Interesting perspective on owning a C3!
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 389
Likes: 0
From: san diego ca
Re: Interesting perspective on owning a C3! (Rick Church)
I agree totally! C1's - beatutiful because of the rarity.
C2's - very nice, but "high maintanence".
C4's - boring! though I'm someday shopping for a vert for the wife.
C5's - nice for the creature comforts, and I might put up with one someday.
But everytime I step into the garage and see that vert. '73 I say to my self:
"man, that is one beautiful car!". And the comments I get when I take it out weekly confirm it.
I'm a happy camper!
:)
C2's - very nice, but "high maintanence".
C4's - boring! though I'm someday shopping for a vert for the wife.
C5's - nice for the creature comforts, and I might put up with one someday.
But everytime I step into the garage and see that vert. '73 I say to my self:
"man, that is one beautiful car!". And the comments I get when I take it out weekly confirm it.
I'm a happy camper!
:)
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,758
Likes: 3
From: Surrey
Re: Interesting perspective on owning a C3! (Graemeinvette)
So much so that my wife gets embarressed, but maybe thats because she is sitting beside me :lol: :lol:
Have a merry Xmas & a brilliant Hogmanay.
:thumbs:
edit: back onto topic..... C3 vs C5? There's no comparison. They may have the same name/badge, a V8 & the same manufacturer, but that's about it really. After around 20 years of development, including major advances in processors, peripheral electronics & materials, they should be worlds apart. Even though a C5 has much better performance & handling than a C3 it doesn't mean a well sorted C3 is bad. In 20 years time the cars around will probably make C5's look antiquated (assuming governments don't kill off the performance car industry in the meantime).
:cheers:
[Modified by UKPaul, 10:32 AM 12/22/2003]
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
Re: Interesting perspective on owning a C3! (Rick Church)
My 79 has a strong 385 stroker motor under the hood, and with the stock hood looks like its just sporting the base L48 190hp (on a good day). Its very nice to look nice, appear to be stock and still be able to stand its ground. I'll be graduating from college in a year and plan to buy a new vette, but never intend on selling mine. I got it when I turned 17 and be turning wrenches on it myself eversince then. :thumbs:
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: portsmouth va
Re: Interesting perspective on owning a C3! (Rick Church)
rick,
i just completed a restoration on my 77 L-82 and had it painted "torch" red. i get plenty of compliments whenever i take it out of the garage.
roger in virginia
i just completed a restoration on my 77 L-82 and had it painted "torch" red. i get plenty of compliments whenever i take it out of the garage.
roger in virginia
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: portsmouth va
Re: Interesting perspective on owning a C3! (Jasonty)
my sentiments exactly, especially when i'm at a gas pump. i start up my 77 (L-82, headers, 3/4 cam) and plenty turn to appreciate "the sound."
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,090
Likes: 8
From: Indianapolis Indiana
Re: Interesting perspective on owning a C3! (Rick Church)
I know the feeling! With 2 C5's, they are fantastic cars and are heads and tails above the C3 in about every category you can name except perhaps ease of working on them! I don't drive my C3 much and it is work compared to the newer car but there is indeed a different thrill with the C3. I used to have the '68 and an '84. The '84 got a lot of looks, the '68 makes young and old look! I have the '01 'vert and the '68 roadster side by side in the garage and I go in and out the garage because it is always a thrill seeing them side by side. Someday I might modify the 3 and drop in a high HP crate but until then I'll just enjoy a numbers matching original car! I agree life is good. Merry Christmas!
:iagree:
:iagree:
I bought a 2002 Electron Blue Z06 this past Monday. Quite frankly, it is the most awesome car I have ever driven. Technology being what it is today, a standard (stock) 71 C3 just doesn't perform, handle, and have the comfort of the C5 Z06. HOWEVER, there is one area that the C3 stands out in! LOOKS!!!! After driving the C5 all week, I went out into the garage today and there sat my pristine 71 small block coupe. It just takes my breath away to see that Mille Miglia Red chrome bumper car sitting there still but looking like it is going 100MPH. I always get more thumbs ups, waves, and looks when I drive the C3. I love my C3 and I am so glad it didn't sell back in the fall of this year. I don't think I will ever regret keeping it. When it warms up around here, I'll get them both together and post a picture. Two Vettes in the garage, life is good. Merry Christmas ya'll from Middle Tennessee!
Rick :cheers:
Rick :cheers:
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 39
From: Fremont CA
Re: Interesting perspective on owning a C3! (ndirishr1)
I tell my Z06 owning wife that they are "belly button" cars (everyone has one.) She likes her C5 (2 autocross chapionships so far-WSCC stock class.) My wife now knows the potential of a C3 after the last autocross of our season when I brought my 72 LT-1 out of "retirement" and bested her Z06 time by about 2 seconds (alright! I had Hoosier tires on and she ran Goodyear F-1's.) I did have to trailer my car while she drove but, my 72 is still a car to be respected. Eric B.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,783
Likes: 2
From: Engineers do it better.
Re: Interesting perspective on owning a C3! (Rick Church)
Call me crazy, but I don't think I could ever live without a C3 now... Even if I owned the best of the best sports car, I would still keep a C3 in my garage. Would love to have a 71 blue/beige coupe one of these days...
C3s are the best... :seeya
C3s are the best... :seeya
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,721
Likes: 108
From: Canada
Re: Interesting perspective on owning a C3! (Rick Church)
Congrats Rick, I wish I could afford a C5 to go along with my 72 vert. - someday when the kids are older and out of school. I think you made a great choice I happen to like the looks of the C5's and the way the drive and I love my C3 vert. as well. As I said - someday. :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
