Best LOOKING generation?
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: The Sunshine State
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I think looks are subjective and most owners will defend their particular model as best-looking to them.
For me, I think the mid-year C2s are probably the most striking Corvette design. Especially when you compare it to the other cars manufactured during that era. It was undeniably a Corvette and very unique. Based on that analysis, I don't think you can say the same thing about the C7 Corvette as it is already been mistaken for other brands, etc.
As to the C5, I had the choice of buying either a new 2004 C5 or a new 2005 C6 back in late summer 2004. I chose the C5 because I loved the looks the first time I saw one. It seemed so low and wide compared to the C4 it replaced. The C6 always seemed more like a C5.5 in terms of design so I never really had the itch to move into one, although I did like the wide body Z06 and Grand Sport editions. Plus, it looks like we may never see pop up lights and curves again from an automotive design perspective. At least not in the near future as most designs now focus on sharp angles.
The only Corvette model that I don't particularly like are the mid-year C3s that had the government required plastic bumpers. I liked the earlier C3s with the chrome bumpers better.
For me, I think the mid-year C2s are probably the most striking Corvette design. Especially when you compare it to the other cars manufactured during that era. It was undeniably a Corvette and very unique. Based on that analysis, I don't think you can say the same thing about the C7 Corvette as it is already been mistaken for other brands, etc.
As to the C5, I had the choice of buying either a new 2004 C5 or a new 2005 C6 back in late summer 2004. I chose the C5 because I loved the looks the first time I saw one. It seemed so low and wide compared to the C4 it replaced. The C6 always seemed more like a C5.5 in terms of design so I never really had the itch to move into one, although I did like the wide body Z06 and Grand Sport editions. Plus, it looks like we may never see pop up lights and curves again from an automotive design perspective. At least not in the near future as most designs now focus on sharp angles.
The only Corvette model that I don't particularly like are the mid-year C3s that had the government required plastic bumpers. I liked the earlier C3s with the chrome bumpers better.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 429
From: Houston TX
Most people are going to pick whatever they own as the "best" to try to justify what they have. There are high and low points of almost all generations and there really isn't a right answer to your question.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,883
Likes: 76
From: Portland OR
While a '63 split is still one of my all time lusts, a birth year (1971) C3 will be a project someday. There is a project on this forum called Z069 that is sickness, but I'd like to take it further.
Ideally I would take the chassis of an '01+ and mod a '71 body to fit. I have about 3 years before my daughter turns 16.
Half of it is I love the early C3 chrome bumper stingray, the other half is sentimental since my daughter and I share the same birthday. She was actually born in '00, but I want to use an '01 for obvious reasons.
Ideally I would take the chassis of an '01+ and mod a '71 body to fit. I have about 3 years before my daughter turns 16.
Half of it is I love the early C3 chrome bumper stingray, the other half is sentimental since my daughter and I share the same birthday. She was actually born in '00, but I want to use an '01 for obvious reasons.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Lawrenceville PA
Platinum Supporting Dealership
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 722
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From: Rochester New York
Can't compare the C1, C2 and C3 generations to the C4, C5, C6 and C7 gens.
I'd say hands down the best overall looking Corvette is a C2 Roadster.
My order of opinion:
C2 Roadster>C6 GS/Z06>Early C3>C7>C5>C6>81/82 C3>C1>C4
I'd say hands down the best overall looking Corvette is a C2 Roadster.
My order of opinion:
C2 Roadster>C6 GS/Z06>Early C3>C7>C5>C6>81/82 C3>C1>C4
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,995
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From: Camdenton MO
2024 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I like the looks of all the generations pretty equally. But, that's because I look at them and see how well they defined the automotive industry in their particular era, while still being able to avoid appearing outdated as time marched on. But, if I had to choose just one.... I'd love to own a C2 someday.
Race Director
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 15,765
Likes: 3,283
From: Phoenix area, AZ
I can’t address the issue as far as performance is concerned.
I haven’t driven anything beyond my C5.
We are obviously on the C5 forum for a reason. I really don’t care for the look of the C6.
I have only seen a C7 a couple of times and I think they have gone back to the sharp angular
lines which change back and forth over time with most cars. The C7 looks pretty good to me, but that is based upon my very limited look at them.
Rounded lines, or sharp lines like the C7s are obviously a matter of taste in my opinion, and I chose the rounded lines like our C5 generation has. I was just curious about what others feel looks the best.
What do you guys think?
BTW, my spell check isn’t working correctly, so there may be some words spelled wrong. I can’t spell for the most part so please forgive any mistakes
I haven’t driven anything beyond my C5.
We are obviously on the C5 forum for a reason. I really don’t care for the look of the C6.
I have only seen a C7 a couple of times and I think they have gone back to the sharp angular
lines which change back and forth over time with most cars. The C7 looks pretty good to me, but that is based upon my very limited look at them.
Rounded lines, or sharp lines like the C7s are obviously a matter of taste in my opinion, and I chose the rounded lines like our C5 generation has. I was just curious about what others feel looks the best.
What do you guys think?
BTW, my spell check isn’t working correctly, so there may be some words spelled wrong. I can’t spell for the most part so please forgive any mistakes
C6's are nice, but I preferred the rounded body lines of the C5 so the C5 is what I got. I plan on adding a C7 Z07 in a few years, after they work out the rest of the bugs and I have my student loans paid off.
So I guess the short answer to which generation is the best looking would have to be an unequivocal...
Yes.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 4,346
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From: Greensboro Nc
My all around favorite looking is any c5z. I fell in love with c2's and c3's as classic cars, and never really liked the c4 until I got my c5. The c1 is cool, but I prefer concealed headlights especially on older cars. C6 and 7 don't really do much for me anymore, I liked the c6 when it first came out though
Racer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 250
Likes: 1
From: MA
C2s and early C3s in looks only. Like said below, tough to compare with c5-c7 technology. Drove C3s before I bought the C5 and they were sloppy in steering and shifting. I've seen the C7 close up and I'm having a hard time with the tail light design departure. Looks like a Malibu.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 253
From: Oconomowoc Wisconsin
Here is my order.
C2 (no doubt the absolute best - should of been in production longer - at least through 69)
C1
C5
C7 (to early to tell - could move up after it has been in production longer)
C3 (especially 68 - 71)
C6 (only thing going for this generation is the engines)
C4 (the interior and digital dash are disasters)
C2 (no doubt the absolute best - should of been in production longer - at least through 69)
C1
C5
C7 (to early to tell - could move up after it has been in production longer)
C3 (especially 68 - 71)
C6 (only thing going for this generation is the engines)
C4 (the interior and digital dash are disasters)
Drifting
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,940
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From: Lancaster County Pennsylvania
1st 63 thru 67
2nd 97 thru 2014
3rd 2014
4th 53 thru 62
5th 68 thru 82
6th 84 thru 96
Hard to rate them as I love them all. Must clarify that even though I rated C4's last the Grand Sports and the 96 CE are stunning and both are at the top of my list.
2nd 97 thru 2014
3rd 2014
4th 53 thru 62
5th 68 thru 82
6th 84 thru 96
Hard to rate them as I love them all. Must clarify that even though I rated C4's last the Grand Sports and the 96 CE are stunning and both are at the top of my list.
Race Director
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From: Home of the VOLS ! Knoxville, TN. Tennessee
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