WTB: Budget C3
Thread Starter
Speedy
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 6,110
Likes: 931
From: Tn
2024 C8 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Budget C3
Looking for something in the 8-15k Price range to get my feet wet in the Stingray generation.
OK with wear and tear but would prefer mechanically sound.
Only considering Manuals and Coupes.
Would like to avoid 1982 model year.
Red, Blue, Grey, Green preferred
Needs to be close to the Knoxville, Tn area as I don't have a way to trailer it.
Basically a needle in a haystack, thanks for the help!
OK with wear and tear but would prefer mechanically sound.
Only considering Manuals and Coupes.
Would like to avoid 1982 model year.
Red, Blue, Grey, Green preferred
Needs to be close to the Knoxville, Tn area as I don't have a way to trailer it.
Basically a needle in a haystack, thanks for the help!
Last edited by SinisterC6; Mar 15, 2026 at 09:21 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,274
Likes: 4,366
From: Westminster Maryland
Hello,
Quite a change from your c8 car!
Your $$ range doesn't buy a lot of a 68-73 car but buys quite a bit of a 74-82 car.
The first item in ALL cars will be the rust issue both in the birdcage and the frame/running gear. That can quickly be a deal breaker.
A car that has it's original engine and transmission will usually be more $ than one with a replacement engine.
A car needing cosmetics (paint, chrome, interior) will take more of your money AFTER you buy it.
Mechanical needs tend to be LESS costly to deal with.
Good Luck!
Regards....
Quite a change from your c8 car!
Your $$ range doesn't buy a lot of a 68-73 car but buys quite a bit of a 74-82 car.
The first item in ALL cars will be the rust issue both in the birdcage and the frame/running gear. That can quickly be a deal breaker.
A car that has it's original engine and transmission will usually be more $ than one with a replacement engine.
A car needing cosmetics (paint, chrome, interior) will take more of your money AFTER you buy it.
Mechanical needs tend to be LESS costly to deal with.
Good Luck!
Regards....
Thread Starter
Speedy
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 6,110
Likes: 931
From: Tn
2024 C8 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Hello,
Quite a change from your c8 car!
Your $$ range doesn't buy a lot of a 68-73 car but buys quite a bit of a 74-82 car.
The first item in ALL cars will be the rust issue both in the birdcage and the frame/running gear. That can quickly be a deal breaker.
A car that has it's original engine and transmission will usually be more $ than one with a replacement engine.
A car needing cosmetics (paint, chrome, interior) will take more of your money AFTER you buy it.
Mechanical needs tend to be LESS costly to deal with.
Good Luck!
Regards....
Quite a change from your c8 car!
Your $$ range doesn't buy a lot of a 68-73 car but buys quite a bit of a 74-82 car.
The first item in ALL cars will be the rust issue both in the birdcage and the frame/running gear. That can quickly be a deal breaker.
A car that has it's original engine and transmission will usually be more $ than one with a replacement engine.
A car needing cosmetics (paint, chrome, interior) will take more of your money AFTER you buy it.
Mechanical needs tend to be LESS costly to deal with.
Good Luck!
Regards....
Makes sense, the chrome bumper cars are really nice.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,474
Likes: 1,060
From: Chester County Pennsylvania
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C6 of the Year Winner - Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Keep looking, it took me 15 months to find the right combination. I was originally looking for a 70-74 BB 'vert 4 spd car; looked at a bunch, traveled all the way to Michigan from PA and 3-4 hours in PA. Back in March, 15 mins from my house, I found a 74, L82 4spd, matching number 'vert, that is where I want to be money wise and necessary work wise, they are out there if you can be flexible and patient. 
Thread Starter
Speedy
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 6,110
Likes: 931
From: Tn
2024 C8 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Keep looking, it took me 15 months to find the right combination. I was originally looking for a 70-74 BB 'vert 4 spd car; looked at a bunch, traveled all the way to Michigan from PA and 3-4 hours in PA. Back in March, 15 mins from my house, I found a 74, L82 4spd, matching number 'vert, that is where I want to be money wise and necessary work wise, they are out there if you can be flexible and patient.
First time ever driving a C3 and sealed the deal its gling to be a fun car to drive and tinker with
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2026
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Looking for something in the 8-15k Price range to get my feet wet in the Stingray generation.
OK with wear and tear but would prefer mechanically sound.
Only considering Manuals and Coupes.
Would like to avoid 1982 model year.
Red, Blue, Grey, Green preferred
Needs to be close to the Knoxville, Tn area as I don't have a way to trailer it.
Basically a needle in a haystack, thanks for the help!
OK with wear and tear but would prefer mechanically sound.
Only considering Manuals and Coupes.
Would like to avoid 1982 model year.
Red, Blue, Grey, Green preferred
Needs to be close to the Knoxville, Tn area as I don't have a way to trailer it.
Basically a needle in a haystack, thanks for the help!
I currently have a c3 stingray I want to sell for 9k it’s perfect mechanically and interior is great however I haven’t had time to do the body work. If you’re interested we could work something out to deliver to you.
Thread Starter
Speedy
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 6,110
Likes: 931
From: Tn
2024 C8 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,274
Likes: 4,366
From: Westminster Maryland
Hello Sin,
Saw your thread pop up so read it again.
I saw your comment about being willing to try a convertible if it doesn't leak!!!!!
That made me smile!!!!
You might be surprised then at the percentage of coupes that leak.
Continued good luck as your search goes on.
Regards....
Saw your thread pop up so read it again.
I saw your comment about being willing to try a convertible if it doesn't leak!!!!!
That made me smile!!!!
You might be surprised then at the percentage of coupes that leak.
Continued good luck as your search goes on.
Regards....
