Chevrolet · 1967–1982

Chevrolet Corvette C3

The Chevrolet Corvette (C3) is the third generation of the Corvette sports car that was produced from 1967 until 1982 by Chevrolet for the 1968 to 1982 model years. Engines and chassis components were mostly carried over from the previous generation, but the body and interior were new. It set new sales records with 53,807 produced for the 1979 model year. The C3 was the second Corvette to carry the Stingray name, though only for the 1969–1976 model years. This time it was a single word as opposed to Sting Ray as used for the 1963–1967 C2 generation. The name was then retired until 2014 when it returned with the release of the C7. The most expensive Corvette C3 to sell in history was a 1969 L88 Lightweight, one of only four lightweight L88s to be produced. It was sold by Barrett-Jackson in January 2014 for $2,860,000 (£1,728,941).

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Predecessor: Chevrolet Corvette C2 · Successor: Chevrolet Corvette (C4)

All Chevrolet Corvette C3 data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years →

History

=== Mako Shark II Concept === The Corvette C3 was patterned after the Mako Shark II designed by Larry Shinoda. Executed under Bill Mitchell's direction, the Mako II had been initiated in early 1964. Once the mid-engined format was abandoned, the Shinoda/Mitchell car was sent to Chevrolet Styling under Dave Holls, where Henry Haga's studio adapted it for production on the existing Stingray chassis. The resulting lower half of the car was much like the Mako II, except for the softer contours. The concept car's name was later changed to Manta Ray. The C3 also adopted the "sugar scoop" roof treatment with vertical back window from the mid-engined concept models designed by the Duntov group. It was intended from the beginning that the rear window and that portion of the roof above the seats to be removable. The "Shark" has the distinction of being introduced to the motoring public in an unorthodox—and unintended—fashion. GM had tried their best to keep the appearance of the upcoming car a secret, but the release of Mattel's die-cast Hot Wheels line several weeks before the C3's unveiling had a certain version of particular interest to Corvette fans: the "Custom Corvette", a GM-authorized model of the 1968 Corvette. 1968–1969. For 1968, both the Corvette body and interior were completely redesigned. As before, the car was available in either coupe or convertible models, but the coupe was now a notchback fitted with a near-vertical removable rear window and removable "T-top" roof panels. A soft folding top was included with convertibles, while an auxiliary hardtop with a glass rear window was offered at additional cost. Included with coupes were hold down straps and a pair of vinyl bags to store the roof panels, and above the luggage area was a rear window stowage tray. The n

Production

The C3 fifteen-year run shows an extreme contrast. The list price for the Corvette in 1968 was $4,663 (~$43,172 in 2025). By 1982 the base price had increased to $18,290 (~$50,154 in 2024). In 1968 there were six engines, two small-block V8s and four big-block V8s. By 1982 there was only one small block V8 engine available. In 1968 there were five transmissions, including four manual choices. By 1982 there was one, a four-speed automatic. Although refined, emission standards and fuel economy concerns had changed America's only sports car.

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Specifications

name: Chevrolet Corvette (C3)
Manufacturer: Chevrolet (General Motors)
aka: Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (1968–1976)
Production: August 1967 – October 1982
Model years: 1968–1982
Platform: Series 194 (1968–1971), Series Z (1972–1975), Series Y (1976–1982)
Assembly: United States: St. Louis, Missouri (1967–1981), United States: Bowling Green, Kentucky (1981–1982)
Predecessor: Chevrolet Corvette (C2)
Successor: Chevrolet Corvette (C4)
Class: Sports car
Body style: 2-door convertible, 2-door coupé
Layout: Front-mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Transmission: 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic automatic, 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 98.0 in
Length: 182.1 in (MY1968), 185.3 in (MY1982)
Width: 69.2 in (MY1968), 69.0 in (MY1982)
Height: 47.8 in (MY1968), 48.0 in (MY1982)
Kerb weight: 3520 lb
Designer: GM & Chevrolet design staff, Dave McLellan (chief engineer), Bill Mitchell (chief stylist)