Thinking about going to C2
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 399
Likes: 31
From: Clinton TN
Thinking about going to C2
I have always had a desire to own a c2 roadster. My 2005 lmb vert only has 19k on it and I love that car. I only get it out on pretty days and take relatively short trips. I only have room for one toy. Would I be disappointed with a c2. I'm particularly looking for opinions from those of you that own both a c6 and c2 or used to own a c2. Thanks.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 658
Likes: 204
I don't have a C2 but I have thought about adding one at some point as they are probably my all time favorite car from a design standpoint.
From what I've read, you will probably be disappointed with the driving experience. It seems like the C3 is just a much better and more enjoyable car to drive if you are looking for an older Vette. Because of that and significantly lower C3 prices, I think that is the one I would personally go with.
I haven't driven an older Vette, but I have driven Mustang's from the 60's (another car I love) and really it wasn't fun. No power steering, terrible brakes, toothpick thin steering wheel, it just wasn't for me. After one drive I moved on and never thought about one again.
From what I've read, you will probably be disappointed with the driving experience. It seems like the C3 is just a much better and more enjoyable car to drive if you are looking for an older Vette. Because of that and significantly lower C3 prices, I think that is the one I would personally go with.
I haven't driven an older Vette, but I have driven Mustang's from the 60's (another car I love) and really it wasn't fun. No power steering, terrible brakes, toothpick thin steering wheel, it just wasn't for me. After one drive I moved on and never thought about one again.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,435
Likes: 19
From: Sioux Falls South Dakota
From a pure ownership standpoint I don't think you will be dissappointed with a C2 however from a comfort, driveability, technology standpoint after driving a C6 for a number of years, yes, you will be dissappointed.
The older generation vehicles are awesome but lets face it, they are not the gadgets & drivetrains we are used to in modern cars that have spolied us over the years.
Besides my 08 C6 I have 5 classic mustangs (65, 66, 67, 68 & 69) and one 2014 Mustangs and while I wouldn't get rid of anyone of them there are substantial differences in driveability and comfort from the classic models to the new one. I bought them because of the era they represent, their look & style, etc. but definely not for thier comfort.
The C2 is a wonderful car (fun, great lines, classic) but you need to go into it with the mindset that it's not the C6.
If you get one post pics. Good luck
The older generation vehicles are awesome but lets face it, they are not the gadgets & drivetrains we are used to in modern cars that have spolied us over the years.
Besides my 08 C6 I have 5 classic mustangs (65, 66, 67, 68 & 69) and one 2014 Mustangs and while I wouldn't get rid of anyone of them there are substantial differences in driveability and comfort from the classic models to the new one. I bought them because of the era they represent, their look & style, etc. but definely not for thier comfort.
The C2 is a wonderful car (fun, great lines, classic) but you need to go into it with the mindset that it's not the C6.
If you get one post pics. Good luck
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 11,973
Likes: 463
From: Tonawanda New York
Talk about reverse technology, good luck with that. I had a 72'Buick GS Stage1 for over ten years while it was a cool car and all, it don't compare to modern performance cars especially a C6! But if you always wanted one, follow your dreams!
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 25,105
Likes: 3,156
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Better make sure your bank acct is nice and fat. The old cars cost quite a bit to keep running. esp if you want to drive them. 
Granted I have never owned a C2, but I own a C4 and have owned a C3. Both of these cars required quite a bit of work to keep running.
The C6 only requires gas, oil and tires. Something to think about.
I would love to have a C2 but would never get rid of my C6 to get one.
Granted I have never owned a C2, but I own a C4 and have owned a C3. Both of these cars required quite a bit of work to keep running.
The C6 only requires gas, oil and tires. Something to think about.
I would love to have a C2 but would never get rid of my C6 to get one.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 327
Likes: 3
I've had a C2 and now C3's, which are about the same. Not really a nice refined ride like the C6. Gas mileage is horrible, get used to 10-12 miles per gallon. Kind of reminds me of driving an old pickup truck. Handles about as well as a new Dodge minivan. Those are the bad things.
Now the good, they sure do look cool. If you buy it right the value will only go up, unlike the C6 which will continue to go down in value. C2 will be very mechnical sounding which if that's what you want is great. You really feel like part of a machine, the C6 is more disconnected, kind of like you're just going along for the ride. You would never get asked is that a Corvette, everybody knows what a C2 is. In other words I would buy one in a heartbeat. Everybody wants to talk to you. Just don't count on getting where you want to go.
Now the good, they sure do look cool. If you buy it right the value will only go up, unlike the C6 which will continue to go down in value. C2 will be very mechnical sounding which if that's what you want is great. You really feel like part of a machine, the C6 is more disconnected, kind of like you're just going along for the ride. You would never get asked is that a Corvette, everybody knows what a C2 is. In other words I would buy one in a heartbeat. Everybody wants to talk to you. Just don't count on getting where you want to go.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 641
Likes: 36
From: Midhurst Ontario
I've had a couple C2"s....some still have drum brakes and manual steering....most old cars smell.....burn lots of fuel..........look neat though.......would not have another old car....my 08 Z06 is in a whole different league.....has far better gas mileage, better everything.....
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
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
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 21,845
Likes: 140
From: When all is said and done... there is a hell of a lot more said than done. Riverside,Texas
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '26
I have 3 C2s and a C6. Wouldn't get rid of the C2s, but it's a whole different world. Good luck with your search.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 627
Likes: 5
From: Frisco TX
I just went from a C3 to a C6......and would never go back. Had a '74 convertible and it seemed like everytime I took it out something new needed to be fixed. Was a gas hog and never seemed to run right. Was always tinkering with the carb. I dreaded the thought of having to sell it as I'd put 100's of hours working on it.....however the day I saw it drive off with new owner......turned out to be a very happy day.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,063
Likes: 17
From: Lee's Summit MO
I've had old Vettes and I've had new ones.
It's going to boil down to personal preference, but for me..... Once I went with new technology, there was no turning back. Always something wrong with the old ones.
It's going to boil down to personal preference, but for me..... Once I went with new technology, there was no turning back. Always something wrong with the old ones.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 45,269
Likes: 8,543
From: Rochester, NY
Based on how little you drive your current Vette having a C2 for a toy probably would be fine for you.
I myself would not want to step that far back into a Vette that is lightyears behind todays offerings.
I myself would not want to step that far back into a Vette that is lightyears behind todays offerings.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,693
Likes: 144
From: on Barnegat Bay Joisey
Having bought a '63 SW coupe new and drove it as a DD for 3years I can tell you it was always an adventure to drive. If your ready to accept the obvious shortfall of no A/C, P/S, automatic trans etc and the expense/tinkering of a 50 year old vehicle GO FOR IT. It'll be a real kick in the butt with the right mindset. Kind of like putting on a leather helmet and goggles and climbing into the cockpit of an old biplane.
Last edited by mickey5; Mar 14, 2014 at 09:22 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 25,105
Likes: 3,156
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 10,465
Likes: 1,149
From: Wayne Township WI
I have always had a desire to own a c2 roadster. My 2005 lmb vert only has 19k on it and I love that car. I only get it out on pretty days and take relatively short trips. I only have room for one toy. Would I be disappointed with a c2. I'm particularly looking for opinions from those of you that own both a c6 and c2 or used to own a c2. Thanks.
Even so a solid axle & drum brakes, heard it described "crude", wasn't alluring enough for me to pursue.
But IF you're used to a C5/6, bet you'll be very disappointed. As a 'collector car' rolled every now and then? Fine. Otherwise, no.
There're outfits retrofitting C5/6s w/ C2 body panels. Might not be as expensive as it sounds, either. IF one gets the classic beauty of a C2 in a up-to-date Corvette chassis/engine/brake system (you provide) it's worth considering.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 6,517
Likes: 1,303
From: Windermere FL
Tough call. There is something to be said for the C2 and it is proven with their prices and desirability. Muscle Car nostalgia certainly is wide spread now. You kind of have to make up your own mind.
It is too bad you have to sell your C6 first. Might be something you regret. But there are still a LOT of nice C6's available so you can always come back if it does not work out. Or maybe you can find a way to manage to find and buy your C2 first and then sell your C6 afterwards.
It is too bad you have to sell your C6 first. Might be something you regret. But there are still a LOT of nice C6's available so you can always come back if it does not work out. Or maybe you can find a way to manage to find and buy your C2 first and then sell your C6 afterwards.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,732
Likes: 709
From: Shelton, Connecticut
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Are you sure?
I had 5 C3s' and 6 C6s'. Also got to drive my friend's 1967 coupe for a couple months.
When I picked up my current 12 coupe, I thought about the C2 as a weekend car. My wife reminded me about all the pain and suffering I went through with the C3s. Leaking brakes, ignition tune-ups, bad wheel bearings, faulty parking brakes, and the list goes on.
If you do buy one, be prepared to be constantly tweaking this and replacing that. Even on a restored car that sits in the garage, you will be spending less than quality time with it.
I agree that they are only good for car shows, and then, better if trailer-ed.
Good luck with your decision.
When I picked up my current 12 coupe, I thought about the C2 as a weekend car. My wife reminded me about all the pain and suffering I went through with the C3s. Leaking brakes, ignition tune-ups, bad wheel bearings, faulty parking brakes, and the list goes on.
If you do buy one, be prepared to be constantly tweaking this and replacing that. Even on a restored car that sits in the garage, you will be spending less than quality time with it.
I agree that they are only good for car shows, and then, better if trailer-ed.
Good luck with your decision.