We swim with the “Shark,” a name synonymous with the C3 Corvette. This car was met with mixed reviews when it made its debut in 1968 and braved the endless changes in emissions regulations of the ’70s and ’80s. Development of the C3 Corvette began before the big-block C2s even came out! GM and Corvette’s designers knew that they couldn’t let the C2 have as long a production run as the C1, which ran for 10 years. So, they set up an in-house design competition with one stipulation: have the car ready for the 1967 model year.
The C3 Corvette was available in coupé and convertible guises, the C3 ’Vette had many options when it comes to power ranging from the small to the big-block Chevy V8 motors during its 14-year lifespan. Producing a 460bhp from a whopping 7.4-liter unit in its most potent form. Later models, however, suffered at the hands of tightening emissions legislation throughout the 1970s, with unleaded fuel and catalytic converters reducing their output to as little as 165bhp – despite the 5.7-litre V8 under the bonnet.
The Exterior Design
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The C3 came with a wedged nose and ducktail rear wing that created an excessive front-end lift. The car came with a chrome bumper both in front and at the rear. The narrow body style was so unique for the era. The C3 had squeaky roofs due to chassis flex because of the removable one-piece roof. The center roof beam was added to increase rigidity in the roof and thereby created the iconic T-Top. The concealed headlights of the C3 Corvette are vacuum operated.
The Interior design
The C3 Corvette has a spacious cabin with durable features such as leather and vinyl seats, the center consoles are easy to operate, and a standard infotainment system. The interior features were famously durable.
The C3 Engine and the Gearbox
The Chevrolet Corvette C3 L82 has a naturally aspirated eight cylinders in V longitudinal front engine providing a maximum torque of 366 Nm available from 3600 rpm and a maximum power output of 228 PS available at 5200 rpm transmitted to the 15 inch rear wheels by a manual 4-speed gearbox. A variety of transmissions were offered during third-generation Corvette production, including 3-speed and 4-speed manual transmission as well as 3-speed and 4-speed automatic transmission. By the final year of the C3 production, only 4-speed automatic transmission was available.
Electrical
The C3 Corvette is one of the cars that had little or no-fault when it comes to its electrical component. The car’s performance can be traced to the Chevrolet master class in car production. This can not be said for the used versions of the C3 as any potential buyer of the used or restored version must check to be sure that all wiring has been run neatly through the car and also properly earthed.
Power Steering
Going with the big block engine model, to enjoy the car’s performance the power steering has a big role to play. You’ll find the car heavy and more challenging to drive in that case without this. Power steering was an optional extra though became standard with and power brake on every 1976 Corvette halfway through the model year.
Suspension
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Seeing its performance with the C2, the independent rear suspension system was carried over from the C2 Corvette to the C3. All thanks to the Chevy team of engineers for this feature.
Corvette C3 worth
The value of the Corvette C3 varies depending on whether you are looking at a classic corvette like the L88, a collector edition C3, or just a daily driver. You may buy a fair condition 1982 C3 corvette coupe for $8000; however, a Concours condition 1968 Convertible L88 will fetch over $500,000.
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