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.
So I get itchy every 1-2 years to get a different toy, so far i have been able to own 1 C4, 3 C5's and 2 C6's
I currently own this beast:
I have this listed on the forums for $19,500
It's got 60,200 miles, Supercharged with a 6 speed
I'm sure my price is in the higher range but it has had a ton of work done to it.
I ran across a 1978 C3 Corvette and I am really kinda digging it, The owner is asking 19,900 for his, which I know is in the higher range as well. We have been talking for the last couple of weeks and he has done a ton of work to his as well, brand new sbc 400 with a lot's of performance mods done to it, brand new be cool radiator with electric fans, transmission has been rebuilt new gears and shift kit, brand new brake pads, lines, calipers and rotors, new shocks, springs and bushings, side pipes, new 373 rear end, All gauges are after market, new centerline style rims with newer tires, interior looks very presentable and a $9,000 paint job that looks super show quality nice
His Corvette:
C3's are all over the board with prices, but then again so are C5's
Be kinda cool to have owned 4 out of the 7 generations
I had several new C3's going back to 1971. If I were rich and had the room, I would consider buying a C3 today just to bring back memories. But there would be no going back after a C5 for daily driving. I have driven my 2001 C5 every day for 17 years so far and it still looks and drives like new. I used to buy a new car very 3 years on the average, so it is amazing to me that I am driving the same car for 17 years, but I just left the gas station and had two people stop to check it out. Nobody was checking out any of the other newer cars stopped there!
I had several new C3's going back to 1971. If I were rich and had the room, I would consider buying a C3 today just to bring back memories. But there would be no going back after a C5 for daily driving. I have driven my 2001 C5 every day for 17 years so far and it still looks and drives like new. I used to buy a new car very 3 years on the average, so it is amazing to me that I am driving the same car for 17 years, but I just left the gas station and had two people stop to check it out. Nobody was checking out any of the other newer cars stopped there!
Fortunately for me the C5 is a weekend warrior, that goes to car shows, car meets and when neither of those are going on I take it to StarBucks, go for a little ride and then it's placed back in the garage for the next sunny day, I was never a fan of that body style until I saw this one !
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Looks like a very nice '78, but I think I would have problems trading a C5 straight up for it. Now if it were an earlier C3 (say '69-73) and in really good shape, that might be a different story. But, it's your decision and if it seems like a fair deal to you, go for it.
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
I've owned 32 Corvettes from all 7 generations. Without a doubt, the worst of them all was a 78. Just a cheap, poorly assembled car. It's not on the same planet as any C5. Just my 2 cents. You will be disappointed.
Last edited by capevettes; Aug 27, 2017 at 06:50 AM.
I would trade if I was him. If I was you....no way, I agreee you willl miss not only the power/acceleration but performance/comfort in general. Older one yes, late 70's into 80's, not me.
Last edited by Forcedvert; Aug 27, 2017 at 08:58 AM.
Looks like a very nice '78, but I think I would have problems trading a C5 straight up for it. Now if it were an earlier C3 (say '69-73) and in really good shape, that might be a different story. But, it's your decision and if it seems like a fair deal to you, go for it.
wouldn't do it for a late C3, but an early chrome bumper car...heck yes under your driving circumstances.
wouldn't do it for a late C3, but an early chrome bumper car...heck yes under your driving circumstances.
Agree. I've always liked the Shinoda design but would have to cap it at the '72. Always thought the '73 was a little out of step with the chrome rear bumper but the urethane front bumper.
Ultimately, though, you'll have to do what feels right for you. Good luck!
As previously stated I wouldn't trade for many reasons. Early C3's are better, 1978 were not favored. Having owned 6 C3's the ride and performance can't compare to any C5. The C3 does look a bit less 'tacky" than you beast however.
Thinking about trading
wouldn't do it for a late C3, but an early chrome bumper car...heck yes under your driving circumstances.
