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I was about 5 years old when my neighbor bought a 1978 Corvette. Living in St. Louis had a benefit since these cars were built not far away. I remember seeing that beauty and walking around it in awe. The flow of the design captivated me and I’m still smitten with the C3. It’s been 40+ years since then and I still haven’t been able to pull the trigger and buy one. I’m nearing the time when I can seriously start looking and I want to find out a few basic details about these classics so I can make an informed decision. I can afford to be patient with any decision and am trying to learn from your expertise so I know when the time is right.
I love the overly obnoxiously bright cardinal red, white top convertible, manual transmission, side pipe exhaust Corvette.
I will likely begin to be more active and ask questions and add any comments I have along the way. Mostly I want to say thank you for all of your information and comments.
Nice story of a young boy in awe of the Corvette.
When I was young, and the '53 Corvette showed up in the front window of our local Chevy dealership, I couldn't believe my eyes. It was nothing like other cars I had seen.
My dad bought me a tiny plastic Corvette that I played with in our local dirt pit, speeding it around in circles while making high-revving shifting sounds.
The Corvette body is beautiful, but much of the advice that you get will be about finding a car with a solid structure.
Happy hunting.
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Based on your criteria, 1968-1975. Only you know your budget and preferences in the C3 production run. For instance a driver or more of collectible, chrome bumpers or doesn’t matter, high HP engine, numbers matching, etc….
But has already been stated…and concur with redonblack….make sure it is structurally sound….both the frame and bird cage.
Welcome aboard and good luck in your quest for your holy grail of the C3 years
Welcome to the forum. I hope one day you finally pull the trigger on the car of your dreams.
You only live once, and you can't take it with you.
Enjoy your life.
Can you perform your own mechanic work to do some restoration or are you looking for a turn key that checks all your boxes? It looks like you are very clear about some things.
Kids today stop in their tracks and point when I drive by. I guess there are not many on the road around here, so it is a big deal to see/hear a Hot Wheels car drive by.
Can you perform your own mechanic work to do some restoration or are you looking for a turn key that checks all your boxes? It looks like you are very clear about some things.
Thanks! I am a bit handy with home repairs and I really enjoy working with wood, but I will likely have much of the work done elsewhere. Eventually I’d to find a second car that will be a restomod, but that’s only if it can’t be returned to original.
Welcome, I am surprised no one beat me to this. In the sticky section there is a very good video on 10 rules when buying a C3. Review that, it will be helpful. The poster is also on YouTube as the corvetteben. Some good stuff on his channel. You are at the right place for advice. A lot of knowledgeable people here. Good luck https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-corvette.html
I started with project cars because I was in high school and had no money. The only path to a cool car was to do it myself. But 40 plus vehicles later, I can tell you to get the best car you can afford. Running and driving if at all possible. Maybe the first car just needs bodywork and interior work. That way you can still drive it while you are working on it, which keeps the enthusiasm up. Yes, I have bought other peoples projects, and they always lost money. Keep flipping up until you get the car you are happy with. High School was a long time ago. The $275 MG. But the results were worth it.
If you are going to pay someone to do all the work, get one with good paint. Paint/bodywork is the most expensive part. And the hardest to try and do yourself.
Welcome, I am surprised no one beat me to this. In the sticky section there is a very good video on 10 rules when buying a C3. Review that, it will be helpful. The poster is also on YouTube as the corvetteben. Some good stuff on his channel. You are at the right place for advice. A lot of knowledgeable people here. Good luck https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-corvette.html
I was looking over the link you posted and it appears that the OP deleted the content related to the post. I’ll go do a deeper dive to verify. Thanks for your help!
Corvette Love
