![]() White lettered tires were now being fitted to 86 percent of C3 Corvettes. Cast aluminum wheels were offered as an option. Weight savings were made in 1976 with the fiberglass floor panels being replaced with steel panels that also reduced sound levels in the cockpit. The former two-piece rear bumper was replaced by a seamless one-piece bumper. An electronically controlled tachometer also became standard in this year and the speedometer featured a subdial showing kilometers per hour. This, along with newly extended service intervals and electronic ignition, made C3 Corvettes more efficient. To comply with federal regulations, a catalytic converter was introduced in 1975 so that only unleaded fuel could be used. Car and Driver magazine said, '.We think the front and rear together produce a 'molded' shape that speaks of function rather than decor.' The Transitional Years The changes brought the C3 Corvette's design right up-to-date from its ‘60s origins and met with the approval of most enthusiasts. The rear bumper would now also pass federal impact tests. Almost 20 percent of the production was ordered with this engine.Ī new rear end design was introduced in 1974 with a urethane cover featuring recesses for the lights and an integral holder for the license plate. The high-performance LT-1 engine option was replaced by the L-82 with an output of 250 horsepower. While the chrome rear bumper was retained, the front end now sported a lightweight energy absorbing urethane bumper to comply with federal five mph impact requirements. It was in 1973 that the Corvette began its transition from a muscle car into a sports tourer with an improved ride and a 40 percent reduction in interior noise. This engine was not available in California because of the state's stricter emission standards than was required by federal laws. The LS5 big block 454 cubic inch (7.4-liter) engine was now rated at 270 horsepower. Introduced for 1972, the SAE net horsepower standard replaced the old SAE gross measurement system resulting in lower engine output figures. It was the highest output engine of this period. Available in this year was an LS6 454 cubic inch (7.4-liter) 425-hp big-block engine that could be paired with an automatic transmission. The 1971 model year saw the C3 Corvette engines being down-tuned with decreased compression ratios to make them compatible with lower octane gasoline. An LT-1 was timed at 14.4 seconds for the quarter-mile at a speed of 101.7 mph for which it was compared to a Porsche but without the same expensive price tag. Models with this engine featured a hood bulge and unique decals, but they weren't available with air conditioning. Newly offered was an LT-1 engine, a 350 cubic inch (5.7-liter) 370-hp V-8. Standard features now included a wide-ratio four-speed manual transmission, the Positraction rear axle, and tinted windows. The seats were redesigned and an upgraded interior option was offered with leather upholstery, wood-grained accents, and upgraded carpets. Per Bullet Motor Sports, in 1970, an eggcrate grille was introduced with matching fender vents, and the tailpipes were increased in size and changed from circular to rectangular. This was the sole year that a ZL1 option was offered with its big block 430 horsepower 427 cubic inch (7.0-liter) aluminum engine. The diameter of the steering wheel was reduced to allow easier entry.The ignition switch was relocated to the steering column.The Sting Ray name from the C2 was revived on C3 Corvettes in 1969, although it was now Stingray as a single word, per Autolist. A Positraction rear axle was an option, but over 95 percent of C3 Corvettes had it installed. Seven rear axle ratios were available, that ranged from 2.73 to 4.56. The width of the steel wheels was increased to 8 inches and white lettered tires were offered as an option for the first time, while the red-striped tires were discontinued. Other drivetrain options stayed the same. Convertible models came with a folding soft top but, for an extra cost, a hard top was available.įor 1969, the displacement of the small block engine was increased from 327 to 350 cubic inches (5.4 to 5.7-liter) although the power was unchanged. The coupe featured removable T-top roof panels and rear window. As with the C2, the 1968 C3 Corvettes were offered as a coupe or convertible. ![]() The Early YearsĬlassic and Sports Car explains that the design of the C3 Corvette resembled the second-run Mako Shark II concept car that was initiated in 1964. C3 Corvettes featured a new body and interior, but the chassis and engines were carried forward from the previous generation C2. The Chevrolet Corvette C3 was produced from 1967 to 1982 and is the third generation of the Corvette sports car.
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