Welcome.
Many of us have experienced that feeling! I was 16 or 17 when I got Stingray fever.
As with any large purchase the amount of up-front research you do, and the knowledge you take into a negotiation, will have a large impact on the success, or otherwise, of the purchase.
Here are some tips on how to go about it, based on my own approach.
Step 1: Research: How much Corvette research via books, magazines, internet have you done, or are you prepared to do?
Step 2: Decide what you want … some things to consider and firm-up on:
Budget: What are you really willing and able to spend to get exactly what you want?
Model wanted: Year, or year range wanted? Body type - convertible or coupe? Chrome bumpers or not, etc.
Mechanics: Engine size and type for the model, transmission type, carbie or fuel injected, etc?
Intended use: Daily driver? Sundays only? Trailer queen?
Drivers: Own use, or others will also drive?
Condition: Ready to drive, or a project or somewhere in between (and if so, what’s your budget for that, and how much can you do yourself?)
Originality: How important? Does “matching numbers” matter to you?
Driving position preference: LHD (if allowed for the model), want RHD only, or flexible? (If LHD is an option, have you ever driven an LHD vehicle?)
RHD Conversion: If the car has been converted, how well was that done? There are good conversions and poor conversions and you need to know the difference.
Colour preference (exterior and interior): How important? What don’t you want?
Model options: Air con, power brakes, windows, etc … Important or not?
Location - Oz: Buy locally (own city/state), or prepared to travel to inspect?
Location - USA: Prepared to buy from photos and emails, or prepared to travel? Prefer to work through a spotter?
Importing: Up to speed on all that entails? Arrange yourself, or use a specialist importer?
Timing/Patience: Are you prepared to wait and look for as long as it takes to get exactly what you want, or will you buy the first reasonable thing you see?
Inspection: Will you inspect candidate Vettes yourself (and do you know what to look for in the model of interest?), or will you use/employ a specialist?
Seller preference: Private or through dealer?
Running and maintenance costs: Depending on the age and model, etc, Vettes can be quite expensive to own and run. Also consider insurance costs as you’ll likely want an agreed value policy.
Garaging: Do you need extra and/or more secure garage space?
Finally, consider joining your state’s Corvette club asap, as you can get both valuable model-specific information from owners/restorers, as well as the word on good cars potentially for sale from within. You may also get an opportunity to drive the model you're interested in and see if you actually like the experience. That’s how I found my Vette -- which was exactly what I was looking for.
Hope that helps!
Now, get started! 
