C4 or C2
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
C4 or C2
I bought my first Vette 2 years ago. It is a 1993 torch red coupe. I have an opportunity to buy a 1964 roadster from a friend. It is in very good shape. It needs a new gas gauge and the paint job is less than perfect(it was repainted metallic blue). The price: $22,000
The question; I have to sell my beloved torch red baby to buy this one. Any opinions on the decision? All comments welcome. Financial and aesthetic. I know that owning a C2 is a different world from a C4. That's why I am asking.
Help me decide...please
The question; I have to sell my beloved torch red baby to buy this one. Any opinions on the decision? All comments welcome. Financial and aesthetic. I know that owning a C2 is a different world from a C4. That's why I am asking.
Help me decide...please
Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,176
Likes: 7
From: Jennings LA
if you don't buy it let me know 
one other thought, you can allways find another C4 they are plentifull, the '64 on the other hand is rare and even more rare at a decent price.
one other thought, you can allways find another C4 they are plentifull, the '64 on the other hand is rare and even more rare at a decent price.
Last edited by gator79; Feb 19, 2007 at 08:20 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,629
Likes: 7
From: Lawrenceville PA
That's an easy decision, get the 64 if it's as nice as you say. C2's are the most beautiful of all Corvettes IMHO and will actually appreciate in value. I love my C4 but if presented with the same scenario, I'd leap at the chance.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,194
Likes: 27
From: Monroe Twp, NJ
IMO the Spirit of the Corvette started with the C1. Every Corvette since that has been improved, but the spirit of the orginal has tried to be caught up in every Corvette since. The C4 will out handle and probably out perform most C2s but I have found the older orginals have a certain mystery about them the newer Corvettes can only hope to catch. If your looking to go fast, have all the mordern things a newer vehicle has like AC, great electric power features than keep the C4. If your looking to catch the mystery of the orginal than the C2 is the way to go. Many of us ( I know I would ) would trade in my C4 in a heart beat if I could afford a older Corvette. But for now I try to find the bits and pieces of the old built into the new and keep the Corvette spirit alive that way.
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 65,811
Likes: 71
From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
It seems to be an awfully good price for a C2 roadster. It's hard to argue with it from a financial standpoint. It won't be as practical as a C4 but I'm sure you've considered that or you'd have listed it with your criteria. If a Vette's just a weekend toy to you, that's of little concern anyway. I think most of us afficianados consider the C1 and/or the C2 the most beautiful Vettes ever, so I don't think you'll get much argument there, even among the C4 crowd. I do however consider my later C4 to be the next most beautiful Vette ever, not being a big fan of the C3 or the newer ones from an aesthetic viewpoint. With me, given the choice it would either be a '57 or a '63 split window as the ultimate. But for myself, I'd have to be able to afford the early one in addition to my C4 because I enjoy driving a Vette on a daily basis. But as I said, I'm sure you've considered the practicality of both cars. I'd get the C2. If you tire of it someday, you'll have owned and enjoyed one and will likely profit nicely from the experience in the bargain.
CF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 19,363
Likes: 5,243
From: Cape Cod, Mass.
2025 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C8 Z06/7/E-Ray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C8 of the Year Finalist Unmodified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C1 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2017 Corvette of the Year Finalist
2016 C2 of Year
2015 C3 of Year Finalist
If you need to sell the C4 to get it I would still go for it. $22,000 for a 64 is a good deal even if the number don't match. It is a much simpler car than the C4 but will not handle as well. Which engine and options are on the 64? Presently the 64 is the least expensive of the mid years but is basically the same car as the 65-67 except for the drum brakes. Good luck?
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,475
Likes: 270
From: Kingman AZ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Cruise-In VIII
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Make sure you inspect it for frame rust and birdcage rust. This can make it a nightmare money pit. Great price if it is in good condition.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
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
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,348
Likes: 233
From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
It depends on your purpose for having a Corvette.
You want to drive it, then a C4 is a much better car.
You want to be seen in it, then the C2 will get you infinitely more looks.
If you get the C2, and find out later that it was a mistake, you can always sell it and get another C4. Finding decent C2's at that price won't be quite as easy.
Birdcage (a misnomer) rust: Corvettes have steel body supports that form windshield frames, roof hoops, etc. These steel components are subject to corrosion, just like any other steel auto body part.
Larry
code5coupe
You want to drive it, then a C4 is a much better car.
You want to be seen in it, then the C2 will get you infinitely more looks.
If you get the C2, and find out later that it was a mistake, you can always sell it and get another C4. Finding decent C2's at that price won't be quite as easy.
Birdcage (a misnomer) rust: Corvettes have steel body supports that form windshield frames, roof hoops, etc. These steel components are subject to corrosion, just like any other steel auto body part.
Larry
code5coupe
Last edited by rocco16; Feb 19, 2007 at 10:34 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,475
Likes: 270
From: Kingman AZ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Cruise-In VIII
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Go over to the C2 section and ask questions. They will tell you what to look for.
The birdcage is the windshield frame. Water runs down the frame and can cause it to rust where it is welded to the metal that forms the dashboard/front door hinge area. I have been to auctions where I see Terry Michalis(sp?) from Pro Team Corvette shine a maglite down into this area and shake his head. I doubt if he bids on the rusty ones.
The birdcage is the windshield frame. Water runs down the frame and can cause it to rust where it is welded to the metal that forms the dashboard/front door hinge area. I have been to auctions where I see Terry Michalis(sp?) from Pro Team Corvette shine a maglite down into this area and shake his head. I doubt if he bids on the rusty ones.
Elite Torch Red Member
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 57,805
Likes: 23
From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
Cental/South NJ Events Coordinator
CI 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12 Vet
CI-II Burnout & Drag Champ
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Do what you have to, but don't sell the C4. Get a loan and buy the '64
for $22,000 what kind of shape is it in? Is it in NJ?
for $22,000 what kind of shape is it in? Is it in NJ?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 22,209
Likes: 12
From: OBAMA IS HITLER
i agree with mojo. but i'll add that if you have to sell your C4, then you can't afford this transaction.
the '64 would be the kind of car you'll want to keep as a garage queen and just wax. its a show car, not a driver. it will also continue going up in value, although there are much, much better investments out there (almost never cars).
the '64 would be the kind of car you'll want to keep as a garage queen and just wax. its a show car, not a driver. it will also continue going up in value, although there are much, much better investments out there (almost never cars).
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Good price on the 64 !...Money wise you can spend on it and probably never lose, however if you really like driving and comfort, handling, etc etc (oh, and stopping too) youll really miss the C4...
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
i agree with mojo. but i'll add that if you have to sell your C4, then you can't afford this transaction.
the '64 would be the kind of car you'll want to keep as a garage queen and just wax. its a show car, not a driver. it will also continue going up in value, although there are much, much better investments out there (almost never cars).
the '64 would be the kind of car you'll want to keep as a garage queen and just wax. its a show car, not a driver. it will also continue going up in value, although there are much, much better investments out there (almost never cars).
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 763
Likes: 0
From: pa
if you plan on driveing it, keep the c4. c2s were nice in their day, but as a driver, they leave a lot to be desired in todays world. that being said, get one with ps and disc breaks if you really want a c4.