C3 Opinions
 

Been tossing around the idea of selling my '68 Camaro (https://www.yenko.net/forum/showthread.php?t=132044) and picking up a 1968-1972 Corvette, and although I've ridden in a few C3's, I've never actually driven one.

Can you all provide your thoughts on picking up an early C3 and how they compare to a first gen Camaro?

I've owned a few of both. Wife drove them more than I did but in the end we lean towards Camaros. We just need/use the room the Camaro provides. The vettes were always a 2 person deal so never really enjoyed them as a family.

If you're single then I'd say go for it. My wife used them for daily commute back and forth to work for years and loves them. Ride is a little stiff, handle decent, comfortable once you get in. She liked everything about it, as a commuter.

As far as comparisons I think she likes driving the 69 Z as much or more. We are able to do more things in it as well, like shopping, trips with the family, so we get more use out of it. Rides a little better, doesn't handle as good, but those are things that have never been top on our list of wants anyway.

They are completely different cars. Depends on what you want. If you can get into one reasonably then I'd recommend give it a try at least once. Can always resell later if the desire wears off.

I have had quite a few C3 from 435 hp convs to a base 350 with a 3 speed. I like the way a C3 looks and drives, the biggest down side they are hard riding cars, but make up for it in looks and road feel. They are a blast to drive and I really like the layout of the interior I think they got it right. They are also a little harder to get in and out of but once you are in there is a lot of room and for me they are comfortable. I think every car guy should own one because it really is different from any other car from the era,

The Camaro people are down to earth and real car guys, the corvette crowd are a different breed, at least the Ncrs guys. The C3 cars are very hot to ride in, especially on a long drive. The Camaro rides better and has a trunk for your chair!

I have never owned a C3. I worked on many of them in the 70's and always liked the way they handled. Yes, ride is a bit harsh, but back in the 70's if you wanted a really good handling car, the ride was usually rough.

I think the pre 73 C3's are appreciating steadily, and will continue to do so, especially the high performance models, big block and LT-1 cars, and of course, the convertibles always bring a bit of a premium. Even as they are appreciating, I believe they are currently undervalued. I have no interest in a rubber bumper C3 (I realize some folks like them.... I don't) but really like the look of the chrome bumper cars, probably because I graduated HS in 71.

Funny you would ask this question. I have spent much of the last few weeks driving first gen camaros, both my own and some friend's cars that I have been working on. Recently found a deal on the right C3 chrome bumper car for me. I don't even have it here yet (put down the deposit) but will report once it is in the stable.

Awesome Lynn! We need pics!
Buddy

I have both a 69 Camaro and a 1970 Corvette. The Vette is a nice highway cruiser with a 383, M21 and 3.36 gears. Neither car has a/c so they are both hot in the summer time. With decent shocks, the C3 really doesn't ride rough to me...I have owned it over 30 years and put a lot of miles on it.

We have a 70 LT1 convertible. Awesome car. We built the motor to appear stock... mild cam, ported heads, stock exhaust manifolds and smog, intake and carb. Car runs. m21, 4.11s, and we had Al Grenning sign off on the motor, trim tag and vin tag. The convertibles especially make great cars. If you want cheaper fun, we had two 69 L46 convertibles. With M21 and 3.73s/4.11s, they can be a hoot to enjoy. Set them up with a good alignment (aligned independently front and rear), trailing arms built, front suspension dialed in, spring arch reviewed, and new shocks/tires, for cheap you can have a killer cruiser!

They will be coming.

I was going to go get the car (7 hours away) on Sunday, but there is a forecast for 6 plus inches of snow. May be able to go get it next Wed. if the weather is decent.

I will wait and post pics along with the story.

Put side pipes on a C3 and they will be much cooler to ride in

Appreciate the information. Kind of what I thought, but it's good to have them confirmed by knowledgeable sources. I'm going to think on it a little more and then try to figure out what I can get out of my Camaro. I know it's a unique vehicle with the paint and all, but any thoughts as to what you think I could get for it?

As stated, been tossing around the idea of selling my '68 Camaro, anyone have an idea of where I should price my it?

https://www.yenko.net/forum/showthread.php?t=132044

----I don't know what its worth but a good place to market it would be an ISCA show or World of Wheels show...….Bill S

I don't know where to start on pricing. I can tell you, if I owned that Camaro, I would have a hard time parting with it. It's like eight kinds of cool.
It is probably one of those cars I would never have the guts to actually buy... just lust after. Kudos to you for getting it.

Good luck whatever you decide.

Having said that: If you are looking at it from a purely $$$ standpoint (which I never do... buy what you like... then it doesn't matter if it appreciates) my personal opinion, sans crystal ball, is that the chrome bumber C3's will continue to rise. 68 to 72, with premium for big block, solid lifters and manual trans, in that order. Just my opinion.

Appreciate the thoughts. I'm going to go ahead and get the 302 (found a collapsed lifter and a couple valve spring retains broke) checked out and running right then probably put it on eBay, or possibly put it in an auction with a reserve I'm comfortable with.

So, I guess the 302 has hydraulic lifters?

In my opinion the C3 with a 4speed is one of the best "Bang for your Buck'' in the collector car hobby especially the 68/69 427/390 cars, they can be kinda quirky to work on, but some knowledge from a few friends goes a long way. While I love the interior styling ,seats, dash, shifter, gauges etc... the cockpit itself is very tight . Especially if your anywhere near 6ft,200+ pounds, Im 6'3 & 250 lbs So getting in/out and even driving it comfortably was a big issue for me ,Tilt wheel is a must ,but I don't think it was even available 1968? Still one of the most FUN cars to drive that ive ever owned . The biggest draw back to me about the Corvettes are the other Corvette owners !!! some weird dudes , not you typical motorhead kind guys

C3s are way under-appreciated with the removable hardtop cars being some of the the best looking Vettes ever designed, in my opinion. I only sold my 1970 LS7 car (built out of the Chevy parts book in 1972 by the original owner) because it was Yellow - I tried, but I couldn't get over the color. It handled nicely with the aluminum heads taking a few pounds off the nose and the L88 OK Kustom headers (or the factory side exhaust) just make a solid lifter big-block or small-block sing - Go for it!

----As I remember that yellow car was a beast. Should have kept it and changed the color. Would have been bitchin in Nevada Silver...…..Bill S

Thanks for the "walk down Memory Lane" Jeff. After reading your post, it brought back memories of my 68 (327) and 69 (427) Corvettes - both convertibles. I remember not quite sitting down into the car - more like falling into it. LOL.

Yeah, that is one reason I just pulled the trigger on a C3. At 66 years old, I figured I better hurry if I want to be able to get in AND out.