New Oldtimer Member
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2025
Posts: 1
Likes: 2
New Oldtimer Member
I have been a senior citizen for many years and am recalling how much I enjoyed my 78 and 79 Corvettes. That ownership was in my more agile and flexible years. I would love to have another Vette before I pass on. I am going to try getting in and getting out of Corvettes at the dealers. If I pass that test, I hope to buy one. The one that looks easiest to get into and out for an old timer like me is the C5. I think either a convertible or targa would work best because not only am I old, I am 6 foot 4 inches tall. Any comments much appreciated. I live in Florida and want to use the car as a daily driver.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 366,675
Likes: 24,421
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
Moved to C5 General for assistance.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 1,094
Likes: 745
I have been a senior citizen for many years and am recalling how much I enjoyed my 78 and 79 Corvettes. That ownership was in my more agile and flexible years. I would love to have another Vette before I pass on. I am going to try getting in and getting out of Corvettes at the dealers. If I pass that test, I hope to buy one. The one that looks easiest to get into and out for an old timer like me is the C5. I think either a convertible or targa would work best because not only am I old, I am 6 foot 4 inches tall. Any comments much appreciated. I live in Florida and want to use the car as a daily driver.
Easiest to get into and out of is a debatable.
These cars are super low, lower than your 78 and 79.
The way to get in it is butt in first, then pull your legs in.
Getting out is harder than getting in, you can almost fall in, takes some good legs to get out.
When I first got mine, I bought a pair of these handles that will fit in the latch strikers that you can use to give yourself some leverage, they came from amazon.
Running Guns & Moonshine
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 12,125
Likes: 6,856
From: CT
Glad to hear. Excellent plan!
I don't think you can go wrong with either body type. Both are easier to get in and out of when the top is off in good weather.
Just make sure the tires are fresh and the fluids have been flushed. You have plenty of forum members in the state there to help out if need be. Contact your local Corvette Club for additional guidance or aid in selection if desired.
Come back and show us what you end up with.
What is considered senior these days? I think it differs for everyone based on general health.
I don't think you can go wrong with either body type. Both are easier to get in and out of when the top is off in good weather.
Just make sure the tires are fresh and the fluids have been flushed. You have plenty of forum members in the state there to help out if need be. Contact your local Corvette Club for additional guidance or aid in selection if desired.
Come back and show us what you end up with.
What is considered senior these days? I think it differs for everyone based on general health.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
7 Bolt-On Upgrades From Extreme Online Store to Level Up Your C6 Corvette
Pouria Savadkouei
How Likely Are These Five 2027 Corvette Rumors to Be True?
Brett Foote
9 Best Corvettes You Can Buy for Half Price (& 1 You Should NEVER Buy!)
Joe Kucinski
8 Very Best Corvettes of Amelia Island 2026
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 WORST Corvette Engineering Failures of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
10 Records the C8 Corvette Generation Has SMASHED (& 1 Glaring Failure)
Joe Kucinski
7 Wildest Corvette Concepts Ever Made
Brett Foote
Racer
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 324
Likes: 157
From: Maine
Hello here is what I do, but I am only 5 foot 5" but I have a bad knee (motorcycle crash). I programed my car so the number 2 seat memory is fully raised to the top (I use the key for memory 2) I sit my butt start the car then press the memory seat 1 and it drops down to my driving position. When it's time to get out I press memory 2 and up I go, feels about 3 or so inches and is not bad. Where you are a tall person you would have open the door to stick your head out so it can lift you up without hitting your head.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 11,102
Likes: 662
From: SE Pennsylvania
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Oldtimer
Well I'm 75 and I have had 6 Corvettes, The current one is a C5 and it is almost perfect for me to get into and out of I was in a serious accident in NYC 10 years ago and as a result I can no longer get into a C4, maybe a C3 but not a problem into a C1. Now I currently have a C5 but I had a C6 4 years ago and it too, wasn't any trouble to get into. I'm not too tall, 5'6" and I have to go to the gym and do a lot of walking. It keeps all of your joints fluid and easy to use. Welcome ! 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 6,349
Likes: 4,133
From: Florida
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C5 of the Year Winner- Unmodified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Welcome my FL brother 👍
Im 6’2”, 71 yo, and have no problems getting in and out of my C5. For some reason sliding in is easier, and I swing my legs out first and place my left hand on the door sill for a boost up. I’ve had a few Corvettes, but the C5 is a great car and prices are reasonable.
Hope you find a nice one!
Im 6’2”, 71 yo, and have no problems getting in and out of my C5. For some reason sliding in is easier, and I swing my legs out first and place my left hand on the door sill for a boost up. I’ve had a few Corvettes, but the C5 is a great car and prices are reasonable.
Hope you find a nice one!