So I'm thinking of buying a c3 as my first car. I'm doing research on the different years. Any good sources for this. Just trying to figure out which bodies I like the best and quirks about each year. I'm thinking of '79 to '82 I'd like a manual transmission and I'd rather have a coupe. I've loved stingrays since I was a little kid, but if i'm buying one I know I need to learn a lot more about these cars.
Thanks

 

You have definitely come to the right place, this forum has so much information and people willing to help out its ridiculous!
I suggest you read, read, read.
Good luck with your search.

 

76 to 82 were all only coupes, the 82 was only made as an auto. Hope this helps.

 

doooon't do it. not as a first car at least.

 

Although I have absolutely no problem with a functioning '81 engine system, you need to know that it was the first year for a computer-controlled engine and it had one-year-only carb, distributor, and ECM. For that reason only, I would recommend that you avoid it...unless you are a dyed-in-the-wool tinkerer and love solving problems.

The '82 engine/transmission is the same as the '84 model with the CrossFire engine. Two throttle-body injectors w/computer system. It worked well and was pretty reliable...but is now over 30 years old.

If you can afford it, a '72 or '73 car would be a good purchase. Most desirable body design, still with chrome bumper ('73 only on rear). But, these will run just fine on regular fuel presently available. The '68 & '69 cars do not have flares at the rear of the wheelwells and are VERY prone to lower body road-rash and damage.

In general, just learn about as much as you can about the differences in the various C3 years and their average value. Buy the kind of car that you are looking for. DO NOT buy a car that is different than you want with a plan to change it; that is a dead end that will cost you time and money and yield a car that will not hold its value.

Lastly, spend the most time looking/checking over the car for its condition and function. Make sure there is little rusting of frame and birdcage (framework around the cockpit) and that all systems work pretty well. Also look for one that will not require painting for several years. Paint [if you can't do the work] is very expensive; make sure you are happy with it when you buy it.

 

I would make sure you have a dependable daily driver first.

 

Stingrays ended in 1976.

 

This is a decent buyer's guide if you can find one for a reasonable price as I think it is out of print. There are other buyers guides as well. The Corvette Black Book is also useful.

DC

 

Spend lots of time looking

Definitely best to take your time

The more you look you'll discover that there is a big difference in the care that each car has had.

Be sure and look at the car you want to buy (voice of experience - don't buy a car sight unseen) or find someone that you feel confident in with experience that can look for you. I looked at one '71 in southern Missouri that I'm pretty sure someone died in from the odor.

I was lucky to get my '72 from someone who took exceptional care.
My '79 not so much.

Mike

 

Thanks guys for all your input. So I have a commuter car, but the c3 would be the first car I bought. I'm not dead set on the chrome bumper, but I need to research the different years some more. So far I'm liking the look of the 72 and 73. I'm not buying a car until I know enough about c3's and then some.
BTW: That's embarrassing, I didn't know stingrays ended in '76. Thanks for letting me know.

 

The Stingray design did not end with the 1976 model. What ended was the installation of the chrome "Stingray" script logo on the front fenders. The same chassis and body design was used through 1982.

Some folks are just 'die-hards' on the Stingray "thing".....

 

Yep. Good advice. Put the C3 on hold for a while.

 

He already has a commuter car. See post #10.

DC

 

yup...C3 is a poor choice for the average person as a daily driver , wasn't great even when I was driving them in the 70's every day to school and work. but labor was cheap, and GM parts were everywhere . late 70 's were more civilized and mild mannered

As a project, hobby, race car , passion, yes welcome to the club, just be sure to have a Honda or Toyota for trips and work or a newer c5 or up Corvette as daily driver.