There’s something undeniably sleek about classic Corvettes, and their beauty doesn’t stop at the body of the car. With incredible features like double overhead camshafts, high-performance cylinder heads, and many other kinds of upgrades that make these cars stand out from others of the time period, it’s easy to see why they became sought after by collectors when they were new. From the first generation to the last one, these are 10 classic Corvettes you wish you could get your hands on today.
1) 1963 Corvette Sting Ray
One of the most iconic Corvette models, the Stingray was designed with a fastback roofline and a split rear window. The 1963 Corvette is powered by a 327 cubic inch V8 engine that produces 300 horsepower and 340 lb-ft of torque. This model year is also known for being the first to offer fuel injection which results in increased power output and fuel efficiency. It’s one of those cars you just have to have!
2) 1969 Corvette Stingray
The 1969 Corvette Stingray is one of the most sought-after models of all time. There were only 12,000 produced, and they sold out in less than a week. This is partly due to its sleek new design, but mostly because it was the first Corvette that featured a 454-cubic inch engine under the hood. The 1969 model also introduced independent rear suspension and a hidden headlight system that would become standard features on later models.
3) 1978 Corvette Pace Car
The 1978 Corvette Pace Car is a car collector’s dream. This is the first year of production for the C4 Corvette and it was only offered as a pace car, meaning that it only had one owner who was responsible for driving it at the Indy 500 and other events. The car has no major dents or scratches and it’s still in perfect condition. It even has its original tires from 1978 which are all in good condition, too.
4) 1981 Corvette
This car is a collector’s dream. It has the options of leather seats and four-wheel disc brakes. With a top speed of 140 mph, this vehicle was built for the racetrack. This car is a collector’s dream. It has the options of leather seats and four-wheel disc brakes. With a top speed of 140 mph, this vehicle was built for the racetrack.
5) 1982 Corvette Collectors Edition
Every Corvette collector wants to get their hands on the 1982 Collectors Edition. The C3 generation of Corvettes are by far the most sought after and collectible of all. Not only was it the last year for a convertible, but it also came with two different engines, a 4-speed manual transmission, and an automatic transmission. The Collector Edition could be had in either silver or black exterior paint, and was available in both coupe and convertible body styles. This car is a true collectors item!
6) 1955 Corvette V8
Many collectors wish they could get their hands on a 1955 Corvette V8. The first year of production for the iconic car, it was sold at the price of $3,490 which would be roughly $23,000 in today’s currency. The car has a black exterior with bright red interior and comes with a 195 horsepower engine. It can reach speeds up to 120 mph and is known for its sharp handling and dependability.
7) 1961 Corvette Mako Shark
The Mako Sharken is the only Corvette to wear a fiberglass body, and it’s one of the most expensive models ever made. The car was designed by Pete Brock and Bill Mitchell in response to federal safety regulations that mandated a steel frame for all cars.
8) 1963 Corvette Grand Sport
The 1963 Corvette Grand Sport was a bright spot in an otherwise unremarkable year. With only 25 of them built, it’s one of the rarest and most coveted Corvettes ever made. The car is currently owned by former General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz who purchased it from none other than Rick Hendrick in 2008 for a whopping $400,000.
9) 1963 Corvette Stingray Split Window Coupe
There is no denying that the 1963 Corvette Stingray Split Window Coupe is a classic. It was the first year of production for the Stingray and it had a split window design, making it instantly recognizable. The car has been featured in movies such as Gone in 60 Seconds, and CHiPs. It’s also been used as a pace car at both Indianapolis 500 races and NASCAR races.
10) 1967 Corvette Stingray L88
The 1967 Corvette Stingray L88 is one of the most sought-after cars in the world. There were only six ever made. One was raced by Chevrolet and won a total of five races that year, including the Daytona and Sebring endurance races. This particular car is worth over $4 million, but don’t worry if you can’t afford it, there are plenty of other classic Corvettes for sale!
