Corvette C2. Would you buy a coupe or a convertible?

[Stuart F.]

Re: Corvette C2. Would you buy a coupe or a convertible?

When the 63 first came out and my Buddy convinced me to go with a Vette rather than a 409 Bicayne, we went into Las Cruces and El Paso to test drive them. It was early April 63 and already quite warm in the daytime. The 63 coupe had no ventilation/exhaust fan and, without A/C, it was way to uncomfortable. Also, on a G.I.s income, the extra base price of the coupe would mean giving up some performance. So, I chose to order the convert w/ an L-76, posi, metallic brakes, am/fm and tinted glass to maximize my budget. The F.I. would have been nice, but the extra $382. was a lot of money then, and too I was no great fuelie fan after having had a 58 fuelie. One could say that in hindsight I might have spent more wisely, but who would have known. I still have that car and don't regret any part of my decision.

Cruising the desert then with the top down at night was real nice - lookin down the long lonely roads with my aircraft landing lights.

Stu Fox

[Pat M.]

Re: Corvette C2. Would you buy a coupe or a convertible?

They both look great but I'm a little surprised so many members think coupes look so much better. For my taste, a vert looks great with the top up, and super with the top down. To each his own - I guess.

[Rob V.]

Re: Corvette C2. Would you buy a coupe or a convertible?

I would definitely opt for the Convertible. As a matter of fact, I have had six (6) C-2s; five of which were convertibles with hardtops. I found these cars had sufficient storage, especially with the folding convertible top removed from the vehicle. Additionally, I personally prefer the look of the hardtop roadster over the coupe.

[Jeff P.]

Re: Corvette C2. Would you buy a coupe or a convertible?

The first time I saw a brand new '63 coupe was all it took for me. I was 11 years old. I have seen many since then but 35 years later, when I was ready to buy (and could afford one) I couldn't shake the memory of that black "split window" Corvette I saw when I was just a kid. As much fun as a roadster might be to cruise around in I still feel that Stingray's were meant to be coupes.

[Ron M.]

Re: Corvette C2. Would you buy a coupe or a convertible?

I have owned both coupe and convertible but prefer the convertible.
The way I see it the convertible with a hardtop is like owning three cars; top down, top up & hardtop installed. The car feels different, sounds different & is three times the fun in each configuration.

[Ridge K.]

Re: Corvette C2. Would you buy a coupe or a convertible?

The first time I saw a brand new '63 coupe was all it took for me. I was 11 years old. I have seen many since then but 35 years later, when I was ready to buy (and could afford one) I couldn't shake the memory of that black "split window" Corvette I saw when I was just a kid. As much fun as a roadster might be to cruise around in I still feel that Stingray's were meant to be coupes.

You and I both, Jeff.
I had noticed C1 Corvettes before, but it was the new '63 Split-Window coupe (in Riverside red) that caused me to fall deeply in love with the Corvette at 10 years old.

Neatest car I had ever seen at that time. Feel the same way today.....

[Patrick T.]

Re: Corvette C2. Would you buy a coupe or a convertible?

I like both!

[Roger P.]

Re: Corvette C2. Would you buy a coupe or a convertible?

Fun in the sun with the top down all year long in South Florida!! Not trying to rub it in, but I get to drive my Vette while most of the country is hibernating during the winter. Best time of year to cruise a convertible is during the winter in South Florida. However, as others have said, both the convertible and coupe are eye candy to me, and I would own one of each in a heartbeat!

[Michael D.]

Re: Corvette C2. Would you buy a coupe or a convertible?

I have a convertible, lots of fun driving with the top down, but always wanted a Coupe and still would like to have one. Great looking car.

[Jim D.]

Re: Corvette C2. Would you buy a coupe or a convertible?

Fun in the sun with the top down all year long in South Florida!! Not trying to rub it in, but I get to drive my Vette while most of the country is hibernating during the winter.

Be serious. I spent a summer in Florida, not by choice. 100+ degrees with 100% humidity. Perfect convertible weather, especially if you're sitting in traffic. As long as I live, if I never go to that god forsaken state again, it will be too soon.

[Michael M.]

Re: Corvette C2. Would you buy a coupe or a convertible?

Coupes! Thats what started the revolution! More Space and less rattles and wind noise. JMO Mike

[Roger P.]

Re: Corvette C2. Would you buy a coupe or a convertible?

Hey Jim,
You are always welcome in the great state of Florida - convertible or coupe. Of course, if you don't like seeing hot girls in bikinis, you might want to stay out of South Florida. As the saying goes, to each their own. I drive my convertible with the top down all year long on the roads where the traffic keeps moving. No need for air conditioning with the wind in your hair... only sunglasses so the girls can't tell what you're checking out . JMHO, of course.

[Jim T.]

Re: Corvette C2. Would you buy a coupe or a convertible?

I chose the coupe. It would have to be a 64 with factory air, 4-speed, 327/300, and a 3:08 rear end. Already have a 68 convertible.

[Steven S.]

Re: Corvette C2. Would you buy a coupe or a convertible?

I have a '63 coupe and love the way it looks, but remember my 1st corvette, a '65 convertible. Loved driving at night in the summer with top down. So other than a 63, think the top down ability is my favorite.

[Paul H.]

Re: Corvette C2. Would you buy a coupe or a convertible?

I've had a few of both over the years. If I had to have one it would be a convertible. The coupe looks better but the convertible is more fun to drive in the summer. A two top convertible, to me, is the best of both worlds (unless you can own both a coupe and a convertible).