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As I gather information to make a good decision on a C3 purchase, I'm doing as much research as I can. It took me a year and a half to buy my 07 and it was worth it. I have about 3 years until my kids are out of college. I am patient and have time to make another good decision but I was wondering about one problem. I can read about a lot on the internet and this forum. But I can't just test drive multiple cars to compare drivability. Right now, I have it narrowed down to a few years based looks and some options. 1973, 1980, 1981 and maybe 1982. Local classic car dealerships don't allow test drives unless you're actually ready to buy. I get that. How do I actually drive one to see how it handles?
You already have a Corvette, so you have an entry ticket for any Corvette Club or Cars and Coffee you want to go to. Ask to trade rides with a C3 owner!
If you drive an unrestored car, or one rebuilt to stock specs, prepare to be underwhelmed.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
get a ride in someone elses car at a car show. MOst would be happy to take you for a drive and maybe let you drive on the way back if you give them your keys for a deposit..... I drove e junk 74 as a test drive and it was a very fun experience, from the way you wore the car and sat down into it and how it felt like it was part of the road. And when I say junk, it was. No power, nothing worked other than the motor, transmission and brakes. But it was my first adult drive in a corvette.
Now when you buy one..go to the 10 rules sticky to help decide on cost and rust issues...https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ispreloading=1
it starts at post 107.
Then as for ride, you will get a smoother ride from the later models that have a factory fiberglass rear spring but I would opt for an early model with more power and no computers and upgrade the suspension.....
you need to make a list of what you want and how much you can spend and shop from there...do you want chrome bumpers, do you want a small block or a big block, 4 speed or auto...you know really dive in and make a big list so you can ignore cars that dont have the major things. If you can find one that the owner is cutting down a fleet or a spouse is selling you can get a better deal. When you find a car you like but the suspension is stock or it doesnt have a 5 speed or whatever...go to the corvette parts houses and price what you want to change so you know if you are getting upside down and how bad the budget is going to get attacked
I'm starting to narrow things down. I'm learning things like looking at the birdcage. Spend a little more and get something solid. I don't want another manual. Rebuilt or crate motor is fine. I should have mentioned I sold my 07 last year. I had the 07 for a daily driver when needed. The C3 will not be a daily driver. The C3's have always been my favorite. I do know it's not going to compare to the C6. I'm fully prepared. I'll do what I can to the C3 to make it ride and run the best that it can with the help of this forum.
The C3's got a little cushier every year. 68-72 ride like tanks. In 73 the car started to be more civilized, but I think you'll be surprised at how crude and low-tech it is compared to your C5. You can expect some squeaks and rattles. The clock probably won't work, and the car won't tell you the air temperature. Seat belt retractors are probably rusty or worn out. I would get a test drive in a 73 and see if you can tolerate that level of technology first. The 80's cars you mentioned offer a more modern and cushier experience.
I love my 73, but I remember my old 77 as being a better car (as for comfort and technology), and my 94 was MUCH more car.
C3s respond really well to mods, including (perhaps especially) suspension mods. Good luck finding a car and making it your own! Please post photos when you do.
My first car was a 1968 Mustang Fastback back in 81. And how I do wish I had it now. So, I kind of think I know what I'm in for. My ultimate goal is to just keep improving whatever it needs. It's not going to be my daily driver. I'll try to find one that has most of the improvements I want and go from there. There's so much good information on the forum..
I had 10 years with the 2007 and had a blast. I would say most of the vehicles I had in my life were manual. It's time to enjoy an automatic. Automatic's are easier to come by and a little less desirable, I won't have to battle the manual buyers out there.
I have owned them all. If you want an automatic take advantage of the 80-81-82 lower prices and improvements. You might want to pick up a copy of the corvette black book so you know all the differences. My choice would be an 80 L82 Auto. The only came with auto and you get all the improvements of those last three years without the possible headaches and lower HP of the computers and throttle bodies of the latter two years.
I have owned them all. If you want an automatic take advantage of the 80-81-82 lower prices and improvements. You might want to pick up a copy of the corvette black book so you know all the differences. My choice would be an 80 L82 Auto. The only came with auto and you get all the improvements of those last three years without the possible headaches and lower HP of the computers and throttle bodies of the latter two years.
Thanks. It looks like I was going in that direction. I like the rear end of the 73 but they changed it until 80 I believe. I think 78 and 79 had an optional rear spoiler but it looks like an aftermarket one. I like the 80-82 rear deck look.
The 80-82 rear bumpers are interchangeable with 74 and 75-79, so if you find a car you like, you can get rid of the sloped bumper, and not need the tacked-on 78 Pace Car spoiler, either. But sit in, and test drive first. I found the pre-79 interior to be a lot less appealing. Only 78 Pace Cars (and 79-82) got the clamshell seats, and I much prefer the visibility from the bubble glass.
EDIT: A PO replaced the rear bumper of my 79. She looks much better this way.
The 80-82 rear bumpers are interchangeable with 74 and 75-79, so if you find a car you like, you can get rid of the sloped bumper, and not need the tacked-on 78 Pace Car spoiler, either. But sit in, and test drive first. I found the pre-79 interior to be a lot less appealing. Only 78 Pace Cars (and 79-82) got the clamshell seats, and I much prefer the visibility from the bubble glass.
I noticed the seat difference. I definitely will sit in one. I didn't know that about the interchangeable bumpers. I like the 80-82 because it doesn't have the rubber stoppers on it.
04-19-2024, 10:11 PM
Quest for First C3
