Hello all and I apologize in advance for my rookie questions.
I've been seriously contemplating purchasing a late 60's early 70's C3 and want to make sure I wouldn't be getting in over my head and that it would be the right car for me.
I currently own a 2011 Mustang GT but I use it so rarely (probably about 50 miles a week at the most) that I've been thinking about selling it and picking up a C3.
I have several questions though and was hoping the experts could help me out:

1. Is having one of these as my only car a potential bad idea? I currently only use my existing car to drive to and from the airport each week and then on weekends just cruising around town and running errands. My wife has a reliable car so we use that for most trips. I don't even really need a car but they are my passion.

2. I don't really have the skill, or time to do anything other than regular maintenance work on a car myself, nor do I have a garage to do it in. How expensive is it to maintain one of these cars and how reliable are they (I realize a lot depends on what condition it's in when you buy it and how much you spend). I would be looking at getting a 4 speed if that makes a difference.

3. I don't care about a numbers matching car or anything like that, I just want a car that is in good mechanical and physical shape. I'm not looking to enter any car shows. Is it unreasonable to think I might be able to get a relatively reliable decent looking C3 for around $20k?

Thank you in advance for your opinions. They are much appreciated.

-Pete

 

If you don't care about having the original engine in the car, then you can look for one that has had a modern engine put in - that goes a long way towards having a reliable car.

You can have a very reliable C3, if you purchase one that has already been restored, especially if you get one with a crate engine, and FI.

The drawback I see, is you don't have a garage? What happens is that over the years the seals deteriorate, and water gets into places it shouldn't. When I get caught in the rain (which I try very hard not to do), when I get home I take the leaf blower to the car. I would not recommend a C3 if it's going to be out in the elements for extended periods of time.

 

My .02: keep the Mustang. It's still under warranty.

 

Thanks for your response. That's a very good point about keeping it out in the elements and is something to consider. I do wash my cars almost every weekend though and most of the time it's left in a covered parking garage.

 

Have you ever owned a car with a carburetor? How about points and condenser in the distributor? If not, I don't think a 40 to 45 year old car fits your situation.

 

Probably not a good idea. Though you say you don't "need" a car, mine has been out of commission for over 4 weeks while I replace the ignition and sort out a few other things. That's a long time.
I would have a VERY hard time recomminding this car to someone who isn't scared about tearing into things. Notice I didn't say SKILLED. I said SCARED. I believe anyone can take things apart and put things together as long as they have the passion/interest/stones to take it apart in the first place. And having a little pile of tools and an air compressor next to you doesn't hurt...hence the garage issue. I wouldn't FATHOM dealing with one of these things without a garage. Nor would I consider leaving my car outside overnight.
You should be able to get a very nice car for that amount of money.

 

As the owner of both a 2011 Mustang and a 1981 Vette, I can tell you that the Mustang is a clearly superior vehicle. More dependable. Harder for thieves to steal. Less likely to leak in the rain. Superior performance in every way. Better gas mileage. More comfortable. Better quality. Easier to get parts, etc. etc.

BUT before everyone on this form kills me, let me say, I love my Vette. There's nothing like her. I love the way she looks and the old school power plant. I also enjoy getting my hands dirty and she provides those opportunites on a regular basis.

In conclusion, unless you're in love with the vette and have plenty of time and/or money to spend, keep the Mustang.

 

I was in a similar position as the OP.

I work from home, and put very few miles on my car. I was ready to buy a new car, and I figured I could spend $20-$30k on a new car that would be worth about $5k when I was ready to sell it, or I could spend $20-$30k on a nice C3, that would hopefully be worth $20-$30k when I am ready to sell it.

This work great for me. but here are the keys to makeing it work.

1) It's not my only vehicle. I still have my faithfull S10 pickup. I would not recommend a C3 to anyone as an only vehicle. The OP says wife has reliable vehicle, that would probably suffice.

2) Pay for a fully restored vehicle. If the car is restored correctly, there is no reason that it can't be reliable. I baught my car in Chicago, and drove it to Austin Texas. A few years ago, I drove it to Cincinnati, then to Destin FL, back to Cincinnati, and finally back to Austin. No problems, and I never thought there would be. This is an original drivetrain car. I maintain it, and know that there are no problems with it. The OP doesn't want, or have the skill to maintain a 40+ year engine/carb/point - he can buy a car with a ZZ4/FI. Modern engine, modern ignition - it could be as reliable as his mustang.

3) If #2 is followed, and you want to keep the vehicle in the condition in which you purchased it, it means you have to follow #1, and not make a habit of driving in wet, snowy, or any condition that will lead to rust. If a second car is not available, I would definately recommend buying one. An old pickup is a good option, they come in handy. I drive mine when I need to go somewhere when it's raining, or I need to haul something to the dump.

 

I purchased a well-restored '70 vert 350/300 about 2 years ago, I paid around $20k for it. I have a very reliable and reasonable "muscle car" mechanic nearby, he has replaced the power steering, fan clutch, water pump and recently put on a new timing chain. The car runs AMAZING and I love it. I keep it in an air conditioned warehouse during the summer (I live in Miami) to avoid rain and humidity. My regular car is a BMW. I love having both.

Buy the C3 and enjoy the ride.

--Brian

 

Just want to thank everyone for all the quick and thoughtful responses. This forum is great. I still have not decided what I'm going to do but I'm in no rush. For now I will just keep an eye out for a good one. I also read the thread regarding the rules to follow when purchasing a corvette and found it to be very helpful.

 

Go for it! Life isn't a dress rehearsal, you only get to do it once! I have no garage and mine sits outside Spring - Fall. For $20k and your due diligence, you can get a very nice C3.

Good luck.

 

Buy a good one, enjoy thoroughly, fix when needed, enjoy some more,

While the Mustang may be slightly more practical the C3 smile will be much wider..

Frank

 

I don't think anyone else mentioned it, so ...

You need to factor insurance into your decision. $20k will get you a very nice C3, and you have to be positive it is insured as such.

A standard auto policy won't protect your investment. If you bought a $20k C3 today and totalled it tomorrow, the check you would receive with a standard policy would make you cry. Standard policies insure vehicles, not collectibles, and when it comes to claims, they consider a car with 40 years of depreciation to be about worthless. I would recommend talking with your insurance provider about it before considering your purchase.

Most of us use collector car insurance, which covers the amount you claim the car is worth. But since you won't have a primary vehicle and don't have a garage to store the C3, I doubt any of these providers will give you a quote.

Just something to consider, good luck in your decision.

 

If you have really caught the bug, nothing said will stop you. More importantly, it shouldnt. Not every decision in life has to be logical. Keep some special savings in case the car breaks, and have back up plans for getting to work occasionally. Make the wife take you, lol. That way she will support all the money you will spend, to get the car running smoothly.

 

I would never own a C3 if; I could not work on it myself; and did not have a garage for it.