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There's really not a generation I don't like. I initially wanted a 70-72 Coupe, chrome bumper. Then I kept being drawn back to the worst corvette year to get.....so, they say....
I wouldn't kick a C2 or C7 out of the garage, but I only find the C3s appealing. Most of the C3 "problems" are easy to fix (smog engines for the most part, and simple suspension improvements), but the C3 look is unique, and amazing. I, too, prefer the vinyl bumper, bubble window years the best, in part because they are moddable without guilt, but also because I find that chrome makes the car look dated
Yes it does, the old school classic look i love about the c3 ...
Ps,
Im modding the hell out of my 69 and no guilt what so ever,
Absolutely. I have always liked the chrome bumper years and have lusted after the early C3 convertibles. When I had a chance to purchase my 71 BB convertible I jumped at the chance. It didn't hurt that my friend owned it and had been waving the "carrot" in front of my face for years. lol. I still can't believe they are still available for pretty decent prices. Oh, and DEFINITELY mechanically modifying mine.
I grew up in the 60's, started driving in 1975. My first car was a 70 Mach 1, 428 SCJ, 4 spd, louvers, spoiler with air. That was the beginning of my Mustang fascination. I've owned at least one of the 65 thru 70 Mustangs over a 30 year period....sports roofs, no coupes for me but did have a couple convertibles. After graduating from college I could then afford
Shelby Mustangs and owned several. Still have a 67 GT500. Could never afford a Boss 429 Mustang.
For me, I would take any 65/70 Shelby over any corvette ever built. So ,here we are today and to answer the OP's question...I'm into Corvettes now as mustangs (not Shelby's) have lost my interest. The best year corvettes is 67, 68, 69 hands down. Most beautiful body styles ever built by GM. I'm in no way an NCRS guy. Love modded 67,68,69 Corvettes. The 68 in particular is the most sexiest body style ever produced. That's why I bought my 68 restomod.
I have a 73, I think the C3 is the best looking car body to come out of Detroit. I equate it to the American Ferrari. 4 wheel disc brakes, IRS. Good stuff!
I'm in the 1953 to 1982 crowd. I love them all, wish I could have several examples of each. The C4 never really did much for me. I would take a C4 ZR1 because it was a big shift towards real performance and has its place in Corvette history. I like C5, C6 and C7's, but they don't instill the same emotions in me as C1, C2 and C3's do.
I have found something to like about every Vette I have owned, including the C4 I once had. (It was a 88 Anniversary car and rather unique.) I probably like the C2 and C1 body styles the most, but it may be because those are the only generations I have not owned and therefore the "forbidden fruit."
I find myself mostly looking at and working on my C3, but mainly driving my C7. That is probably because I am somewhat spoiled to the performance, handing, and comfort of the late model Vette. I guess I am also a little addicted to the drop top now, and the C3 is a coupe.
But to each his own; enjoy what you have. (or "love the one your with" as the old song says)
I was in high school and college in the 70s, so I grew up on the C3. (It was called the "late model" back then). I find the shark body style to be just incredible, sexy and absolutely underrated and underappreciated in the classic car world. My favorite in this run is the '68-'69 with the chrome bumpers and shark side gills. Ive had a few of these and have settled on a pretty black/black '69 roadster that I drive a lot.
I do think the 63-67 is the best, though. Its timeless classic lines is stunning, particularly in the coupe form. I have a '63 coupe that I think is the most beautiful Corvette ever.
I love the C1s too, particularly 58-60. Don't really like the 61-62 cars that couldn't decide what generation they were. Ive owned several later model Corvettes as well, and I just cannot get into them. Had a new C5 that felt like a used Impala after a couple nears. I just don't see any soul in the cars after '82.
Like some of you here, when I hear or think “Corvette” the C3 is what Immediately comes to mind. Of the C3’s, the ‘68-72, are my favorites and the second favorite group of C3’s would extend 5 years to the ‘77. The vertical rear window, along with the classic curves of the third generation, has left a lifelong impression on me dating back 47 years. The C6 is my second favorite generation of Corvette. Now that I proudly own one of each, my car dreams have come true!
I think it is more of a generation type thing. When people say "Corvette", my mind immediately thinks of the C3 body style and the C5 body style. I would have to say C3 style is my favorite generation, just wish she came with a little more than 190 hp from the factory lol.
Absolutely agree. I love the 68-82 C3s. I have an 82 with 26k original miles and absolutely love it. One day I will get a C7 but I so badly wanted to start out with a C3. The looks and lines on these years of Vettes define a Corvette in my humble opinion.
I owned 2 81s and used a basically new one as a dd in the 80s it served very well but i believe that low factory hp thing was why i couldnt get more enthused over the later post 72 c3s,
That and i really didnt like the 74 to 79 bologna cut rear, the missing duck tail took too much away with it, like a castration, 80 tried to fix that mistake,
Of course any car can be hopped up both my 81s were but there was still that stigma from the 70s, corvettes were dogs,
It took the c4 zr1 to fix that but i felt badly i thought the same era camaros and firebirds looked way better than the c4,
I love things about all the C1,2,3’s with the 3’s over all my favorites. I owned 3 of them a few months ago but have sold 2 as we are down sizing. I kept a ‘73 Vert that I have always liked a lot for some reason...maybe because ‘73s were kind of frowned on by so many people. It puts a smile on my face every time I drive it.
I have to admit I also have a 2011 Vert that is my DD during the warm months of the year. It makes a tingle go up my leg when I drive it !
Last edited by Hardscrable; 11-16-2018 at 08:01 PM.
11-12-2018, 09:26 PM
