C3 market overview '26
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Le Mans Master
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From: Omaha NE
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C3 market overview '26
When you have 15 minutes to spare check out this video & see if you agree....I do..
https://www.corvetteblogger.com/2026...view-for-2026/
https://www.corvetteblogger.com/2026...view-for-2026/
Le Mans Master
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From: Chester County Pennsylvania
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Yes, in general I do agree with their take. I had been looking for a C3 for the past 15 months; preferably a BB 'vert, with focus on '69-'72. I have observed the C3 prices flattening and have been surprised at some of the auction results.I ended up with a '74, L82 4spd 'vert, which I would not have thought I would buy, when I started looking, but the car was a very good value so I went for it, and I am very pleased with my purchase.
Last edited by Too-Fast; Apr 9, 2026 at 05:29 AM. Reason: Spelling
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Las Vegas, NV
When you have 15 minutes to spare check out this video & see if you agree....I do..
https://www.corvetteblogger.com/2026...view-for-2026/
https://www.corvetteblogger.com/2026...view-for-2026/
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,226
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From: Albuquerque, NM
I don't get it... at 1:28 he says early C3 chrome bumper cars are on "a pretty strong upward swing." Then at 1:45 he says he was "a little disappointed to see what their values appeared to be." At 2:15 he said you could buy a pretty nice car for mid to upper teens at Corvette Expo. That doesn't sound like a pretty strong upward swing. I know there are plenty of cars that need work for mid to upper teens, but can you really find pretty nice chrome bumper cars under $20,000?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Myrtle Beach SC
An interesting comparative analysis of C3s by the typical breakout categories. I felt C&S offered insights into the rationale for their market value rather than actual values, as well as, model year attributes that attract buyers whether investment, horsepower, features or design elements. All of which affect market value. But then how much review can be accomplished in 15 minutes?
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 3,577
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From: PA
I have my favorites across the C3 spectrum…
1969 is probably THE best year (my opinion) of all. Lots of engine options, in fact, lots of options in general. Classic styling, especially if you’re a fan of the “no fender flare” look.
I have a soft spot for the 1970-1972 cars. 1970 in particular is a personal favorite, especially with the LT-1.
1974… Last big block in a convertible is tough to beat.
1978 Silver Anniversary and Pace Car were a couple of winners this year.
1980-1982 are the cleanest styled (in my opinion) of all the C3s. I’d happily take a 1980 L-82 and put it in my garage.
Even the cars I didn’t mentioned are good options. Heck, I bid on a 1977 recently on Bring A Trailer because I thought it was a great car.
Fact is, there are a LOT of good choices in the range of C3 cars… Take your pick!
Regards,
Stan Falenski
1969 is probably THE best year (my opinion) of all. Lots of engine options, in fact, lots of options in general. Classic styling, especially if you’re a fan of the “no fender flare” look.
I have a soft spot for the 1970-1972 cars. 1970 in particular is a personal favorite, especially with the LT-1.
1974… Last big block in a convertible is tough to beat.
1978 Silver Anniversary and Pace Car were a couple of winners this year.
1980-1982 are the cleanest styled (in my opinion) of all the C3s. I’d happily take a 1980 L-82 and put it in my garage.
Even the cars I didn’t mentioned are good options. Heck, I bid on a 1977 recently on Bring A Trailer because I thought it was a great car.
Fact is, there are a LOT of good choices in the range of C3 cars… Take your pick!
Regards,
Stan Falenski
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
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From: Omaha NE
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Melting Slicks
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So I've done a number of LS swaps into various hot rods. Can't beat it for power, fuel mileage and weight off the nose of the car with alum heads and block.
A few things that make C3's a tough sell.
1. Cost of parts. The Corvette "tax"
2. If you can't do the work yourself finding someone who will do the work well at a reasonable cost.
3. Is how nice the late model hot rods like the Camaro, Mustang, Challenger and Corvette are with 400 hp plus V8 engines stock.
Let's face it the folks that grew up with C3's are aging out. As we get older just getting in and out of a C3 is not great. LOL.
No different than the street rod folks. Lot's of really cool street rods out there but the younger folks don't have the interest or the cash.
A few things that make C3's a tough sell.
1. Cost of parts. The Corvette "tax"
2. If you can't do the work yourself finding someone who will do the work well at a reasonable cost.
3. Is how nice the late model hot rods like the Camaro, Mustang, Challenger and Corvette are with 400 hp plus V8 engines stock.
Let's face it the folks that grew up with C3's are aging out. As we get older just getting in and out of a C3 is not great. LOL.
No different than the street rod folks. Lot's of really cool street rods out there but the younger folks don't have the interest or the cash.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2024
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Seen this video the other day. I agree with both of em. The average person is star struck by my 77. And I always tell em you can find them running, driving with good paint for $10,000. A Corvette enthusiast would obviously not give my car a second glance. If you're looking to buy, auction houses seem to be the best place to go. The stagnation hasn't settled into private sales.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,228
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From: Myrtle Beach SC
C3 Noseart
Yes 1969 as the preferred year, is due to its performance options but yet, as a fan of 78s, 1978 ushered in an era of cosmetics, comfort and convenience that persists thru C8. Anyone care to guess how many early C3 owners drive their C6-C8 more persistently? Attending an NCRS event, I would guess all of them! 
Why? Performance re-emerged with cosmetics, comfort and convenience creating America's Sports Car as a premier sports vehicle...without a manual transmission. Even handling improved throughout the 1970s, concluding with FE7. And in 1978, we see the introduction of an aggressive stance with the Pace Car that enthusiasts loved reducing CoD dramatically. Even the enthusiasts beloved C2s, offered performance, front-end lift remained a limitation to handling.
I was invited by NCRS to give a C3 talk at the 22 NCM bash and delivered this PowerPoint. It makes the case why 1978 Pace Cars have become a legend, continue to be sought in Corvette collector's corral. Take a look. The first photo, I call C3 noseart is among my favorites, taken at, I believe the Providence RI NCRS National.
Why? Performance re-emerged with cosmetics, comfort and convenience creating America's Sports Car as a premier sports vehicle...without a manual transmission. Even handling improved throughout the 1970s, concluding with FE7. And in 1978, we see the introduction of an aggressive stance with the Pace Car that enthusiasts loved reducing CoD dramatically. Even the enthusiasts beloved C2s, offered performance, front-end lift remained a limitation to handling.
I was invited by NCRS to give a C3 talk at the 22 NCM bash and delivered this PowerPoint. It makes the case why 1978 Pace Cars have become a legend, continue to be sought in Corvette collector's corral. Take a look. The first photo, I call C3 noseart is among my favorites, taken at, I believe the Providence RI NCRS National.
Last edited by hunt4cleanair; Apr 14, 2026 at 03:21 AM.
