Considering a classic Corvette
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 631
Likes: 255
From: Richmond Virginia
Considering a classic Corvette
My general rule has been to only have cars still in warranty. (not overly handy) So I have several Vipers, a new CTS-V and some other fun cars including 3 Ford GTs just out of warranty.
Out of a sense of nostalgia the only classic that interests me is a C1 (have owned C5s and C6s) I really like the single headlight look of the 57 but not sure I could fit behind the steering wheel.
I would want a nice driver--it does not have to be a NM high dollar car. Almost bit on a torquoise green that VintageVettes had awhile back.
I am sure there are many different views, but if you were looking for a fun driver what year would you go with? Thanks
Out of a sense of nostalgia the only classic that interests me is a C1 (have owned C5s and C6s) I really like the single headlight look of the 57 but not sure I could fit behind the steering wheel.
I would want a nice driver--it does not have to be a NM high dollar car. Almost bit on a torquoise green that VintageVettes had awhile back.
I am sure there are many different views, but if you were looking for a fun driver what year would you go with? Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,629
Likes: 14
From: MA
I'd go sit in one first because the tight squeeze may take all the fun out of it. I'm 6' 3" and it's a tight fit in my '65 coupe. I sat in a couple C1s years ago when shopping and had to cross them off the list because of 'fit'.
larry
larry
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 58,061
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Army
Personally, the '61 did it for me. The earlier years with the heavy looking grill teeth never looked 'balanced' to me and the '62 didn't have contrasting coves but DID have the venerable 327 ci (first year for it in a vette)!
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 11,593
Likes: 173
From: Clayton NC
The Richmond Corvette club is having a big car show at the Fairgrounds next weekend I'm sure that you could find plenty of guys to talk to and cars to look at and sit in. It might be an opportunity also to find some local guys that can help you with your search.
Dave
Dave
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Canada's capital
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
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You obviously have the money, so just go out and buy a nice one and try it out. If it's not your cup of tea, sell it! No biggie. Take along somebody familiar with them for help in the picking. Jump in the water's fine.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,730
Likes: 92
From: Lakeland FL
Now if you have a tall torso, you may have to go topless, but there are options for lowering seat cushion so you can drive more comfortably with the top up.
By all means, try some out with top up and down.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,251
Likes: 62
From: Imperial Missouri
My opinion is the 61/62 with the same reasoning as everyone else.I recently had my seats redone and started hitting my head on the roof bow on some bumps,so definitely drive it with the top up.Also drive it with top down at highway speeds to see if you can stand all the turbulents.Four taillights show up a lot better than the 58-60 because of the covers they have.
Just get in a C-1 with the top up requires a certain routine to get in and out.Put your right leg and foot in first and sit down,with your head and upper body tilted left and swing your left leg in.A 15" steering wheel will also help.I'm 6'2" and 210 and don't have trouble.A friend tried getting my car that was 5'5" and had trouble getting in.But I have trouble getting in his 65 Mustang and always hit his signal light stalk when shfting.
But like most people will say after your in there you become one with the car and wow what a sensation!
Last Saturday evening around eleven I was stopped at a sobriety check point and the officer couldn't believe that all of me could get in there.And also said I should have had the top down.
Just get in a C-1 with the top up requires a certain routine to get in and out.Put your right leg and foot in first and sit down,with your head and upper body tilted left and swing your left leg in.A 15" steering wheel will also help.I'm 6'2" and 210 and don't have trouble.A friend tried getting my car that was 5'5" and had trouble getting in.But I have trouble getting in his 65 Mustang and always hit his signal light stalk when shfting.
But like most people will say after your in there you become one with the car and wow what a sensation!
Last Saturday evening around eleven I was stopped at a sobriety check point and the officer couldn't believe that all of me could get in there.And also said I should have had the top down.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,461
Likes: 18
From: cooper city florida
I agree. I wanted a C1, until I went and looked at one. It was difficult getting in....... embarrassing trying to get out. I ended up getting a 65, and it is much more comfortable, although still a little snug at the thighs. A 15" Freeman teak wheel would help, but I really don't think it's that much of a problem. I'm 6' 2" 230 lbs, and 64 years old.
Last edited by 65 vette dude; May 26, 2011 at 08:04 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 58,061
Likes: 7,146
Army
Well C1s aren't all THAT bad. Last car show I was at some middle-aged lady was complaining about the tight cockpit on the '61 until I told her my first child was conceived in there....that stopped her whining real quick...
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,478
Likes: 5
From: Bakersfield CA
I think there is plenty of room in my '56, but I'm 5'9". I'm a bit fat now too, I have a gut and weigh about 235 now, used to 165. Sure there is a technique to getting in and out but it's not bad at all, even with the top on, just have to get used to it. The steering columns can be shortened, and smaller replica steering wheels can be had. Custom seat cushions and covers also can help.
If you were nearby I would let you take it for a drive to see. I too prefer the single headlights and 56/57 Corvettes were really the only style I even liked of any year Corvette. Now 53-55 vettes are growing on me and I'll get a '54 in a few years.
If you were nearby I would let you take it for a drive to see. I too prefer the single headlights and 56/57 Corvettes were really the only style I even liked of any year Corvette. Now 53-55 vettes are growing on me and I'll get a '54 in a few years.
Last edited by 92GTA; May 26, 2011 at 07:45 PM.