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