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I wasn’t as fortunate when I got mine, had nothing but trouble and left me stranded a couple of times. After a year or so I finally got it all worked out and now I wouldn’t hesitate to take it on a long trip. Because of this, I know my car much better and if something does go wrong, chances are I’ll know how to fix it.
Last edited by 59BlueSilver; 02-22-2018 at 08:46 PM.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C1 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2017 Corvette of the Year Finalist
2016 C2 of Year
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You will do fine in the 50ish range finding a nice solid axle, especially if having the original motor is not a priority.
Heck, I only paid $8,500 for my 61, but that was 35 years ago. They are very reliable and I fit fine in mine at 6'1". I just need to duck going over bumps with the hardtop on.
The new owner of my 61 touched up two stress cracks, buffed out the paint, put new shocks on the front, added Vintage Air and I see the car around town at car shows.
It wasn't a number one show/trailer queen.
Clearly its a vile, POS...
Bought mine little more than a year ago. It was good shape, but needed a tune up and carbs rebuilt. Also had to oil up some of the control cables and replace fuel tank sender. The motor is a 62 327 instead of the correct 61 283. Cost me $42,0000.
At 5’-11” I’m a good fit. To get in it just like all of the other sport cars I’ve owned. With your back to the seat sit down, then rotate to get your legs in. May have to duck a touch if the top is up.
I paid 36G's for my 61 (Non numbers)... Only had a few minor issues that the original owners (Father/Son) just didn't want to touch.
I committed roughly 12G into necessary preventative repairs Engine/Suspension/Brakes that I did myself with a massive amount of help from this Forum.
My Point.....Mid 30's priced C1 Corvettes are out there to make your own. It is my opinion that you have to do the work yourself....otherwise, paying for expensive parts and external Labor is not worth it.
The experience of owning a C1 and working on it is very rewarding...I have owned these cars since I was 22....Forty six years later....I still love getting under these cars....By the way, my Dad who got me into the hobby in 1966 when he purchased his first Corvette (327 Auto, Convertible, Black with Saddle interior) was 6 ft 5 in...Not sure if he would have fit in a coupe....
I had read same thing about reliability and fit for us taller guys (I'm 6'3") before taking the plunge and buying my '58.
And note the engine in mine is a 60's 350.
Happy to report 3 years and ~2,000 miles later both haven't been an issue. I prefer the top down, but use the hardtop when I have to. It takes some technique to get in to with the lid on as other have said, but definitely doable. I will opt for a 15" steering wheel but that's not height-related, too many beers!!!
Go for it- without a doubt the best fun you can have!
You will do fine in the 50ish range finding a nice solid axle, especially if having the original motor is not a priority.
Heck, I only paid $8,500 for my 61, but that was 35 years ago. They are very reliable and I fit fine in mine at 6'1". I just need to duck going over bumps with the hardtop on.
Very nice 61. I only paid $2000 for my 60 in 1974 . 44 years and over 30 1st place - Best of Show - People's Choice trophies later, it's still in my garage. 15 other Corvettes have come and gone but this one will be the last to leave the collection.
Back on topic - I'm 6'2' and fit just fine but I highly recommend that the O.P.drive a C-1 to see if it's the right car for him.
The new owner of my 61 touched up two stress cracks, buffed out the paint, put new shocks on the front, added Vintage Air and I see the car around town at car shows.
It wasn't a number one show/trailer queen.
Clearly its a vile, POS...
Hey Frankie,
Clearly a vile POS! LOL!
I would love to have owned that car!
Oh well....what are you going to do? Haters are gonna hate!
I own a 60 that I purchased back in 1989 and pieced back together. No Internet back then, just an assembly manual and lots of wild goose chases for parts since vendors were limited back then. I started rebuilding the NOM 283 several times, but never enjoyed driving it much until GM came out with some decent crate engines in the mid 90s that were drop in and go.
I've driven hundreds of muscle cars and classics, but I've only owned an MG and this Vette. No matter where I'm at whether its a car show or the local grocery store, the C1 always gets more attention than me. The look, the feel and the sound of this car is unlike anything else in my opinion. That is probably what draws the OP back to considering a purchase even after owning the latest and greatest Vettes GM has to offer. The C1 has a sense or style and class mixed with performance that is not in your face. My car has manual drum brakes, manual steering and no creature comforts to speak of, but most observers don't care.
I have gotten used to pushing the car beyond its comfort "cruising" zone and its a blast to drive now. It definitely makes a difference knowing how fast I can take a corner and estimating my stopping distance before running down the road. To me, that is joy of owning a classic since it is like a companion that you know you can rely on to get you home.
I just took a cross country trip in the Vette with my dad almost 5K miles and the only thing I had to replace was the voltage regulator and a battery which fried out going thru the desert. I probably should have replaced the battery before I left, but the voltage regulator was purchased at a NAPA right off the shelf and installed in the parking lot in 15 mins. Try fixing a modern Vette in the parking lot using a pair or pliers and a flat screwdriver.
I agree with some of the other posters, that if he has the chance to ride in a C1 and better yet, drive it, then do so before purchasing. But don't let the thought of bumping your head on the soft top bows be a deterrent to owning a piece of automotive history you can purchase for reasonable money and fix it as you drive it. Not every car is car show or collectible quality and if it is then you are going to end up spending so much $$ to buy it that you won't want to drive as much.
That's my $.02. If I had the time right now I would be headed down the road to the Black Hills for another roadtrip.
I own a 60 that I purchased back in 1989 and pieced back together. No Internet back then, just an assembly manual and lots of wild goose chases for parts since vendors were limited back then. I started rebuilding the NOM 283 several times, but never enjoyed driving it much until GM came out with some decent crate engines in the mid 90s that were drop in and go.
Ted
Back in '93, when I first worked on our '62, I didn't even have an assembly manual.
Of course I didn't go to near the extent as I did a few years back, but it's sooooo much easier to find information with the use of the internet. And especially so with this website (forum) that has several members who are not only knowledgeable, but whom are also willing to share their expertise!
In my Mustang/Camaro days you had to have a circle of friends on speed dial that knew the cars if you got in a bind...none of this instant gratification on questions via the Internet.
I bought more than a few of the answers to my questions back then by supplying beer and pizza to a bunch of sweaty guys helping me wrench on my cars in a hot garage...
If you're not concerned with numbers matching or originality you'll find one for 50K or less. I looked at a few good "drivers" in that range before I bought this '58 last fall for quite a bit less than that. I'm 3rd owner. Has both tops, pretty low mileage, very nice chrome and stainless. 5 foot 44 year old lacquer paint. Was in minor left front wreck about 1972 but got pictures with the car of the damage and well done repair.
Has an incorrect 350hp/327 (headers, Holley, high rise) and a super T10 but makes it that much more fun to drive. Interior is diamond-tuck. Oh so 1970's... but I love it and get lots of positive comments because it's not restored. Very dependable and drives nice with stock steering and brakes but does have radials. Easy to maintain and repair. I enjoy doing that and make small cosmetic improvements to the area as repair is done.
I owned a '62 years ago and do like the extra trunk room 1961-2 offers vs 1956-60. It ended up being a judged NCRS car which isn't nearly as much fun as the one I have now.
If you're not concerned with numbers matching or originality you'll find one for 50K or less. I looked at a few good "drivers" in that range before I bought this '58 last fall for quite a bit less than that. I'm 3rd owner. Has both tops, pretty low mileage, very nice chrome and stainless. 5 foot 44 year old lacquer paint. Was in minor left front wreck about 1972 but got pictures with the car of the damage and well done repair.
Has an incorrect 350hp/327 (headers, Holley, high rise) and a super T10 but makes it that much more fun to drive. Interior is diamond-tuck. Oh so 1970's... but I love it and get lots of positive comments because it's not restored. Very dependable and drives nice with stock steering and brakes but does have radials. Easy to maintain and repair. I enjoy doing that and make small cosmetic improvements to the area as repair is done.
I owned a '62 years ago and do like the extra trunk room 1961-2 offers vs 1956-60. It ended up being a judged NCRS car which isn't nearly as much fun as the one I have now.
That looks and sounds like exactly the type of C1 I'm looking for. I might PM you for additional details if that's ok. Thanks for posting.
I was seriously considering this '61 for 46K. Had a new crate engine, Muncie M21, 4 wheel power disc and power steering. Nice interior but hardtop only. Good car but the candy paint kept me from buying.
I'd be happy to PM.
I was posting my example. Not interested in selling though.
I understand. I wouldn't want to sell that beauty either. I was more interested in what you actually paid. I didn't know if you would be open to discussing such info...and I definitely didn't think you would want to in an open forum.
I'd also love to see some additional photos if you have any.
Also, if you don't mind me skiing, what is it about the candy paint that scared you off the '61?
I seem to like the rear end of the earlier cars better than the '61-'62. However, I feel like I would like the extra room in the later models cockpits plus the shortened steering column. If I'm not mistaken, that puts me in a '59 or ''60.
Last edited by Randy_in_MD; 02-23-2018 at 06:23 PM.
Also, if you don't mind me skiing, what is it about the candy paint that scared you off the '61?
I seem to like the rear end of the earlier cars better than the '61-'62. However, I feel like I would like the extra room in the later models cockpits plus the shortened steering column. If I'm not mistaken, that puts me in a '59 or ''60.
Candy paint is impossible to do a spot repair or match if needed. I like solid colors as they're fairly easy to color match and blend.
58's have the shorter column too but not sure as to cabin room compared to a 59-60. I'd guess they're the same.
02-22-2018, 08:43 PM
I only paid $2000 for my 60 in 1974 
. 44 years and over 30 1st place - Best of Show - People's Choice trophies later, it's still in my garage. 15 other Corvettes have come and gone but this one will be the last to leave the collection.
The look, the feel and the sound of this car is unlike anything else in my opinion. That is probably what draws the OP back to considering a purchase even after owning the latest and greatest Vettes GM has to offer. The C1 has a sense or style and class mixed with performance that is not in your face. My car has manual drum brakes, manual steering and no creature comforts to speak of, but most observers don't care. 
