C3 Corvette Design Updates Through the Years

1. Mako Shark II Concept: Making a C3

Those looking for a sneak peek at the next iteration of the Chevrolet Corvette in the mid-60s needed look no further than the Mako Shark II Concept. Much like the original, the Larry Shinoda designed concept car provided a pretty good idea of what to expect, years before the C3 debuted in 1968. Perhaps the most interesting thing about the Mako Shark II, however, is that it hit the shelves as a Hot Wheel weeks before Chevrolet intended to reveal it to the public.

2. 1968-1969: Quantum Leap

Much like how the C2 Corvette represented a massive departure in styling from its predecessor, the C3 Corvette once again moved in a completely different direction from the C2 stylistically. In fact, even Chevrolet proclaimed the 1968 Corvette "All Different, All Over" in the car's sales brochure. The all-new body style was so revolutionary, its basic body lines have been present in every generation since.

Most refer to the C3's body shape as a "Coke bottle," which references the bulged out and distinguished fenders. The C3 is also more aerodynamic than the C2, with much less high-speed front-end lift, a problem that plagued the C2.

Interestingly enough, the "Stingray" badge had disappeared on the 1968 Corvette, but reappeared in 1969. '69 models, along with some very late '68s, were available with front fender louver trim as an option.

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3. 1970-1972: Sharpening Up

A host of subtle changes debuted in 1970 to keep the C3 Corvette looking fresh. Clear turn signal indicators were now squared off with an amber bulb behind them, although some cars were built with amber lenses and clear bulbs. The most notable change was in the grille, which sported an "ice cube tray" appearance, and new fender louvers.

The much-beloved LT1 also debuted in 1970, carrying a bulging, vented hood with "LT1" script. 1970 also brought the LS5 option, distinguishable by its "454" badges on the fender sides. Sadly, new emissions standards brought much lower power ratings in 1971, but the Corvette soldiered on unchanged through 1972, at least stylistically speaking.

>>Join the conversation about the C3 Corvette and its styling changes right here in Corvette Forum.

4. 1973-1974: Winds of Change

The big news in 1973, of course, was the death of the Corvette's front chrome bumpers. Thanks to overly intrusive government-mandated safety regulations, all cars were now required to have the ability to sustain a 5mph impact in the front without damaging lights or safety gear.

The Corvette's new bumpers were fashioned with an injection molded urethane cover, which often shows a slightly different color than the rest of the car thanks to the flex agent in the paint. The 1973 Corvette also lost the "ice cube tray" front fender louver grille, which was replaced by a new recess in the body. A new hood design eliminated the need for the old windshield wiper panel, and the new rear window was no longer removable. 

In 1974, Chevy finished what they started and removed the chrome rear bumpers to match the front. The rear bumper cap was actually a two-piece design, a one-year-only feature in 1974. 

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5. 1975-1977: Legend Departs

Despite ever-increasing government regulations, Chevy didn't give up on the Corvette. The biggest change in 1975, of course, was that it represented the last year for the Corvette convertible until 1986. The disappearance of the ragtop happened as a result of fears that they would be banned, as a result of increasing safety regulations. 1976 was a sad year as well, marking the last year for the Stingray. But GM made up for it in 1977 with exciting options like a new chrome luggage rack designed to accommodate the car's removable roof panels so owners wouldn't need to take up precious interior space. 

>>Join the conversation about the C3 Corvette and its styling changes right here in Corvette Forum.

6. 1978-1979: My Heart Paces

1978 marked the Corvette's 25th anniversary, which meant all Corvettes that year received a special commemorative badge on the front nose of the car. Also available, was a special two-tone dark and light silver paint job, with a dark silver line dividing the two. Overall, the design changed considerably on the 1978 Corvette, with a much smoother look and fastback rear styling. This also allowed Chevy to once again offer storage space, which was accessible behind the seats.

Perhaps the most famous 1978 Corvette, however, is the Indy 500 pace car special edition. With a two-tone light silver and black paint job, a red stripe, and decals (not installed from the factory), the pace car for the street proved to be quite handsome and popular.

Changes in 1979 were minimal, but the front and rear spoilers from the Indy 500 pace car replicas became available as an option. 

>>Join the conversation about the C3 Corvette and its styling changes right here in Corvette Forum.

7. 1980-1982: Smoother, Lighter, Cleaner

In 1980, the Corvette went on a diet with a thinner hood, windshield, door panels, and frame, along with lighter roof panels. New bumper caps with integrated spoilers also debuted in 1980. Similar to the previous pace car design, these new bumpers sported a cleaner appearance without the seams of their predecessors. This new style would carry on for 1981 and 1982 with no changes, ahead of the introduction of the next generation of Corvette.

>>Join the conversation about the C3 Corvette and its styling changes right here in Corvette Forum.

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