The Chevrolet Corvette has been a beloved American sports car for decades, with generations of drivers eager to get their hands on the latest model. The third generation, or C3, Corvette was introduced in 1968 and quickly became one of the most iconic versions of the car. 

History

The C3 Corvette was the successor to the second generation, or C2, model, which was produced from 1963 to 1967. The C3 was a complete redesign of the car, with a longer, lower body and a more aggressive appearance. It also featured improved handling and performance, making it a popular choice among sports car enthusiasts. The Corvette C3 was patterned after the Mako Shark II designed by Larry Shinoda. Executed under Bill Mitchell's direction. The new body was longer, lower, and wider than the previous generation, and it featured a distinctive "shark-nose" front end. The C3 was also the first Corvette to offer a removable roof panel, which could be stored in the trunk.

The C3 was produced from 1968 to 1982, with several updates and revisions made throughout its production run. The car underwent a major redesign in 1973, with a new front end and bumper system to meet federal safety standards. In 1978, the Corvette received another facelift, with new styling and a revised interior.

Features

The car was one of the first cars to feature pop-up headlights, which added to its sleek appearance.

Under the hood, the C3 Corvette was powered by a range of engines, including a 327-cubic inch V8 and a 427-cubic inch V8. These engines were paired with either a four-speed manual or a three-speed automatic transmission, depending on the model.

The C3 Corvette also featured advanced suspension and braking systems, which improved handling and performance. The C3 Corvette was also the first Corvette to offer a number of luxury features, such as power windows, power locks, and air conditioning. It was also the first Corvette to be offered with a variety of performance options, such as a four-wheel disc brake system and a limited-slip differential.

Legacy

The C3 Corvette is widely regarded as one of the most iconic versions of the car, with a distinctive appearance and powerful performance. It was a popular choice among sports car enthusiasts and has been featured in several movies and TV shows over the years.

Today, the C3 Corvette remains a sought-after classic car, with many enthusiasts restoring and customizing them. The car’s distinctive styling and powerful performance have made it a favorite among collectors and fans of American sports cars.

The C3 Corvette was a major success for Chevrolet, and it helped to solidify the Corvette's position as one of the most popular sports cars in the world. The C3 was produced for 15 years, and it was eventually replaced by the C4 Corvette in 1984.

-Adam Wartell
NCM Lifetime Member #1222
Founder: C3 Vette Registry 
C4 Vette Registry, C6 Vette Registry

My first Vette, now owned by JB79:

Somewhere I remember reading/hearing that the C2 chassis carried over basically unchanged for a few years into the C3 generation.

'68 had the 327ci and 427ci engines but the 350ci replaced the 327ci in '69.  The 454ci replaced the 427ci in '70 and was available through '74.

Here's some more info in the C3 generation.

Jim Olson 

"The Toys"...!!!  Save the Wave!

Where I've been in a Corvette...!!!

😅 😂  Oh yeah? 🤣

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Ha Ha, I saw that too!  Well, at least it wasn't in the FRUNK! 

Click on image for full view

I absolutely love the body style of the c3! Ever since i was but 5 years old i would see one and be amazed! I finally got one to restore.... a 1978. Granted it doesnt have the chrome bumpers, and puts out less than 200hp, no car before, or since has that sleek look of a c3 vette. I grew up poor, and carried on the tradition, so when i came across one i could afford, 5k, i took the leap. It had a terrible paint job on it, bondo peeling up under the paint, etc, so i took to sanding. The car ran when i got it, but then i had a fuel issue. Changed the pump, the lines, the sending unit all to no avail. So the car sat for about a year. I finally bought a carb rebuilt kit and got her purring again. Motivated me to get back at it. Currently working on getting the new fiberglass rear bumper on and am glassing the seam. Just being able to start it up and listen to that deep rumble of it idling puts a smile on my face.... every time. The car still needs mountains of work, but if i get discouraged, i simply start it up and take a cruise down the road and back. These cars look like they should fly. 

Oh Yes! Couldn't agree more. To me, there is no sight in a car than to look out over the front fenders, and in the mirror at the rear ones, that creates a more visual impact on the eye and mind. The newer ones are nice, and more refined, but the heart and mind are always satisfied when taking in the shape of a C3.

Click on image for full view

I must have got a defective one, i cant seem to find a trunk anywhere?

Power windows, air conditioning, power 4 wheel disc brakes, and posi-traction were all available on the C2.  Not firsts on the C3.