The Third Generation - C3 (1968 to 1982)
The Chevrolet Corvette C3 is the third generation of the sports car produced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors introduced for the 1968 model year and ended production in 1982. Corvette chief Zora Arkus-Duntov wanted a striking new Corvette. Although engines and chassis components were mostly carried over from the previous generation, its body and interior were new. Though initially flawed, the 1968 like the 1958, would improve and mature into a car precisely right for its time. The so-called Shark was produced during one of the most troubled periods in America: civil unrest, burgeoning federal guidelines, fuel economy and pollution regulations, oil embargoes, rising fuel and insurance costs, runaway inflation, and a lingering recession. Through it all the C3 continued to set new Corvette sales records with an all-time high of 53,807 produced for the 1979 model year.
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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 David Holls, where Harry Haga`s studio adopted it for production on the existing Sting Ray 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–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. |  |
The C3 fifteen year run shows an extreme contrast. The list price for the Corvette in 1968 was $4,663. By 1982 due mostly to inflation, the base price had increased to $18,290. In 1968 there were six engines, two small-block V8`s and four big-block V8`s. By 1982 there was only one small block V8 engine available. In 1968 there were four transmissions, including three 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.
For more information on specific years of production click on the links either in the side menu or below:
