C2 - Automatic

[Oliver S.]

Hello,

all C2 Corvettes I've driven had manual transmission (MT). I'd like to know how a automatic tansmission is regarding driving (compared to MT). I live in Germany and most cars have MT here. I don't have a C2 Corvette yet but I think if I should include a C2 with Auto in my search or not. Actually I like cars with MT. But perhaps there's an offer for a really good C2, though with auto. Since there aren't many C2 in Germany, there are even less in good condition. Thus, you don't have too much choice regarding options, colors or MT/Auto. Any opinions are greatly appreciated.

Oliver

[Bob R.]

Re: C2 - Automatic

I was also looking for a C2 with a 4 speed transmision but I found a 63 with an automatic transmission. The car was available for a pretty good price so I decided to get it. I have owned it for almost 6 years now and I enjoy driving the car. There are some advantages to driving with an automatic transmission as you get older. Also at 6'-3" tall the leg room is a little tight making shifting a little more difficult.
There were only 2621 corvettes built in 1963 with an automatic making it a bit rare and the 63 powerglide automatic transmission is a one year Corvette only part. The transmissions are hard to find.
I'm sure you'll get other opinions but I like the car as it is.

[Bob R.]

Re: C2 - Automatic

I was also looking for a C2 with a 4 speed transmision but I found a 63 with an automatic transmission. The car was available for a pretty good price so I decided to get it. I have owned it for almost 6 years now and I enjoy driving the car. There are some advantages to driving with an automatic transmission as you get older. Also at 6'-3" tall the leg room is a little tight making shifting a little more difficult.
There were only 2621 corvettes built in 1963 with an automatic making it a bit rare and the 63 powerglide automatic transmission is a one year Corvette only part. The transmissions are hard to find.
I'm sure you'll get other opinions but I like the car as it is.

[Wayne K.]

Re: C2 - Automatic

Oliver,

I will just say this:

1) If you desire the car for its looks only it won't matter if it is MT or AT.

2) If you desire the car for its looks and/or the driving experience I can't imagine your being happy with an AT given what you've told us so far.

Wayne

[Wayne K.]

Re: C2 - Automatic

Oliver,

I will just say this:

1) If you desire the car for its looks only it won't matter if it is MT or AT.

2) If you desire the car for its looks and/or the driving experience I can't imagine your being happy with an AT given what you've told us so far.

Wayne

[Bruce Boatner]

Re: C2 - Automatic

Oliver,

I, like you, wanted a manual transmission, but ended up with an automatic in the 1964 coupe I purchased less than a year ago. I found that it was extremely difficult to find a car with the options I was looking for (factory a/c, power steering and power brakes) WITHOUT an automatic. I use my 1964 as a daily driver and have been pleasantly surprised with the automatic. It pulls very well in second/high gear at just about any speed, and it's fun to easily click the shifter down to low when you want to blast by someone (never have to worry about missing the shift and trashing your engine either). I guarantee you I have fun driving my car.

Yes, a 4 speed might be more fun at times, but an automatic really is more practical. I have also heard that the old PG's are very durable and reliable. It's harder to have "fun" in your car when it is in the garage waiting for a new clutch, throw out bearing, pressure plate, fly wheel resurfacing, shifter repair, etc.

Just my opinion, but I'd much rather have a very nice car with the other options I want that happens to have an auto, vs. a bare bones, fixer upper car that happens to have a standard.

[Bruce Boatner]

Re: C2 - Automatic

Oliver,

I, like you, wanted a manual transmission, but ended up with an automatic in the 1964 coupe I purchased less than a year ago. I found that it was extremely difficult to find a car with the options I was looking for (factory a/c, power steering and power brakes) WITHOUT an automatic. I use my 1964 as a daily driver and have been pleasantly surprised with the automatic. It pulls very well in second/high gear at just about any speed, and it's fun to easily click the shifter down to low when you want to blast by someone (never have to worry about missing the shift and trashing your engine either). I guarantee you I have fun driving my car.

Yes, a 4 speed might be more fun at times, but an automatic really is more practical. I have also heard that the old PG's are very durable and reliable. It's harder to have "fun" in your car when it is in the garage waiting for a new clutch, throw out bearing, pressure plate, fly wheel resurfacing, shifter repair, etc.

Just my opinion, but I'd much rather have a very nice car with the other options I want that happens to have an auto, vs. a bare bones, fixer upper car that happens to have a standard.

[Tracy C.]

Re: C2 - Automatic

Oliver,

Given your limited selection in Germany, I wouldn't pass a nice car just because it had an automatic trans.

Parts are availible to convert to 4sp if you want to later. It's easier to do this than make a silk purse out of a sow's ear just because it has a 4 speed.

You may find (like others) that the PG trans is really OK afterall.

Good luck with your search. You've come to the right spot for advice. The members of this organization WANT to HELP you. And don't forget, even though the bodies are fiberglass, there are places like the birdcage and frame that rust can be a huge $$ issue.

tc

[Tracy C.]

Re: C2 - Automatic

Oliver,

Given your limited selection in Germany, I wouldn't pass a nice car just because it had an automatic trans.

Parts are availible to convert to 4sp if you want to later. It's easier to do this than make a silk purse out of a sow's ear just because it has a 4 speed.

You may find (like others) that the PG trans is really OK afterall.

Good luck with your search. You've come to the right spot for advice. The members of this organization WANT to HELP you. And don't forget, even though the bodies are fiberglass, there are places like the birdcage and frame that rust can be a huge $$ issue.

tc