Convince Me!

[Paul J.]

Re: Convinve Me!

Robert,

I've always loved the styling of C3s. I presently own a 64 and hope to own a 57 in the future, but I've owned a 78 and seriously tried at various times to buy a 71, a 72, and a 73. All of the C3s felt different but were pretty much the same. The 78, while one of the most undependable cars I've ever owned, was my daily commuter and traveling car. With the L82 and gymkana suspension, it was fun to drive and I loved it. It handled much better than my F40 equipped 64, but I think it was much slower. It also seemed much tighter than the C2 but that could have been because it was newer, especially since there were assembly complaints and quality control issues with the C3s. I personally love the C3s and would buy the right one if I found it, especially now that they are slowly starting to appreciate.

Paul

[Terry M.]

Re: Convinve Me!

I have been an early C3 (chrome bumpers) enthusiast since they came out. I rode in and even drove C1s & C2s -- there was a dual quad 1958 that I was really in love with and had a chance at a lot of seat time in the mountains of Colorado one Summer. It had "lakes pipes" which dates me and that experience.

Beginning in the mid-C3 era the sound and feel of Corvettes (and other cars) began to change. There is nothing like the sound of the rush of air into the carburetor(s) or FI unit -- and the sound of an OE exhaust system in those cars cannot be duplicated. Only a few of us will ever experience that going forward. The view over the hood of the C3s with the bulging fenders has to be experienced, as someone mentioned above. No one can describe that view while you are almost sitting on the floor. The "coke-bottle" shape of the C3s (even though stolen from European designs) is iconic. When my daughter was in elementary school my task was to drive her to school (all of two blocks) on the first full day of class in the 1970 which at that time was all of 17 years old. Her classmates were lined up at the chain link fence and I could see the boys mouthing the word "Corvette." Those moments are priceless.

All that said, the C6 is a far superior automobile, and I expect every generation that succeeded the C3 was as well. As someone else said, each year is unique in sound and visceral feel. The newer the car the less sound can be heard. The 2008 is quiet as a mouse until 3000 rpm when the exhaust opens up, but even that is completely unlike the open lakes pipes on the 1958. I can still hear them echoing off the mountains. There is a picture of me and one of my squad members leaning over the fender of that 2-year old 1958 in the Corvette Museum. The fellow who owned it got it from his father, a used car dealer in Salt Lake City. They were just used cars back then. The world has moved on, and for the most part so have we.

[Kurt G.]

Re: Convinve Me!

Ditto on all the pros. I bought my first Corvette new in '72. A C3. Went from '75 to '03 without. Bought a very nice '94, but it wasn't a C3. Took 6 years to find just what I wanted, a carbon copy '72. Why? Because in my humble opinion the early C3's are the best looking, coolest Vettes of all. Yea, my '13 will blow the doors off my '72, but only one puts that grin on my face when I hear that little 200 h.p. 350 start up. Bye it and grin like me and Reba.

[Thomas H.]

Re: Convinve Me!

I bought my 71 LS5 in 2008. It was my first Corvette and I had wanted one since I was a kid. I also own a 1960 and a 2007 Z06 so like many others on here, I have something to compare to.

I really enjoy the driving experience of 71. It is nothing like the 60, which with no power steering or power brakes is somewhat of a workout. You also can't really compare it to the 2007 Z06 as that car is in a class of its own. When I sit in the 71, I love the view out the window and the feel as everything is placed well for my body size. I can see where bigger drivers would feel confined, but for me it "fits like a glove". I also like the way it accelerates with the 454 in it. It handles very well also and the ride is smooth for a sports car. I don't get to drive it much, but when I do, I really enjoy it. The only complaint I have is that with the big block, it does get pretty hot inside. If I ever get another one, it will have AC.

Over the past year I have thought about selling it a few times so I can start the search for a 66 big block coupe, I was even making arrangements to take it to Carlisle to try and sell it there. But I drove it a few weeks back and changed my mind about selling as I plowed through the gears (smiling all the way).

Go drive one and not just a test drive around the block, take it out for a good run. Good luck with your decision.

Tom