James Vette
CCCUK Member
Elkhart green
Last edited:
1973 appreciation
- Thread starter James Vette
- Start date
Elkhart green
Roscobbc
Moderator
The problem with our 'hobby' is that people new to it will perhaps ignorantly/unknowingly follow magazine and features published by supposed Corvette experts thinking they are reading definitive facts. Very often these 'supposed' facts are simply plagiarism where 'todays' journalists are simply reading-up on articles originallly published back 'in the day' when the cars were just a few years old.
Consequently we are told that certain years/models are best avoided (like '68 and perhaps '69 model years) in favour of later pre' 73 vehicles and that 73' models are a confusion of differing front and rear styling.
Example,
Everyone seems to believe (having read comments from 'the experts') the build quality of early '68 Vettes was very poor, with replacement components being difficult to source.
Yes, ok 40/50 years ago that may have been the case......however when was the last time you saw an early C3 with an OEM original interior?
Truth is that any older C3 (if the interior is original) will experience time related degrading of the plastic interior components
As for '73 C3's with the 'early' C3 rear end and the later rubber bumper front-end that would continue all through the rest of the 70's.........it's a one-off rareity and should be regarded as such.
And, as for the low compression 150 hp '74/'75 350 cu in engine through to 81'/'82 being a bit of a 'slug'......not so. That supposed 150 hp engine will feature a disproportionate amount of torque.....and with many owners having added performance parts things will have 'perked-up' nicely.
Reality is that a mid/late 70's can represent extremely good value for money.
Consequently we are told that certain years/models are best avoided (like '68 and perhaps '69 model years) in favour of later pre' 73 vehicles and that 73' models are a confusion of differing front and rear styling.
Example,
Everyone seems to believe (having read comments from 'the experts') the build quality of early '68 Vettes was very poor, with replacement components being difficult to source.
Yes, ok 40/50 years ago that may have been the case......however when was the last time you saw an early C3 with an OEM original interior?
Truth is that any older C3 (if the interior is original) will experience time related degrading of the plastic interior components
As for '73 C3's with the 'early' C3 rear end and the later rubber bumper front-end that would continue all through the rest of the 70's.........it's a one-off rareity and should be regarded as such.
And, as for the low compression 150 hp '74/'75 350 cu in engine through to 81'/'82 being a bit of a 'slug'......not so. That supposed 150 hp engine will feature a disproportionate amount of torque.....and with many owners having added performance parts things will have 'perked-up' nicely.
Reality is that a mid/late 70's can represent extremely good value for money.
GCorvette
CCCUK Member
I agree.
Naturally personal taste is the main factor in what we chose, but some will take a 'louder' / 'more prominent' opinion as the what should be the bench mark.
Personally, I'd be happy with every generation of Corvette bar one, and that is just my personal taste, not saying that one generation isn't good, it just does nothing for me.
It can be 100% all original or a restomod - if it floats my boat, I get 100% into it.
Example, I saw a 1969 the other day, and I was actually so very tempted to buy it, it was stunning.
Doesn't mean I don't love the '73 any more, but I'd have any C3 be it 68 or 81 if it excited me.
Heck, if space and money allowed, I'd have one (or more!) of every Corvette!
Bottom line, Corvette as a brand tickets the boxes for me like no other make of car and that is not knocking them, they are just not as much fun for me.
I've been fortunate to drive Porsche GT3s, Audio R8s, Ferraris and Lambos worth 100-300k, but am happier behind a C3, a C6, C2, C7 etc etc.
For me, it's not about the money, it's just about something that is special to me and not what the in-crowd, Top Gear or whoever says I should like.
Roscobbc
Moderator
Being fortunate enough to be of a certain age....... remembering in the late 60's (as a teenager) driving old bangers on the short trip to London's West End, Chelsea etc we would look for the exotic cars owned by the wealthy and privileged in the streets (or outside one of the hi-end car dealers). The rare sight of an early C3 always amazed me. How a series mass car manufacturer was able to make a car so beautifully streamlined with such thin chrome bumpers blending perfectly with the body and minimalist almost hidden radiator grille....... something perhaps only Lotus with their 2+2 Elan and AC with it's limited production AC428 GT car could get anywhere close to in styling terms. Even now 57 years later......to me at least.....a C3 looks so modern alongside other cars from the period.
GCorvette
CCCUK Member
Absolutely!
Few cars can combine an 'iconic' status and yet remain as fresh looking, stylish and innovative as anything today.
Yes we are biased, but the C3 has no rival in styling
All this talk is rapidly making my wallet twitch....