C3 Chrome bumper years
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 134
Likes: 24
then:
- 68 was the first year, 327 or 427, and have many many different parts than the 69-72
- 69 is what I would call 'the classic'
- 70 are rarest, and may be more expensive.
but 69...
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,982
Likes: 6,209
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
I think many people make their decision based on their preference of the side gill styles. Some like the 68-9 gills, some like the egg crate better.
I chose my ‘69 based on that. It’s also the only year with GM sidepipes.
I chose my ‘69 based on that. It’s also the only year with GM sidepipes.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,106
Likes: 168
2018 C2 of Year Finalist
Every time I see a picture of your car I kick myself for not having bought an identical car about 15 years ago. It was a true black/black sidepipe car but my wife wanted red. We ended up buying a red '70 convertible and only had it a couple of years. I could have bought the black '69 for a very reasonable price and probably would still have it had I done so. Thanks for sharing the photo.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 9,063
Likes: 2,736
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Love It
Man, I love your car.....every time you post a picture, I want it! Want to trade for a very nice 77? I suppose not.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
I can see chrome being the hook, Curious do other cars like camaros that had a long run of the same basic body like c3s with differen bumpers get the same division chrome and plastic bumper vettes get...
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Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,982
Likes: 6,209
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 4,705
Likes: 983
From: Orlando FL
I got egg crates. I`m such a push-over!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,884
Likes: 260
From: Jamison Pa
St. Jude Donor '11-'25
70 and 72
I’ve got a 70 L46 with A/C and a 72 LS5 Auto that is loaded. I hope to start the resto work on them now that I’m retired.
I’ve always been attracted to the 68-72 cars since junior high school.
I’ve always been attracted to the 68-72 cars since junior high school.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,719
Likes: 95
From: Saskatchewan, Canada
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,131
Likes: 102
From: Toms River New Jersey
Finally, Hagerty insurance released a report solidly acknowledging it's not just a blip on the screen showing a sharp and steady increase in '68 to 1972, it's been a solid, accountable catch up in the Early C3 collectible market. All indications point to a further rise and justified increase in collector interest.
Auctions are a typical market tool for establishing the collector car environment, a substantial indicator of establishing market value. At the most resent Barrette/Jackson CC Auction in Scottsdale, AZ Chrome bumper C3's sold for the mid $20,000 to low $40,000 (buyers hammer price). Similar net results have been recorded throughout the top 12 CC auctions for the 2 year period starting 1/31/15 to date.
Well this explains why I can't find a numbers matching fully loaded 4 speed w/ A/C in turn key condition for less than $19,000
Auctions are a typical market tool for establishing the collector car environment, a substantial indicator of establishing market value. At the most resent Barrette/Jackson CC Auction in Scottsdale, AZ Chrome bumper C3's sold for the mid $20,000 to low $40,000 (buyers hammer price). Similar net results have been recorded throughout the top 12 CC auctions for the 2 year period starting 1/31/15 to date.
Well this explains why I can't find a numbers matching fully loaded 4 speed w/ A/C in turn key condition for less than $19,000
This is my 68 L-36 with 37,000 original miles in Corvette Bronze with Tobacco gut. Even the top is original. I'd love to repaint it but at my age I don't think I will.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,719
Likes: 95
From: Saskatchewan, Canada
I agree 68 to 72 are the best of the series but there's nothing wrong with the others. They're a different car made for different times. I really like 68 and 69 and the 68 is my personal favorite. I like all the odd parts and changes through the first year. They can be a bitch to restore but worth it.
This is my 68 L-36 with 37,000 original miles in Corvette Bronze with Tobacco gut. Even the top is original. I'd love to repaint it but at my age I don't think I will.
This is my 68 L-36 with 37,000 original miles in Corvette Bronze with Tobacco gut. Even the top is original. I'd love to repaint it but at my age I don't think I will.
I love this car - absolutely gorgeous.
BK3 
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,795
Likes: 434
From: Aarhus, Denmark
I agree 68 to 72 are the best of the series but there's nothing wrong with the others. They're a different car made for different times. I really like 68 and 69 and the 68 is my personal favorite. I like all the odd parts and changes through the first year. They can be a bitch to restore but worth it.
This is my 68 L-36 with 37,000 original miles in Corvette Bronze with Tobacco gut. Even the top is original. I'd love to repaint it but at my age I don't think I will.
This is my 68 L-36 with 37,000 original miles in Corvette Bronze with Tobacco gut. Even the top is original. I'd love to repaint it but at my age I don't think I will.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 252
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,982
Likes: 6,209
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
Frankly, given the price point of these cars, if we had more storage I’d have a black 68-69 roadster, a loaded 70-72 coupe and an orange or a black loaded ‘77.
Probably a Pace Car, too.Is there a better buy in the classic car market than a C3? I don’t think so.
Seriously, whether you are looking for a chrome bumper car or a rubber bumper car, I don’t know of a better value than the market on these cars.
Last edited by vettebuyer6369; Feb 3, 2018 at 02:25 PM.