One of mine is a 73 as well, soooooooo!
73' or 81'
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Edmond Oklahoma
73' or 81'
Hi guys, I have been reading on this forum for quit some time now and really like the insight you guys give each other. I have liked the c3 vettes for many years and am just now at a point to take one on finacially. My quetion is I have the opportunity to get a couple of vettes, a 1973 or a 1981. They are both about the same price, both going to need about the same in investments to get them looking and running well. So, which one?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,720
Likes: 106
From: Canada
Depends on what you really want out of it - the 73 will likely have more upside potential as the last of the chrome bumper era and it is unique as a chrome/rubber hybrid. The 81 is definately more of a cruiser - I am not talking performance potential - but if you want to take long trips that bubble hatch is fantastic. My 72 has very little room for any luggage especially with the roof down. The 81 is more comfortable than a stock 73 with some refinements to the suspension. So it all depends on what you really prefer and intended usage, either way you will have a lot of fun.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Easy, 73.
Next question.
J/K.
The worst part is there is limited space in 68-77 coupes so to pick up 1 woman at the airport, ya have to find out how much luggage first.
Everything else is fine or easily fixed.
You should drive both & see which you prefer.
Next question.
J/K.
The worst part is there is limited space in 68-77 coupes so to pick up 1 woman at the airport, ya have to find out how much luggage first.
Everything else is fine or easily fixed.
You should drive both & see which you prefer.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Edmond Oklahoma
I really like the 81' because it is prolly my fav, but the value of the 73' is what is really making this a hard choice. The good news is I really can't go wrong either way, I mean they are corvettes.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 570
Likes: 11
From: Lancaster PA
If you like the 81, then you will be disappointed with the 73. You will probably always wish/wonder why you did not get what you really wanted.
The 81 will be more comfortable for longer trips(and even just across town.)
the 73 will probably be more collectible in the long run.
They are both old enough that the extra 8 years will not help as far as reliability is concerned, but you probably knew all this already.
Personally I like the 80-82 body style better than the 73 just because to me it is more classy looking, and more practical(as practical as a c3 can be) because it has more storage space.
But then again I may be biased because of my 80.
The 81 will be more comfortable for longer trips(and even just across town.)
the 73 will probably be more collectible in the long run.
They are both old enough that the extra 8 years will not help as far as reliability is concerned, but you probably knew all this already.
Personally I like the 80-82 body style better than the 73 just because to me it is more classy looking, and more practical(as practical as a c3 can be) because it has more storage space.
But then again I may be biased because of my 80.
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Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Edmond Oklahoma
The 81' is $4500 and is black on black, which I really like, with a recent engine overhaul and pretty good interior, but need a bad paint job. The 73' is $5800 white with red interior, with a pretty new paint job, 4 out of 10 interior, decent motor.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 8
From: Enid Oklahoma
No question for me, 81. Way more comfort, seats suspension etc...More room.... And for me (I have one so I am biased) I like the later C3's way better as far as looks, Rubber and all. But we each have our own preferences. Also, it seems the later C3's are less prone to rust in the areas where rust is prevelent. At least when I was searching for a car, most of the ones I found that were rusty were the older cars primarily. Just my opinion. But either will be a fun car! Sounds like good prices for both, look for rust in both!!!! Rust after the fact will ruin your day!
Edit: We lived in Edmond for 11 years, my in laws live in KBird wife graduated from EHS. We are planning to move back especially if I get a possible promotion at work....Great City!
Edit: We lived in Edmond for 11 years, my in laws live in KBird wife graduated from EHS. We are planning to move back especially if I get a possible promotion at work....Great City!
Last edited by 81pilot; Mar 21, 2010 at 04:25 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 10,628
Likes: 132
From: Duvall, WA
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Edmond Oklahoma
The good thing about either one is they are both in Texas and neither is down by the coast, so the rust issue is hopefully not an issue. Yes Read i did mean a 73 and 81 foot corvette.JK
Last edited by Mewinquik; Mar 21, 2010 at 01:53 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,992
Likes: 56
From: Antioch IL
That is tough one!! I like the '73 a lot (last chrome bumper) but when I bought one, I bought an '81 and I love it. Either way it will be a fun project with a lot of frustration along the way. However, once your done the first ride will be spectacular. This is when all the hard work pays off. Good luck and remember the pictures.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,177
Likes: 4
From: Alcolu S.C.
Don't buy these vettes for an investment, buy the one you like the best. They are both a good choice, I have an '81 which I like very much. When I was looking for a vette and it had been a '73, I am sure I would have been happy with it also. As mentioned above buy the one with the least rust. If rust is not an issue then buy the one you like.