Research a Corvette purchase
For research, Corvette Magazine (www.corvette-mag.com) has had a couple of issues that review each Corvette series beginning with the 1953 right up to 2007 (C1 series through C6 series). That would be a good place to start so you will have some general ideas. The magazine's series of articles gives you a pretty good take on price, from one that needs work right up to pristine condition. How much do you want to spend? Right now, you can get a late C4, say '95 or '96 at really good prices. They have good technology and refurbishing will not put you in the poor house! I have a '95 coupe with the LT1 base motor with a 6-spd; I am really pleased with it. I got it for about $12K a few years back. For something newer, a friend just sold his low, low mileage 2001 convertible for $25K. So, there are good deals out there. Of course, if you have $50K, go get a new one. If you put in the time, you could really do well. Good luck.