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RKRUPKA said it right.
Someone told me you can't have everything, because where would you put it. Money and storage are the 2 main issues we are limited.
Your 57 Chevy is alright gorgeous, perfect, but it is great for Cruise-Nights, not for cruising the country-side.
If your 70's or older, you might enjoy the sitting around in parking lots staring at everyone's car and telling stories of yester-years.
Maybe you still seek some adventure. A new car gives that possibility, reliability, no over-heating, not stopping for gas so often, AC/heating, cruise-control, safety features, ......
Unless a child wants the 57, sell while there are a few less to appreciate and want it. Young kids don't want old cars, muscle cars, and they don't even like C1-56 Corvettes.
I'm a sucker for latest technology. Follow your gut feelings and go with it.
Good luck with your decision. It is a hard one!
Just curious, have you driven the C8 to determine that you want it badly enough to replace one of your favorite cars? Before making this decision, I would see if you can rent one on Turo.
I am in agreement with comments above, my vote would be to absolutely keep the BelAir, then it comes down to C7Z vs. C8.
I drove my 1970 big block C3 today, there is no way a modern car could take its place in my life, I’ve had it 35 years. My C8 is getting built soon, but, no way would I trade MY car for it, I can have both, but the only vehicle that matters is my 1970, it is my soulmate. You will regret it if you trade THAT car for a new vette.
I rented a Huracan a while back and thought, ‘this is nice’, but it just didn’t have soul. I assume the C8 will be nice, fast, blah, blah blah, but similar to the Lambo.
New cars are disposable, classics are forever. Figure out a way to have both.
It sounds like many of us are making some hard decisions. I parted with a couple of old girls to make my C8 happen. No regrets as I always seem to find something else to draw my attention. The 78 Pace Car and the 64 DeVille have proud new parents however the little 63 SS isn't getting kicked out of the stable anytime soon!
Brings to mind my first car. '57 White over black Bel Air 283 power pack. Loved that car. Wish I still had it. With a garage that big, I am sure you could find a place for it.
I was in the same boat few years back. I had a 1978 Pace Car I did full restore on...had it 18 yrs. I then got a 2019 GS. Once I had the new one I rarely drove the old one, just to car shows or cruises now and then. I got tired of just looking at it, maintaining it, etc and figured it was time to get the $$$ out of it. You can always buy more cars of pretty much any kind if you change your mind later......I enjoy the driving experience and comfort on a new Vette so much better over my new one over old and have rarely regretted selling my old one other than I miss out on getting more $10 trophies.
The 57 is special or you would not have kept it for 30 years other wise. You will never be truly happy with the C8 of you have to sacrifice something you really enjoy to get it.
I like the idea of having an old car. But every time I get one, I end up trying to make it modern. Add AC, Bluetooth, cruise, update suspension, fuel injection, etc. So I have given up on getting another old car. I like to drive and driving is better in a new car!!
The top of the market for the 57 belair. Id sell it. Please Remember you asked for opinions.
50s Era car values are starting to soften. Frankly the owners of that generations cars are aging and as the generation passes more cars are being sold. Timing is everything in collectibles and trust when you're gone more than likely the kids or grandkids will sell it for the $$$. I had a buddy whose will specified his son couldn't sell his '70 Camaro. A year later....his son sold it as a will can't prevent anyone from selling an asset.
I like the idea of having an old car. But every time I get one, I end up trying to make it modern. Add AC, Bluetooth, cruise, update suspension, fuel injection, etc. So I have given up on getting another old car. I like to drive and driving is better in a new car!!
I am in same boat....if I do another classic it will be a resto mod.....it is great to have all the modern comfort and convenience.....so then I just op for the modern Vette!
