So you’ve finally saved up some money, or are well on your way to having done so, and want to buy yourself a true classic – one of the earliest Corvette models on the market. How do you find one that fits your budget, your needs and your personal expectations of a car?
There are quite a few factors to consider, including things like whether you want to restore an old, battered classic, and whether you want your vehicle to be driven on a daily, weekly or only monthly basis. Let’s take a look at some of those factors and how they can help you determine which models will best fit your needs.
The Budget Issue
Your budget will obviously have a big impact on which Corvette you buy. If you want a ’63 SWC or the original ’53 Corvette, you’d better start saving now, even if you’re willing to rebuild. Some of the rarest models like the early C1’s, the ’67 Big Block or any racing models will set you back a pretty penny.
At the same time, mid-generation model C2s or C3s, or even some C1’s from the late ’50’s, are available and don’t necessarily cost a fortune if you’re willing to do a little work.
Will You Drive It?
A BIG question. If you want a Corvette you can drive to and from work every day, you’ll probably want a newer car that gets halfway decent gas mileage and that can be serviced and repaired without custom part orders. If you plan on only pulling your Corvette out of the garage for weekend car shows and monthly afternoon drives, though, this is much less of an issue.
Are You Up for Restoration?
Restoring a classic car can be a LOT of fun, but it’s also a lot of work and can be very costly. So make sure you are ready for what this entails before you buy a ’55 Corvette that needs a couple years worth of work put into it. If you really want to restore a classic car, this is a great way to get a true gem for very little money.
Rarity and Collectibility
This can go right back to the budget issue, but assuming budget is not an issue and you want a classic car that you can show off to your buddies or park at the local weekend car shows, how rare do you want it to be? Does speed or power matter, or just the stamp on the back?
Whether you want one of the first C01’s or C02’s, or you’d like to renovate and drive a C03 or C04, there are quite a few options to choose from when it comes to classic Corvettes. Every generation has its unique flairs and stylistic impressions that will resonate differently with different drivers.
Some are sleek and simple. Others are big and powerful. Others still are small and deceptive. It’s up to you to determine which best fits your budget and personal taste. But no matter what your personal preferences, one thing is for certain – Chevrolet has made that a very hard decision to make.
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