What year solid axle vette is best?

[Rich Garguilo #33425]

I'm interested in purchasing a 56 to 62 vette. I have experience with 63 to 72 vettes,but have never owned or driven a solid axle car.Which is considered the best year as far as handling and performance and quality?

[Jeff]

Which Supermodel is best?

Best for what? Earning power? The weekend? Taking home to mom?

There are lots of considerations. My preference is the 61 model. I like the 61-2 body style best and even though I know we're all supposed to want the extra 44 CIs the 327 has over the 283 I don't like the stuff in the coves or rocker moldings they added in 62. I know the C2s need their rocker moldings to hide the frame rails but on the 62 the rocker cladding is just a vistigial addition and not (IMO) particularly pretty. If this were 1962, the Cu. Ins. would matter to me but since I don't race the thing , I'll take the cleaner, simpler visual appeal of the 61. Additionally, not too many folks feel that way so it has the added benefit of making the 61 a somewhat cheaper car to buy.

I also like the fact that 61 was the last 2X4 car and the only opportunity to get the 2x4s and big brakes. Also if you are big, tall or fat, there is a little more room in the 61-2s.

So I guess a 61 2x4, 687, tanker and Rachel Hunter would be my personal choices.

Maybe halfway there in MA,

JP

[dale pearman]

Re: What year solid axle vette is best?

*********************1962******************** CASE CLOSED!

[dale pearman]

Re: Which Supermodel is best?

******************1962*************CASE CLOSED! Varooom.

[James F.]

Re: What year solid axle vette is best?

Rich, Why not ask Zora what his favorite solid axle was? Check out Cars & Parts "Corvette" June magazine, page 8. Zora knows! Regards,

[Ed Jennings]

Re: What year solid axle vette is best?

Jim, Don't have a copy of that mag lying around. What was Zora's favorite?

[Rich Garguilo #33425]

Zora said 1956 was his favorite!!

Zora said the 56 model put the vette on the map!!!!

[Larry Boden]

Re: Zora said 1956 was his favorite!!

My bud has pictures of Zora slaloming his 56'. It was sporting 65 running gear and was about as low as a skateboard. Looked pretty good! Maybe not as good as my 60', but someone said I was partial to the old style back end improved suspention started in 60'. Regards Larry

[Jerry Clark]

Re: What year solid axle vette is best?

Hi Jim:

I may check out the article but I'm in no hurry to ask him personally.

jer

[Stephen B.]

Re: Zora said 1956 was his favorite!!

got a 61 myself like it much better than bland 62 has some pizaz sorry you other guyson the 62 plan