Corvette Generations: Every Corvette by Year and Price (C1-C8)
Summary
There are eight Corvette generations, from the 1953 C1 to today's mid-engine C8. The C4 (1984-1996) is the cheapest, averaging $16K across 843 sales in our data, with the C5 ($22K) and C3 ($32K) close behind. Modern performance costs more: the C6 averages $36K, the C7 $47K and the C8 $72K. The early cars are the collector tier: the C1 averages $113K and the C2 $142K, the most valuable generation, though restomods pull those averages up and half sell for under $77K and $94K. Prices are for base cars; Z06, ZR1 and Grand Sport versions sell for more.
Generations
Corvette C1Avg $111,394 12-mo -25.9%n=758 sold1953-1962: the original fiberglass roadster, now a collector car
Corvette C2Avg $142,014 12-mo +22.3%n=1171 sold1963-1967: the Sting Ray and the most valuable Corvette generation
Corvette C3Avg $31,995 12-mo -19.7%n=1498 sold1968-1982: the longest-running generation and the cheapest classic Corvette
Corvette C4Avg $15,739 12-mo -5.5%n=818 sold1984-1996: the digital-dash Corvette and the cheapest generation to buy
Corvette C5Avg $22,022 12-mo -8.1%n=443 sold1997-2004: the LS1 Corvette and the value pick of the modern cars
Corvette C6Avg $36,343 12-mo -12.6%n=345 sold2005-2013: more power, better build quality, and plenty of manuals
Corvette C7Avg $47,933 12-mo -2.8%n=210 sold2014-2019: the last front-engine Corvette and the last with a manual
Comparison
| Model | Avg Price | Typical Range | Sales | 12-mo Trend | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corvette C1 | $111,394 | $38,212 – $248,325 | 758 | -25.9% | 34,689 |
| Corvette C2 | $142,014 | $44,748 – $288,500 | 1,171 | +22.3% | 42,294 |
| Corvette C3 | $31,995 | $7,100 – $77,000 | 1,498 | -19.7% | 47,631 |
| Corvette C4 | $15,739 | $4,585 – $35,620 | 818 | -5.5% | 50,677 |
| Corvette C5 | $22,022 | $10,005 – $49,170 | 443 | -8.1% | 47,559 |
| Corvette C6 | $36,343 | $15,996 – $76,900 | 345 | -12.6% | 39,277 |
| Corvette C7 | $47,933 | $31,115 – $73,973 | 210 | -2.8% | 25,531 |
| Corvette C8 | $72,461 | $53,526 – $104,500 | 262 | -3.3% | 9,619 |
How to Choose
- Cheapest way in: the C4 and C5. The C5 brought the LS1 V8 and a far better chassis for a $22K average, which makes it the value pick for most buyers.
- Best all-rounder: the C6 (2005-2013) at a $36K average. It has more power and better build quality than the C5, and manuals are common.
- Modern daily driver: the C7 (2014-2019) averages $47K. The C8 (2020 on) moved the engine behind the driver, averages $72K, and has no manual option.
- Classic ownership: the C3 (1968-1982) is the cheapest classic Corvette at a $32K average. The C1 and C2 are collector cars where originality and documentation set the price.
- Check the trim: Z06, ZR1 and Grand Sport cars are tracked separately and sell for well above the base-car prices shown here.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many Corvette generations are there?
- Eight: C1 (1953-1962), C2 (1963-1967), C3 (1968-1982), C4 (1984-1996), C5 (1997-2004), C6 (2005-2013), C7 (2014-2019) and C8 (2020 to present).
- What years are the C5, C6 and C7 Corvettes?
- The C5 covers 1997-2004, the C6 2005-2013 and the C7 2014-2019. The Z06 versions ran 2001-2004 (C5), 2006-2013 (C6) and 2015-2019 (C7).
- Which Corvette generation is the cheapest?
- The C4, averaging $16K across 843 sales in our data over the last two years. The C5 is next at a $22K average.
- Which Corvette generation is the most valuable?
- The C2 (1963-1967), averaging $142K in our sold data, ahead of the C1 at $113K. Both averages include high-dollar restomods; the typical (median) sale is about $94K for a C2 and $77K for a C1. Among modern Corvettes, the C8 is the most expensive at a $72K average.
- Which Corvette generation is the best value?
- For most buyers, the C5 or C6. The C5 averages $22K and the C6 $36K, and both have simple pushrod V8s, cheap parts and a large specialist network.
Methodology and sources
Based on 5,505 sold listings from the last 2 years across Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, Collecting Cars, and other auction and marketplace sources. Prices are normalized to USD. Typical ranges show the 5th–95th percentile of sold prices. Stats update daily.
Related Guides
- Cheapest Corvettes to Buy in 2026Every Corvette generation and trim ranked by real sold price, cheapest first, starting with the C4 and C5
- Corvette C5 vs C6: Which Generation Is the Better Buy?Chevrolet Corvette C5 vs C6 compared by price, performance, and value
- Corvette C6 vs C7: Which Generation Is the Better Buy?Chevrolet Corvette C6 vs C7 compared by price, performance, technology, and value
- Corvette C7 vs C8: Front-Engine vs Mid-Engine ShowdownThe last front-engine Corvette vs the first mid-engine Corvette compared by price, performance, and driving character