It’s been well said that there are two kinds of people in the world: people who used to want a Corvette, and those that will want to own one.
The Corvette is an amazing vehicle, with a rich history and a diverse community surrounding it. Here are some tips for buying Corvettes from different eras of Corvette history:
1953-1962
This era was the straight-axle era. When you are looking to buy this car, you’re not looking to rive it daily. You want to read up on these cars, and spend some time looking into their market value and their mechanical considerations. Know what original equipment looks like, and recognize it when you see it.
1963-1967
The so-called “mid-year” Corvettes are some of the most popular. Study the brakes on these cars closely, and make sure it’s got the correct engine. Watch for faulty weatherstripping, as well, as this leads to rust.
1968-1982
The “Shark” Corvettes of this era have just as much, if not more, rust than the previous era. Have a keen eye out for rust on these, as well as bad seals or weatherstripping. In addition, wiring can be a big issue, so be careful of buying one of these with electrical problems.
1984-1996
The computer in these later cars can tell you if there are any problems in the systems. Try to give the car a test drive in different conditions, to see if the Service Engine Soon light comes on. Try out the electronic controls, as well.
1999-Present
The latest version of the Corvette sould be in the best conditions. Still, look for overspray, or wrench marks, to see if it’s ever been in an accident. Check the convertible top’s window alighment, and have the VIN number checked to see if it’s still under warranty.
