:
View Poll Results: Why did you choose your C3?
The Year I wanted
64
43.84%
Price driven
33
22.60%
Condition driven
19
13.01%
Option driven (chrome/rubber bumper, auto/manual)
30
20.55%
Voters: 146. You may not vote on this poll
Choosing "your" C3....
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 7,562
Likes: 9
From: B'Ville NY
Cruise-In III Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05
Choosing "your" C3....
Hi all. I often see post about how much a particular year C3 is worth. With that being said, did you choose your C3 because it was the year that you wanted or was it based on other things such as; price, condition, options, etc...
For me it was not the year but rather price driven.
For me it was not the year but rather price driven.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 522
Likes: 0
From: Porter TX
None of the above. For me it was all sentimental. the 75 was the father in-law's before he passed away. the 78 was my father's and bought it from him when he decided to sell it. Both these cars deserved to stay in the family and will be passed down to my daughter.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,487
Likes: 10
From: Palm Beach Florida
St. Jude Donor '12
I previously had an 80. Loved it. But always liked the "sugar scoop" look. After I married and had my first of 3 kids, we needed the $$ for a down payment for a first house. I told myself that I would get one someday. Well my oldest is 18 now. I bought her her first car, My son is 14 and LOVES VETTES, and we started not using our boat as often. So I sold the boat and went looking. I new I wanted a C3. My brother inlaw has a 99 red with 13k orig. miles. He wanted to sell it to me for cheap. But my heart has always been with the C3's. I did not want the 76 because of the steering wheel.(I know it can be changed) I did not want the 74. No badge on the rear gas lid and the split rear bumper. So my options were a 73,75,77. I really wasn't looking to hard for a 77, because it does not have the "sting ray" tag on it. But the 77 did have the new a/c control and a good ride. When I found mine, the PO was in his 3rd year of resto. He hurt his neck and couldn't get in it anymore. (we still talk, and I bring it over to show him the things I do to it) I believe I got it for a good price. Nothing needs done. So thats my story and I'm sticking to it!
CF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 19,373
Likes: 5,253
From: Cape Cod, Mass.
2025 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C8 Z06/7/E-Ray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C8 of the Year Finalist Unmodified
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
2015 C3 of Year Finalist
For me I guess the answer would be all of the above. I wanted a 427 so I was limited to 68 or 69. I like coupes. I also wanted to get a decent deal on a car that was well taken care of, original, and not in need of a restoration. I don't think I have another restoration in me 
Ended up with a real nice, original Lemans Blue 427/390 and really enjoy it.
Ended up with a real nice, original Lemans Blue 427/390 and really enjoy it.
CF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 19,373
Likes: 5,253
From: Cape Cod, Mass.
2025 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C8 Z06/7/E-Ray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C8 of the Year Finalist Unmodified
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
2015 C3 of Year Finalist
It's 36' wide and 30' deep and holds all 4 very comfortably. I park 3 side by side and the 4th in the back, perpendicular. The 4 post lift allows me to park a 5th under it. Love them, but there's always something to fix.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,220
Likes: 6
From: www.Z16.org North/West Pennsylvania
I was option and year driven. I owned a 71 LT-1 in the 70s. I sold it in 81, started missing it and looking for another. Took three years to find the 72 LT-1 I still have.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,506
Likes: 139
From: Butler Pa
Why did you choose your C3?
Because it was avaliable when I was ready to buy one. Luckily it was a '69.
I was 19 years old, it was 1979. At the time I didn't care what year it was or what options it had and I certainly didn't care about what it would be worth in 30 years.
Because it was avaliable when I was ready to buy one. Luckily it was a '69.
I was 19 years old, it was 1979. At the time I didn't care what year it was or what options it had and I certainly didn't care about what it would be worth in 30 years.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: blairstown nj
For me it was a combo of price, condition, and options. This is corvette # 4. I started by looking for a chrome bumper, and just saw a lot of beat junk. Didn't bother looking at any rubber bumper cars. I saw the 74 listed on ebay, original owner, big block, 4 spd., under 50k mi., some serious engine mods done by a top engine builder, super maintained (bubba never touched this one), great original interior, well documented and included all the parts left over from 35 years of ownership' (a full pickup truck +). After driving it, i bought it and never thought twice about not having a chrome bumper.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 44
Likes: 11
From: Lodi WI
None of the above!!
The Year was 1973. The first energy crisis was upon us. (At least in our time.)
There were long lines at the gas station. Gas had sky rocketed to $.75 per gallon.
Automobile companies were reducing horsepower and compression ratios. (In 1972, they began measuring hp at the rear wheels instead of at the crank.)
Oil companies were taking lead out of gasoline and lowering octane.
Insurance companies were charging a premium for high horsepower cars.
AND I HAD A 1969 427 CORVETTE!!! WHAT WAS I THINKING???
Almost by accident, I found this cute little 1972 Targa Blue Coupe with a 350 automatic that burned regular no lead gas. I bought that thing so fast it almost made my head spin. By By Big Block.
I feel extremely fortunate that I have been able to hang to this car for the last 38 years.
The Year was 1973. The first energy crisis was upon us. (At least in our time.)
There were long lines at the gas station. Gas had sky rocketed to $.75 per gallon.
Automobile companies were reducing horsepower and compression ratios. (In 1972, they began measuring hp at the rear wheels instead of at the crank.)
Oil companies were taking lead out of gasoline and lowering octane.
Insurance companies were charging a premium for high horsepower cars.
AND I HAD A 1969 427 CORVETTE!!! WHAT WAS I THINKING???
Almost by accident, I found this cute little 1972 Targa Blue Coupe with a 350 automatic that burned regular no lead gas. I bought that thing so fast it almost made my head spin. By By Big Block.
I feel extremely fortunate that I have been able to hang to this car for the last 38 years.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,079
Likes: 315
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Same here, but it had to be an original side exhaust car...therefore a 69. If I had it to do all over again, I would buy one already correctly restored. This car has been more money and work than anticipated. I'm not completely done and have to find the energy to finish. Meanwhile I'm trying to spend a few years of enjoyable driving before tearing into it one more time with feeling.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,048
Likes: 0
None of the above. For me it was all sentimental. the 75 was the father in-law's before he passed away. the 78 was my father's and bought it from him when he decided to sell it. Both these cars deserved to stay in the family and will be passed down to my daughter.
As for my C3, I was just looking for a C3 and came across a few, but I really do like the 80-82 style along with the two tone and one year stuff of the 82. Of course had I found a good deal on a vert especially a chrome bumper I might've jumped on that instead. As for another C3, I'd like to get a C1 or C2 first, but if I find the right deal on a chrome bumper especially vert or maybe a Pace Car I'd consider it.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,461
Likes: 361
From: Monson MA
For me, I took advantage of a opportunity that presented itself through social conversation. I have always left the option opened sense selling my 1961 back some 30 years ago when getting married. The stars aligned and I found myself with another project. I believe a true enthusiast has DNA attached to his or paths in life. Owning, appreciating, reconditioning, racing, enjoying and sharing works for me. So no one thing makes my decision to buy. I would say gut feeling is what it is.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,070
Likes: 5
From: N.Richland Hills Texas
Mostly price driven... But really wanted the '76, like the aero of the rubber bumpers the best... Wanted a car that could be driven not stored ... And something I could make my own..
Last edited by U17; Dec 15, 2010 at 05:20 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,016
Likes: 31
From: Little Egg Harbor N.J.
I prefer the looks of the 1969 Corvette and I also prefer the lines of the coupe. In addition to that, I always wanted an LT-1 Corvette but, they didn't make them in 1969 and, if I swayed from the 1969 and went to the later years to get an LT-1, I couldn't afford it.
So I was able to get an L46, 4 speed, 3.70:1 posi rear, Transistorized ignition and no AC 1969 Corvette; while not an LT-1 I think it's as close as you could get in a '69. This is how I would have equipped a Corvette if I were to order one new back then.
So I was able to get an L46, 4 speed, 3.70:1 posi rear, Transistorized ignition and no AC 1969 Corvette; while not an LT-1 I think it's as close as you could get in a '69. This is how I would have equipped a Corvette if I were to order one new back then.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,468
Likes: 223
From: Sherman CT
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (stock)
St. Jude Donor '24-'25-'26
Actually I didn't choose my car, the car chose me...
in 1972 my neighbor came home with a new elkhart green coupe and of course gave everyone rides in it, right then I was hooked by the sound , smell and the exhilerating sensation of speed. many years later the car was lanquishing outside under a tarp and would speak to me whenever I would drive by saying " Roy, save me, save me please" So I listened to those voices and saved the car from the grave.
Regards
Roy
in 1972 my neighbor came home with a new elkhart green coupe and of course gave everyone rides in it, right then I was hooked by the sound , smell and the exhilerating sensation of speed. many years later the car was lanquishing outside under a tarp and would speak to me whenever I would drive by saying " Roy, save me, save me please" So I listened to those voices and saved the car from the grave.
Regards
Roy