Hello, I'm still in the hunting process for my first corvette. I am looking at several different C3's and C4's. I am curious about the differnce in prices of C3's. I see that the 79-82 vettes sell for much less that pre 79 vettes. Why is this?? A couple C3 vettes I am looking at average about $8000 while a couple others (77, 75) are averaging $15000. Is there something wrong with the last years of the ray's? I really like the styling of the C3's over the C4's.

Thanks

 

Nothing wrong with them...but pre rubber bumper vettes(68-73) are best value...Of course,I'm slightly biased towards both...

 

I too like the pre 79's but I am partial to the rear window of the latter vettes. I have my eye on a 81 that is two tone "gun metal blue". I was just wondering if there was something major wrong witht he 79 to 82's.

 

Major? not that I can say...

Just my opinion...stick with the carburated versions...also,look for the L-82 engine/ 4 speed...now I'll get slammed for saying that...
Note: 1978 was first with that rear window since 1967...

 

nothing wrong with them, more a question of scarcity, and percived value than anything else

 

79 has the nice fastback rear window and a few more amenities inside, than the mid/early-seventies C3 has.

After 80 you have computers and very EARLY GM computerized feedback smog controls that are neither reliable nor sophisticated. Rudimenary at best ... ... and lots of the wiring on GM cars (in early computer years) was hacked by folks who knew nothing about computer controls or check engine lights.

 

Just supply and demand. They are all good cars.

 

a good thing about the pre-78 rear windows is that they can be removed (with some modifications if post-72). A lot better if driving with the t tops off.

 

If you have your heart set on that car, and its as nice as you describe it, then buy it. If its cheaper that just makes the buy that much sweeter. The only reason they are less expensive is that they are not as aged. A well maintained vette goes up in price every year. The older they are the more dollars they fetch, and there are always certain years and styles that were collector items they day they rolled out of the dealership.

These cars are meant to be enjoyed, so get one that will give you that satisfaction.

 

I'm partial to what you've found...the two-tones are unique to the '81 and '82 model year for the C3 with exception to the '78 S/A and P/C. FWIW, a little over 5K of the 40K cars made in 1981 were two-tone cars; less than 5K of the 25K cars for 1982.

I love the older, chrome bumper vettes but from the outside, not the inside. I recommend you drive any and all you can get your hands on. This should help you make up your mind. As for $ to value in current market - IMHO - the 68 - 73 will draw bigger bucks because they have the chrome bumpers. The 74 - 77 will do pretty good as they have the same back glass set-up as the early years but with rubber bumpers. The 78 - 82 are the fast back group. I'm partial to the 80 - 82 look as that is when the spoilers became integral rather than bolt on look or exposed chin of the 78 - 79.

Let me know if you are serious about the two-tone '81 - the paint on these cars can be problematic at best - a repaint on a two-tone car is twice the fun for a painter and for your wallet! Also, the hood and body decals have just come back into production by a vendor. Until recently they were not available so if the car was painted the hood decal may be missing or painted on vs. a decal.

 

A few years ago the only C3's that had much value were the chrome bumper cars. Partly because of the style and partly because of horsepower ( no emision controls). As the chrome bumper cars prices soared they pulled the early rubber bumper cars up behind them. There is still a big price difference between the two. In 78 they changed the rear window and the look of the car. The pre 78's look a lot more like the higher priced steel bumper cars.

If your buying a car to drive and enjoy, buy what ever style you like. If you are buying it to resell later for a profit buy the earliest model year you can find, the older they are the more they seem to appresiate. I think the latter models will appresiate as well, it will just take longer.

 

The C3's are all over the page when it comes to price. If you go by year model alone,...the 1968 thru 1972 (1973?), bring the most, being the chrome bumper cars. The 1974 thru 1977 are next, due to the earlier rear body design, then the 1978 thru 1982 are the least expensive.

However, you then have to factor in a lot of other issues;...

Big Block early cars vcs small block,
L82 Mid year cars,
4sp or automatic,
Pre '76 model convetibles
'82 Collector Editions,
1982 4 speed automatic transmissions,
1973 cross mix bumper year,
'78 Pace Cars
79 up neat folding rear sets,
Unique color schemes to specific years,
and so on, and so on, and so on...

The botom line is; chrome bumper cars have gotten to be $10K and up.
74 thru 77 cars seem to be from $5K and up.
The 78 thru 82's are about the same as 74 thru 77, as they have their own following.

Also, the highest $$ value Vette may not be the right car for you. A big block '69 is not the right car for someone wanting to use it as a daily driver or boulivard cruiser. A 1975 is not right for someone wanting to light up the tires on the strip. The 78 thru 82 are nice drivers, with the 1982 being the most comfortable I've driven, (with the 4 speed automatic and higher rear end gears).

As has already been stated,...drive them all and then make your decision.

As for me,...a middle aged grey haired guy who just loves Vette's, the mid years works fine. They are cheap, fairly dependable, and unmistakeably Corvette.

I guess what I'm trying to say is,..you can't go wrong with any of them.

 

I have one of those" EARLY GM computerized feedback smog controls that are neither reliable nor sophisticated. Rudimenary at best "Proud owner of a 82 two tone white/silver and has been nothing but trouble free .. Heck all stock 75 -84 are under powered but fun to drive , do some minor tweaking can make a nice differince like i did mine.

 

In 1980 the California cars with the LG4 305ci had the computer. The L48 and L82 350ci engine do not have a computer system. Trans choices were a 4 speed manual or 3 speed auto.

In '81 the L81 350ci became the standard engine and all cars were equipped with a computer. Trans choices were the same as the '80.

In '82 the only engine was the Crossfire fuel injected 350ci. Also the only trans available in '82 was a 4 speed auto.

The body styles of the '80-'82 are virtually identical. All had a more aggresive front bumper with functional lower front spoiler, tear drop hood w/ out the raised cowl found on earlier years and a rear spoiler molded into the bumper. A/C, PW and PDL were standard equipment starting in '80. Also, all 78-82 cars are fastbacks with fixed rear windows with the exception of the '82 Collector's Edition. That was the only model with a rear window that opened like a hatchback.

Thought I'd try to clear up the differences between the 80-82 cars.

 

Check into state smog requirements before you buy. In CA, if it is newer than 75 model it must be smoged.