Need suggestions on buying C1 and C2

[Ronald F.]

I am new to NCRS and never owned a Corvette but always had a love of Corvettes. I'm 71 yrs. old and finally can buy one. I am researching Ci and C2's and will be buying one soon. I was wondering if any members could help me. #1-If you were buying your first c1, what year would you buy? #2- If you were buying your first C2 what year would you buy?

Thank you in advance to anyone answering.

[Ronald L.]

Re: Need suggestions on buying C1 and C2

Ronald,
Budget needs to be clear up front, first.

Second, at 71 I would highly suggest - given prices are within condition #1, get a car that is done, meaning you can enjoy it now. Done can mean many different things too.

Third, define what enjoy means. Examples are take it apart and restore it, pay to have a company do the resoration (means you don't have a car for a year or more), daily driver, top flight restoration trailer queen only for shows.

Then on to the cars, the C1's are built off of 1940's and to the end of the 50's, early 50's Chevrolet technology.

The mid years started with the same late 50's however by '65 disc brakes and big blocks were added. To this extent know that the suspension of a C2 was essentially identical from 1963-1982, with a few minor non consequential changes 79-82; a testament to how good that chassis design was.

I'll defer to the C1 aficionados to share their perspectives.

On the mid-years...
63 split windows are the gold standard and command top dollar
64 values are significantly lower than 63, unless its a fuelie
65 brings in the 396 Big Block
66 the first 427 big block
and 67 the last year, with more 435HP 427's out there than came off the assembly line, a testament to how popular those are, bring even higher dollar than a 63 split window in many cases. The 67 also sports a slight side louver fender panel change also providing a more sporty look.


Should be a lively discussion, good luck.

[Larry E.]

Re: Need suggestions on buying C1 and C2

Hello Ron>Welcome to the NCRS! FWIW and JMHO on the Below:

Don't know too much on the C1's but do like them. BUT AFA the C2's it is very hard to beat them over any generation of
Corvettes for various reasons. You can go "MILD TO WILD" on them. They will accommodate you for any personal preference.
Go to any car show and the car fans go immediately to the C2's. (Even before they look at the New Mid Engine Vettes)

eg.> Investment only
Driver only
Combination of Both

AFA years goes each year has it's own strengths. Some examples

63 Has the Split Window but very expensive
64 Kinda the "forgotten year"; best buys for the buck are these
65/66 More refined; nicer options like side pipes/big blocks and etc.
67 Most sought after but then the $$ goes up to buy one

I'm sure others will chime in; but like I said JMHO>>Larry

[Joe R.]

Re: Need suggestions on buying C1 and C2

Ronald,

Hang around for while, go to shows, meetings with the local Corvette owners. Then make up your own mind as you are the one that's going to have to live with your decision. Make it fun as hind sight is not for everyone!

JR

[Gary C.]

Re: Need suggestions on buying C1 and C2

Ronald,

As previously suggested, first determine how much you want to spend.

The more pricey C1's are; '57 & '62 year models. C2's are; '63 and '65 to '67.

You might want to consider a C3 as those cars are more resonably priced.

Driver quality, non numbers matching Corvette would be one that you could drive and enjoy.

Check out the NCRS on-line Classified Ads https://www.ncrs.org/classified/ and Driveline Ads https://www.forums.ncrs.org/register...-driveline.php

Ask questions here on the TDB as fellow NCRS are a wealth of information. When you find a car you are thinking about purchasing, ask a fellow NCRS to assist you with the inspection.

Gary
....

[Keith B.]

Re: Need suggestions on buying C1 and C2

I am going to say depending on your physical size and shape sit in some of the cars and test drive some. these cars are not made for everyone. Don't get your hopes up on something you can't fit in.

[Chris H.]

[Mike T.]

Re: Need suggestions on buying C1 and C2

Ronald - Welcome to the NCRS. You've already gotten some very good suggestions and I'd like to add one more..."You Have to Get Behind the Wheel". Early Corvettes have tons of style and most folks make up their mind as to which ones they prefer 'from the outside looking in'. You really need to get behind the wheel and drive one to know if it's what you really want. There was no factory Power Steering or Power Brakes or A/C in the C1 models. Those same options were not overly common in C2's either. Do you want a manual trans Corvette or would you prefer an Automatic?
Good luck in your search.

[Norm B.]

should

[Ronald F.]

Re: Need suggestions on buying C1 and C2

Thank you all for your help. I have a great deal to learn and your responses are a great help.

[Bill M.]

Re: Need suggestions on buying C1 and C2

Ron Kieth is right size maters I love the straight axel cars but if you are 6 foot tall and normal build be ready to touch shoulders with your passenger. I have mid years and I have fake hips I can get in and out with no problem. The very reason I bought a 2015 I get in and out like a 67. Welcome and good luck.

[Keith B.]

Re: Need suggestions on buying C1 and C2

Ron Kieth is right size maters I love the straight axel cars but if you are 6 foot tall and normal build be ready to touch shoulders with your passenger. I have mid years and I have fake hips I can get in and out with no problem. The very reason I bought a 2015 I get in and out like a 67. Welcome and good luck.

As much as I like solid axles being 6’4” I know I can’t fit in them. Mid years are tight but doable if they have wore out seat foam.

[Mark E.]

Re: Need suggestions on buying C1 and C2

Which year is a minor consideration.
How will you enjoy the car? Joy rides around town? Cruise ins? Road trips? Local shows? NCRS Judging? Garage queen.
What's your budget?
The answers will guide which car is right for you.

For example, if you want a road trip car, you might prioritize reliability, AC, PS and highway gears.

These options are less important if you want a local cruiser and you live in the northwest.

In any case, educate yourself. This website sells a buyers guide and there are several more on Amazon. And have the car checked by a trusted expert. These cars can have expensive flaws that are not visible unless you know what to look for (like hidden rust).

[Gary B.]

Re: Need suggestions on buying C1 and C2

Having never gotten into or out of a C1, how do C1s compare to C2s in terms of entry and exit? Are C1s easier on aging hips and knees in terms of climbing out? Less low to the ground?

Gary

[Gary C.]

Re: Need suggestions on buying C1 and C2

Gary,

If someone weighs over 170 lbs and over 5'11'' C1's are not for them. The steering wheel's right in your gut.

C2's are much more easier to get in/out of that C1's IMHO having owned both.

Gary
....