71coupe

Try this link. Same as above, minus the error
http://www.stingrayalley.com
:cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

jcanney

close,,,,,,, 73 BB coupe is the ultimate. Chrome AND rubber bumpers, and a big block.

My 81 with a 383 is nice too though :
:cheers:

1980 razz

i read all the posts for this question and they are all good answers..i was in the same boat and just got mine..i looked and thought i wanted a 1970-72..but after looking and reseach i got a 1980 L-82..it was the first vette in years to lower the weight..better areo dynamics..killer looks and the last true muscle car before the computer chips took over..u need the L-82 350 engine upgrade though so u have that true vette power the california 305 just didnt cut it for me...but any vette is a good vette..lol :jester

Corvettes White

All of the years have their +++'s, some just more than others. Do your homework and get what you like for what you can afford.

We have two sharks 10 years apart that are much the same yet very different and I could not fault anyone for picking one over the other.

George

rdrman

74 and before no cats are the way to go! :cheers:

bud snyder

I really have to agree with the guys that all c-3 are nice. The early years do leak and rattle more.
I have a 76, but some times wish i had a late bubble back with my color paint and interior.
I am really suprised that no one mentioned color? I think the color is exterior and interior is probally as important as much as the options. I am not a phanatic on matching #s and restoration parts, but painting a Corvette a color outside the colors offered that year seems wrong.

gearheadz

I'm partial to '68-72 ragtops. 1970 was the lowest production year for C3s due to auto workers strike in '69 and also it was the last year of the high compression/HP engines.

Mark

Corellian Corvette

There has been a lot of good advice here. I know I asked the same question before and I ended up getting a '73 for a bunch of reasons. Clearly, looks are a big factor. I prefer the rear-ends with chrome bumpers, so my view was focusing on pre-1973 cars. Some people like the glass backs so they go post 1978. Lots of good looking cars, but the more you study them you'll find a group of years that really turns you on.

That said, looks are one thing, the ability to modify (legally) is another. Of course, you can do anything you want to ANY car, but, strictly speaking, if you get a car earlier than 1974 (pre-cats), you're going to have a lot less hassles if you ever have to have your car smogged. After 1975 you're "supposed" to have a Y pipe that goes into a single cat then out to dual exhausts. VERY restrictive. Many members here have fix that on their cars, but technically, it's not kosher :cool:

If you want my TOTALLY subjective opinion on the years, here goes. (no flames, love 'em all)

1. "Uber Cool" factor but you're going to pay the $$ price, great resale = 1968 - 1972 Big blocks
2. Almost as cool factor but you're going to pay the price, great resale = 1968-1972 anything
3. Cool, still get a big block with a bit less power, but pay less = 1973 - 1974
3. Still cool, but you can do just about anything you want to them engine/exhaust and pay a bit less = 1973 - 1974
4. After that, it really depends on you budget and what you like. You start to deal with more complex electronics, decreased power, and better overall comfort/conveniences. 1975 was the 1st year for HEI distributors and last year convertible, 1977 (I think), lost the "Stingray" badge, 1978 went to the glass rear greenhouse. Most of the cars post- 1975 can be had on a budget, as you'll pay quite a bit less than a pre-72 car of comparable condition, and it will likely be a lot more comfortable as a daily (or regular) driver.
5. Last of an era, very unique look, tough to upgrade the engine, a bit price than the other post - chrome cars = 1982

No matter WHICH year you get, expect to do some work on the car, and they're ALL pretty expensive when it comes time to replace parts. Most notable exception is 1968 which had quite a bit of year-only parts in the interior so it's even more.

Which leads me to '73. I was on a budget, wanted to play around with the engine, and liked the look of the chrome rear-end. That was the one!

Good luck!

Z-man

It's generally acknowledged by automotive experts that 1970 was, by far, the best year for C3 Corvettes... :D

68shark

You meant to say '68 right??

No biases in this forum....just honest opinions!!

71DropTop

71 BB vert ,AC,PS,PB But i'm partial :D

HawkIVette

Well, here's is my opinion.

Stay away from the 68- 73 model, because they have chrome bumpers. :U Then there's the 74. As someone else said, too many one model year parts :confused:
From 76- 82, you couldn't get a drop top, so that is definately out. :sleep:
So I guess that only leaves the 75 convertible. :D Yea, that's the ticket.
GREAT YEAR! GREAT CAR! GREAT VALUE! - GO FOR IT!

Like I said, just my opinion.

MassVette

The more years that the same body style is kept, the more time the factory has to "fine-tune" it and eliminate the "bugs". Using this logic, the most basic cars are the "68's, and the most refined are the '82's. The older the car, the more the parts failure potential, naturally. The earlier years are basic cars with BRUTE performance options, and the later years are more detailed and refined, but with only two engine options. The GOOD news is: You don't have to abide by the factory's choice of engines (or transmissions) from 20-25 years ago, and the C-3 is the ONLY series Corvette for which the Big Block is a BOLT-IN, from 1968 right through 1982! . There are MORE HP chevy V-8 setups available now than sand on a beach! The choices are almost endless.
:chevy :flag :chevy

The Wanderer

My choice would be a Red '72 Roadster ... 350, 4 Speed, with Air ... Come to think of it ... that was my choice :D :D :D

As a second choice.... I'd go with any C3 !

Purplerainz

ok, you indicated you have a year a so, then follow this rule -

just keep reading on in each corvette forum section .. surely you will have the idea of what you want by then c1,2,3,4,5, or 6 .. read on :yesnod: :lol:


[Modified by Purplerainz, 12:50 PM 10/6/2001]

SBR

They are all good but I feel that the 69s are best because of the chrome bumpers and sides vents and the most engine options!

redc3vette1

I PREFER AN 80 BECAUSE WELL I HAVE ONE <<< lol >>>> and there awesome.... all years are though i would love a 63 myself or 01 Z06 or a 69 bb but as u can see i need one of every year model LOL so shop around and buy smart :flag