C3 Trivia for the true believers
(from CORVETTE, The American Legend, by the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide™)

Designs for the C3 were well along as early as October, 1964.

C2 was the shortest generation, C3 was the longest, 15 years.

C3 was supposed to debut in 1967, but was delayed due to last minute problems.

1968 was the first year for federal safety and emissions standards.

The C3 was little more than a ‘67 Sting Ray chassis with a new body.

The C3 style was first seen as the 1965 Mako Shark II, a GM show car.
     
C3 was the introduction of the T-top style for the coupe.

New F70x15 tires were fitted to 7" wheels for better roadholding.

All-disc brakes were standard in 1968.

The ‘68 with a 427 ci engine and tri-carb had 435 hp. It could do a quarter-mile in 13.8 sec.

In 1969, the Stingray name returned, but as one word.

The ‘69 has an override so the windshield wiper panel can be left up in freezing weather.

The optional L88 engine was a 427 rated at 430 hp, but its actual output was closer to 560 hp.

Back-up lights integrated within the inner taillights were introduced in 1969.

1969's came with 8" wheels and a stiffer frame to improve handling.

In 1969, the 327 small block was stroked to 350 ci to compensate for power-robbing emissions hardware.

During 1969 the 250,000th Corvette rolled off the assembly line.

Sales volume for 1970 was hurt by a two-month long auto-workers strike. Only 17,316 were built.

The 427 big block was stroked to 454 ci in 1970, again to compensate for power-sapping emissions controls required by the government.

1970 was also the introduction of the 370-hp solid lifter LT1 small block.

Cross-hatch grille work replaced the side “gills” for 1970.

With the advent of unleaded gas in 1971, compression ratios were dropped. Horsepower dropped accordingly.

In 1972, engines were rated at SAE net output instead of gross output, with full exhausts and all accessories in place.

The once optional anti-theft alarm system became standard in 1972. Too many Vettes were being stolen.

The government’s 5-mph impact protection rule required the ‘73 to have a pliable front bumper.

Rear-impact government standards required the body-color soft-tail for the 1974s.

1972 was the last year for the LT1.

1974 was the last year for the big block options.

1975 was the last year for the convertible.

1975 was the beginning for the catalytic converter.

1976 was the last of the Stingray name.

In 1977, over 49,000 Corvettes were sold, including the 500,000th.

Leather seats were standard in 1977. Cruise control and AM/FM cassette were offered as options.

In late 1977, clay models for a mid-engine Corvette were complete and tooling was ready to be ordered. But when Bill Mitcheck retired and David R. McLellan took over, the mid-engine died on the vine.

A new fastback roofline and a big compound-curve rear window were introduced in 1978.

1978 was the 25th anniversary for Corvette. It paced that year’s Indy 500. 6502 pace car replicas were shipped with special paint, leather interior, and owner applied decals. A special Silver Anniversary ‘78 trim package was also offered.

For 1979, power windows, air conditioning, tilt wheel, power locks and AM/FM stereo were included in the base price of $12, 313.

The differential housing and the front-frame cross member changed from steel to aluminum in 1980 to save weight. The rear spoiler was revived for better aerodynamics.

In 1981, a fiberglass rear leaf spring, thinner glass for door windows, and the optional see-through T-tops saved more weight.

The L81 engine came with magnesium rocker covers, stainless steel exhaust manifold and GM’s Computer Command Control engine management system.

The 1981 automatic transmission had a lock-up torque converter for better fuel economy.

6-way power driver’s seat and front cornering lights were standard in 1981.

Assembly of the Corvette moved in June, 1981 from the St. Louis plant to the new Bowling Green, KY plant. Vettes were assembled at both plants for a short time.

New for 1982 was the Cross-Fire Injection, the first “fuelie” Vette since 1965. It was the only engine offered. Still 350 ci.

Standard transmission was not available in 1982. The automatic was now a 4-speed with over-drive for better fuel economy.

A special Collectors Edition option was available in 1982. It offered a lift-up rear window, special silver and black paint, custom seats and wheels, and unique decals.

Total production of all C3 years was nearly 551,000. Most are still on the road today.


If you disagree with any of these facts, please site your reference.

I'm sure ten times as many facts about the C3s are out there.

These are just the ones I expect all C3VR members to know.

[QUOTE=dwright]In 1981, a fiberglass rear leaf spring, thinner glass for door windows, and the optional see-through T-tops saved more weight. [/QUOTE]

ONLY on automatics...4 speeds still used the steel springs.

[QUOTE=dwright]The ‘69 has an override so the windshield wiper panel can be left up in freezing weather.[/QUOTE]

'69 thru '72 had this feature

Site my reference? uh...uh...common knowledge? uh...uh...Just aboot any book/reference on Corvette history there is? uh...uh...shoot...I jest know!!

My 82 CE has a steel spring due to the Gymkana option.

1977 was the last year for the Shark notch back roof line.  Ask me how I know? Biff2007-01-05 08:34:50

GREAT POST, DAVE!  Most interesting.........got to love the enthusiasm!

[QUOTE=Adams' Apple] [QUOTE=dwright]In 1981, a fiberglass rear leaf spring, thinner glass for door windows, and the optional see-through T-tops saved more weight. [/QUOTE]

ONLY on automatics...4 speeds still used the steel springs. TRUE

[QUOTE=dwright]The ‘69 has an override so the windshield wiper panel can be left up in freezing weather.[/QUOTE]

'69 thru '72 had this feature TRUE

Site my reference? uh...uh...common knowledge? uh...uh...Just aboot any book/reference on Corvette history there is? uh...uh...shoot...I jest know!! [/QUOTE]

It was getting late and I took some short cuts on the typing.

[QUOTE=zgator] My 82 CE has a steel spring due to the Gymkana option.[/QUOTE]

I did not know that. Thank you very much. This is fun.

I did a Google on "C3 Trivia" to see if C3VR would come up. Instead I found a treasure trove of insane info about our Vettes.

[QUOTE=dwright]

These are just the ones I expect all C3VR members to know. [/QUOTE]

Ya mean I have to memorize all that!!!

I've just drooled over C3s for years; never researched the facts.  Guess I need to study.

 68 Vettes had Disc Brake's standard. Yes they did just like 65's 66's 67's 69's 70's and ............Lock up Converter in 81'...So did the 80.  If 81 Glass tops are diffrent than 78 to 80 thats new to Me. I do know that the PPG Tops were less prone to Crack and were the later one's. I'll say that the Cornering Lights Came with the new front end of the 80 and continued threw the 82. And as said before the TRW Glass Spring of the 81 was Auto cars only without Gymkahana. Dose anybody Know why GM didn't install 4-speeds in 82'  Its because they made Borg Warner so Mad that they Told GM they wouldn't sell them any. Richard....

Another important piece of C3 trivia....

The C3 was the last of the true "sport car" 'Vettes and no other generation before or since has curvier or sexier lines..... Everything since has "creature comforts", my '78 is merely a beautiful "creature". I still really dig seeing those big sculpted front fenders from the driver's seat while my gymkhana suspension transfers every little road irregularity up to my butt!!!! I still luvvit (for the first hundred miles)!

Dave