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After 20+ years of owning C1's from projects to my current 61 driver, I'm thinking of moving on to an early C7. I had driven a friends C7 coupe years ago and enjoyed it. I like the lines of the coupe but with 4 convertibles in the garage, we like to drive with the top down. Our 63 TR4 will be up for sale in a few months so I can buy my wife an automatic Miata. The garage space for the 61 will be replaced with a M7 C7. Yes I'd like to keep them all but we live on the water and the wetland commission has already drawn the line on further expansion. This will be a journey but every car has a story. Thanks for listen and I'll update everyone as things progress.
I have seen many C1's and talked to their drivers. I think the biggest thing you will come away with is the ease and comfort of a C7. The ease of not worrying about repairs or parts.
As a Roadster ownert my biggest joy was being able to open or close the top with a button. The convenience of being able to do it at 30 MPH and under, and have the top automatically lock when it goes up. If you have an earlier model, you can get the SmartTOP and the Window Valet and be able to put the top and windows up or down by using the FOB.
I am sure you will not miss wrestling the oversized steering wheel to park.
Once, you get used to it and all the modern conveniences, the only thing you will probably miss is the large trunk!
If you are going to purchase a C7, I'd recommend getting a 2019. You will have all the updates, electronic and mechanical. A warranty is still available if you wish to purchase one. One man's thought on the subject.
If you are going to purchase a C7, I'd recommend getting a 2019. You will have all the updates, electronic and mechanical. A warranty is still available if you wish to purchase one. One man's thought on the subject.
Don’t think you can go wrong with any year. Just find one that checks all your squares and enjoy. Personally, if you want an automatic, the 2014 would be my choice. I switched from a 2016 A8 3LT coupe to a similar 2014 A6 2LT coupe. Mostly due to the unfavorable performance of the A8 transmission I experienced with my 2016 model. Also wanted to avoid potential dash bubbling issues on the 3LT interior.
Talk about a move! I had a '14 coupe and sold it because I wanted a convertible. Found a '15 M7 convert. Loved 'em both. Actually, I think I like the convertible better, but that's probably just due to where we live now. Good luck to you in your search.
we like to drive with the top down. Our 63 TR4 will be up for sale in a few months so I can buy my wife an automatic Miata.
You’ll love the Miata vs the TR4. All the fun of an old British roadster without all the hassles. Reminded me so much of the 64 MGB i owned during my college years. I’ve had several Miatas. My favorite is the 3rd generation NC version. (2006-15 years). Was mechanically bulletproof and handled like a charm. And mine were automatics as well. Had all the fun of using the stick shifting up and down without the bother of pushing a clutch. I’ve since moved on to an automatic 2019 Mustang GT convertible so we can still enjoy the top down experience. Not as nimble as the little Miata, but still a blast to drive. It’s a beast!
We think the 1961 Corvette is a great car to own; but a good deal less practical to actually drive than a C7. From your post, we gather that you are able and willing to repair, restore and maintain the '61. We are no wrench, and so would be uneasy venturing very far from home in a C1. Most repair people today can't even spell carburetor, much less repair one. Find for yourself a clean C7 and enjoy.
Even more risky for a non-mechanically inclined owner (like us) to venture out in is the Triumph TR4 (or any British Leyland motorcar). Come to think of it, if memory serves the TR4 predates British Leyland??
Anyway, we had a fair amount of experience with Triumphs and MG's back in the day. They were fun to drive; but to say that they were not known for their excellent reliability is about as nice as we can put it. Today, short Sunday afternoon jaunts, staying within easy reach of help you can trust is wise in such a car.
We also had considerable experience with the little Mazdas and they are a(n underpowered but very nimble) hoot to drive. Cool factor zero, but fun factor high. There is a loon up on the east coast of the USA that (for an exorbitant fee) will install an LS3 into your Miata. THAT would straight blow your skirt up...
C1 to C7
