Corvette model pecking order
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,079
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2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
My former 1987 C4 convertible was a mistake because of electrical problems that even a GM dealership had problems fixing. Even owned a 2001 C5 convertible after that and was disappointed. That's why I went back to a C3.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 226
Likes: 108
From: Crescent Beach, FL
The best one is the one that puts a smile on your face. Whether you're racing it, cruising in it, commuting in it, wrenching on it, pushing it, cussing at it, or just standing in the garage staring at it (as I've been known to do).
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
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From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 428
Likes: 30
From: Cape Coral, FL
I'm a new Corvette owner, so I'm only starting to become aware of the pecking order of model years. You know, who feels more attractive, desirable, superior, valuable etc. ....
Can someone fill me in on these details so that my rubber bumper '81 and I will know our place in the community?
All that said, as far as I'm concerned, C3's are Corvettes - everything else is a mistake... :-)
Can someone fill me in on these details so that my rubber bumper '81 and I will know our place in the community?
All that said, as far as I'm concerned, C3's are Corvettes - everything else is a mistake... :-)
The Muscle Car Era guys are at the top of pecking order. Amongst themselves there is even a pecking order.
Then the 73-74 guys because despite being neutered a bit respectable performance could be had and big blocks were still available.
'75 convertibles are next.
Then the rest '75-82 can be lumped together.
Close guess for a Mopar guy?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 303
Likes: 33
From: Anarchist Mt. BC
Ok fine, perhaps "mistake" is too strong a word, but these silly exchanges call for extremes.
You have to admit though, the C3 design is so unique for a mass produced car that it defines the type. At least for me.
Have the chrome C3's always had the upper-hand in desirability overall? Or are preferences subject to trends like so many other things?
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,948
Likes: 3,351
From: NYC NY
A pecking order? Only you can decide what the order should be. There's lots of factors. There's your dream Corvette then there's your very real budget. Where your dreams and your budget meet is your personal pecking order which will vary from owner to owner.
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Administrator
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From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 303
Likes: 33
From: Anarchist Mt. BC
I'll fess up. As an 81 Owner I now have a taste for a chrome vert and C1 circa 1960/61. Are these mistakes? Only If I wanna get a rise out my wife and fellow forum members... :-)
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
this stuff only exists in a small circle of guys that worship these cars
to the rest of the world all of them are old vettes they all look about the same just enjoy it.
Put on one valve cover that says Ford (they make em) make sure and pop the hood at cruise night. Member here did, the reactions he would get
to the rest of the world all of them are old vettes they all look about the same just enjoy it.
Put on one valve cover that says Ford (they make em) make sure and pop the hood at cruise night. Member here did, the reactions he would get
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,664
Likes: 162
From: columbia city in
this stuff only exists in a small circle of guys that worship these cars
to the rest of the world all of them are old vettes they all look about the same just enjoy it.
Put on one valve cover that says Ford (they make em) make sure and pop the hood at cruise night. Member here did, the reactions he would get
to the rest of the world all of them are old vettes they all look about the same just enjoy it.
Put on one valve cover that says Ford (they make em) make sure and pop the hood at cruise night. Member here did, the reactions he would get
that would be funny or how about Toyota on
the valve cover
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 252
Back when I was autocrossing and the SCCA allowed update/backdate within a manufactures family I took a valve cover to a machinist and had them CNC "Cosworth" on it. Blew all my competitors minds and they spent all their between run time looking at my engine instead of concentrating on the next run.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,267
Likes: 4,362
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Tooch,
I was thinking of you and Paul74 when I typed that!
I must admit though that I remember the discussion among car guys I knew when the 73 cars were first shown.
The same hierarchy appeared as is seen with the solid axel and mid-year cars/owners.
Regards,
Alan
The fact is a nice car is a nice car… period!
I was thinking of you and Paul74 when I typed that!
I must admit though that I remember the discussion among car guys I knew when the 73 cars were first shown.
The same hierarchy appeared as is seen with the solid axel and mid-year cars/owners.
Regards,
Alan
The fact is a nice car is a nice car… period!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,114
Likes: 520
From: McClellandtown, Pa.
Hi Tooch,
I was thinking of you and Paul74 when I typed that!
I must admit though that I remember the discussion among car guys I knew when the 73 cars were first shown.
The same hierarchy appeared as is seen with the solid axel and mid-year cars/owners.
Regards,
Alan
The fact is a nice car is a nice car… period!
I was thinking of you and Paul74 when I typed that!
I must admit though that I remember the discussion among car guys I knew when the 73 cars were first shown.
The same hierarchy appeared as is seen with the solid axel and mid-year cars/owners.
Regards,
Alan
The fact is a nice car is a nice car… period!
I do love my 73, and have really enjoyed working on it, showing it, having it NCRS judged, and most of all driving it as often as possible. But honestly, a 68-71 convertible. 4sp. small block base engine chrome front bumper car keeps tugging at my heart strings. But a lot of 'stars' would have to align for me to get one. Always looking though! In reality, when your sitting behind the wheel in any C3 looking out the WS at those to fender humps the view is the same. AWESOME!
Take care!
Tooch
Last edited by Tooch1; Mar 16, 2017 at 11:10 AM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 303
Likes: 33
From: Anarchist Mt. BC
this stuff only exists in a small circle of guys that worship these cars
to the rest of the world all of them are old vettes they all look about the same just enjoy it.
Put on one valve cover that says Ford (they make em) make sure and pop the hood at cruise night. Member here did, the reactions he would get
to the rest of the world all of them are old vettes they all look about the same just enjoy it.
Put on one valve cover that says Ford (they make em) make sure and pop the hood at cruise night. Member here did, the reactions he would get
But the benefits of a mature vehicle type do not seem to be held in high regard. Maybe they need to age a few more decades?
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran