Why a C3?
CF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 19,350
Likes: 5,240
From: Cape Cod, Mass.
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I have owned my 65 for almost 40 years and my 61 for 25 years and didn't really care for the third generation cars until the last few years. I decided to add a 68 or 69 427 about 5 years ago. Ended up with a nice Lemans Blue 68 427/390 coupe and really like it alot. The interior is a little confining but the exterior lines are beautiful. I like all generations of Corvette and really can't say which is my favorite.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 111
From: Tolland CT
As I said before, if this is the car which will make you happy, that's what is most important.
If I only wanted to impress others I would have kept my 67 BB Roadster...
Pro
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 570
Likes: 150
From: Northern Germany
I loved the C3s while being a teenager in the 70s. Way out of reach for me at the time. Always loved the C2 as well and went hunting for one. Found them way too expensive or in awful shape and started looking for a chrome bumper. Once I looked at them closely, I fell in love almost like with my wife 30 years ago. I found my 69 convertible, a Monza red L46. What sold me were:
- The sweeping lines of the front fenders as you look over the steering wheel.
- The DC-8 cockpit! Don't you love the fiber optics glowing at night together with all those instruments?
- The seating position, slightly raked back
- The fascinating complexity of the wiper door when you push the button
- The view from behind: The 68-72 backside is the cleanest and most impressive back on any car I've ever seen.
- Oh I could go on forever...
Still love the C2s but don't think I would ever trade.
Martin
- The sweeping lines of the front fenders as you look over the steering wheel.
- The DC-8 cockpit! Don't you love the fiber optics glowing at night together with all those instruments?
- The seating position, slightly raked back
- The fascinating complexity of the wiper door when you push the button
- The view from behind: The 68-72 backside is the cleanest and most impressive back on any car I've ever seen.
- Oh I could go on forever...
Still love the C2s but don't think I would ever trade.
Martin
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,271
Likes: 1
From: PA
True but a BB car feels very different, lots of low end torque and that rumble... They fetch a higher price though, sounds like the SB gave you more of the car you were looking for at the price point you had to work with? Many trade offs to consider when buying...
As I said before, if this is the car which will make you happy, that's what is most important.
If I only wanted to impress others I would have kept my 67 BB Roadster...
As I said before, if this is the car which will make you happy, that's what is most important.
If I only wanted to impress others I would have kept my 67 BB Roadster...
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,888
Likes: 3,324
From: NYC NY
All the reasons you mentioned. Distinct looks, lower buy in than a C2 (especially for a BB), and yes a decent platform to work with for improved performance and handling. I'm not a "stock" guy so for the type of "hot rod" Corvette I wanted the early C3 was the "perfect" choise for me. 
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
All the reasons you mentioned. Distinct looks, lower buy in than a C2 (especially for a BB), and yes a decent platform to work with for improved performance and handling. I'm not a "stock" guy so for the type of "hot rod" Corvette I wanted the early C3 was the "perfect" choise for me. the thing had it's share of problems.....
my second vette was a '87 in '92 life is like that,
this '72 vert was in '95 and so like any other vette is a hobby car of one influence or another....
Me, it's a hotrod...nothing stock, wasn't when I bought it...
but it's the ONLY one in a even similar vain......
NO part is stock, not nuttin' ......
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Instructor
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: Covington VA
When I was a kid in the late 70's the C3 was still in production and I dreamed of owning one some day. I remember being disgusted when the '84 came out. I can remember saying "they ruined the Corvette" the first time I saw one. The C3 is THE Corvette to me. I own a '75 and a '79 now. I hope to add a 71 or 72 to the stable some day. The C3's are fun to drive, mechanically simple, and in many cases are still very affordable. I love the C1 and the C2 but these cars are priced out of most peoples market now. And to me, neither of them make the statement a C3 makes. I just plain love the C3
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,056
Likes: 99
From: Southeast, Tennessee
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '26
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,560
Likes: 4
From: Arlington texas
C3 is what I grew up admiring and wishing for. C2's are nice too. Could care less about a C1 or a C4. Newer ones are great for DD. A weekender car for me is any C3. C2 would be nice to own but can't afford it.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 675
Likes: 95
From: North Mankato MN
In 1980 my parents bought a new white Corvette. We'd go to the car dealership on-and-off for the next couple of years. While there I picked up a brochure for the 1981 and this was the "centerfold:"
I hung it on my closet door...always thought the two-tone Vettes were awesome. When I found one, I pretty much knew I should buy it.
I hung it on my closet door...always thought the two-tone Vettes were awesome. When I found one, I pretty much knew I should buy it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,487
Likes: 10
From: Palm Beach Florida
St. Jude Donor '12
In 1980 my parents bought a new white Corvette. We'd go to the car dealership on-and-off for the next couple of years. While there I picked up a brochure for the 1981 and this was the "centerfold:"
I hung it on my closet door...always thought the two-tone Vettes were awesome. When I found one, I pretty much knew I should buy it.
I hung it on my closet door...always thought the two-tone Vettes were awesome. When I found one, I pretty much knew I should buy it.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,896
Likes: 143
From: Manalapan New Jersey
Already have a C4....easy on the comments folks. I like the look, clamshell hood, disco dash and razor sharp handling. Always loved C2's and C3's but wanted a Big Block. C2's were out of control price wise. Always loved the chrome bumper cars and got my 71 BB 4spd @ 6yrs ago. The style, front fenders and the rear of the car is the best design to ever come from GM. The Ferrari 365 GTB was a gorgeous car in it's day but the C3 in my eyes was the winner in style hands down. Yes, I get more smiles per mile and waves from people with the C3 than the C4! Been using the C4 lately since the C3 is getting a frame on...should have it back in a few months 
Anthony
Anthony
Last edited by MRANT212; Apr 13, 2011 at 10:45 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 803
Likes: 4
From: Christchurch, New Zealand
Growing up in New Zealand in the late 60's and 70's, a Corvtte Stingray was always my dream car. So when I was in a position to import one, I started looking for a chrome bumper one. I "settled" for a 74 convertible. Boy am I glad I did! The shape has really grown on me.
Am I alone thinking C4's look better in real life than how they look in pictures?
Cheers
Grant
Am I alone thinking C4's look better in real life than how they look in pictures?
Cheers
Grant
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 6
From: Nevada City California
I was sixteen in 1970 and just loved the relatively new then C3 generation Corvettes. The interior design today doesn't look dated to me yet, as the C2 Corvettes do. I just don't think you can beat the '68 to '72 exterior styling of these Corvettes...they are THEE sexiest styling to ever come out of a production automotive design studio.
I loved all the innovative design cues these cars were built with, such as the removeable roof panels, removeable rear window, fiber optic light monitoring systems, unique hideway wiper panel, it just oozes coolness all over.
I loved all the innovative design cues these cars were built with, such as the removeable roof panels, removeable rear window, fiber optic light monitoring systems, unique hideway wiper panel, it just oozes coolness all over.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 675
Likes: 95
From: North Mankato MN
One of my favorite movie scenes:
CAROLYN: Ah, whose car is that out front?
LESTER: Mine. 1970 Pontiac Firebird. The car I always wanted and now I have it. I rule!
Of course for me, insert 1981 Corvette with a 4-speed. But you get the point.
CAROLYN: Ah, whose car is that out front?
LESTER: Mine. 1970 Pontiac Firebird. The car I always wanted and now I have it. I rule!
Of course for me, insert 1981 Corvette with a 4-speed. But you get the point.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From: woodinville washington
I'm paying for my son to go to a 4 year college, I've got a mortage, a Mustang GT, a 4x4 truck, a Harley V-Rod. My favorite vehicle is my Mille Miglia Red 75 Corvette. I purchased it about a year ago. Originally I was thinking 68-72. But I purchased the best condition car I could afford, and she's a beauty. It lives a pampered life indoors, and with the money bugeted for all the upgrades, when I'm done it will be better than new. When I'm behind the wheel it never fails to bring a smile to my face, and usually a few thumbs up from passing drivers.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,271
Likes: 1
From: PA
I just moved over here from the Pontiac crowd......a 70 bird is pretty freakin cool too !