In a year or so, I want to buy my dream car...69 Orange Vette with 427 4 speed with side pipes. I’ve owned several late model vettes, but never a classic. I’d like to have one to drive when the weather is nice and don’t mind spending the money for a nice one. Any options or direction would be appreciated.

 

If you have not done so, spend an hour behind the wheel of a bumper C3 ... before you commit.

 

I'll PM you tomorrow.
Mike

 

Read the 10 things to know thread, you have to go down pretty far to find a copy of the original. It says, and I agree, buy the best vette you can afford, buy whatt you want, and dont skimp on the main stuff. You can add the side pipes, although the original style is pricey. So In your question, find out more precisley what you want, (chrome bumper, coupe or roadster, 427 or 427, 4 speed or auto, and how original vs restomod/ suspension upgrades) THe original leafs made for a rough ride and newer composites give a smooth and well handling ride. From there you can start shopping. The sticker shock for a chrome bumper original big block is quite high but a non original big block is still reasonable. Good luck

 

I have a 69 427 coupe with sidepipes, factory air, pw, and 3 deuces. Kind of a rare car now days. Bought it because I always wanted one. I also have had c4s, and presently own two c6s. You really need to drive one before buying if you never have. While I am glad I bought the '69, I do not drive it much. Sure, it gets a whole lot more looks than the newer ones and with the pipes sounds alot faster. That being said, fun to drive short distances, not so much for longer. The newer ones are much improved. Also, no matter how much you maintain your older car, there is always something that needs attention. Lot of times minor, sometimes not. Sometimes I'm ready to sell mine because you get tired of dealing with it all. Driving it more would help. But then again, do you want to put 100k miles on an old collectible? Remember, these cars are over 50 years old now. Restomod may be the answer, but I have a '76 that is kind of a restomod and that always needs something too. Drive one before you buy.

 

Thank you!!!

 

New suspension and newer seats make a world of difference. I've got VBP fiberglass springs front and rear and C5 seats. I can drive it for hours now. QA1 coilovers would be a more moderrn upgrade

 

Here's my $.02. Get what you want.. But the things you listed are $$$$ when original. I got a 69 that started life as a 350. Now it is 50 years old and has a 460 c.i. BB. The only thing I like about my 69 is the style. The 50 year old tech not so much. So being that this car was nowhere near original. I began to replace all of that old tech with new. It still looks the part but beneath the skin lies a lot of new stuff. And even with all of it, the $$$$ is less than an original BB in good condition. I have less than $30000 in mine and it has a new engine with fuel injection, 5 speed tranny, new A/C system, modern seats. etc..... I still plan on hydroboost, Borgeson PS, and upgrading the vacuum wipers and lights to electric.

 

A lot can happen in a year.

 

Hi OP, good luck in your search. Lots of great help on this forum - really good people who will help you. Good suggestions, including the '10' video.

In addition to a couple of C7s, we have experience with 2 chromies - a '72 and a '68. The '72 was a SB, and the '68 is a 427/435. IMO, you should get the best you can afford when you're ready, and then be ready to spend lots of $ anyway because there are always things to do on them. But that's part of the fun of owning them. Again, IMO, if you don't want to do at least some of the work that comes up on these cars, I would look for something else. But if you like to tinker and get satisfaction from doing some of the maintenance/work yourself, these can be really fun cars- - - and they're drop dead gorgeous!

Make a list of 'must haves'; 'wants'; etc. and don't settle for any car that doesn't meet your needs. There are a lot of good cars to be had for fair prices, just look around. And when you think you have one, I'll just bet you can put a thread on here and get someone from the forum to go look at it with you.

One other thing that I've learned - be careful on what gears you have. You can always change them, of course. Our '68 has 4.11's and turns 3000 rpm at 60 mph, so it's not really a good cruiser for very long. But the smile it puts on my face with that lumpy cam and the great looks is worth it to me.........

Good luck!!

 

My 2 Cents:

As someone who only had "new" muscle cars (2011 GT500, 2014 Mustang GT, 1998 Mustang Road Course Track Car) ... about 3 months ago I decided to sell my beloved GT500 for my dream car... a 1969 427 Corvette Coupe.

I can say I have not thought about or missed the GT500 for one minute. And let me tell you, the relationship did not start out all rosey. The Supernatural Corvette as I call her was on a Flatbed tow truck two times within 3 weeks! After spending lots of quality time with her, replacing trailing arms, Brake calipers and rotors, the Stereo and welding seat brackets... the car is PERFECT. I call it the Supernatural Corvette because like Christine in the Stephen King book... things just kept coming back to life. Sometimes on their own. Dash lights, Headlight actuators, Speedometer. The car wasn't getting much use from it's elderly 2nd owner who owned it 31 years.

With 3.36 rear gears... I drive it everywhere! Most weekend I put about 150-200 miles on it. Naturally it would never see rain or snow. I installed the Classic Auto Sound system in it and I have all the modern conveniences of Blue Tooth, CD player etc. Not that you can hear your phone conversation while driving with the Side Pipes... but it is awesome to have it.

The looks, the conversations the car starts are UNREAL. I see people at stop lights taking pictures on their cell phones all the time. I went with Poly bushing all around on the suspension and KYB shocks... and the car handles fantastic. Sure, not as good as something like the GT500. but as good as many modern cars. The 18 inch larger tires help a great deal in this area.

So I would say if that is your dream car go for it. My 1969 Corvette is my forever car. I will have it as long as I live. To me there is nothing like it

 

Here is a picture of the 73 big block I purchased 3 years ago.
I picked it up after I found it for sale in a car show.
I paid a higher price because it was 95% all original, was a California car, garaged and babied it's life by its two prior owners.
I have driven it trouble free and only had oil changes to do as any maintenance since I purchased it.
I will begin a body off resto/mod starting later this year and I have collected almost all the parts and components needed to complete it.
When you purchase one of these cars, keep in mind that if you want high horsepower and competition handling, even for just street use, it costs high dollars to get those results.
Keep us posted on your search and good luck finding what you are looking for.

 

I have a stock 72 and completely rebuilt 71. The 72 is low miles and stock (original) - doesn't go out much. The 71 was a wreck, I rebuilt it from the ground up. All mechanicals were either replaced or rebuilt, and I added a 5 speed. I drove it 3500 miles last year. I have no issues going on 3 or 4 hour trips. It's as reliable as my "new" car. But I only get 25 mph on the highway. Love that 5 speed.

I have held off painting due to the driving, I did re-do most of the interior and A./C.

 

Shop for and buy one that has been taken care of properly, by a passionate owner.
I got mine two years ago and it has been great!

 

I have a ‘69 350/350, black/black added original design side pipes, big block hood and leather because I like them. All stock appearing. I’m not sure about people warning you to drive one, as I’ve driven my ‘69 all over the place since it was restored in 2009 and it’s comfortable and dependable. Added fiberglass rear spring and radials of course and it’s rides great. Of course, I was coming from older Corvettes, not newer, so there’s that perspective.

The only thing that concerns me is the big block. They can be fussy, overheat, expensive and a PIA. I’ve had a couple and since stuck to small blocks for my driver Corvettes.

You should do well choosing a nice ‘69, especially in that gorgeous Monaco Orange. Prices on nice chrome bumper cars especially big blocks are strong, but not crazy compared to C2s for instance. You would be surprised how affordable a small block is though, especially a coupe.