I'm looking to spend no more than 20-25K. Personally, I don't really care if she's "Number's Matching" or not. Any tips on what to avoid? Any of you who have redone your interiors and/or repainted a different color? How much did that set you back? What about putting in a new engine?

 

for 20 grand you can find a nice car that doens't need anything other than gas and routine maintenance.
crate engines will set you back about 3500
paint can be anywhere from $249 maaco to over 10 grand. 6-7 grand is not uncommon
check out the c3's for sale forum for nice cars from forum members

good luck with the search

 

Edited

 

For that kind of money, why not get a numbers matching car?

 

nice vette. are those 16's or 17's you've got on it? my wife would kill me if i actually spent 25 on a car before looking around.

I appreciate all the help. I've always wanted a C3 and finally decided "why the heck not!?". Do you think I will get more value if I look at the late model C3's (80-82) as opposed to an earlier one (68-72)?

as far as the numbers matching thing... for me it all comes down to money, and what my intentions and desires are for this baby. i just started my own business, so the budget i originally gave of 20-25 is the absolute most i would spend IF NECCESSARY. i'm not planning on showing this car or making money on it with resale... i just want a nice looking c3 that i can rely on, at least somewhat, and enjoy driving. i don't need to be paying extra for original equipment. additionally, am i wrong in assuming that a car with NEWER (overhauled) equipment would be more reliable? like driving a newer car that just happens to *look* and feel like an old one?

maybe i'm being completely clueless. well, i am clueless... which is why i welcome any response or advice!

- Evan

 

17"'s on the wheels. Drivetrain has 900 miles. 350 5 speed OD. Updated brakes, late model leather seats etc. As far as value? Who knows. It changes all the time. I have a 71 and an 81

 

ed1655,

Both of these would be very nice to own...check them out.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1661909

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1657909

2 great looking C3's!

 

Good luck. Do some research and be sure, if you are going to spend that kind of money, to take someone along with you that knows what they are looking at. We'll keep our eyes open for you as well...............

 

If you'd like a '78 Silver Anniversary L82, mine is for sale...and for significantly less than your $25k limit. Beautiful condition and runs just as great.

If you're interested, send me a personal message and we'll talk. I can send you lots of photos.

 

oooooh nice! that second one especially is sick. seeing as how both of those have been updated, equipment wise, are you saying that there maybe IS some validity to looking for a car like that? (newer gear, engine, mods, etc)

 

Any more specific's on what you want? Coupe or vert? Manual or auto? Chrome or rubber bumpers? In your price range you should be able to find these, maybe not in a big block though.

Good luck in your search.

Bud

 

i think a coupe. had a vert for a while now and not really keen on dealing with the potential aches and pains that accompany them, especially on an old car. manual or auto... either way. i'd love to have a pre '73 with chrome bumpers if possible. i'm especially keen on the '69 b/c that gill pattern in the side is, in my eyes, sleeker than the mesh. but i'm not THAT picky.

so i guess you're saying that as far as condition and engine goes, an older one is going to cost more dough than a later one. ie; give up the chrome bumpers, get a big block, etc...

 

For 20-25 you could get TWO really nice reliable C3s.

 

even an older one? i'd be thrilled to spend less than 15 grand on ONE!

 

20 -25 k is big bucks so get exactly what you want...shop around and do not buy the first vette you see...you can probably go alot lower

 

Would help to show where you are located.

 

If you don't care about matching numbers, both are really nice.

It would help if you would specify the years you are considering...'68-'72, '73, '74-'77, etc.

 

I'm in northern cal. (san francisco).... would LOVE some help!

as far as years. 68-72. 69 is my absolute favorite but any of the others will certainly do the trick

 

ed1655...

I sent you a private message.

 

My advice would be to buy the best car you can afford, try to stay away from fixer upppers. It'll cost you more headache in the long run.