New vs Old

[Happy_Dan]

Well, that's a tough question and really depends on the individuals perspective. Of course modern cars are better overall. But someone doesn't typically buy an older car for practical reasons. It's emotional. Brings back the old days or it's styling. If you are fortunate, you can have both.

My 2012 ZL1 is by the best driving all around car I have owned and I will not part with it. But I love to take my 68 C-20 truck out fora ride on a nice day. No power brakes, no power steering, I have roll down the windows and I have lock the doors. But I love it.

It wouldn't do for a daily, dependable, driver, but it's great fun. I paid more for it than my 2014 Silverado is worth!

[lbls1]

That's a difficult question to answer. Personally I would not trade my current Camaros for older examples. Chevrolet dramatically improved the Camaro even stemming from the late 90's with the introduction of the LS1. The LS1 was a game changer, with its all aluminum design, top quality ignition and engine management, and great power; The Camaro brought untold devastation to Mustang and other competitors. The LS1 remains as a street legend, and still garners respect from Mustangs.

To fully answer your question, I would retain my current Camaro(s), and purchase an older one to join my fleet if I ever had a desire to obtain a vintage model.

[d kings z28]

It all has to Do with Car Art, don’t drive it you look at it.

[Bigtime53]

Originally Posted by d kings z28

It all has to Do with Car Art, don’t drive it you look at it.

My wife calls it car porn! I have to agree with her.

[BanditPaul]

For me, The "old" cars are emotional cars. You young bucks don't have that connection to the past yet. I have a 79 400/4spd Trans Am and my 12 ZL1. The Bandit T/A was THE car in 79 when I was 16 and I'll own it until I die. Just like the old guy that grew up with tri-five chevys or 60's era muscle,...they have that connection to their youth. By current standards my T/A is slow but it is much cooler and iconic than the Z. However you cannot deny the current muscle car revolution, be it ZL1, Hellcat, or Shelby Mustang....they are all badass! Fortunately I do not have to choose between new and old

[Bigtime53]

Originally Posted by L36L72LS3

My 69 427, which I’ve owned for 35 years is raw, unadulterated power. Unless you’ve driven one, don’t make a comparison to the Z. I love the ZL1. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t bought it. But 600 hp, a turbo 400 and 4.88 gears and no traction control? Heads spin around at every red light. With the ZL1, only real car folks know the difference between it and a 6 cylinder. The 69 can been heard a 1/2 mile away. It was built when “the car stood still and the heads did the turning”. BTW, radio-delete, too. You can’t hear music anyway. It’s the way Chevrolet intended it in 1969.

That is a nice pair of cars. Now you have owned it along time and if I was in the market for a 69 and yours was for sale I would buy it simply because of the time you have owned it. You have taken care of it by the looks of it and I feel sure it does not get driven in bad weather and it has been garaged, not out in the elements every day. Cars like yours are hard to find. My point to this thread is most all of the old muscle has been rotted out and repaired some right and some half ass. One with all GM metal and owned by one person and taken care of is rare. Out of the 20 or so 69 Camaro's I have owned only 2 were all GM metal and I wish like hell I would have kept the last one. It was a really nice car and all GM metal. But as I stated it just was not like my ZL1. It sure has spoiled me.

[owhite3003]

That is a sweet 69 L36L72LS3!!! Yes they are way different animals. lol It is funny that when people get into my 68, the first thing they noticed is the smell. The smell brings back the memories. lol

[ChibiBlackSheep]

I am partial to 68 myself... but that is one sweet 69 you have there

[DRKS1D3]

My Dad says that he'll always miss the '69 & '70 Nova SS's that he had when he was younger, but they still wouldn't compare to his '12 ZL1.

"Near 600hp, 22+ MPG highway, cruise control AND power steering? There's no contest.".
-My Dad

[Bigtime53]

Originally Posted by L36L72LS3

2096 ORIGINAL miles, never taken apart, I’m the 2nd owner (dealer kept the car till 1974, then sold it with 600 miles on it) and yes, has never seen a drop of rain. As a matter of fact, here’s the pic when it was delivered on 12/16/68. I’m still in touch with the dealer/owner from Ohio. Thanks....and I understand you original post. Good question.
(Might be time to pass on to next care-giver. Conversations with Mecum advise me since it was an original L89/T400/4.88 rear car, they sold one a few years back for close to 200k THAT WAS RESTORED!! This is a time capsule. Reserve would be $150+/- )

Dammmnn!! I said I would buy it if it was for sale but I can't afford it!! That is a incredible car and well worth what you are saying. I am just amazed at the photos and the car. Just wow!

[silversleeper]

The good condition 1st gen cars are rare, and mint low mi 5ths are available at affordable prices. That fits into the OP thread title of old vs new.
For $175,000 you can get into a Lamborghini Huracan. 600hp AWD, interior and exterior is from a later century compared to the 60s 70s cars.
I don't particularly lust for one due to mainenance and insurace costs but it would be fun to drive and if you wanted to turn heads these days.
A Ford Model A would turn lots of heads at a cheaper price than you can get into a 1st gen Camaro now.


Edit: https://classics.autotrader.com/clas...el_a/101163964
Clean Model A $15k. Put a pair of lookers in the rumble seat and imagine how many heads would turn.

[Bigtime53]

Originally Posted by silversleeper

The good condition 1st gen cars are rare, and mint low mi 5ths are available at affordable prices. That fits into the OP thread title of old vs new.
For $175,000 you can get into a Lamborghini Huracan. 600hp AWD, interior and exterior is from a later century compared to the 60s 70s cars.
I don't particularly lust for one due to mainenance and insurace costs but it would be fun to drive and if you wanted to turn heads these days.
A Ford Model A would turn lots of heads at a cheaper price than you can get into a 1st gen Camaro now.


Edit: https://classics.autotrader.com/clas...el_a/101163964
Clean Model A $15k. Put a pair of lookers in the rumble seat and imagine how many heads would turn.

That would be like girls in hot pants or bikinis selling hot dogs at a stand at a stoplight. There would be a few fender benders for sure!

[2013ZL1FUN]

Do I miss my 67 RS/SS Convertible? NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Why miss a choppy uncomfortable ride with uncomfortable seats? Poor gas mileage, plugs needing changed all the time? NO WAY do I miss that!

[DRKS1D3]

Originally Posted by L36L72LS3

I concur with your Dad. The ZL1 is truly an amazing machine. Most will never reach its pinnacle of performance and intent. The automatic is fascinating when you push her to the algorithms built into it!

I’m at the closed, Bader Field airport near Atlantic City for a rally event.....

That looks awesome! It looks like you're really pushing her hard there.

I'd love to try that in my Grand Sport. Perhaps this summer, I'll give it a go.