C1 - 1953-1962
C2 - 1963-1967
C3 - 1968-1982Select a C3 Year
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1968-1982 Corvettes
 Custom Stickers - 2, 2.5, and 3-inch |
 Custom Calendars |
Be sure to select the C3 - 1968-1982 in the Select A Year Group button on the navigation bar or the floating "C3 Home" link on the right to return to this menu.
The 1968 model year introduced a completely new and radical body styling change patterned after the "Mako Shark II" concept car. In 1969 the Mako Shark II was returned to GM design studios and transformed into the Manta Ray. Modifications include a front spoiler and redesigned grille and external exhaust pipes. Modifications were also made to the rear that included a buttress style rear window and a longer more horizontal end section.
Mako Shark I and Mako Shark II
The years 1968 through 1982 saw minor styling changes and are affectionately referred to as "C3" model years. The "Sting Ray" designation of the C2 model years was not present on the 1968 Corvette but was revived for 1969 with a name change of "Sting Ray" to "Stingray." Hidden windshield wipers and hidden headlamps were now vacuum operated instead of electric. The fastback coupe was dropped in favor of a T-Top arrangement for the coupe body style. The T-Top has removable panels on both the passenger side and driver side for that open-air driving experience and the panels can quickly be installed for inclement weather. Convertibles continued to come standard with a folding soft top with an auxiliary hardtop optional.
The venerable small block engine increased to 350 cubic inches in 1969 and the big block Mark IV engine increased to 454 cubic inches in 1970. The 1973 model year saw the replacement of the front bumper with a urethane-compound "5-mph" crash unit over the chrome bumper; in 1974 the rear chrome bumpers were replaced with the same urethane-compound replacement. The 1975 model year would be the last year for a convertible body style.
Corvette ZL1
