Is it wrong that JG and I have been discussing 1978-'82 Corvettes?

We know, those years aren't loved by all, but there's something about them. So the big debate: 1978 Pace Car or 1982 Collector Edition?

both.

Bank on them becoming classics in the coming years.

Just be sure to avoid the 1980, California emissions certified 305.

http://web-cars.com/corvette/1980.php 1980 was not a good year for Corvette buyers living in California. They were restricted to one engine choice, a 305 cu in. motor that was common to the other Chevrolet models that year. There was also only one available transmission - an automatic - no four speeds allowed. This was the result of the state's tougher emissions regulations. Automatic transmission equipped cars are easier to pass emissions certification since pushing in the clutch on a manual transmission causes a blip in the pollution output. This is not a problem with smooth shifting automatic transmissions which are equipped with torque convertors instead of clutches. The 305 cu. in. motor that California buyers were stuck with was rated at 180 hp, 10 hp less than the 350 cu. in. motor available in the other 49 states. A $50.00 credit was some consolation, but Corvettes sold to California residents came with the California emissions certification option; RPO YF5 for $250.00.

For 1982, the collector's edition year, the Corvette was only offered with an automatic trans.

I want a 73-75.. badly. The roadkill episode didn't help.

I would go '82...the last of an era.

Golly, the least desireable vintage of the least desireable body style. Lets go with, "Spend the money on pizza instead."

awesome mid thread canoe

82 CE is a beautiful car. definitely my favorite C3.

The Pace Car paint and interior is cool, but a base model is a cheap price Vette waiting for a crate 383 or 350 SB.

Yes, it's wrong

I actually like these.

For some reason, I am drawn to 79 Corvettes; possibly the least desirable of all. I remember when they came out with the large glass rear window in 78 and I really liked it. Also, many of the 79's don't have the rear spoiler.

I'm quite polarized on C3's. Either give me an early chrome-bumper Stingray, or full-on Mark Hammil "Corvette Summer". 8)

Edit: In high-school, my dream build was an early C3 with Scyclone/Typhoon running gear.

No it's not wrong at all. C3 is my favorite of all the vettes. I'm not kidding.

I've seen resto-mod ones look badass.

Hmmmm. Solo Nats 2015?

This is the way to go:

Anything else is just wrong.

Dave, JG, you need to watch this:

Roadkill ep 27 - Sinkhole adventure

Now re-assess what you're thinking.

oldsaw wrote: This is the way to go: Anything else is just wrong.

My pants just got a little tighter

JG Pasterjak wrote:

oldsaw wrote: This is the way to go: Anything else is just wrong.

My pants just got a little tighter

Give it the wraparound rear window and we have a winner. (Also, the steering wheel should be on the right-hand side.)

That picture reminds me of something

As for the C3, it's not interesting to me at all. Either go with the later, more competent cars or go with the cool looking C2. Since I wouldn't buy one, that means they're probably the best possible investment right now. I'm good like that.

My favorite thing about these cars: Yeah, we gave you a trunk, but sorry there's no lid.

That rules.

I realize that the Sprite has the same awesome feature, but I still want a Vette.

This is one vehicle I promote an LS conversion for.

I could totally see us rocking this on the Solo Nats grid.

I like C3 corvettes.

The C4 is ugly, unless you manage to buy a 1983 of course.

C3's aren't the best Corvettes, but they are arguably the some of the best looking. I also believe even the later ones are poised to become a solid vintage investment in the not too distant future. I'm particularly fond of the 80-82 style. The 78-79 are the ones that appeal to me the least though. IMHO the earlier style integrated bumper nose goes best with the flying buttress rear and without adding the later spoiler tail, while the later style integrated bumper nose goes best with the wrapped glass rear and spoiler tail. The earlier nose with the wrapped glass and non-spoiler tail just isn't as cohesive to me, and at least needs an air dam to help balance it out...And if it's going to have chrome bumpers, they should be on both ends.