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.
Yes... the C2 definitely looks dated, especially with the popup headlights, and the C6 outperforms it in every respect.
Some people say there might be more to it than that, however.
You all are the BEST!!! Exactly why I love coming to this board every day. I thank you all for taking the time to give me both sides of the equation. I am still not sure what to do, but from everything I read, I won't regret going either way, especially if I drive the C6 more than I do the 63. If I do go the C6 route, I just hope I'm as thrilled with it even half as much as you all seem to be. I know I will - it's an awesome machine. Congrats to all of you for having made the decision and for owning a car that blew me away the minute I saw it in the showroom. Merry Christmas.
Rick - and yes, it's 8 degrees and snowy here in Erie, PA
I had a 67 vert when I was 17, regret selling everyday. Now I am fortunate enough to have a 04 ZO6 and a C6. These cars beat the C2's in every aspect except the coolness factor. I see a C2 on the road a handful of times a year. I see C5's every day and then some, starting to see C6's pretty commonly too, another year and they will be crawling all over the place. I would keep the C2 and get a nice used C5 if it is possible. Wish I still had my C2.
Buy a 69 427 big block or a 70 to 72 454. The new ones will outperform the old ones in every aspect except in style which is personal. Also the new C-6, C-5 will depreciate just like any other car. So you will loose more $$$$ so look at it from different points of view. If you want to drive more and want a very smooth luxury fast ride go new but pay the price of depreciation it goes with the new car purchase. If you want appreciation don't drive much keep the classic it will be worth more $$$ as time goes by and perhaps has more personal value to you. The 63 has nicer lines but those older Corvettes are much more difficult to just drive than a new one so you have to ask yourself what are you going to use the car for? As one gets older I would think they would prefer the smoother riding car than the rougher riding car It can be hard on your back, neck etc.., and the easier driver but again depends on use are you going to commute in the car as a daily driver or is it going to be a garage queen?
I have a C2 and a C5, it would be an easy choice for me, the C2 would go away. It seems that the more money I put into the 65, the less it's worth. I had a hard time getting the insurance company to put $4,800 into my 65 when it got hit. I think they only appriciate on paper. Sell the 63, get the 05, you will enjoy it.
I fell in love with the Sting Ray as a kid and always wanted one. I thought about buying a C2 coupe now instead of the C6 but decided the actual driving experience was more important to me than trying to relive my childhood with a piece of garage art that I couldn't use as a daily driver.
On your death bed I don't think you will wish you accumulated more money during your life. You will probably regret missed experiences. Figure out which car will give you more pleasure and happy memories and don't worry about the financial aspects of the C2 v. C6. I wish I could own both.
If ONE is the only choice I'm afraid it has to be the '63 that you keep, consider yourself one of the chosen protectors of the Faith!
A Knights Templar of the Corvette.
Yes you give up a lot of modern conveniences. But the car you drive can't be placed in the same class as any modern vehicle. It has evolved beyond car to Historic Icon.
From: Life moves pretty fast... if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it!
CI 6-8-9 Veteran
It depends on what you want. I went through the same thing with my '69 BB. It was is need of restoration and I was considering a '67 vert. Then I drove a C5 and al of a sudden (at least in my case) it was clear. I didn't really want a classic that I couldn't drive everyday, had to keep historically correct for value, and just have fun with. That was too much work and I realized that I had gotten into that situation just from the fact that I had the car for 25 years. The C5 had performace, comfort, driveability, (even economy), and from that point on, my desire for the older Vettes went away. I enjoy washing and waxing, etc., but if I want to mod it, or add a little bling, it's not like I'm committing a mortal sin. I actually use this car. I know that it's value is not appreciating, but I bought it for fun and not investment. So if you just think about what you want to do, drive your car and have fun, or restore and maintain a classic, which can also be fun, you can't go wrong, it's like a win-win situation. Just my opinion. Zuti
I too had your dilemma. I have a'67 427 convertible. Beautiful to look at, nice to drive . . . but no A/C or radio, PS or PB, so not real great during a Texas summer. Still, it has appreciated in value each year and there few Corvettes, or other lesser cars, that have the recognition and coolness of a mid-year. However, when the Corvette club is going somewhere more than an hour or two away I usually don't drive it because it isn't quiet or comfortable like a modern car. So my wife suggested we get a new one and being a good husband I ordered one from Monica at Maxie Price Chevrolet.
My point is that you own a classic car that gets more valuable each year. When I pick up my '05 in February it wil drop about $8,000 and keep going. After four years it will maybe be worth 50% of the MSRP. Yes, I will drive it everywhere which is why we are getting it. That and that we love Vettes.
So, my advice to you is keep your '63 and start a regular monthly savings plan to purchase a used C6 in a year or two. This is what we did. The cost will be less which MAY make up for the painfull wait.
Take both of them to Barrett-Jackson, auction them off, then get a 2005 Vert, then in the summer get an '06 Z06, and don't look back!!!!
Make sure you take a lot of pictures and videos of the C2's before you let 'em go. Sometimes it's time for a change.
A quick anecdote. I had a audio recording setup, pretty much based on '90's techonology. It kinda sat for awhile because I was contemplating how to update it. Some thieves came in and made the decision for me. I have to go ALL NEW. I NEVER would have come to that decision on my own.
I don't wish you any such misfortune, but.... you've seen the future, embrace it, live it, enjoy it.
Just my 2 cents.
Sly
Last edited by Groovepusher Sly; Dec 21, 2004 at 02:30 PM.
Speaking as a '65 coupe owner and NCRS member, I certainly would hold on to the '63 SWC. These cars aren't destined to be classics, they are classics. 10,594 coupes were built. As others have suggested, lease the C6 but don't sell the SWC!
FWIW. . .
I have owned, C2,3,4,now a 5 and buying a 6 shortly.......selling my old ones (usually about 5-6 yrs old) was almost as exhillerating as buying the new ones as there was always some thing(s) about the old one that weren't quite right and getting worse...my advice, turn the page, sell old buy new...if you want to invest, buy stocks. You don't need insurance or a place to keep them...
I've not been in your situation, but personally, I would have a lot of trouble parting with a SWC. I'm 34 and was finally able to indulge my Corvette lust with a new 2003 a couple years ago. I probably could trade it in for a C6, but I haven't really had the urge.....not because I'm a C6 basher, but because I really don't want to part with my first Vette. Although it's totally different, I will still use the analogy that it's a little like having a kid. You may want another one, but you aren't going to trade in your first one. I hope to add a C6 vert or a mid year to my garage in about six years. Really none of us are going to be able to answer this for you, but I wouldn't sell a mid-year lightly.
I have a C2 and a C5, it would be an easy choice for me, the C2 would go away. It seems that the more money I put into the 65, the less it's worth. I had a hard time getting the insurance company to put $4,800 into my 65 when it got hit. I think they only appriciate on paper. Sell the 63, get the 05, you will enjoy it.
If you want to look at strictly the number $$$ you have be careful of the work or $$$ put into it so if you bought one for $30,000 which is a dream 63, 67 whatever a c-2 and you end up putting another 30,000 then I would question the investment part. Best to get a restored C-2 but then again we are dealing with something that is over 40 years old so anything can happen. As it is we take chances on these new Corvettes. But point being here you don't want a money pitt.