Chevrolet Corvette C2 | Buyer's Guide

From its ground-breaking design to the range of small- and big-block V-8s that powered it, no model better symbolizes the beauty, athleticism and desirability of the Corvette than the second-generation C2. Hagerty Executive Editor Stefan Lombard recently spent some time with a 1963 Split-Window, and in this Buyers Guide he shows you not only what makes these cars so special, but what you need to look out for when you’re in the market.
Editor's Note: Tilt steering was not a factory option, as mentioned by Stefan. Even magazine executive editors aren't perfect!
Subscribe! | bit.ly/1sddOmD
Visit our website for daily automotive news, cars stories, reviews, and opinion: www.hagerty.com/media
Stay up to date by signing up for our email newsletters here: www.hagerty.com/media/newsletter/
Follow us on social media:
Facebook | Hagerty
Instagram | Hagerty
Twitter | Hagerty
If you love cars, you belong with us. Hagerty Drivers Club is the world’s largest community for automotive enthusiasts. Members enjoy valuable automotive discounts, exclusive events and experiences, roadside service created specifically for collector vehicles, and a subscription to the bimonthly Hagerty Drivers Club magazine. Join Hagerty Drivers Club here: www.hagerty.com/drivers-club
Like what you see? Watch our other series including:
Redline Rebuild | Engine Time-lapse videos from start to finish bit.ly/RedlineRebuild
Barn Find Hunter | Tom Cotter searches the country for abandoned cars bit.ly/BarnFIndHunter
Hagerty's Daily Driver | Industry news, buzz, and interviews bit.ly/HagertyDailyDriver
Chip Foose Draws a Car | Reimagining popular cars with new designs bit.ly/HagertyChipFoose
Contact us:
Suggest and feedback - [e-mail]
Press inquiries - [e-mail]
Partnership requests - [e-mail]

[@seadog2396]

Started saving at 14 for my Vette, which I bought New in '67. Best car ever, and I fulfilled my Dream....

[@georgefitter7656]

I have a 64' and it is a lot of fun to drive and work on. A real head turner!

[@louiemarks9922]

I just got 64 2tops

[@trailerparklife2484]

Turn some lights on please.

[@brendas.1374]

I ❤️ the C2 Corvettes!!! I recently bought a restored 1967 Corvette L79 Coupe a few months ago. And I freakin love it!!! It’s all numbers matching, original paperwork and its a 3-time NCRS top flight car.

[@CorvetteStingRayLane]

Awesome to hear. I am a Judge with the NCRS. You have an awesome 1967 Corvette Sting Ray, with the L79 V8, 327 Cubic Inches and 350 Horsepower.

[@moonster5895]

I'd love to see a buyers guide on the C3

[@gregfair1749]

Just breath taking!!!!!!! I'm saving up for a project C2 coupe!!! Found a few 63's that could be possible!!!! Really hoping to snag it!!!!!

[@Atrium512]

If you're looking to buy a project C2 you better have deep pockets to buy it and also to restore it. I had a 65 coupe back in the day and boy do I wish I still had it.

[@jimpatterson7954]

just checked out a corvette and the lights didn't come up when i clicked my fingers so i walked away.

[@mykevenable8180]

When Corvettes were easy on the eyes !

[@tomoday4450]

Nice to see a younger dude respecting a beautiful car👍🏻🇺🇸

[@hotwheelsmania6963]

63 has been my dream car for as long as I can remember I’m now 17 once I get a job all my savings is going to be going to this car and do fast mods from break get a v12 and a loud exhaust

[@duramax78]

Bit of advice start with a 68-72

[@andrew213rn]

@@duramax78 could you explain why?

[@duramax78]

Andrew Fitch they are a lot cheaper, parts will be a lot cheaper as there’s many cars out there, and I personally think the chrome bumpers look awesome. And they have big horsepower, maybe not the 1972 but you’re gonna do the engine anyways.

[@asdfjklol]

I never knew Matt Damon knew so much about Corvettes!

[@daleandrews9356]

My brother in law had a C2('64 or'65) with the base 327(300 hp) with a Powerglide(its only downside). The car was Marina blue inside and out and was a fastback like this one, all matching #'s. He sold it a few years ago for a song(not much). I know he regrets it now, as decent C2's are fetching some high dollar$ these days. Oh well. Live and learn. Someone got a cream puff, as the car was such a "virgin"(very pampered and well taken care of with low miles) and in VERY good condition overall.

[@itsjustme1949]

One item I always want to be sure the C2 Corvette has is the "dress up kit" which is actually a radio interference metal shield that fits over the distributor and the spark plug wires as they travel down to the underside of the engine. Be careful if you have someone else tune your car because the cutout in this shield next to the distributor has a dogleg linkage that fits through this cutout. There is a bolt in the heel of the dogleg which connects the uplink to the horizonal link that goes to the carb. If the dress up kit slot is too close to the bolt it can catch on the bolt and you're stuck with a wide open throttle...not fun!

[@northerniltree]

Wide open throttle is the very definition of fun.

[@bbb462cid]

@@northerniltree Not when there's a car stopped 50 yards dead ahead.

[@northerniltree]

@@bbb462cid Ever hear of a steering wheel?

[@bbb462cid]

@@northerniltree Yeppers. It's the thing that steers. Ever hear of talking bullshit about things tyou never experienced?

[@Oakine]

@@northerniltree ever heard of a tree?

[@SC-yx6wr]

Redlines only came in 1967, but they look cool!

[@ffas23]

When I think of a great C2 I always think of a 1967 Coupe the Ultimate C2. ‘63’s were very nice when they first came on the seen. I was in the 4th grade in Grammar school at the time. It definitely had the Wow Factor back then and still does today. Problem with the ‘63 was that it had Drum Brakes all around. They suck. ‘64 was the same way. In ‘65 they finally gave the car Disc Brakes. ‘67 was the Ultimate C2 Corvette and is said to be the most sought after C2 of all time out of any generation of Corvette to date. I have owned 2 ‘67 Corvettes since 1970 when I purchased my first one a 1967 Vert. I was 19 years old at the time. Today I still own a 1967 Corvette Coupe. I also own a C3,C5 and C6 all Coupes. I have been driving Corvettes for the last 50 years. Don’t get me wrong. All C2’s are beautiful cars to own I just prefer the ‘67 over all the rest.

[@erictalkington5674]

Damn that's tight. It seems like everything from, oh say 1950-1980 was made with quality and pride and great products were coming out. Guns, music, TV shows, movies, cars, motorcycles, stereos, everything! I have a console record player from the 60's that works better than any new stereo I have. I didn't know until I got this thing what auto play was on a record player. It was the original playlist. Nice car for real. I actually like the tan interior.

[@wallacerohn5269]

Great video. Reminds me of my first ride in my brothers friends '63 rolling around in the back. ---- I was but 13!

[@deutschlander2004]

Wallace Rohn good memories eh?

[@peterc3143]

Such an iconic looking car 👍

[@allenhanks7719]

Best looking car ever

[@paolosancen8324]

Black car in a dark place? I couldn't see much

[@richardcalon3724]

C2's never had tilt steering, only had telescoping wheel.

[@uptownphotography]

Do you have a video giving more detail what to look for when buying a C2. I am currently looking to buy one and it would be super helpful. I used to own a 66' Coupe 327 and sorry I ever sold it. Nice video and thanks. PS...Many people don't know you can open those headlights manually...There's a small wheel on each headlight motor to turn...Good to know in a pinch.

[@mawicio2]

Good video bad lighting

[@bluesharp59]

Thumbs Up and Liked !

[@caganb]

I bought a 63 coupe for $1800. The split window had been changed to a single window to make it look newer

[@Mr1963corvette]

I have owned my early 63 coupe since 1988. Parts are very expensive to buy as it is a one year only car from the aluminum bezels for the instruments the gas guage and tach and speedometer. Matching number engines can be restamped even though that is illegal. Find a 327 for that year and get it restamped with your original number. Cosmetics are very expensive on these cars. I bought mine as a clean driver for $18,000. I have invested $40,000 into it paint, transmisson engine rebuilt, all new susupension and I converted mine to disc brakes on the front. I added vintage air a/c to it also and the spinner knock off wheels. As they came with the hubcap spinners stock. The 2 eared spinners were a late option in 63 not from the factory and they had problems with the tires leaking air from not sealing. It is a gorgeous design and I will not ever sell it it is going to my grandson when I either die or cannot drive anymore.

[@duramax78]

What do you figure it’s worth?

[@XxProRider]

Drive use it ,ur grandson will sale it ,,, use it now u can't take it with u , bra ware it out , eff low miles ain't worth sh$t unless u use it

[@johnnytyler5685]

What kind of a scumbag would EVER suggest to someone that they re-stamp a non-original block with their car's VIN? Pieces of sh!t like you are the ones who've ruined the classic/collector car hobby. It's a shame that a channel like Hagerty would even allow this comment to remain on their video.

[@nicholmansgarage3501]

I can't wait to get a corvette someday. My true dream is a 58 hard top, blue, but I'd settle for any c1, c2, or c3.

[@jimcharles9705]

"I'd settle for any c1, c2, or c3." I'm a little pickier. I'd settle for any Corvette from '64 through '71. So, this encompasses most of the C2 years and 4 C3 years. Once the C3s lost the chrome bumpers, they ceased being "real" Corvettes to me.

[@TheJagjr4450]

The best engine for a driven car is the L76 - 340hp in 63, then 365hp in 64 & 65 is the engine you want if you are going to drive it hard, it has the same HP solid lifter cam and heads as the fuelie but with a carb.

[@louiemarks9922]

Maybe you can help me out I just got a 64 Roadster matching numbers 327 for Speed not sure what horsepower

[@richardcalon3724]

Disagree, for the most streetable cars the 350 horse hydraulic lifter engine was the most power that was easy to live with.

[@johnthonig8832]

@@richardcalon3724 I have owned a 65 with the L79 since 1973. I agree with you

[@richardcalon3724]

@@johnthonig8832 You beat me I've only owned mine since 1992.

[@johnmoorhousedecorated-nam899]

Best shocks for a stock C2 ?

[@brtownshipresident]

Find a 63 Corvette with a tilt steering column from the factory? That would be one extremely rare car.

[@senselessmonkee]

I think they removed the split window because it was getting too many complaints from owners. Then it winds up years later being the one thing that is most admired about the C2.

[@mikethompson2007]

Didn't make one..

[@plymsat71]

Was the power out when they filmed in the garage? Great car but too dark to make out details!

[@jimboselli4165]

No tilt wheel on C2s. They had optional telescoping wheel but no tilt.

[@michbc3208]

Good point.

[@billylowe9631]

Jim Boselli: Also option N36 (telescoping wheel) was not offered till 1965.

[@rubendavila9270]

Jim Morrison

[@stuartb9323]

You would think this guy would know the difference? !

[@mikethompson2007]

Some good info here, some not so much...A little lacking on items to inspect before spending your money. There are a couple areas in the frame that are prone to rust that he didn't mention. Headlights opening and closing in sync is minor, the little headlight motor speed is adjustable. Converting to sintered metallic drum brakes is unrealistic! Given the parts are unobtainable, and if you are going to lose originality, do it with a 65 and up disc brake and rotor conversion, Far cheaper. and probably better. The NCRS puts out a numbers interpretation book if you know what to look for, otherwise spend a little money and hire someone who does. IT will save you in the long run. He's confused the telescopic steering column option (65 and later) with the tilt column he mentioned. And the telescopic is marginally helpful for a large person entering and exiting the car.

[@northerniltree]

You are the reason why I read comments. Thanks!

[@MrPLW]

Waaay too dark to enjoy. Nice try, but no cigar!

[@sleepchamber]

Some lighting would have made this video better

[@funr.hopper4601]

One of these days I’ll get one :-) he didn’t chirp it on the one two! :-)

[@sergeantmasson3669]

NEVER consider even buying a C2 or C3 Corvette without doing a very intense detailed inspection first. Those cars had several flaws and frame rot issues.

[@alexrandall6127]

Hagerty...is this the best you can do? Don't talk about details you can't see! Light up the next one.

[@robertafay9198]

The best way to get one is lucky find one hidden for years or not for sale but becomes available always be ready to spend cash is king and being first in line and being able to close the deal is the only way to go cheap enough you can always trade up cheapeast Ive ever bought one is 800.00 most expencive was 8500.00 they are out there .

[@MrBluoct]

The good life~

[@jonathanproft3042]

I know the question sounds a bit strange, but how big is the trunk space of the C2 Stingray? toes it even HAVE a trunk? (This is a serious question!)

[@Hoytshooter]

The trunk is what the back behind the seats are you can fit some luggage in there probably golf clubs if you fold the seat down I put by bow back there and it's in a case that's pretty decent size and I got no problems taken that out the back

[@RandomStuffGarage619]

Right there is no trunk opening. Have to slide things in the doors with seat folded forward. What the heck would you put back there anyway? Weekend bags for a trip up the coast is all you need.

[@galoon]

No trunk in either the coupe or convertible, as these guys said. With the convertible, you pretty much have to put the top up to make room for luggage behind the seats under the deck lid. Like he said in the video, small price to pay--these cars are made for hauling *ss, not luggage!

[@scootosan]

Geezus Corvette knowledge 101....the 63 is a given, sure they are unique but that is also what makes it over exposed

[@bbb462cid]

I like the vid but it's a love letter to the C2, not a buyer's guide, lol

[@erictalkington5674]

Oh my Lord, split back AND the wooden steering wheel too. I think I just messed the front of my pants. Yep, I did lol.

[@Mulder-Scully]

My dream car, sadly i'll never own one.....Sigh

[@deutschlander2004]

Mulder Scully yes you will. You can do anything in life if you are willing to work for it. Stay humble my friend

[@006hetzkin5]

Pretty sure 67 was the yr. She came with all around disc brakes.

[@galoon]

'65 was the first year for disc brakes; when buying the car new you could delete them and get drums for a credit if you wanted, but I think only about 300 or so '65 Corvettes came with drum brakes.

[@joevette6290]

Easiest way to buy a C2 is by winning a lottery!!🤣🤣🤣

[@inforjbtiling]

to dark

[@Pettynicolla-HD-N.Ayeshamedina]

this is not full video. my video was 1 hours full video.

[@caribman10]

(1) Do not buy a drum-brake C2 Corvette. (2) Avoid over-maintained "fuelie" Corvettes; good for bragging rights, but not a bit more fun to actually drive or own. (3) If it's a convertible. make sure the top fits exactly well at the windshield. If not, suspect a previous accident.

[@4speed3pedals]

The '63 has the worst vidibility out the rear window due to the design. I would sooner want a '65 to '67 due to the rear window and disc brakes.

[@danmontgomery6172]

Heard a story of a paraplegic hitting his head on the hardtop. Wasn't even in an accident. Think about it.

[@larrywoodruff7530]

The real last c2 was the 66, the 67 was a last minute fill- in car because the 68 was a piece of junk, but everyone knows that, right?

[@RandomStuffGarage619]

I own a 66. While I appreciate things on the 67 like the stinger hood and optional shoulder belts, the 66 with the 427 and AC with 4 speed manual is a GREAT driver. Just wish it had the tilt wheel and power brakes. Torn on wether or not to upgrade with aftermarket kits like sharkbite and steeroids. Time (and money) will tell...

[@craigthescott5074]

I put power disc brakes on my 64 I’m going to do power steering next. And the 67 was the pinnacle of the C2’s the hood and all the options of the other cars make it the best mid year of them all that’s why it brings the biggest money. 68’s had some problems.

[@casmithc2]

Larry, if that is true, why do the 1967s bring more money, on average, than any other year?

[@thud9797]

How to Buy a C2 Step 1: Have a lot of money. Step 2: See Step 1 Nice cars, just hard to afford them these days.

[@georgejohnson1124]

Thirty-Six Gallons.................DAMN.......!!!

[@itsjustme1949]

Doesn't look like that's the factory shifter.

[@mikethompson2007]

it is, but wheels and tires aren't

[@LastBastian]

Step 1- Have more money than I do. Dream car, but unfortunately they've priced out of my league. 😭

[@nickrice7535]

Tilt steering....ok. 😄

[@Pettynicolla-HD-N.Ayeshamedina]

925

[@1quinby1]

Lights, camera........Oh well....I went a looked at a C2 the other day and snapped my fingers, but the headlights didn't pop up, so I walked away.....

[@Schlipperschlopper]

Sadly from 2030 on all combustion cars, trucks and busses including classics will be banned from public streets in entire EU and Scandinavia :-( In Germany the Green Peoples Party gave order to shorten fuel supply from 2025 on by reducing petrol stations to only one state operated central gas station per city or county. They even plan to reduce the pump speed of public gas stations from 20 litre per minute to only 2 litre per minute to punish owners of combustion cars....from 2027 on in the EU certain car spare parts will be banned too....as exhaust systems, turbo chargers and even some engine and gearbox oils...California and New York will do the same from 2027 on.... So no investments should be done in oil burning cars any longer....They even created a completely new kind of crime here in Germany, called emissions and smoke crime. :-((((

[@richardcalon3724]

IMHO this numbers matching stuff is crazy. Unless the car was unmolested for its entire life, not likely, then it is not original and any effort to get date coded parts that are new but not original makes a mockery of originality. A car is only original once, the day it rolled off the assembly line anything else is a fake.

[@jamescarter8311]

‘63 is my least favorite c2. Don’t care for split window and definitely don’t care for drum brakes.

[@eltren6120]

This is Batman's car

[@KirkSH52]

Show the road when filming this not you!!!!

[@baybarshan2500]

Chevrolet C2 Buyer's guide : sell your current car and house and get a bank loan of 200.000 USD.

[@rollingstopp]

i didnt learn anything ...lolz

[@XxProRider]

No leg room

[@craigthescott5074]

You have never sat in a C2 I’m 6’1 and my son is 6’4 there’s plenty of room in a C2. Now a C3 those are tight.

[@christinewoodruff255]

These are the most unaffordable cars on the planet, you will go broke trying to restore one or have to take out a second mortgage to buy a trailer queen.

[@northerniltree]

So, steal one. Then pray for forgiveness.

[@superstocker6574]

How to buy a a C2…Have $70K. End of video

[@FrankypankyV8]

Lovely car but the coupe is imho not the version to go for. I would rather buy a convertible (1965 max). Besides, the C2's after 1965 are looking horrible because of the 'square inlet' on the hood and sidepipes.

[@billylowe9631]

65-67 What square inlet on the hood?? did you mean the 67 BB hood or are you talking about the 64 hood?? Side pipes were optional from 65 theu 67.

[@RandomStuffGarage619]

I have a 66 no sidepipes and no squares on the hood. Its not the stinger hood either. 66 has a very sleek hood. Probably the cleanest and you can still remove the inner covers for fresh air inlets on the sides.

[@DumbledoreMcCracken]

This does not inspire

[@michbc3208]

Narrow wheel wells, skinny wheels and tires, manual steering, manual brakes and all the horsepower of a new Kia. Not much of a "driving experience". I'll pass. At least on a C3 you can get a tire under it.

[@philipm.9975]

In other words you cant afford one hahahahaha

[@twine3410]

Actually, I got a 275/60/15 drag radial under my 67 by using a little deeper back spaced rally wheel. It fills the wheel well for sure.

[@StellarBlue1]

One could argue this is the most beautiful car ever designed. A timeless classic, that no KIA could hold a candle to. There is the Corvette Stingray and then there are the rest of the cars in the world..

[@duramax78]

Not much of a driving experience, no doubt troll alert is ringing.

[@RandomStuffGarage619]

I never saw a kia pin anyone against the seat at 3,000 rpm. Have fun with your front wheel drive commuter car.

[@DoorHangerH1]

Black car, dark room, presenter is wearing black.. who thought this was a good idea for a show and tell / things to look for video?

[@alhodge4051]

reviewing a car in the dark ?????????????????????

[@NoPrivateProperty]

Boomer Wagon

[@johnadams9044]

Corvette engines do NOT look exotic. They look like plumbers delight construction.

[@marksummers463]

Good vid technically but pls leave out the gratuitous references to God. Thanks!