Why a C3?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 109
Likes: 55
From: Wake Forest, North Carolina
Why a C3?
Just for conversation's sake, why did you choose a C3 over a C1 or C2?
Is it the styling, price, good handling, you always wanted one, etc? As a past owner of a C2 and current owner of a 69 Coupe, I love the 69's interior, the way you lay back into it and the short windshield. It really feels like a proper sportscar. The independent suspensions and low profile make it handle well too. And the shark styling is pretty nice from any angle. Let's hear your reasons you chose a C3 over the earlier versions.
Is it the styling, price, good handling, you always wanted one, etc? As a past owner of a C2 and current owner of a 69 Coupe, I love the 69's interior, the way you lay back into it and the short windshield. It really feels like a proper sportscar. The independent suspensions and low profile make it handle well too. And the shark styling is pretty nice from any angle. Let's hear your reasons you chose a C3 over the earlier versions.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 23,419
Likes: 22
From: In limbo
St. Jude Donor '13-'15, '17 thru '22
First would be styling, second would be price, third would be features. What I say about my '70, is that once I finish installing the shoulder belts, the only piece of safety equipment the car won't have that I would want it to have is anti-lock brakes. Since I never purposely drive the car in rain or snow, I view my 'vette as being essentially as safe as my DDs. I couldn't say the same thing about a C1 or early C2.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 115
Likes: 1
From: New Hartford Iowa
I worked in a Corvette restoration shop and I drove all kinds of 'vettes from a '57 to an '88. I probably will get banned from the C2 forum for saying this but I think C2's are ugly. I like them for the part they play in Corvette history (Glory days?) but I would not own one even if I could afford one (well, maybe I would have one or two in my collection if I won the lottery
). I love the way C4's drive, but again I don't think they are pleasing to look at. I decided on a '73 because I feel it has the cleanest lines of the C3's and it is unique. My personal opinion on Corvettes and any desirable old car for that matter is that people seem to like most what was new and cool when they first became fascinated with cars. Usually this was as a teen anticipating the freedom of driving. I guess that explains my C3 fascination as I was a teenager in the 70's. Someone back then bought a C2 because they were "old" cars that were cheaper than a new C3. I also agree with the OP that the riding position and cockpit design (cramped and claustrophobic) scream sports car!
). I love the way C4's drive, but again I don't think they are pleasing to look at. I decided on a '73 because I feel it has the cleanest lines of the C3's and it is unique. My personal opinion on Corvettes and any desirable old car for that matter is that people seem to like most what was new and cool when they first became fascinated with cars. Usually this was as a teen anticipating the freedom of driving. I guess that explains my C3 fascination as I was a teenager in the 70's. Someone back then bought a C2 because they were "old" cars that were cheaper than a new C3. I also agree with the OP that the riding position and cockpit design (cramped and claustrophobic) scream sports car!
Last edited by skaping; Apr 13, 2011 at 01:58 PM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 20,905
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From: I tend to be leery of any guy who doesn't own a chainsaw or a handgun.
My first Corvette was a C1 ('61). Cramped seating and driving style, and handled like crap. The few times I took the top off I felt like I was driving around in a bath tub. Sold it, bought my '69, and never looked back.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,487
Likes: 10
From: Palm Beach Florida
St. Jude Donor '12
For the $$ it has looks/ rides great/ easy to work on/ and cheap compared to the older ones. I love the looks of the chrome bumpers, but the ride and the way I sit in them is not tolarable for me for long rides.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,626
Likes: 140
From: Kanuckistan
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Because no other mass produced car had such a outrageous shape and probably never will. A rolling crazy concept car.
Never understood the C2 craze, bland shape IMHO.
Never understood the C2 craze, bland shape IMHO.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 111
From: Tolland CT
The feel of the interior was the biggest reason I went back to a C3 after owning a C2 for a while. The seating in the C2 wasn't comfortable IMO. Interior styling was pretty dated. The C2 I had was a roadster, many rattles, door gaps visibly flexed while driving, generally felt loose. I did like the lines of the C2 over the C3 but the feel of the car and interior design of the C3 brought me back to a C3.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,264
Likes: 3
From: Vero Beach FL
I like them all C1,C2 and C3 for different reasons. The C3 takes me back to the area when I was discovering my interest and passion for cars. I just love every aspect of the body design of the C3. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,239
Likes: 74
From: Palatine, Peoples Republic of Illinois
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18
NCM Sinkhole Donor
For me, mostly nostalgia. Had a '69 brand new. Had some GOOD times in that car. Then I got married! Typical marriage story - no more '69, no more fun!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,202
Likes: 10
From: cincinnati ohio
St. Jude Donor '09
Simple answer..money. The 72 I bought was 10,000 less the 67 I wanted.
I remember in 1979 I couldn't wait to sell my '63 smallblock vert to buy a '69....oh the irony..
I remember in 1979 I couldn't wait to sell my '63 smallblock vert to buy a '69....oh the irony..
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,270
Likes: 20
From: Central Michigan
I have wanted a C3 since I was a little kid. Used to see the chrome bumper Vettes often growing up in my hometown, they looked so cool....I used to point them out to my parents whenever I saw one on the road....guess that's what started the fire
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,709
Likes: 3
From: Savannah GA
Because I'll never find a midyear project with a clear title for the $450 I paid for my 1977. If any member here ever does, I will drive up to 1000 miles and buy it sight unseen, no matter how derelict it is.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,271
Likes: 1
From: PA
I bought a 73 C3 because I wanted a nice classy, driver quality classic, that has some rarity but wont break the bank. I couldnt see paying another 10k for the front chrome bumper. i would have much preferred a 72 but funds just are not there (or at least not there in this economy).
I also know that chasing the HP dragon was a waste for me....unless you plan on racing it
dont have to have a BB car to go fast. a 350 can be made PLENTY fast.
I also dont buy cars to impress other people. In fact Id rather you never see me cruising it...Its a private affair.
I also know that chasing the HP dragon was a waste for me....unless you plan on racing it
dont have to have a BB car to go fast. a 350 can be made PLENTY fast.
I also dont buy cars to impress other people. In fact Id rather you never see me cruising it...Its a private affair.