Been window shopping 68-74 models for a while. Occasionally see opportunistic deals. Getting very close to pulling the trigger.

Any other C3 lovers here? Tips/tricks for buying and restoring?

I had a 74 for roughly 8 years. It was more of a restomod with a crate engine, new interior and sound system. Definitely not a numbers matching car. I really enjoyed it, it has a classic look and the straight headers to the side pipes were awesome. Just make sure you don't burn your legs.

Dad has a 1969 numbers matching convertible that was really nice but it burned to the ground on a road trip. These cars were cheap in the 90's and 2000's but they're starting to really appreciate, especially the chrome bumper 68-72 years.

If you can, get a 69-72 with the big block 454 and a stick shift. These will appreciate the most. I would also join corvetteforum.com as they have a ton of users that can help. It's the texags of corvettes.

This was mine before I sold it in 2007.

I have owned two C3's. I think the C3 design is one of the best looking in automotive history. However, my two were just horribly unreliable. Every time I would drive them something significant would break. The B.O.A.T. acronym applied to them for sure. An old Corvette really is a used boat on wheels. Or, as I once heard it put - an old Corvette is just a loose collection of parts flying down the road.

I like the side pipes.

I'm just here for the pictures.

Out of the date range a little bit I have a '79 numbers matching car I've been thinking about selling. Just don't drive it enough anymore.

Stick with 69-72 which were the chrome bumper cars. These also have higher hp engines before emission controls neutered these cars. I owned a 69 5 speed with a 427 engine. Great car

The year and body style (convertible) are nonnegotiables. Big block and manual transmission are definitely preferred but getting all 4 is a tall order. I've seen a few with 3/4 but getting 4/4 typically requires more than I'd like to pay.

Any tips for purchasing or experience with engine upgrades or aftermarket adds (AC, non-vacuum headlights, power steering/brakes). Seems like a lot of folks are replacing original engines with a 383 stroker.

Buck Turgidson said:

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I like the side pipes.

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100% agreed

Sooper Jeenyus said:

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Buck Turgidson said:

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I like the side pipes.

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100% agreed

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Yesterday isn't kidding about not burning your legs.

CPT in my unit bought a 69 with side pipes and but a 2+ degree burn on his calf the first week he had it.

Wife has an 82 collector edition. All original matching numbers. 58K miles. Gorgeous car, rides like a dump truck !

Had a C5 and I now have a C6, not collectibles so to say, but love the cars!!! Bought both with low mileage and very few tasteful upgrades and truly enjoy driving it.

woodyhayes said:

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Wife has an 82 collector edition. All original matching numbers. 58K miles. Gorgeous car, rides like a dump truck !

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We just sold one with about 38k miles last year.

I also had a beautiful red '81 that was my graduation present in '86. It was 5 years old with 60k miles and it just lived in the shop (had to rebuild the transmission, replace the AC compressor, etc.). I only had a few months driving that one before I got T-boned by a delivery truck in downtown Houston one night.