Help Please C3 Corvette which year and what to look out for?
Discussion
Hi all, I’m new here and joined as heard lots of great things about the forums and friendly professional al advice that is given.
I am looking at buying a C3 and happy to wait to get the right one, would even consider importing one from the USA (any advice on doing this gratefully received).
I guess my man in questions:
1. Which is the best C3 i.e which year and what was the manufacturer spec on that year i.e. auto/manual, engine size etc.
2. What are the pitfalls with the C3 and things to look for?
3. How easy are they to maintain and obtain parts for?
Many thanks in anticipation.
I am looking at buying a C3 and happy to wait to get the right one, would even consider importing one from the USA (any advice on doing this gratefully received).
I guess my man in questions:
1. Which is the best C3 i.e which year and what was the manufacturer spec on that year i.e. auto/manual, engine size etc.
2. What are the pitfalls with the C3 and things to look for?
3. How easy are they to maintain and obtain parts for?
Many thanks in anticipation.
Hi,
Will answer briefly but happy to go in to more detail if you wish.
What Corvette to go for really depends on your budget and what appeals to you. In general chrome bumper C3's (68-72) are considered the most desirable and command the highest prices. The chrome bumper models then split between the narrow wheel arch body (68-69) and the wide arch body of (70-72). Pricing is very dependent on originality, condition, engine size and transmission (amongst many other things). From 74 onwards the C3 lost the chrome bumpers and these tend to be the cheapest Corvette regardless of year and spec.
Broadly these are very straightforward cars, with good parts availability.
Personally, I imported mine from the states about 5 years ago and once I found the right car the process was a doddle.
Will answer briefly but happy to go in to more detail if you wish.
What Corvette to go for really depends on your budget and what appeals to you. In general chrome bumper C3's (68-72) are considered the most desirable and command the highest prices. The chrome bumper models then split between the narrow wheel arch body (68-69) and the wide arch body of (70-72). Pricing is very dependent on originality, condition, engine size and transmission (amongst many other things). From 74 onwards the C3 lost the chrome bumpers and these tend to be the cheapest Corvette regardless of year and spec.
Broadly these are very straightforward cars, with good parts availability.
Personally, I imported mine from the states about 5 years ago and once I found the right car the process was a doddle.
Early models have more power but cite gross hp.
From about 1972, the emissions kicked in and low compression ratios and unleaded and catalysts conspired to drastically reduce power outputs.
The only one with a rear hatch is the 1982 (from memory).
Personally, I would keep in mind a target year but concentrate on finding the best one rather than a specific year as build quality was never their hallmark.
From about 1972, the emissions kicked in and low compression ratios and unleaded and catalysts conspired to drastically reduce power outputs.
The only one with a rear hatch is the 1982 (from memory).
Personally, I would keep in mind a target year but concentrate on finding the best one rather than a specific year as build quality was never their hallmark.
'68's are also probably best left to the aficionados as they have quite a few first year design quirks and the '73 is a weird mishmash with the chrome bumper rear and restyled front which makes it one for the perverts. They moved from gross to SAE HP measurements from '72 but power and compression dropped gradually from '71 if memory serves me correctly. I think catalysts kicked in from '74 but the engines were ready for unleaded from about 1972.
I went to the States in July / August 1991 ( Florida initially ) for a month and was stunned to see just how cheap Corvettes were in the Corvette trader paper. Which is where I found this really original and totally rot free Daytona Yellow 69 350 4 speed Coupe for $6,000 US ( £3,750 back then !! )
Long story, but after building a " Hot " Edelbrock equipped motor for it and it owing me £9 grand, stupidly sold it ( to buy a Dog of a blue 62 E - Type ) in July 95, for £5,500 to " someone " in Romford, who was buying up Every Corvette he could lay his hands on and was sending them out to someone he called "Pierre" in France, as they were making Far more money out there.
I've been looking for this car since 96, I won't give up....
Edited by neutral 3 on Friday 3rd May 19:21
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