When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I still have a 1977 coupe I bought in 1980...it needs an interior and paint job...I loved every second of it...coke bottle fenders and all...lol...its now for sale...it can be restored to beautiful again...
forgot to mention...matching numbers all original...
If it's not going to be a daily driver then I'd say go for it. I've had 3 C3's over the years and my '69 was the hands down favorite. It had a ZZ4 crate motor, 4 speed, side pipes, some suspension upgrades and zero creature comforts (manual steering/manual brakes/no AC). It was unfriendly on a good day and crazy loud but man do I miss that car.
wasn't going to ''log in'' till i saw this thread . i think c 3's are the worst looking vettes , remember that is MY opinion . lot of people think that of the c 4 but i really like the later ones with the ''squareish'' tail lights . but at the same time i don't like the c 7 partly because of the tail lights . . . peace
My c5 has no carpet, no ac and makes 15 (maybe) mpg, not economical at all, but extremely reliable (only because I built it without stock parts) lol, basically I am use to not having luxuries. Neither car would be a daily but more of a street and strip car. But yes I love the enormous fenders of the C3 I also love my C5 more than many other things. On the straights, its a monster. In the city, its a neck breaker. But something, keeps pulling me towards the C3.. I could make it a complete drag monster and still drive it on the weekends in town. Scary to pull up next to, but eye candy for those who look at it, is what I'd want my corvette to be like.
Makes me wonder what you'd get for your C5. You'd have to find that "perfect" buyer.
I fell in love with a C3, a 78 Pace Car when I was 10 or 11. Told my Dad someday I'll own a Corvette. I've owned three, none a C3 though. Do I want a C3 now, nope. But it's up to you, the itch sometimes needs to be scratched. Here is 411 C3s to look at https://www.ebay.com/sch/Cars-Trucks...let%20Corvette
Makes me wonder what you'd get for your C5. You'd have to find that "perfect" buyer.
I fell in love with a C3, a 78 Pace Car when I was 10 or 11. Told my Dad someday I'll own a Corvette. I've owned three, none a C3 though. Do I want a C3 now, nope. But it's up to you, the itch sometimes needs to be scratched. Here is 411 C3s to look at https://www.ebay.com/sch/Cars-Trucks...let%20Corvette
The buyer would have to be looking for a race car type instead of luxury lol and thanks for the link
The first car I ever owned was a C3. A red '76 L-48 automatic. It was the C4 of the era. (cheapest entry level Corvette) I wanted a 68-72 but they cost a lot more. I bought it with around 110k on the odometer. It rattled like crazy. The steering was vague. It was always in need of something. I just got tired of putting money into it. After a few years of ownership, I sold it to a buddy and bought a new sportbike.
It got a lot of compliments. To this day I still like the C3 body style. But even 20 years ago, it was a dog. It only felt fast right off the line, about to about 40mph. If you're planning to buy one as a weekend "toy" car, and you're going to build the engine, and like to work on cars, I don't think it's such a bad move. Although personally, I would never go back to one after owning a C5.
Owned several C3's, C4's and the same C5 for the past 17 years as a DD. No way I could ever go back, but if I were rich, I would love to have another C3 just for nostalgia.
This was my first 1972 C3 - I will never forgive myself for having to sell it...
Only if you're going with chrome bumpers otherwise forget it. I don't think they are even remotely close to the driveability of a C5. Narrow, cramped interiors, rattles. C5 is like a luxury car in comparison. I have a friend whose C3 has been modified with the LeMans look and high performance. Has an LT-1. It looks great but he hardly drives it. I get the impression from him that it looks better than it goes. If you could afford both at once, then I'd do it. But if I could afford that I'd keep my Z06 and build another street rod.
I too love the looks of the C3, but before you buy or make a decision, drive one.
If I were going to a C3 though, it would have to be a restro-mod, meaning modern suspension, brakes, and drivetrain. Might start with a C5/C6 and plant the body on the modern frame and drive line. That would be killer but would require a wad of cash.
[QUOTE=Choreo;1595174642]Owned several C3's, C4's and the same C5 for the past 17 years as a DD. No way I could ever go back, but if I were rich, I would love to have another C3 just for nostalgia.
This was my first 1972 C3 - I will never forgive myself for having to sell it...
LOL...that is Baddddassed bro...I love it...is that a prototype of my MCM S/C highrise hood?
I had a base-motor '72 4sp. Leaked all the time (water and vacuum). Getting the wiper door to work was expensive. Spun a lot of rpms on the highway. BUT - loved the styling, the chrome, and the pop-out rear window was sweet. Also after full rebuild/stainless sleeves on the brakes it would stop like a monster - perhaps even better than my C5....
I had a base-motor '72 4sp. Leaked all the time (water and vacuum). Getting the wiper door to work was expensive. Spun a lot of rpms on the highway. BUT - loved the styling, the chrome, and the pop-out rear window was sweet. Also after full rebuild/stainless sleeves on the brakes it would stop like a monster - perhaps even better than my C5....
I'd replace the engine, the tranny and the suspension with newer parts like a 427 ls7, 6l90e, and air ride or drag susp.
Sounds like youre ready for something different, nothing screams Corvette like a C1-3
Sure the C5 is more comfy (who cares) but ithey are a little bland and boring in comparison appearance wise. Plenty of aftermarket stuff to make a C3 scream and handle like its on rails plus they are easy to work on, no codes or goofy electonics.
Make sure the windsheild frame and kickup in front of the rear wheels isnt rusted out...if you can find one where the suspension/brakes are sorted out even better, rest is cake.
Best part is they are cheap! If you are tall its top off, windows down and may want to put a smaller steering wheel on it. In that respect the C3-4 drove me nuts
If I were gonna go with a C3 it would be a 68-72, but compared to the C5 they're rattle traps, not built very well, not reliable, and they require a lot of maintenance. I'd say if you're looking for something to turn wrenches on, the C3 would be a good choice. If you want a nice looking, reliable, awesome performing car, then the C5 would be a better choice...
I also love my C5 more than many other things. On the straights, its a monster. In the city, its a neck breaker. But something, keeps pulling me towards the C3.. I could make it a complete drag monster and still drive it on the weekends in town. Scary to pull up next to, but eye candy for those who look at it, is what I'd want my corvette to be like.
