14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22-'23-'24
Originally Posted by marshal135
Well allota great advise and some great pics.
Thanks for all who took the time to respond and post pics.
I'd be happy with any of the cars posted.
I guess I'll learn the options as suggested and with spring around the corner start looking at a few cars at local cruise nites.
If I could have 1 it would be blue with white coves, blue interior, dual quads and a four speed. NOM would probably keep it in my budget.
Fun factor is the idea.
Thanks again.
I'll keep you posted.
The quest begins......
Marshal
Now that you've somewhat narrowed down your ideas of what you want, and also widened out your years of consideration, let me add one more thought: do not "settle" for something that comes close to what you wanted. If you "settle" you'll regret it later, maybe not this year, but some later year. Even if you find something that is close, but not exactly what you wanted, let it go. You'll regret getting it. The only exception to this thought is to maybe pay higher than you wanted, to get what you wanted. The price on these cars isn't going to start falling for years and years, so, by overpaying, you'll at least get the pleasure of seeing your 'investment' appreciate. But, if you "settle" for, lets say, a '62, which you now know doesn't have the contrasting color coves, but, you "settled" because all of the other requirements you wanted were met, later on, you'll look at the colored matched coves and wish you had bought a '61 or earlier, even at a higher price tag, because the color contrasting cove is what you really wanted.
A thirty dollar Corvette publication will give one details, production figures, images, and options. The real world is the purchasing department. Any one with a bank account can go to a specialized dealer or auction to pick out a car. Depends on your preference, color options, the holy grail numbering system otherwise referred to as born with or matching, and of course how deep you want to be in this purchase ( dollar value ). Many impulse buyers dig into their wallet before a complete car inspection. Believe twenty five percent of the stories, look for documentation, and quick or lack of title transfers should ring your bell. There are bitterly thousands of models for sale in the early category so take your time sorting the details. The hunt, road trip, and conversations with owners is priceless. Soon you will be able to tell fact from fiction, value from hype, and a good general sense of what you desire.
EVERY year has " blue chip " examples. The difference between comparable years is minimal in the 58-62 era.
Buy within your budget. Having to sell due to an interest change or family emergency later may include a loss depending on the situation. Driver or garage queen. Some rebuild cars to the point they remain secluded behind closed doors. A nick or scratch in the expensive paint is a very serious matter to some. Its only a car. Thousands were made before and after. Study the ads and LOOK before you buy. Having saved for years for that special toy should not climax in an impulse purchase situation.
Your in the Corvette hobby and know the pitfalls. Buy with the confidence you feel comfortable with. Many good examples are out their at reasonable values. A fun challenge awaits. Good luck !
You might also add '62 to your list. First year of the 327, last year of the C1. '61 and '62's are roomier inside than the '60 and earlier cars....something to consider. The '61 is the last year for the dual quads and the contrasting insert on the side. Also the last year for the Motorama inspired interior door panels. I picked up my '61 in 2015 for less than you could sell your C3 for out of long storage with a hurt engine. Mine is not numbers matching, but is period correct. I had it running and driving in less than a month. FAR from perfect, and still needs stuff, but is a great driver and gets LOTS of attention. If you are mechanically inclined, you can get a non-runner for less like I did.
Before cleaning it up and after, with mom behind the wheel!
Can you give me some more details on the roomier difference? My only C1 experience was in my '61. Thanks.
OP: My first car/Corvette was a '61 (later sold it to get my '69 after a couple C3s kicked my butt on some winding mountain roads :lol). I'm 6'3", and was about 160# at the time. I had to slightly hunch over to see well out the windshield.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (track prepared))
2019 C1 of Year Finalist (track prepared)
The biggest difference is the amount of leg room, mostly due to the "alternate seat track location, one inch rearward" on '61-'62s, according to Noland Adams' "Complete Corvette Restoration & Technical Guide 53-62".
Also, the redesigned '61-'62 seat, with it's internal frame allowed for a somewhat thinner seat back. The increase in leg room is noticeable.
Thank you everyone who took the time to respond and post a picture(s)
Of your beautiful cars.
To recap, I'm in no rush to purchase the wrong or 1st car I look at.
This will probably be my last one so its got to be the "ONE"
I currently have a running driver so I'm not in any hurry to get a car.
I would like to drop back a couple generations though if the right car presents itself.
I'm really in love with the turquoise or jewel blues with the cream white coves and a blue interior.
The paint has to be great.
I'm more than ok with an NOM car.
If an NOM car brings the price range within my budget its in the running.
If the car is painted the color I want and it's not readily discernible by the trim tag all the better so some purists aren't picking it apart.
I'd like to stick with a 4 speed as I currently drive a 4 speed and enjoy the feel of working the car.
Lastly I need to drive a couple C-1s to see if I want to give up my C -3 amenities and if I fit.
I'd like to private purchase my C-1 vs the dealer.
Thanks for all your input and any additional pointers are still welcome.
Marshal
Now that you've somewhat narrowed down your ideas of what you want, and also widened out your years of consideration, let me add one more thought: do not "settle" for something that comes close to what you wanted. If you "settle" you'll regret it later, maybe not this year, but some later year. Even if you find something that is close, but not exactly what you wanted, let it go. You'll regret getting it. The only exception to this thought is to maybe pay higher than you wanted, to get what you wanted. The price on these cars isn't going to start falling for years and years, so, by overpaying, you'll at least get the pleasure of seeing your 'investment' appreciate. But, if you "settle" for, lets say, a '62, which you now know doesn't have the contrasting color coves, but, you "settled" because all of the other requirements you wanted were met, later on, you'll look at the colored matched coves and wish you had bought a '61 or earlier, even at a higher price tag, because the color contrasting cove is what you really wanted.
Hah! What jumped out at me was the steering wheel....didn't even notice the coves!! The C! steering wheel is to me one of the highlights of its interior....as elegant as one found in an Auburn or vintage Bugatti.....it would be the last thing I'd change on a C1!
Here is my 61 jewel blue. I believe jewel blue in 61 was second least common (original) color at only 855 units. (and probably why it was 1 year only color)
As others suggested, may want to check fit. I am 5-11 give or take and have seat all the way back. Unlike some of my other early 60s cars, there is not much of a foot well in here so sitting close to floor. I don't have a problem with the soft top up. I don't have a hardtop so can't comment there.
This car gets lots of conversation, thumbs up, pictures etc from all ages.
Here is my 61 jewel blue. I believe jewel blue in 61 was second least common (original) color at only 855 units. (and probably why it was 1 year only color)
Great looking Corvette (Route 66 1st season was Jewel Blue as you probably know!)
02-23-2017, 09:51 AM
Which year Coirvette to buy.
