I do like the C2 styling very much, quite futuristic for its day, however one reason I love the early C3's is that they have a timeless styling to them. The C2's look dated, especially the interiors, however the early C3's do not look dated, either the exterior or interior, they are simply gorgeous to view inside or outside. I have owned 8 '68 thru 72 models and will probably own more before I die.

 

I own a 67, 68, and 69 and love each of them for what they are. I do think that the chrome bumper sharks will have their day in the sun. In fact check out prices on the real L88s, LS6s, L71s etc. If they are no excuse cars they will bring six figures and some up to mid six figures.

 

The difference in value between C2s and C3s comes heavily from the Corvette community. When I bought my C3 new in 1980, it had power everything plus A/C and I sold my 1967 which had none of those things (dummy me.) But I always loved the stingray body style.

Among the general public, less in the "know", the C3 is a gorgeous car. I have newer vettes as well as my 80. My new C6 and my 50th anniversary C5 and the 1980 are all three in the garage.

When people see the 1980 you don't know how many times I have heard:
"WOW, that one must be worth A LOT."

When I drive the 1980 its also is far more likely to get the rave reviews. So don't give up on the values going up. But don't hold your breadth waiting either.

 

Have you ever driven a properly tuned 73? I'm glad that myth is still being tossed around. It keeps the prices reasonable for the most part which I ain't crying about. Look, it's still a 350 engine and the horsepower is there if you want to unlock it. Both the 73 L-48 and L-82 are equivalent in performance to the 72's I have owned. The only difference really is the way the horsepower was rated which was at the flywheel prior to 72 and at the rear wheels of a fully equipped car from 72 on.

 

Yikes, I thought I stumbled into the C4 Forum, This is the kind of stuff they complain about there.

Shucks, those '67s are worth more than a '75. Darn.

Come on. Pre '68s are the most vintage cars and command the most respect as well as dollars and attention. The chrome bumper C3s are selling strong, mostly convertibles, but not to the level of the C2s. Nor should they. They are the next vintage car.

Its just not time for the rubber bumper cars yet. They are still entry-level cars whether you like it or not. Down the road as more cars continue to all look the same, ala C4-C6, the rubber bumper cars will gain respect and have their day,

Still, please dont start complaining that your '80 doesnt get that Sting Ray respect that it "deserves." Sound waaaay too C4.

 

Take a peek at the C4 forum, I know we have some debate between the chrome and rubber bumper guys, but you should read how they degrade each other's cars on the C4 forum and try to compare them to every car ever built. My guess is because the C4s are really THE entry level Vette right now, more young owners.

This thread is definitely fit for the C4 guys............

 

forget the value and mileage drive it don't drag it around on a trailer like the c1 and c-2's

 

Nope. They have never used rear wheel hp ratings on new cars.
The difference was that the auto makers started rating hp with all accesories
and exhaust hooked up as the engine was installed in the car.
Horsepower was still measured at the crank.

 

The '84 will be the entry level Vette forever.........

 

Perspective is everything. I see the fact that '67s cost more than my '70 as a good thing, I like my '70 better!

 

As long as we don't own these cars for an investment, there's nothing to worry about. There just aren't as many C2s as there are C3s and C2s weren't choked to death by government standards. The performance of the C2s and early C3s can easily be attained by modding. None are considered that fast by today's standards anyway.

 

i love driving my 61 but the 72 coupe is a lot mre practical for everyday use with p/s and a/c also its a replacable car for a resonable amout of money so my c-3 is an everyday driver

 

And for those that don't want to cut up a nice chrome bumper shark, there are plenty of later smogging rubber baby buggy bumpers that make great candidates a little swap here and there. And then when some of those muscle beach maniacs wanna play, you then show them you got the right stuff.

As far as value goes, well that's another story. But I agree that these babies are purdy and they will be more desirable in time. Then again, I bought GM Stock so WTF do I know!

 

Several points here:

look at the C2 forum and the owner group.. these guys are much older, and usually much more tuned to the fact that their cars are investments... and defend their value vigourously. Here in the C3 world we have many more guys that achieve their dream much, much cheaper and can do it much much younger. and there are many more non correct c3's out there. think of the pressure of the C2 guys to keep their car original. here in the C3 world mostly it is 'do what you want to your car'

also, I support the BJ and mecum and other high end auction stuff.. without those prices to support our cars, then prices would be much lower... also consider NADA, although most know them as overpriced in evaluating cars. it does support the tax issues, insurance field, and to
a degree the Auction field..

Without many cars going at a very high price, the the C3 subset would be much less value.

It is a function of rarity to some degree and what everybody else is buying.. Look at the C1's and early C2's they are much more rare than later C2's but prices don't really show that.

Look at the 69 vs the 70, they made more than twice as many 69's as 70's yet 69's continue to get for more $$. Rarity is not really a consideration in this case..

it is fuel for a long debate...
.

 

My L68. I don't envy a C2!

 

That is a great picutre, very nice.

I have a C2 that I love and I have a C3 that I think is one of the best and original car designs ever. I think the difference in price is hype combined with time. (As far as C4s go, I just don't see any real excitement in the design, too warmed over.)

 

"As far as C4s go, I just don't see any real excitement in the design, too warmed over"
Yea, I know what you mean. I have to stare at it a bit just to make sure it's not a Firebird.

 

Who say's you can't mod or throw in a bigger power plant in a C1, only those who care about getting judged...

 

Uh, That's a C1, But no matter, It's an Awesome car!
Love it!

 

[QUOTE=remanking;1569596727]My L68. I don't envy a C2!
[/ QUOTE]

Wow, you have my dream car. Except I want Fathom Green with black int. My dad has a 65 and a 60 restored to origional and I always loved the Stingrays best till I got mine. There's nothing better than looking out over those fenders while cruisin. My brother has a 85 and you can't match the way that thing handles and it is quick. There all corvettes the greatest car ever made.