No Corvette…yet!
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 572
From: CA & ID
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
No Corvette…yet!
Hello, everyone! I was born the first year of the C3. My grandfather worked for American Motors (which was the Nash factory before then) in Kenosha, Wisconsin, so we were a Mopar family when I was growing up. (Yeah, I know. First car, in case you’re curious: 1976 AMC Hornet). So, growing up in the 1970s, being driven around in the family Fury and Volare, I’d get a smile on my face every time I’d see a Corvette, and say to myself, “One day…”
After lurking here for a while, I decided to join the forum because, after recently retiring from my 9-5 job, and having space in my garage, that “one day” will be here soon, I hope. I’m patiently doing research in the hopes of finding my C3. I did a couple of test drives yesterday. The members here all seem super friendly and knowledgeable.
I’ve been in love with cars since noticing Corvettes when I was a young girl. I started reading Car & Driver in college and then subscribed for years, bought a manual transmission car for my first “nice” car after college, have attended many auto shows and car races, and was a member of Los Angeles’ Petersen Automotive Museum for quite some time (before their big remodel years ago). But, kind of like the person who loves and studies art but can’t draw, I don’t have the skill or talent to actually work on cars, let alone undertake a restoration of any kind. I mention this only because I recognize the practical limits to my passion for cars, and don’t want to get in over my head (or stick my husband with a project he doesn’t want; he grew up watching his father extensively and expensively restore a classic car, and has no desire to do that himself. He has his own hobbies.) So, if I ask questions that sound stupid, know that they come from a good place, as I’m trying to learn and, ideally, avoid obvious mistakes.
After lurking here for a while, I decided to join the forum because, after recently retiring from my 9-5 job, and having space in my garage, that “one day” will be here soon, I hope. I’m patiently doing research in the hopes of finding my C3. I did a couple of test drives yesterday. The members here all seem super friendly and knowledgeable.
I’ve been in love with cars since noticing Corvettes when I was a young girl. I started reading Car & Driver in college and then subscribed for years, bought a manual transmission car for my first “nice” car after college, have attended many auto shows and car races, and was a member of Los Angeles’ Petersen Automotive Museum for quite some time (before their big remodel years ago). But, kind of like the person who loves and studies art but can’t draw, I don’t have the skill or talent to actually work on cars, let alone undertake a restoration of any kind. I mention this only because I recognize the practical limits to my passion for cars, and don’t want to get in over my head (or stick my husband with a project he doesn’t want; he grew up watching his father extensively and expensively restore a classic car, and has no desire to do that himself. He has his own hobbies.) So, if I ask questions that sound stupid, know that they come from a good place, as I’m trying to learn and, ideally, avoid obvious mistakes.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Omaha NE
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Joined: Mar 2001
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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Welcome to the forum and hope you can find just the right C3 - and one that you can just get in and drive without having to worry about fixing a number of things right from the start. I recommend you check the cars that are listed in the C3 Corvettes for Sale section here on the forum - you may end up having to travel a distance to find a car, but that can make for a fun adventure.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 572
From: CA & ID
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Thanks, everyone. Believe me, I’m checking things out. One of my friends (who himself owned two C3s in the 1970s) just flew to his native Midwest and may swing by the owner of a car for sale for me.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 276
Likes: 290
From: in St. Louis
Welcome to the group! Don’t give up and don’t get frustrated. I looked for a C3 for months and missed out on a couple nice cars because I didn’t act fast enough. But that’s OK… “Your Car” will come along soon enough. I had to go from St. Louis to Kansas City to find the perfect 1980 for me. It’s a journey!
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From: Hickory NC
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Welcome to the Forum and best wishes with your C3 search! 
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 572
From: CA & ID
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Thanks! I may be doing some test drives this weekend. I went to see one a few days ago but the water pump was cracked, so I couldn’t drive it.
I can easily drive a manual, so all things being equal, I’m trying to figure out if I should focus on manuals, or just explore manuals versus autos equally. Obviously the C3 drives a lot differently than modern cars do. I handled a BMW M4 easily a few years ago (although the auto stop-start feature on a manual transmission threw me for a loop).
I can easily drive a manual, so all things being equal, I’m trying to figure out if I should focus on manuals, or just explore manuals versus autos equally. Obviously the C3 drives a lot differently than modern cars do. I handled a BMW M4 easily a few years ago (although the auto stop-start feature on a manual transmission threw me for a loop).