I think I'm falling for them again...
Discussion
Goodness me I think I'm going mad again, I'm kinda young and into TVRs at the moment and still fancy an older C3 Corvette if I could get my hands on a reasonably priced one.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...
I really like it, and for 5k I think sounds good to me! Could you give me some info on what they are like to drive, running costs and things to be vary of?
Thanks guys!
I'm not a C3 owner - so hopefully someone more qualified will be along to reply soon, but from what I know:
C3's weak points:
- Steering can be a little ponderous if not in great condition
- Chassis rot is a significant risk - don't be fooled by the rust immune fibreglass exterior, you'll need a good look underneath at the steel frame.
- Interior (on any Corvette) is subject to wear and tear, and probably one of the more expensive areas to deal with
- C3 uses 4 pot calipers all round - that do have a tendency to stick and need rebuilding
- 1975 was first year of catalytic ocnverters, and will in stock form see one of the lowest outputs from the 5.7 V8, BUT these engines are very tuneable - it that's what you want the potential is there.
- Rear suspension uses the drive shafts as one of the suspension joints, if it feels odd at the back or camber is bizarre then various joints may need looking at.
- Check the rubber door and T Top seals - they can perish, and like the interior, are not the cheapest fix.
I've probably sounded a bit negative here, but to balance:
They're great looking cars
They can be made to go/handle very well
The soundtrack tends to be rather good
It'll make you feel special getting into it.
Just be aware £5k is probably bottom money for a C3, and a poor choice could leave you with potential bills well in excess of this, a good choice can be run for pennies in a year (assuming you don't do lots of miles, or, er, include the price of fuel...)
Good luck with your search! This one may be good - if you can find a Corvette enthusiast friend who knows what they are looking at it'd be advisable to take them with you if you go and see it. Especially as chances are you'll see it and won't be able to think much more than 'I want it'
C3's weak points:
- Steering can be a little ponderous if not in great condition
- Chassis rot is a significant risk - don't be fooled by the rust immune fibreglass exterior, you'll need a good look underneath at the steel frame.
- Interior (on any Corvette) is subject to wear and tear, and probably one of the more expensive areas to deal with
- C3 uses 4 pot calipers all round - that do have a tendency to stick and need rebuilding
- 1975 was first year of catalytic ocnverters, and will in stock form see one of the lowest outputs from the 5.7 V8, BUT these engines are very tuneable - it that's what you want the potential is there.
- Rear suspension uses the drive shafts as one of the suspension joints, if it feels odd at the back or camber is bizarre then various joints may need looking at.
- Check the rubber door and T Top seals - they can perish, and like the interior, are not the cheapest fix.
I've probably sounded a bit negative here, but to balance:
They're great looking cars
They can be made to go/handle very well
The soundtrack tends to be rather good
It'll make you feel special getting into it.
Just be aware £5k is probably bottom money for a C3, and a poor choice could leave you with potential bills well in excess of this, a good choice can be run for pennies in a year (assuming you don't do lots of miles, or, er, include the price of fuel...)
Good luck with your search! This one may be good - if you can find a Corvette enthusiast friend who knows what they are looking at it'd be advisable to take them with you if you go and see it. Especially as chances are you'll see it and won't be able to think much more than 'I want it'
The Lukas said:
I really like it, and for 5k I think sounds good to me! Could you give me some info on what they are like to drive, running costs and things to be vary of?
Thanks guys!
I'd steer clear of this. As VHR says, the engine bay looks a right mess which is a sign the car's not been looked after.Thanks guys!
For a good C3 I'd go to the CCCUK website http://www.corvetteclub.org.uk/ and have a look in the market place. I bought my C3 about 5 years ago and paid £9,500. With an engine rebuild and new tranny it'd be up for about £13k but to be honest there was nothing wrong with it.
I'd expect to pay about £8-9k for a club members car with full history.
Just out of interest I've a 1992 C4 for sale at £7,500.......
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