So after many late model Corvette's, I'd like to find a C2 or possibly a C1 to buy. I don't have much experience with them, so would love some opinions and what to look for, avoid, etc... Not looking for a show car, but a decent driver. Possibly even something that may need minor cosmetic/mechanical work, but is predominately sound. I live in Atlanta and am willing to buy across country if needed. My budget is under 70k.

There are so many out there with a wide range of prices. I've been looking on Hemmings, Hagerty, Mecum, and even Facebook. For example, a 64 that's 47.5k and some into the 100's... That's why I figured coming to the forum would be a great place to start. Thank you for any advice/opinions!

 

Be sure to look at this link for a range of cars and prices:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-for-sale.html

 

Not to be rude I would suggest you sit in both models before you think you can buy one. They are not for everyone's body type.

 

You're going to get all different kinds of answers here, but let me start by asking have you ever driven or ridden in an early Corvette, or for that matter any 60's automobile?

A lot of people who have never been part of the old car hobby are often surprised by how uncomfortable these cars can be. Many don't have power steering or brakes, let alone air conditioning. All of these can be added, it just takes time and money. How tall are you, over 6 foot these cars can be cramped. Do you prefer a coupe or convertible? Coupes are much more civilized, but also a lot hotter inside without AC. Convertible tend to have more rattles and many suffer from water leaks in the rain. I'm not saying old Corvettes are bad, or that you shouldn't pursue one, I just want to make sure you realize these are old cars and can be a completely different experience compared to driving or owning any car or truck built in the last 30 years.

Personally I've never owned a 63-67 Corvette, I've only had earlier ones and 68-82's, but I've had a lot of experience with them. The difference between a C1 and C2 is like the difference between night and day. C1 's are archaic, the suspension design dates back to the 1949 Chevrolet. They drive like an old car and stop like one too. They're noisy, uncomfortable, water pours in in the rain, and I love them but they're not for everyone.

As far as 63-67's, you're going to pay more for a 63 coupe and any 67 than you will for most 64-66's. 64's are probably the best value, but the difference isn't as much today as it was 20-25 years ago. 63's and 64's still had drum brakes, while 65-67's had four wheel disc brakes (other than a handful of 65's built with drums). Very few 63's came with factory air, but modern aftermarket AC systems are far better than any early Corvette original equipment AC. 65-67's have a little nicer seats and interiors too. If you're not mechanically inclined you're probably better off staying away from a car with a solid lifter engine (63 327/340, 64-65 327/365 & 63-65 fuel injection). Probably the best all around engine in a C2 is the 64-67 327/350, with the 66-67 427/390 a close second, but you'll be hard pressed to find any decent 427 for around $70K.

The link below is based on 68-82 Corvettes, but a lot of the information there pertains to 63-67's also. Mechanically the 65-79's are almost identical, and the main difference on 63-64 being the drum brakes and 80-82's have somewhat different rear ends. Rust in the internal structure (the "birdcage) of the body can be a problem for both C2 's and C3's, just in some different areas.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-corvette.html

 

Number one thing to check is for rust in the birdcage....

 

Agree with everyone above. I recently embarked on this very same mission. I decided to move on from my C8 and move “back” to a midyear corvette. Besides what those above have stated I would add:

-decide what you want to look for. Coupe vs convertible, standard vs automatic transmission, etc.
-learn the specific nuances of the different generation corvettes you may be interested in. C1 vs C2 vs C3
-do you want to drive it or mostly show it at local car shows?
-is “numbers matching” and “period correctness” important to you?

All of the above will impact both availability and price. As a wise friend told me once…”buy the most expensive one that you can afford, even if you overpay a bit for it. You don’t want to buy a $40k car that needs $100k worth of repairs, to end up with an $80k car.”

Those are some basic thoughts. I have specific examples of the things I went through in my quest but these are the ideas that come to mind.
Enjoy the search!

Best of luck,

JDV

 

The suggestion above to sit in both the C1 and C2 before buying is spot on. If you go with a C1, install an EPS (electric power steering) unit and while you're there, reduce the size of the steering wheel to make getting in and out a lot easier. Those modifications will make a world of difference in your enjoyment of these wonderful old Corvettes.

 

I would look for a 65 to 67, in 65 they came with disc brakes, a nice upgrade.

 

If you are tall, a C2 is your best option. At 6’4”, I was cramped in my C1 (1961) and C3 (1969). I fit best in my C2. Don’t discount a ‘64 due to drum brakes. They tend to be cheaper and it is inexpensive and easy to change the fronts to disc. I currently have two and they are a blast to drive. Good luck and please share your journey, pictures always help!

 

I want to thank you for your responses and taking the time to respond.
When it comes down to it, I really would like a C2. Years ago I had a friend who had an unrestored C2 coupe that he owned for 40+ years. Just a beautiful car. I would love one like his, but I also see they bring a premium over the convertibles. I'm not looking for a show car, just a driver to tool around in, maybe taking it to shows occasionally. Being that I won't be driving it in the rain (at least not planned), a convertible is certainly a great alternative too.
I realize (some of) the shortcomings of older cars (rattles, no PS, PB, things that don't work). It's researching and reading about the unknowns, such as rust that concerning. And I'm sure other factors that i just wouldn't know what to look for. And many C2's on the internet seem to have had some restoration at some point. Are there things to ask for, look for, etc...?
Thank you again

 

Join your local NCRS chapter and get to know some folks

 

I have had two C2s ('63 convertible and '64 coupe) -- I prefer the convertible. I now have a C1. I agree with previous posts -- sit in some cars to see how you fit. Smaller 15" steering wheel helps with the C1s. I like that C1s have the external trunk for my golf clubs.

Do what you can to check the bird cage and walk away from cars with bad ones. If you are mechanically inclined, that is good, because these C1s and C2s will appreciate it.

Also, many C1s and C2s for sale have *potentially* VIN/title issues. There are threads on here with some horror stories, so maybe check with GA DMV to know the rules they have for registering old cars.

 

The voices of experience have spoken above. Let me add a very important recommendation. When you find the one car you are willing to put money out for, spend money for a inspection first by a experienced/knowledgable C-2 person. Not a general classic car person. Good luck on your find, then drive the miles and you'll get the smiles!

 

Don't be in a hurry - read & learn as much as you can. The (out of print) MF Dobbins Vette Vues Fact Book 1963-1967 is an excellent starting point. Score a copy on well known auction site; there are many editions, but any will suit entry level needs to illustrate the differences between model years. Other docs like shop/overhaul manuals and AIM are 'must haves' but only after your purchase since they're model year specific.

Right up there with birdcage &/or frame rust, & VIN documentation -- I would rate body paint/finish/cosmetics equally important. Problems hiding (or hidden!) in any one of these areas will turn your adventure into a costly time and $$ nightmare. Bottom line - you do not want to repair or replace a birdcage or frame. Similarly, fussing with DMV, law enforcement, insurance, perhaps lawyers to sort out VIN or title mismatch is ugly. Lastly, if your purchase is at or near the 70K budget level & the vehicle needs paint & refinishing to be up to your standards, expect to spend another 20-25 'large' ... and about a year in "body-shop prison".

Pancho's inspection services (he's OH based) would be worthy before you pull the trigger on any candidates you consider. All the best to you on your search efforts.

 

It's car show and cruise night season. Try to find some local car events and talk to the Corvette owners, many will be more then happy to show you around their car.

 

First off, welcome to the forum. I'm in the Atlanta area myself (Marietta). I would give a visit to Buyavette (just off I-85 inside the perimeter around spaghetti junction). They are a local classic Corvette dealership that also sells some non Corvette classics as well. According to their webcite they have 1 C1 and 3 C2 in inventory. This would allow you to see them pretty much side by side and see what you like and how you fit. I've had both and yes, the C1 a very different experience. Like any dealer, prices tend to be negotiable. They happen to have an interesting NOM '66 Big Block car with sidepipes and knockoffs for $74,999 which may be worth a look. Here's a link:

https://buyavette.net/inventory/2569...rolet-Corvette

I agree, inspection is important. They have a shop on cite and would certainly be able to put the car up on a lift to be inspected. When it comes to inspections, knowing the peculiarities of a C2 is certainly helpful with a focus on the frame and birdcage and body (if a no hit body vs a one piece replacement repair is important to you).

If originality and numbers matching is your goal (it doesn't seem like it from your post) then a very qualified NCRS familiar inspection would be important. If not, it certainly take the pressure off. Full disclosure, I used to have a classic car business where I would restore and sell classics and have used Buyavette and other dealerships in the Atlanta area as a consignor although it has been several years since I have utilized Buyavette. Still, you may find it helpful to be able to see some C1s and C2s side by side.

 

Speaking in generalities,

• any Corvette with a performance engine (C1: dual-four barrels and fuel injected & C2: fuel injected and big block 396 or 427) will be a premium price.
• Original engine cars are also going to be priced at the upper range with the performance engine cars higher still.
• Some newer LS engine updates also seem to run higher.
• C2 coupes sell at a premium to the convertibles even though back in the day it was the convertibles outselling the coupes almost 2:1. Oddly enough, the '63 had close to even quantities in this regard and the coupes were the highest production number of the C2 coupes.
• A convertible, whether C1 or C2, that comes with a hard top will carry a higher price than without.
• 4-speeds will be priced higher than automatics.

The primary thing to look out for is frame rust, especially in front of the rear wheels on all C2s.

Welcome and good luck with the search.

 

I own and have owned several generations of Corvettes over the years but I get about 10X the favorable comments for my '54 than I get or have gotten from any of my other cars. The look of surprise when they see the inline six is priceless. I'm fortunate to have one that doesn't leak or burn anything (other than fuel) and my engine stays spotless. C1's are primitive especially the early one but they are really satisfying to own. One thing that is common on all C1's is the need for chassis lubrication at 1000 mi. intervals; if you do that they ride like a 50's pickup just like they're supposed to. Fail to lube them and they go downhill fast.

 

I wanted a C1 my whole life. Finally, I had the financial means to buy one after I retired.

I had never sat in a C1 or a C2. The first time I sat in a C1 my bubble was burst. It was not comfortable to me. It just didn’t “fit” right. S

So I decided to check out a C2. Such a huge difference for me and that’s what I bought.

YMMV so go for a test fitting.

Steve

 

@rsstls2026, sent you a PM