C1 vs C2

[ah53]

Okay here goes. I'm new to this group, but not corvettes, I had one in the '70 but had to sell it to pay for "the kid". In betwwen I've marked time with Austin Healeys and e-type jags. The "kid" is now getting married (weddings are worth a least a car) and I'm looking at a '57 fuelie. I'm wondering how they ride compared to a stock mid year. Thanks for your help.

Joe

 

[IH2LOSE]

Never drove in a c1 yet But it seems each generation they get a little more driveable. Welcome to the forum I see your from northern NJ I am from rockland county ny and there is a show tomorow at the sheridan cross roads in mahwah

 

[richscorvettes]

Both generations are great cars to drive but very different in how they handle and ride. The C2's benefit from the major changes in the suspension beginning in 1963. But, for me a least, that wouldn't be the most important factor in deciding which one to get. Since these things are more of an emotional decision I tend to go with whatever one strikes you the most. It also depends on how you intend to use it since most folks tend to them out for those sunny day cruises and maybe shows.

A 57 Fuelie is one of the more desirable cars out there especially if it is an original car and already restored. I would suggest though getting information from NCRS if you haven't joined that group yet. They have lots of good information on what to look for when thinking about getting one. If it's advertized as an original car you also might want to consider having an NCRS or Blooming judge or a knowledgeable Vette shop look it over to make sure you get what you are paying for.

Good luck with the search.

Rich Lagasse

 

[SebringBill]

Rich speaks good stuff ... but I believe in driving my 57 so radial tires are a must. With some experience (and practice) a C1 can do some pretty amazing things on the asphalt.

Ask anyone who watched me keep up (and catch up) with four much newer Corvettes at Atlanta Motor Speedway in 1999!

 

[SPANISHVETTS]

I’ve owned a 60 and a 63. I loved both of them but they were as different as night and day. If I were buying today I think I would go for the C1 but it would only go out on Sunday morning spins. I drove the 63 cross country 2 times and took it to work several days a week.

Either way you will fall in love with the one you buy. All of life’s dilemmas should be so difficult.

 

[ah53]

Thanks for your responses. I owned a '67 as a "kid" drag racing in the streets of Astoria, but one of my first jawing dropping car memorieswas a guy named Patty McCluskey driving up to the school yard in a '57 fuelie with silver coves when I was 15. I guess now that I'm older( not neccessarily more mature) I'll follow the dream a look at the '57 (Venetian red - biege coves top interior) that I have a line on.

Joe

 

[ARed64]

I don't find C1s comfortable to drive. Tight on leg room and interior space. Even a base engine C2 has a more powerful engine than most of the C1s made. The C1s are nice looking cars but I have never liked driving them.

I would suggest you go to a classic Corvette dealer and try driving each first or join a club and see if a member will let you drive their cars.

 

[Verle]

Ride and handling are much better on newer Corvettes than on the solid axle cars. Having said that, I enjoy driving my 57 more than any. Addition of 7" wheels and radial tires helped ride and handling a great deal.

Verle

 

[Rowdy1]

Welcome ah53

My suggestion is to go for what you want. The ride of a C1 is definately not that of a C2 and they get better as they get newer. But some of us wouldn't have it any other way, I know I wouldn't trade or sell my 62.

Oh yeah, another "Joisey" guy eh? Maybe I'll catch you at one of the cruise nights, McDonalds in Ledgewood on Tues. or Wendy's in Denville on Weds. or the old Rockaway Sales in Rockaway on Thurs. or and on & on & on.