Looking to get into C3 Ownership - help needed please!

[HJG]

Hello all

I've been wanting a C3 Corvette for some time now and I've decided 2020 is the year.
The last few weeks have been a steep learning curve, reading online about all the variants.

I've narrowed it down to the following:

•1968 - 1972
•Coupe
•Manual
•Small block with power >250BHP
•Condition doesn't have to be 'show' (I can't afford it!) but I also don't want to do a full restoration. I've got an E46 M3 which is causing enough headaches with corrosion so I don't need another rust issue to deal with imminently.
•Not too fussed about 'numbers matching'. I'd rather a well looked after car with an engine rated at >250BHP
•Mileage doesn't concern me when buying a car providing the condition is right

I've come to realise that prices are all over the place. Choice is far greater in the USA and I am happy to import if the car's right. I have been told that the rule of thumb is that you end up paying the price stated in dollars in pounds after the shipping costs, tax etc.

I think my biggest concern is getting a car which turns out to have lower power than anticipated or a complete rust bucket.

Not in a massive rush. I've been told you guys are the ones to ask so thought I'd seek the advice from the experts!
Thanks in advance.

 

[Roscobbc]

Welcome to the CCCUK forum and potential ownership of what for many is the favorite marque of Corvette (C3 ownership represents about 50% of our 900 members) - you'll have no double realised that early C3's will be the most expensive

•1968 - 1972 - yes, most desired
•Coupe - less expensive (and arguably better looking according to many of us than rag top)
•Manual - yes - but choose M21 with close ratio's if you can find one
•Small block with power - 250BHP - lo/po small block will be least expensive and more plentiful. You may not too much choice re. PS and PB's
•Condition doesn't have to be 'show' (I can't afford it!) but I also don't want to do a full restoration. I've got an E46 M3 which is causing enough headaches with corrosion so I don't need another rust issue to deal with imminently.
•Not too fussed about 'numbers matching'. I'd rather a well looked after car with an engine rated at >250BHP -
•Mileage doesn't concern me when buying a car providing the condition is right
I've come to realise that prices are all over the place. Choice is far greater in the USA and I am happy to import if the car's right. I have been told that the rule of thumb is that you end up paying the price stated in dollars in pounds after the shipping costs, tax etc. Potential can of worms sourcing from the USA - many have make mistakes - same with buying in UK from Ebay or someone who has just shipped one over looking to make some money.
I think my biggest concern is getting a car which turns out to have lower power than anticipated or a complete rust bucket. Lowest 'early' HP rating was 300. This is American HP - a nett figure measured without power robbing ancillaries like PS, alternator. exhausts etc. Think closer to 250 'real' HP anyway unless someone has swapped the original engine (and they do) for a later crate lo/po or smog engine. Chassis rust can be an issue - but everything is available to repair (albeit at a cost) - you will be looking north of £15K for a restorable vehicle - £20K+ for driver quality car - £30K+ for good restored Vette.
Not in a massive rush. I've been told you guys are the ones to ask so thought I'd seek the advice from the experts!
Thanks in advance

And don't be in a rush - join the club - attend local meetings - get to know local members and understand more about Vette ownership - there are a few of our members who are also dealers that our members will recommend - what part of the UK are you?

 

[HJG]

Many thanks for the reply.
Regarding the lower power engines...one assumes the power is unlocked through higher compression and/or less restrictive cylinder heads and intake/exhaust systems. Is it common practice to upgrade these lower performing engines with the appropriate components?
Are the early cars suitable for unleaded fuel or do you need to run a lead replacement additive?

I am based in the South East in Sussex.

 

[Roscobbc]

Many thanks for the reply.
Regarding the lower power engines...one assumes the power is unlocked through higher compression and/or less restrictive cylinder heads and intake/exhaust systems. Is it common practice to upgrade these lower performing engines with the appropriate components?
Are the early cars suitable for unleaded fuel or do you need to run a lead replacement additive?

I am based in the South East in Sussex.

 

[Roscobbc]

Smog era engines had low compression with matching cam, cylinder heads and carb etc. Easy enough to liven things up on a late engine - aftermarket heads, cam, intake, carb, headers, exhaust system - it's only money....any engine produced after 74' or '75 will be ok with unleaded - earlier lo/po engines should be ok if not being thrashed all day. Many people re-build with stroker rotating assembly - the extra 500cc giving useful additional torque (which is the 'real' measure of performance rather than bhp)

 

[Nick B]

Hello HGJ and welcome to the forum, It took me over a year to find my C3 (1971, 350, 270hp automatic coupe).
I was just about to give up and go the USA import route when a great car came up in the UK.
I wish you luck in your search.

 

[Oneball]

How much are you looking to spend? There’s 3 C3 for sale on the forum. I wouldn’t discount the later cars out of hand and power is quite easy to increase. Having imported a project car from the States, I’d say you’re better off finding a good car here you can quite easily get some nasty surprises buying unseen.

 

[HJG]

Thanks for the advice so far. I have a budget of ~£25K at the moment. I am just not a fan of the looks of the later cars... I need to really love the car!

What sort of horrors have people discovered when buying unseen/importing from the US? I find the thought of it both terrifying and exciting at the same time.

 

[Martinshort]

Thanks for the advice so far. I have a budget of ~£25K at the moment. I am just not a fan of the looks of the later cars... I need to really love the car!

What sort of horrors have people discovered when buying unseen/importing from the US? I find the thought of it both terrifying and exciting at the same time.

Gavin at EMC performance has a restored 69 manual, ive seen it and love it

 

[Gus]

Re EMC.....perhaps a one make specialist....but just remember.....you are essentially dealing with just another used car salesman........
Warranty isn't a priority....enough said....

Gus

 

[Roscobbc]

Gentlemen (and Ladies) - let's just keep things civil please - all members are entitled to an opinion - and equally entitled to post on this forum provided the post isn't defamatory - can we balance things up with some positive comments and advice please!

 

[Vettemike09]

I agree with Ross, if you have an issue with a particular trader then take it up directly with them and don't post unhelpful comments. Lets try to get a balanced view on the club website

 

[stealthyflatfish]

HJG.
25k is a realistic budget, I would certainly Keep my eyes peeled in UK first, that way you can view b4 purchase, there have been a few horror stories of cars turning up from states not as described. Don't forget the asking price is only the starting price , good luck .

 

[Mr. Cricket]

HJG.
25k is a realistic budget, I would certainly Keep my eyes peeled in UK first, that way you can view b4 purchase, there have been a few horror stories of cars turning up from states not as described. Don't forget the asking price is only the starting price , good luck .

Agreed £25k is a decent budget to get a sorted chrome bumper C3. You'll have a wider choice buying in the USA but as mentioned, they can often not be as advertised or as mine, get damaged during shipping. Now is the time to buy as they will get more expensive come Spring. If you're unsure get someone with knowledge of the usual problem areas to inspect with you.

 

[Nick B]

Agreed, you will be able to buy a nice chrome bumper C3 with your budget. Also agree that buying a a car already in the UK is preferred. Don't rush, more cars come up over the course of a year than you might imagine. If I hear of anything I'll give you the 'heads up'.

 

[antijam]

HJG.
25k is a realistic budget, I would certainly Keep my eyes peeled in UK first, that way you can view b4 purchase, there have been a few horror stories of cars turning up from states not as described. Don't forget the asking price is only the starting price , good luck .

I agree - £25k should get you a good early C3 in this country. Bear in mind though, unless the car has had a recent body-off full restoration (in which case it will be considerably more than £25k) it will be a 50 year old car and some parts will almost certainly need some attention. Concentrate on ensuring that the chassis and birdcage are sound; if either of these need repair the work will be expensive. Bear in mind too that all new spares have to come from the States and that makes them expensive compared with equivalent UK cars.

I bought this 1971 base 350/270 4-speed manual car with power steering and brakes almost exactly a year ago.......



...for £25k. Being a 'chrome bumper' manual transmission car and a convertible pushed the price towards the top end for C3's - however after negotiation, the £25k paid was £7k below the advertised price. Be realistic about the condition of the car and be prepared to haggle. Since purchase I've spent about another £3k on sorting relatively minor but anticipated problems and expect to commit at least another £2k to get it to the standard I want.

There is no substitute for proper hands on inspection of the car. Buying in the States will certainly give you access to a much wider choice, but unless you inspect it yourself or get it checked by someone whose competence you have personal experience of, be prepared for some unwelcome surprises. So called 'independent' appraisers in the States often collect a fee from the seller as well as from yourself, so treat a proxy inspection with some caution. Ask specific questions about any points of concern rather than just asking for a general assessment of condition.

 

[Martinshort]

Re EMC.....perhaps a one make specialist....but just remember.....you are essentially dealing with just another used car salesman........
Warranty isn't a priority....enough said....

Gus

I have bought 2 corvettes from Gavin and found him very helpful with parts and advice , and service work. Your remark "warrenty isn't a priority " does this cover a dealer coming to your home to repair a minor problem.

 

[HJG]

Thanks for all the advice so far. Really appreciated. The general consensus is to view before buying and this is definitely the preferred route. Just have to stop myself being drawn in by the international adverts! It would be a lot of money to drop on 'my first import' so I'll concentrate on cars within the UK/Europe i.e. within a view-able distance.
I have noticed red is a very popular colour and they do look great. Did they make a lot of red cars? Are values affected much if the colour is not original?

As I delve further into C3 research I'm sure to have more questions. Please do let me know if anyone hears of or has one for sale

Cheers.

 

[Gus]

I am long enough in the tooth to know that discussing problems of this nature on a club site is generally not fair to anyone....particularly the club.. It is almost always the wrong place.
However, I have paid handsomely for my view on this particular subject......and wont be changing it.

 

[curious bystander]

I am long enough in the tooth to know that discussing problems of this nature on a club site is generally not fair to anyone....particularly the club.. It is almost always the wrong place.
However, I have paid handsomely for my view on this particular subject......and wont be changing it.

You've presumably had what you consider a bad deal from EMC?
Although Gavin sells what he always describes as "the best C3 in the UK available at the minute" - or car salesman talk to that effect - I think it's only fair to say that his cars are not rusty dogs but neither are they concours. They represent value for money cars that can be improved by the new owner as they want. I speak from my own experience. Buying from him will at least avoid a horror story for anyone new to C3 Corvettes.