Hello everyone,
Having just joined the club this week, thought I might introduce myself and my C3.
It's a '69 car, with the big block and manual gearbox, and was imported in the early '90s by Claremont Corvette... an outfit which I'm sure a few of you will be familiar with.
We've had it since 2018, but the car lived locally while I was growing up. In fact, the previous owner, Bill, took me out for a spin in it when I was about 11. That left a lasting impression, to say the least, and now here we are.
The car has an amazing history file, having been road tested by Steve Cropley in 1992 while on a visit to see CC's Richard Falconer. Steve's glowing review prompted Bill to head down south and buy it. It was then used extensively on the Euro Classic tours and events, as well as on the local village classic car run which I took over the organisation of following Bill's sad passing.
Flicking through the photo albums that came with the history, I'm not sure there's a circuit in Europe the car hasn't been round. Nürburgring, Monza... it's been there, done that, and got the Corvette Club branded t shirt. At some point in the early '00s, a 454 crate engine was fitted - luckily, we managed to get hold of the original, 'matching numbers' 427, which my dad and I are just beginning to overhaul, as we restore the C3 back to its original condition.
Despite the mildly flattering photos, it's also in need of a respray, not to mention some suspension work, as it doesn't currently handle like it should. New bushes, suspension, tyres and possible a new steering rack (?) should fix that, but I'd be very keen to hear your advice on how to get it back to its best. Any recommendations for replacement parts, suspension kits, tyres, or modifications to improve the way it drives would be very much appreciated. It's days being thrashed round Autodromo Nazionale Monza are over, and it's time to give it some love.
The paintwork will be looked at once it's mechanically sound, so any recommendations for fibreglass experts around South Yorkshire (where the car lives) or South West London (where I live) would also be superb. I'll also be returning for advice throughout the engine rebuild, if anyone's kind enough to share their expertise.
Thanks for reading - I'll leave you with some photos of 'SKR' - including a little mention of the car in Steve's Autocar column, after meeting him while working at the design preview event of the MG Cyberster back in 2023.
Cheers! Jack.
Having just joined the club this week, thought I might introduce myself and my C3.
It's a '69 car, with the big block and manual gearbox, and was imported in the early '90s by Claremont Corvette... an outfit which I'm sure a few of you will be familiar with.
We've had it since 2018, but the car lived locally while I was growing up. In fact, the previous owner, Bill, took me out for a spin in it when I was about 11. That left a lasting impression, to say the least, and now here we are.
The car has an amazing history file, having been road tested by Steve Cropley in 1992 while on a visit to see CC's Richard Falconer. Steve's glowing review prompted Bill to head down south and buy it. It was then used extensively on the Euro Classic tours and events, as well as on the local village classic car run which I took over the organisation of following Bill's sad passing.
Flicking through the photo albums that came with the history, I'm not sure there's a circuit in Europe the car hasn't been round. Nürburgring, Monza... it's been there, done that, and got the Corvette Club branded t shirt. At some point in the early '00s, a 454 crate engine was fitted - luckily, we managed to get hold of the original, 'matching numbers' 427, which my dad and I are just beginning to overhaul, as we restore the C3 back to its original condition.
Despite the mildly flattering photos, it's also in need of a respray, not to mention some suspension work, as it doesn't currently handle like it should. New bushes, suspension, tyres and possible a new steering rack (?) should fix that, but I'd be very keen to hear your advice on how to get it back to its best. Any recommendations for replacement parts, suspension kits, tyres, or modifications to improve the way it drives would be very much appreciated. It's days being thrashed round Autodromo Nazionale Monza are over, and it's time to give it some love.
The paintwork will be looked at once it's mechanically sound, so any recommendations for fibreglass experts around South Yorkshire (where the car lives) or South West London (where I live) would also be superb. I'll also be returning for advice throughout the engine rebuild, if anyone's kind enough to share their expertise.
Thanks for reading - I'll leave you with some photos of 'SKR' - including a little mention of the car in Steve's Autocar column, after meeting him while working at the design preview event of the MG Cyberster back in 2023.
Cheers! Jack.
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