I took my 60 out on the road for it's first test run yesterday. I have a few bugs to work out but nothing major (I hope). It hadn't been on the road since around 1988.

I have to admit, the C1 is so much more enjoyable than the C2. It's so much more "drivable" and seems to be more forgiving. For what it's worth though, they are TOTALLY different cars serving a totally different purpose. What do the people think that either have or have had both of them? I'd take the C1 any day of the week over the C2.

 

I always hear that the C2 is more drivable. I would think the C1 would turn more heads.

 

You must have had one bad a$$ driving C2.

 

My roman red 62 drives like a tractor on 100% correct shocks, springs, and bias ply tires. The tires squeal on corners, the brakes are more exciting than I prefer (although I hope a recent rebuild will cure that), the solid-lifer 340 horse engine is noisy and sort of fast, the shifter is stiff. It gets a LOT of attention on the roads.

My pearl silver 65 coupe mostly drives like a dream with the hydraulic-lifter 350 horse engine, modern radial tires, working factory A/C, loud factory side exhaust, smooth shifter, and excellent brakes. Running the car through the gears sounds EXACTLY like Steve McQueen's Mustang from Bullet. The front springs are big-block A/C springs, the rear spring is a 315# composite spring. The shocks are KBY. Overall it's a little bouncy in the front, and sits high on a level surface, but that will someday be remedied with correct small block front springs. It gets less attention than the 62 but hands down I prefer it any day of the week over the 62.

The 62 will soon get new radial tires after I replace the dead waterpump, and finish adjusting all the new brakes. As a result I hope it will be much more pleasant to drive - but without the factory A/C here in Houston, it's just a killer hot car to drive much of the year.

 

I have never heard anyone say that the C1s are nicer driving cars. I LOVE the looks of the 56-62s and for as much as I drive my Vette would probably trade mine for one, but everyone that I have ever talked to that has both or has had both says the C1s ride like an old truck.

 

but can you have sex in a C2?

I know you can in a C1 if you either leave the top down or one door open. Assuming you are young, as I once was.

Doug

 

Radials make BIG difference on the ride comfort.

 

The c1 does drive like a truck! If the front suspension is original (and mine is) you have to remember, these go back to 1949 without very many changes until 1963. I have to say though, it's a real kick to get in it and go. The weather here has gotten up in the low 50's, and I'm itchin to get it out tomorrow. Lookout!

 

The C2 has to drive better than the C1. The tractor is an accurate description. Does that bother me? Nope, I'm driving my dream.

Jeff - NICE looking rides.

 

Does it have to be with another person ? If not I don't have a problem in a C1 or C2...

 

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
(6) (7) (8) (9) (10)

 

Dig my buddy's 59 Fuelie but cant fit comfortably in it.

Have to vote for my C2.

 

A C1 & a C2, I would love to have that pair.

 

All that is true, but if you are 6'2" tall or more, the c2 is comfort for touring. Bill Mitchell, the designer (design team leader) was a big man, and he wanted a car he could drive. Thank you Bill (wherever you are if you are out there), for not letting Zora stick the big Americans with a version of the tiny German porches and other European cars that Zora loved.

 

Congratulations on getting the car back on the road! When a car has been out of service for as long as yours was, there can be no end of things that require attention. If you have only a few bugs, then you've done some good work.

This is certainly a matter of personal preference.

I've driven a '54, a '60, and a '63 from one side of this country to the other and logged many other long trips in these same cars. By a wide margin, the '63 is the all-around better car... more capable, more comfortable, ... just better. My opinion, anyway.

Jim

 

My 65 is a FAR BETTER driving car than my 61. Any decent mid-year will outhandle/outperform any decent solid axle. Having said that, I love the character and all the looks the 61 gets but no comparison between the two for road manners.

 

You know.....come to think of it, I absolutely love driving tractors. My dad has a 49 Ford tractor that is a blast to screw around on. I guess it just feels like the C1 is an "easier" car to drive.....I can't wait to get it to the paint shop and fully completed.....

 

My mid years were 100% better driving cars... they have essentially the same suspension as a '79... my '58 definitely rides like a log wagon but both generation cars were improved dramatically with repro radials. Not close in comparison.

My '58 gets a ton more attention than any of my midyears, though.

 

Yep, works in both, ..

I found my 63 coupe to be the worst C2 made. Zero venelation making it hotter than hell in the summer. Open the door and the rain pours in, and I couldn`t see out of that damn rear window. But each had its own driving character. Some days I use to drive them both as they just sat in the yard. Similar but different ...

 

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!