The C3 Corvette (1968–1982): the longest-running generation

C3 Corvette history

The third-generation Corvette arrived for 1968 with a body based on the 1965 Mako Shark II concept: a long hood, pronounced fender flares and a coupe with removable T-top roof panels. Under the new skin, much of the C2's chassis carried over, including the independent rear suspension and four-wheel disc brakes.

The early C3s were among the most powerful Corvettes of their era. The 350 replaced the 327 for 1969, and the 427 became a 454 for 1970. Hagerty notes that only two Corvettes are believed to have been built with the all-aluminum ZL1 427 in 1969, and the C3 also produced the rare ZR1 racing package of 1970 to 1972.

Tighter safety and emissions rules then reshaped the car, bringing bigger bumpers and lower-rated engines. Sales still climbed: 1979 was the generation's best year, at 53,807 cars. In 1981, production moved from St. Louis to Bowling Green, Kentucky, where every Corvette since has been built, and the 1982 finale introduced Cross-Fire Injection and a four-speed automatic.[1],[2],[3],[4],[5]

Years and production numbers

Generations and key variants

Engine and drivetrain facts

• The C3 kept the C2's independent rear suspension and four-wheel disc brakes under its new body.
• The 350 replaced the 327 for 1969, the 427 became a 454 for 1970, and the Turbo Hydra-matic replaced the Powerglide automatic.
• From 1972, Chevrolet quoted SAE net horsepower instead of gross, which is why later ratings look much lower.
• The 1982 car introduced Cross-Fire Injection and a four-speed automatic, previewing the C4.

Sources:[1],[2],[5]

What changed, generation by generation

1. 1968New Mako Shark II-inspired body with T-tops on the coupe.
2. 1969350 replaces the 327; the all-aluminum ZL1 427 is listed.
3. 1970454 big-block and the 370 hp LT-1; the ZR1 racing package arrives.
4. 1972–1974SAE net horsepower ratings from 1972; bigger, energy-absorbing bumpers follow under new safety rules.
5. 1975Last C3 convertible.
6. 1978Fastback rear glass for the 25th anniversary; Indy 500 pace car replicas built.
7. 1981Production moves from St. Louis to Bowling Green, Kentucky; first 17-character VINs.
8. 1982Cross-Fire Injection and a four-speed automatic; Collector Edition with an opening rear hatch.

Sources:[1],[2],[5]

What to check before you buy one

• Decide which era you want: 1968–1972 cars carry the most powerful engines and chrome bumpers, while later cars are milder and usually cheaper.
• Check the frame and the steel 'birdcage' structure beneath the fiberglass body for rust, especially around the rear of the frame and the windshield frame.
• Make sure the T-tops seal and the pop-up headlights and vacuum-operated features work; these systems are common sources of repair work.
• Confirm any claimed big-block, LT-1, L88 or ZR1 car with documentation; such cars are worth far more than base cars and engines are often swapped.
• For 1981–1982 cars, run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls).

C3 Corvette prices and values

Hagerty reported in 2017 that a 1970–72 ZR1 coupe sold for $220,000 at Barrett-Jackson's 2014 Scottsdale auction; only 53 ZR1-package cars were built.[3]

How to verify a C3 Corvette's factory options

For a 1981 or 1982 Corvette, the factory build record can confirm which options the car was ordered with, such as the transmission, paint and interior codes, and packages like the 1982 Collector Edition. GM's build data lists the ordered-option RPO codes for the VIN, not every code on the car's original equipment label, and coverage varies by car.

Standardized 17-character VINs began with the 1981 model year, so only 1981 and 1982 C3 Corvettes have one. Earlier C3s are identified by their original serial number and the documentation that survives with them.[6],[7]

For pre-1981 cars, the body (trim) tag and engine stampings carry the original factory codes, and the GM Heritage Center publishes vehicle information kits for many past GM models.