The third-generation C3 Corvette was introduced in 1968. While all Corvettes are iconic, and while each has a loyal following of owners and enthusiasts who claim “their generation” is the best, there is little doubt that the third-generation Corvette … The third generation C3 Corvette patterned after the Mako Shark II concept car, was introduced for the 1968 model year and was in production until 1982. The C3 Corvette lived in a turbulent era for the automotive industry, but it remained America’s flagship sports car with styling that went from 1960s radical to the fiberglass embodiment of ’70s automotive excess and cutting-edge computerized improvements. Corvettes sold in California were only available with the L48 and a mandatory automatic transmission (Turbo Hydra-matic 350, not the 400 used elsewhere), while a mid-year improvement included standard power steering and brakes for all variants. Body color sport side view mirrors were implemented, including interior controls to move the mirror without the need to roll the window down to adjust it. Corvette was clearly growing up to be a more popular and approachable sports car, with features that would be standard in many cars in the coming decade. of torque. New seats adorned the interior, offering an extra inch of headroom and a more ergonomic seat-belt design, and integrated headrests added extra comfort and safety. A $1,095 destination charge brings that to $59,995. If an owner bought a zero-option 1969 Corvette and opted for the ZL1, the price would more than double. Equally eye-catching and offering similar performance with better handling, but cost much more in US when new. Look for oil in coolant indicating head-gasket issues, and for leaks. Thanks to the L81’s computer, all Corvettes with automatic transmissions now had an electronically-controlled lock-up torque converter for improved highway fuel efficiency. Inspect for oil leaks, many of which may mean engine-out to fix, especially from the rear crank seal. These were SAE net ratings, so while the numbers are significantly lower, Corvette performance was still competitive among sports cars sold in the USA. Headlight dimming and windshield wiper controls were now located on the steering column stock, while sun visors now rotated 90 degrees to shield occupants from sun in the side glass. Sign up for the latest automotive news and videos—in short, everything for people who love cars. It derived much of its design from the Mako Shark II concept and was developed by Zora Arkus-Duntov and Billy Mitchell. The C3’s final year of production was about 15,000 units less than last year, but that doesn’t mean this generation ended with a whimper. And with these improvements came another good year in production: 40,606 units were sold even at the lofty sticker price of $16,259 ($46,168 today). The 1979 Corvette turned out to be the best-selling Corvette of all time despite its first-ever $10,000 price tag to close out the 1970s. But this is not including the C3’s swan song send off: the 1982 Collector’s Edition. Corvette Parts for sale. After a good run, long enough to ensure that the car performs as it should for its engine tune, leave it idling and check under the bonnet for oil and coolant leaks, and signs of overheating. Changes were even more limited for 1972, as the positraction axle and vehicle alarm system became standard features. Most noticeable was the change from a chrome front bumper to a color-keyed plastic bumper (there was a metal one behind it) that made the 1973 Corvette longer and about 30 pounds heavier in the nose. “Batman”: The ’67 Holman-Moody Mustang that was smuggled in boxes, raced, and restored to glory, The 1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Brougham is one classy Colonnade Coupe, The story behind Rolls-Royce’s Spirit of Ecstasy is more dramatic than you realize, Chip Foose reimagines the iconic Jaguar E-type – Ep. Indy 500 Pace Car replicas were also two-toned but using black over silver with a unique front air dam and rear spoiler. The C3 has been the affordable classic Corvette for long enough, but they’re soaring in price. Sold 1971-’89 • No. Be extra careful: there are plenty of tarted-up neglected examples around – check thoroughly for rust and for cars that are not what they claim to be. The only question is, what year and options would you want? Tag on driver’s-door post will confirm if paint/trim are factory. More listings are added daily. Big-block Corvettes upped their displacement from 427 to 454 cubic inches, with outputs of either 390 horsepower in the LS5 or 460 horsepower in the LS7. The new “Cross Fire Injection” V-8 had fender-mounted emblems stating the Corvette’s new technology, but sadly it was only available with the overdrive automatic transmission. That may look like a bargain price to 21st-century eyes, but the twin-turbo was notoriously fragile. While sales dipped slightly, production totaled 46,776 units even with a higher base price of $9351. Choose well and you can enjoy a reliable powerhouse that turns heads better than almost anything else in the price range. There are 55 1973 Chevrolet Corvettes for sale today on ClassicCars.com. Here's what to look for when inspecting a C3 Corvette for purchase. The Z07 performance package was no longer available, but the FE7 Gymkhana suspension remained. The 1974 Corvettes are easily spotted as their rear bumper matches the plastic front bumper from ’73. When I was 21 I had my own tyre-fitting business and bought a ’69 Camaro Z28. Very little changed elsewhere for 1982; the interior clock gained quartz movement precision, and new two-tone color schemes were available. Find out if Chevrolet Corvette prices are going up or down and how they have changed over time. Iconic and muscular styling with proper Corvette presence and engine options. Sporting an all-aluminum engine designed for race applications with horsepower figures likely underrated to match the 430 horsepower L88, the ZL1 offered top performance but with an eye-watering price premium: more than $5000 ($35,000!) 1971 Chevrolet Corvette … Powertrain options were further limited, as the range-topping LS6 big-block V-8 was scrapped (along with the ZR2 upgrades), and the remaining three motors lost power due to emissions controls and a conversion to the (more realistic) SAE Net horsepower calculations: the base 350-cu-in V-8 was now at 200 horsepower, the LT1 at 255, and the LS5 big-block at 270. There was an additional ZR1 option package that included numerous engine, transmission and suspension upgrades for almost $1000. The same applied to the standard front cornering lamps, commonplace on Cadillacs, which light up when the amber signal light is activated and would become a C4 Corvette design trademark. This was the first year for optional dual rear speakers and the signature fastback bubble glass, eliminating the C3’s cramped cargo area and helped rear visibility tremendously. So, while the 1980 Corvette both giveth and taketh features from future owners, 40,614 units sold with a base price of $13,140. The Definitive C3 Corvette Buyer’s Guide. Chevrolet > Chevrolet Corvette C3. built 34,095 • Mpg 14-22 • 0-60mph 7.4-6.4 secs • Top speed 135-150mph • Price new £3924 (fhc, ’73) • Price now £20-100,000. Assess panels for even and consistent alignment and gaps. See prices, photos and find dealers near you. Show: £20,000; Average: £12,000; Restoration: £5000 1968-'74 coupé. C3 Corvette coupes had since 1968 been available with lift-out roof panels. Wider 255/60/15 tires were optional, but a smaller spare tire was mandated so that all Corvettes implemented a plastic-lined, 24-gallon fuel tank. Powertrain changes were limited to the base L48 losing five horsepower, while the optional L82 gained 10 horsepower and had an optional close-ratio four-speed manual for extra performance. for both the engine and mandatory performance options. Edit Location 60601 Switch Model View Saved Message Us. Instead, they turned the concept into Chevrolet’s most striking – and enduring – shape yet, with those distinctive bulging arches and front wings that swept up from the engine bay to the wheelarch lips. Several items ended their tenure with Corvettes in 1974, as it was the final year for the 454 big-block V-8, for leaded gas, and for the lack of a catalytic converter in the exhaust system. Powertrains continued going downhill, as the base 350-cu-in V-8 (L48) made 190 horsepower, the optional L82 made 250, and the last remaining big-block (LS4) made 270 horsepower. Show: £25,000; Average: £15,000; Restoration: £7000 1968-75 convertible. For a short period of time both old and new factories were making 1980 models concurrently. All 1978 Corvettes wore the 25th Anniversary exterior emblems, while new details further improved the interior: a new gauge cluster inside a squared off bezel, revised door armrests, and a glove compartment was added to the passenger side of the dashboard. Less noticeable were the redesigned fender vents, replacing longer using grilles instead opting for an open slot design. Speaking of clean, a redesigned fuel system kept harmful vapor from escaping into the air. This was the year the Corvette (GM Y-body) moved to a new, dedicated assembly line in Bowling Green, Kentucky. “For me, the C3 is the most classic Corvette shape. … Hardtop Corvette prices jumped hundreds of dollars to a base price of $5192, while the convertible rose to $4849, and sales dropped to their lowest (17,316) since 1962—likely because of a shortened production schedule stemming from a historic 136-day long UAW strike in 1969. Interior changes included redesigned door panels with an integrated grab handle and deeper recesses for more elbow room, along with a smaller steering wheel for easier entry/exit. List your Corvette for sale in our Corvette Classifieds! A new center stack with redesigned HVAC controls and incorporated standard Delco radios seen elsewhere in the GM lineup: this allowed for an all new 8-track tape option (UM2). Horsepower may still be dropping, but sales strengthened; even with a base price of $6810 (hardtop), a robust 38,465 Corvettes found homes in 1975 and most were coupes—only 4629 convertibles were sold. Power steering is a desirable option, especially on big-block versions, which, because of the bulkier lump, are distinctly heavy without it. Classics on Autotrader has listings for new and used 1972 Chevrolet Corvette Classics for sale near you. to price any used vehicle. This was a significant improvement over the previous year’s sales, and proved that the Corvette’s style, power, and handling were a hot commodity for American sport car enthusiasts. The changes certainly altered the Corvette’s tone from raucous sports to comfortable grand tourer, but the C3 sold very well: 37,502 units, of which 32,028 were coupes ($6002) and 5474 convertibles ($5766). Build and Price the 2021 Corvette Stingray: choose trims, accessories & more to see pricing on a new Chevy Corvette Stingray. 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