sweetiegirl

Hey All. Realize this is pretty general question "out there"...but lets say you had a choice beween a 63,71,77,80(L48, L82) or 82...Which would you pick. Lets just say they are all equal (in condition) and all fully restored. Which would you choose? Just curious...Looking for 25th anniversary present for hubby! Having hard time deciding!!!
and then...How much would you pay if money wasn't an option!

Jclgodale3

too general of a question and a wide variety in pricing. You need to decide what your max price is as this will determine the condition of each year. You should find out what year he prefers or generation. If your looking for a restored low mileage 81 4speed...let me know.

C6DuffMan

The 63.

den(thevetteman)78

Would go for the '63 or the '71. More classic .

7T1vette

Of those choices, I would say the '71 would be the better choice. But, that's not just because I have one! The '71 is a C3 (best looking Corvette design series, IMO), it has the chrome bumpers front and back (most desirable of all the C3's), and it runs well on unleaded fuel.

This all assumes that he would be equally happy with any of the years listed. But, to narrow your choices, the next time you are both driving together and you see ANY Corvette, just ask him what he thinks is the best model of Corvette ever made. DO NOT ask him "If you could choose a Corvette, which would it be?". That is a "leading question" and could tip him off to your surprise. Whatever he says could give you a window on what series to consider (1955-57; 1958-62; 1963-67; 1968-73; 1974-79; 1980-82). Then you can go from there.

{But, I still think that a '71-72 is your best choice!

jesse10886

if you want the old school classic go with the 63 if you want the 25th anniversary bod style go with an 82. The 82 has an overdrive trans better on fuel mileage and has an opening rear glass. making it much more practical and easily useable rear storage area

in that range the only two i would want if i could afford both equally restored would be the 63 then the 82

Alan 71

Hi sg,
There are 3 VERY different cars in that list. The main thing they have in common is that they're Corvettes.
The 63 is the only 'classic' in the group to my thinking. The 71 is a 'link' from the horsepower and performance of the 60s and early 70s, to the comfortable cruisers of the early 80s. The 82 is the cruiser and the last of a certain design style that people refer to as Stingrays.
I'd say you have to chose the 63.
Without knowing anything about him it seems the safest choice.
Regards,
Alan

PS: I hope you're getting some serious, knowledgeable, and unbiased help in choosing this car.

sweetiegirl

What do you have????

sweetiegirl

Actually, Im having tuff time between 71 and 63!!!! Good taste I know see after reading answers!! Am I able to post pics on here to give an idea what Im looking at without getting in trouble??? (New to this forum)

Clubby99

A 63 in equal condition will cost twice as much or more than any other car on the list.

sweetiegirl

I think I've got it narrowed down....been looking for awhile.... The 63 & 71 have my eye for PRICE as well as a 77.....Can I post pics on here without getting in trouble??? (new to this)

sweetiegirl

I just wanted to see what majority choice would be...It appears the 63 wins with 71 coming in 2nd! Thanks all! Now for the truth! Price obviously matters! (LOL).....? not looking for the perfect show car....just NICE. NO RUST! good driver maybe show but not TOP. In other words Max price of 15K. but prefer to stay around 10K. Anywhere and everywhere with shipping to Florida.

jesse10886

yeah you can post as many pics as you want through photo bucket

i think the 63 is your best bet the 71 is also a very beautiful car

i think the 77 is a no jmo

if you want to get the large window late c3 go with the 82 not the 77

clubby is right that a perfect 63 will cost twice as much but is worth the cost
alan 71 hit it on the head perfectly post some pics of what you think you want to get

brent319

I guess also I would want to know does he want a sweet car out of the box or is he willing to work on it a bit. Personally I would love to get this car: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3s-...tte-coupe.html
But I want to work on my car. He may not. I would love to pick this one up and finish it just the way I want.
Is he handy with cars and does he enjoy it?

BPHORSEGUY

In your price range the '63 or '71 would be very close to impossible in good condition. You need to concentrate on the latter, 75-82 cars. I would really try to see what your HUSBAND likes best ! What we like does not matter. Does he have a best friend car guy that would know his likes and dislikes , or perhaps his father or brother, who does he go to car shows or cruises with!! They should know what catches his eye! If you have time take him to some cruises and watch what he keeps his eye on !

Billysvette

You might be able to get a decent 71 for $15000 ,but you will have to really shop around.$15000 will not come close to a 63 vette and a show 71 for that matter.if you find a decent 71 for that price it will need some work done to it.

Billysvette

Now we all know the 69 is the most popular c3 , we already did this poll ,69 won by alot Im not bias though

chucks

Doesn't take me long to think about my choice a 63.

Alan 71

Hi sg,
With your budget you've really eliminated a 63 except for one needing a LOT of time, work, and money to be spent on it.
In my experience even a 71 for $15,000 will need a good bit of attention.
I'd think for that $15,000 you could buy quite a nice 82.
In summing up... what appears in your drive way for $15k is VERY, VERY different depending on if it's a 63, 71, or 82.
I'll repeat... are you getting any knowlegable help with this decision? Remember your buying a 30 to 50 year old car.
At $10k you'll be buying only part of a 63; most, but not all of a 71; and an 81 that needs some attention.
Regards,
Alan

BPHORSEGUY

Alan is right, you don't want to be giving him a headache as you've already indicated you wanted a driver, not a project car. That is why I suggested a 75-82 car in my earlier post. You should be able to find a car in your price range w/ in those years that will not require a lot of work!