Welcome to CorvSport’s Curated Video Series, where we summarize videos in an easy-to-read format to fit your busy lifestyle. In today’s timeless video, enthusiast and YouTuber TheCorvetteBen used his experience to develop a list of rules for any enthusiast looking to buy their first third-generation Corvette. I’ll tell you from experience that I sure could have used some of these pointers when I bought my first C3 in 2019, a 1979 L82 with the 4-speed manual that was a 10-footer I bought off eBay–we’ll save that story for later! [Author’s Note: This article is FREE and not behind a paywall. If/when any popups occur, please click to make them disappear and continue enjoying the article. One requires two steps–first, the arrow on the left, then the x on the top right.]
Today’s featured video has garnered 379,000+ views over the years, and now it’s your chance to tap into Ben’s insights. Ben isn’t your ordinary YouTuber–he’s a young enthusiast who also wrenches on his Corvettes, many of which are project cars he buys off eBay. In the last decade, Ben has built his reputation and now has over 89,000 subscribers.
Now, without further ado, here are Ben’s Ten Rules, which are fully credited to TheCorvetteBen. Have you broken at least one before buying your “dream Corvette?” Guilty as charged here!
Ten Rules For Buying Your First C3 Corvette
RULE #1: Before you even think about buying a C3 Corvette, you must know two VERY important facts:
- No matter what condition of car you buy, no matter the amount of money you spend, your car WILL eventually need work.
- NEVER NEVER buy a Corvette without looking at it in person. EVER! If you must (like if you live overseas) only buy a car that you have received sufficient picture documentation of the problem areas listed below. If you don’t have positive proof, stay away.
Do not expect just because you spent $50,000 on a vette that you will never have to put more money into it. Remember, the newest C3 Corvettes are still 43 years old. If you can accept the fact you will have to put additional money into your Corvette, continue reading.
RULE #2: Decide what kind of C3 Corvette you want before you buy your first one.
If you don’t, you will always wish you had bought ‘that chrome bumper car’ or ‘that ’75 vert’ you always wanted. Decide which year Corvette speaks to you. Here are some general examples:
