Strokemyaxe

Until today, I have just admire the C7 for what it is and didn’t really care too much for them. But after going down a rabbit hole of looking at modern parts to retrofit into my C3, I have begun to noticed how heavy all it’s styling cues are influenced by the C3. The front bumper, side gills, quarter panels, back deck... all existent in like fashion on our beloved c3. Not just “that’s because it’s a corvette” either. The c7 has more styling from the C3 than any other year when I look to compare them side by side.

But hey, just my observation. Doesn’t mean it’s true.

-Stroke

Bikespace

The C7 is the only other Corvette I find interesting to look at. I have a C7 hood vent shroud (the part that goes on the inside of the hood). It should fit with only a small modification to accommodate my L-82 intake.

The side vents on both are already functional.

20mercury

I own a C7 and C3. I never was crazy about C7's either, however they do grow on you. The performance is simply super. The big thing I notice in support of your post is that the C7 has sharp creases at the top of the fenders just like the C3. The C6 and C5 were all rounded fenders. And of course there is the "Stingray" name!!!

RapidC84B

I agree with you... the high fenders and hood cowl are 100% C3 inspired.

jr9170

My 1970 LS5 and my brothers 2018 C7

crawfish333

I also have a C7 and I love to drive it. It has the quickest response of any Corvette that I have ever owned. As far as the Stingray name, I take credit for it.

It has not reminded me of the C3 styling, but seems to borrow more influence from the Ferrari California, especially my red convertible.

When the C7 was in development, I took part in a Corvette owners survey about what we would like to see in the C7. (maybe on here, I don't remember) My idea? Bring back the Stingray moniker. Not really sure if it had anything to do with it, but it may have gotten someone thinking.

theandies

Nice. The C3 is still a better design (IMHO and of course I own one). The C7 just looks way big and bulky to me. I like it and do see a lot of C3 in it but it's still not a C3..........

L-46man

I've spent a LIFETIME studying the styling of the C-3....I'm an ex car designer.

So here are some 'BEGATS' (you know from the bible).

1963 Ferrari GTO Begat the 1968 Corvette C-3 (there was some 275 GTB influence in there too). For 3 DECADES the C-3 was 'the most recognized shape in North America'...followed by the Jeep Wrangler
C-4 ugh! Camaro? LOL Was begat from a snap-together model from Revell, I guess.
C-5...making their way back to the C-3 250GTO era. But that bulbous ***...I dunno!
C-6 A little more peaked fenders, but lost the unified nose with the ugly headlights (IMHO) Some 'coke bottle' in the styling. Kamm tail comes back.
C-7 Influenced by two cars, the beloved C-3 (coke bottle, peaked fenders, Kamm tail) and the Ferrari F-12. (where did those NASTY tail lights come from....maybe bad sushi????)

Bill Mitchell "if you're gonna 'crib' crib from the best.

I agree the C-7 is the most C-3 like of all subsequent generations...but all the flappy-doodles and excrescences turn me off....all those pretty much go away on a black C-7 however. This is what is called 'the surface development' school of design....see ANY Japanese car to understand.

Unkahal

ajrothm

I have both.... both are blue... and I don't see the resemblance...lol... Not at all.

I do love them both though.

When I first saw the release promos for the blue C7Z convertible, I was in utter amazement of the looks of it.... I had to have it. Took me a couple years to get one but, I got what I wanted.

That said, I still love the 71' a lot more and it'll always be my favorite.

Skid Row Joe

I bought a new C3 1977 L82 in 1976.

..From the 1979 C3 until the 2014 C7 none of em appealed enough to me to buy another one.....until now:

​​​​​​​My bought new 2017 C7.

orourke

Meh, I think you're reaching.

jr9170

. Now we need pics of both

Strokemyaxe

I am going to lay out my case in side by side pic comparisons. Give me a day. I’ll have a ton of evidence to convince the non believers.

Also. FWIW, if I ever find a wrecked C7 for cheap, I’ll see about massaging the creases smooth all around.

jr9170

TimAT

You guys will just love this-- the headlights from a C5(? I knew at one time but don't remember now) are daggone near a bolt in for a C3. Guy in Phoenix had a custom shop that did all kinds of "over the top" stuff. For the Arizona local crowd, he finished the truck that one of the Granite Mountain Hotshot team had started before they were lost in a fire. Truck is one of a kind. Anyway-- the C3----

lowbuck72

I'm probably one of a very small minority that thinks the C6 is a better looking car then the C7. The C7 convertible is a winning shape except for those ugly tailights. Why didn't they stay with the 4 round tail lights? Also the C7 is so much wider than the C3, but the interior is so tight. My Karmann Ghia is roomier inside.

Big2Bird

I'm not much for modded cars, but I like that. It works.

Skid Row Joe

Actually, there's not a lot of body difference between the '90s Trans Am and the C5 and C4. In fact you've got to double take the Trans Am and Formula that's a dead ringer for the C5 from the front or rear 45°. The C5 has nearly identical pop up headlights as the Firebird! The C6 is almost as uninterestingly "body flat boxey," as both previous C series - to me.

Lakeside49

I agree about the "peaked fender" attempt......
which failed when it didn't follow through when restrained using non-flip up headlights. I privately wonder if the C7 was "designed by committee" with so much going on that you're left confused. I will never give up my C3 to replace it in my garage with a technologically, far superior C7. Nothing sexy or sensual about it compared to the beautiful Shinoda (American)/Mitchell formula. Just sayin'
Not afraid to talk about the "elephant in the room"

ajrothm

. Pics in sig.....unless they aren’t showing up or something . Looks like they are there. I can post more though.