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Random observation (realization) on the C7 styling
Warning, long post with random automotive brain-droppings...
With fair weather today, took advantage to enjoy the C7 for the work commute today, if local traffic can be "enjoyed". On the way home, I needed to make a quick stop at the store and noted something as I walked back up to the car as it sat with a completely unobstructed profile view. I never made a correlation between the C2/C3 and the C7 styling in my mind until today. Some may not see any resemblance, but I sure do...
I grew up learning to really appreciate cars in the 70's, the height of the C3 run and was enamoured. The long hood with high fenders, the bobbed tail and an unmistakable Corvette shape. To me, this was a carry over and almost an exaggeration of the shape of the C2 but longer and more fluid. The 60's and 70's Corvettes seemed to be flying standing still (thanks to later smog choking regulations that wasn't far off) and pure sex on wheels.
From my perspective, the progression from C6 to C7 was the opposite from C2 to C3; the C6 seems rounded, more fluid and "longer" (yes, I realize the truth of dimensions) and the C7 seems to be more aggressive and compact and in a good way.
When the C7 came out, I was not an immediate fan but "liked" them just wasn't sure why exactly. It was "radical" in some respects (and those damn tail lights ) and owning a C6 at the time I couldn't figure it out. Obviously I came to appreciate the C7 more over time but the funny part was it seemed oddly "familiar" and couldn't figure out why, until it struck me today. The C7 shape and proportions strike me as a blend of the shapes of the C2 and C3 and oddly familiar, with the C7 more directly related to the C2/C3 than the C6 ever seemed to be.
Yes, quite a rambling post but really appreciate the connections I now see between the C7 and the Mako Shark II and Manta Ray concepts and the C2/C3 production cars. It never clicked before but for some reason connects me and the C7 to the previous generations...
I ran across this gif sequence that shows the evolution of the Corvette from one generation to the next. Its pretty cool I think, seeing the changes over the years.
Disclaimer: I don't know the author or source nor if the pictures are in scale with each other so comparisons may not be absolutely correct. Also, some notable changes aren't represented, such as the beautiful chrome bumpers on the early C3s.
You're not alone! Since being a long time C2/C3 owner/enthusiast I've made the same observation and perhaps was instrumental in my decision to purchase a C7 after not owning a new Corvette for so many years.
Last edited by Kevin A Jones; 02-27-2018 at 12:48 AM.
Agree Allen, that the front fender shape on the C7 is a nice homage to the C3, which is my 2nd favorite gen body style, as long as we're talking about early C3s.
Well yes, there is an intentional resemblance between the C2, C3 and C7. It is not coincidence that those are the only three generations to be called Stingrays. They are also my favorite of all generations with the C7 being the best yet.
The C2 was the "new" Vette when I was a young boy (the C1 looked a little "old-fashioned" to my science-fiction-reading, astronaut-worshipping eyes). It was new, new, new and radical and gorgeous. But the C3 came along for me at the key moment in every red-blooded boy's life -- 11,12,13 years old. The early C3s were IT ... the epitome of cool and sleek and fast and were literally sex-on-wheels as far as I was concerned.
When the C7 came out, I was still driving my C5, which I had vowed would be my last Corvette and last car -- I was going to drive it forever and maybe turn it into a project car as a retirement project in the future. The C7's homage to the C3 was clear to me from the first instant I laid eyes on one.-- the proportions, the creases, the curves, the sharpness. I resisted as long as I could ... but water damage from Hurricane Harvey that totaled my beloved C5 pushed me over the edge. A definite silver lining to the storm clouds.
I ran across this gif sequence that shows the evolution of the Corvette from one generation to the next. Its pretty cool I think, seeing the changes over the years.
Disclaimer: I don't know the author or source nor if the pictures are in scale with each other so comparisons may not be absolutely correct. Also, some notable changes aren't represented, such as the beautiful chrome bumpers on the early C3s.
I remember seeing the 68 Stingray as a teenager and could not believe how radical the design was. In my opinion, the 68 bested the styling of Europe's best. Fast forward to 2014, the C7 to me was just as radical, and what made me buy, was the tail lights. I always liked the vette [all years], but the C7 did it for me. Next one will be Mid engine...
My first was a C4 - was not wild about the C5 so skipped - but liked the C6 so purchased one, but when the C7 came out I kept thinking that I would keep my C6 but could not take it and in 2015 bought my C7 - was the right move for me-
love the looks
In my opinion there has never been a failure in the design dept. on any of the 7 generations of the Corvette going back over 60 years. I think the C7 is one of the best designs in the car's history, I would personally rate them: 1.) C2 2.) C7 3.) C3 4.) C6 5.) C1 6.) C5 7.) C4
That doesn't mean I think the C5 and C4 aren't great looking cars, they really are. Just how much I like the different designs over 60+ years.
Definitely a C3 influence.Was always a fan of the hidden headlites.C7 is a modern look.It goes well.All Stingrays lites were hideaway's.
Sure cost and weight were killers on that idea
Anyone notice the Style line that is molded in the headlite on the C7 it follows right into the top crease on the fender.Very nice touch
Agree Allen, that the front fender shape on the C7 is a nice homage to the C3, which is my 2nd favorite gen body style, as long as we're talking about early C3s.
Ever notice that it looks like C3 from 90 degrees facing side of the car.
but when at 120 (by the door looking forward) the visual horizon
of the leading edge loses the front nose profile and it rolls straight
off like a C2
IMO, the C7 is a beautifully styled car — except for that damn passenger windshield wiper peering out from above the hood. Both should have been hinged on the outer sides like they once were!
IMO, the C7 is a beautifully styled car — except for that damn passenger windshield wiper peering out from above the hood. Both should have been hinged on the outer sides like they once were!
It's not something I dwell on, but it does make me wonder "why".
For me the C7 is simply more of the typical front-engined sports car configuration, i.e. long front and short back. The hard-edges, I suppose, hark back to some earlier models but that's it as far as I'm concerned. For me, curves age more gracefully than hard-edges which is one reason I kept my C5 when I got my C7.
02-26-2018, 09:20 PM
Random observation (realization) on the C7 styling
) and owning a C6 at the time I couldn't figure it out. Obviously I came to appreciate the C7 more over time but the funny part was it seemed oddly "familiar" and couldn't figure out why, until it struck me today. The C7 shape and proportions strike me as a blend of the shapes of the C2 and C3 and oddly familiar, with the C7 more directly related to the C2/C3 than the C6 ever seemed to be.
And one of the reasons that the Stingray name was resurrected.
