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Not a huge car guy but was always in love with how the 70's vettes looked. Now that I'm older I'd like to possibly buy one, even one that may need a little work and have it as a hobby. Is there any particular year or model that would be more affordable then the others in this decade? Thanks a lot.
Yeah, a '79, they built about 53,000 of them. Choose a year that you like, that someone has taken good care of, even then there will be work. The 1st you need to decide on is how much you are willing to pay.
Wow. That’s a potentially long-answered question since the C3 had so many drivetrain changes over 68-82.
Cosmetically, the chrome bumper to rubber bumper and rear windshield change were the two main differences.
Best to start reading about those two and see the design that you like and feel you can maintain yourself. Then get the best one you can afford with a solid frame.
The fundamental questions are manual vs automatic, coupe versus convertible, chrome bumper versus rubber bumper and budget.
Wow. That’s a potentially long-answered question since the C3 had so many drivetrain changes over 68-82.
Cosmetically, the chrome bumper to rubber bumper and rear windshield change were the two main differences.
Best to start reading about those two and see the design that you like and feel you can maintain yourself. Then get the best one you can afford with a solid frame.
The fundamental questions are manual vs automatic, coupe versus convertible, chrome bumper versus rubber bumper and budget.
Def like the chrome bumper better. What was the windshield design change ?
Def like the chrome bumper better. What was the windshield design change ?
Windshield is basically the same across all C3s. Rear glass had three main changes: '68-'72 flat rear glass was removable; '73-'77 flat rear glass was fixed; '78-'82 rear glass was "bubble-shaped". The '82 Collector's Edition bubble glass lifted up for better access rear compartment.
Do a Google image search for "C3 Corvettes" and save the pics to a folder. See if there's a common look that appeals to you. Post a few here and we can ID year, positives/negatives, etc.
Last edited by barkingrats; Apr 7, 2024 at 11:03 PM.
Means nothing. The Stingray years were ALL Stingrays. Just an emblem, no special parts, nada. Not the same as a Camaro vs. Z28, or Firebird vs. Trans Am.
"Stingray" was an ad campaign based on the C2's "Sting Ray" name. GM made literature for 68, but didn't badge any cars. 69-76 cars have a script "Stingray" emblem. 77-82 cars do not. Since they were based on the Mako Shark concept car, C3s, are also called sharks. Non-car folks who fondly remember C3s in general will call them all "Stingrays".
You say you want a chrome bumper car, and lots of folks agree, but rarity and demand makes them cost more, for now. All C3s are mostly the same underneath, but every year is a little, or a lot, bit different. Try to find a few to sit in, or even test drive. You may find, like I did, that only a 79-82 (and 78 Pace Cars) actually have nice stock interiors with comfortable seats, visibility, and interior storage.
Paint and rust are the biggest issues. If you want a car to drive, find one you can afford, that is being driven, and teach yourself to fix it. The real "deal" cars will need everything. Not an issue if you want to make restomodding the car your hobby, but it will get very expensive if you have a mechanic do the work for you.
Pick the color, transmission, rear window, and bumpers you want, and have at it!
My advice to anyone new to the classic car hobby is buy the absolute best car you can afford. No matter what car you might be looking at. Next prior to purchase have it inspected by some one that knows the Corvettes/classic cars.
Corvette or any classic car I would not consider anything with rust or previous frame damage unless you can get it on a body shop frame rack to measure the frame.
I don't have my 71 C3 anymore. Sold it to fund another project. But if you haven't driven a C3 maybe someone local would take you for a ride to see if it's right for you.
The reason I say that is because I have a 80 Camaro with a LS3/4L60E combo. Almost frame off resto on a 28K cream puff no rust car. It's a nice car and drives great. But it doesn't hold a candle to our 20 Mustang 5.0 GT driving and comfort wise.
Don't mean to be a debby downer.
Mstrlucky74
Folks have shared over and over to check for rust. Don't buy a rusty one.
As far as year:
1974 and newer should be more affordable if you are ok with the rubber ends (73 if you like half rubber).
For my location I would go with 75 - 68 just to satisfy the smog police (so if it was me I'd be looking for a 68 thru 72 and then a 74 and a 75). ..... I would not get the half-baked 73 (but that's just me).
As someone mentioned though....get the best one you can afford.
I would not say that my 68 is the most comfortable car; I used to have a.......friend, that had a 1978 Silver Anniversary and it was a lot more comfortable car than mine...more civilized all around
But if you haven't driven a C3 maybe someone local would take you for a ride to see if it's right for you..
^^^This. I’ve owned/driven a lot of different cars and none feel like a C3. Driving position it way different than any other common car except maybe a Datsun Z car. Super fun but still very unusual.
I don't believe there is any better resource than this book. If you can locate it. All you get anywhere on the internet is smatterings of this and that. This is a book with pictures and text and a lot of insight into each year of the vette. Worthlooking for.
Always wanted one..
