The concept of a mid-engined Corvette was abandoned due to budgetary constraints and the absence of suitable mid or rear-engine parts compatibility. Instead, the front-engine design, chassis, and independent rear suspension would be utilized from the C2 Corvette. The C3 generation Corvette enjoyed a long production run of 15 years from to with over half a million vehicles made. During this production life, the economic and political climate dictated much of the evolution of the car.
The most potent models were the Corvette C3 built and released before , featuring big engines that produced large horsepower. Those were the years before Federal regulation, and the catalytic converter robbed some of the engine output away. As we mentioned above, the C3 Corvette came with a long production history and many diverse model variants made. Before shopping around, determine from the onset what type of C3 Corvette and model year you would like to own.
Corvette fans adore rare variants like the L88 only produced and ZL1 Corvette. These unique variants may not be your style, as a daily driver may be what you are seeking. Are you after a daily driver, project car, or Concours vehicle? The Corvette C3 has been around now for decades and some vehicles will show their age. Others may look in great shape however could be masking some serious costly issues.
These issues may not be obvious from a quick exterior inspection which is why we encourage prospective buyers to look over the vehicles thoroughly before making a purchase. Yes, this may be true about the body, however, the C3 Stingray frame is prone to rust. Corrosion in the chassis and birdcage the entire metal frame that surrounds the passenger cabin are labor-intensive to fix, with the entire car needing to be pulled apart in some instances to repair. You can check the condition of the birdcage underneath the door sill plates and pull the windshield pillar trim off from the inside.
Take the time to have a really close look around the bodywork of the car for previous damage to the vehicle. Clues to look for are uneven gaps in the body panels, mismatched paint, bumpers that are misaligned, and doors that are challenging to close. Production volumes grew quickly in the second year with coupe volume overtaking convertibles with 22, units made while convertibles were 16, In Chevy stopped making the convertibles and was coupe only.
Volumes were over 45, units in through when they peaked at 53, units. C3 production volumes fell from there, down to 40, units in and 40, in The final year of production unsurprisingly saw volumes fall to 25, C3 Corvettes as buyers waited for the new C4 Corvette to be launched. Corvettes For Sale. Submit News. Reading C3 Corvette Production Figures. Share Tweet.
C3 Corvette Production Figures. The ZR2 package was no longer offered because the LS6 was discontinued.
The base ZQ-3 engine only produced horsepower while the LT-1 was downgraded to horsepower, and the LS5 produced horsepower. The three-speed manual transmission was also dropped in favor of a standard four-speed manual for the model year.
The C3 came with some significant changes. It would be the 20th anniversary of the Corvette and mid-cycle refresh was in order. Though the front-end design had not changed, the iconic pointy chrome nose and grille were replaced by safer urethane bumpers. The egg-crate fender vents were replaced with a single vent cutout. The vacuum-operated windshield wiper panel was gone and the hood was extended to obscure the wipers. The removable rear window was now fixed in place.
Rear bumpers were angled downward as opposed to the upward-pointing trunk lid which had always housed the round iconic Corvette taillights. Fender flairs extended out to give the profile a more aggressive look. An upgraded radiator, automatic transmission, and power steering pump were all fitted for models.
Radial tires, steel door beams, lap and shoulder belts, and safety bumpers were equipped to meet increasing federal safety standards. Cabin noise deadening was added to provide better comfort while traveling, a move that further solidified its place as a developing grand tourer rather than a hard-core sports car with muscle. The base small-block L46 V8 engine coughed out horsepower. The L82 small-block managed slightly better with horsepower while the lone big-block option, the LS4, pumped out horsepower.
The Corvette still offered an increasingly luxurious driving experience with a good amount of comparable performance. Despite itself and its struggles, sales numbers were stronger than ever.
It was the first Corvette to have a catalytic converter fitted to the car, the first year a true dual exhaust setup was not equipped, and the first year a big-block engine option was not offered. Even though the C3 would be a decade old after the model year and major regulatory changes had all but neutered the iconic sports car, saw over , units sold, with seeing the ,th Corvette roll off the assembly line.
Only two engine choices were available: the ZQ3 cubic inch small-block which produced horsepower and the L82 small-block which produced horsepower. The base engine produced horsepower and the L82 was bumped to horsepower.
A new ignition system, a fuel tank emission control system, and a light-on warning system marked new changes for For , the cowl induction hood was eliminated, steel floor panels were added, aluminum wheels were added, two rear bumper assemblies were available with different Corvette lettering, power steering, power brakes, and a new steering wheel was offered.
The Stingray badge was removed from the Corvette in and replaced with the current racing flag emblem present on Corvettes today.
The radio, climate controls, and dashboard gauges were all restyled to add functionality and simplicity with leather seating becoming standard. The economy was recovering, the oil crisis was over, and the Corvette was returning record high sales numbers. David McLellan had not fully gotten involved with the continuing evolution of the C3 Corvette, but subtle changes continued marching the Corvette forward into and As such the Silver Anniversary Edition was offered to buyers but was little more than a special silver over gray paint scheme with a pinstripe, special anniversary badging, sport mirrors, and aluminum wheels.
An Indy Pace Car version of the Corvette was also created as part of the celebration and featured the opposite black over silver paint scheme from the Silver Anniversary Edition. Front and rear spoilers, special interior colors, and revised leather seating were part of the Corvette Pace Car. Regular Corvettes were offered with both anniversary package options with replica paint schemes and features.
A new instrument gauge cluster, glass T-top panels, wider tires, and a revised anti-theft system were also equipped. The base small-block L48 produced horsepower, and the L82 produced , which could be exclusively paired with a close-ratio four-speed manual or an upgraded Hydra-Matic three-speed automatic transmission. Critics praised the and Corvettes for their revised styling and good performance for the day, while the special editions were a big hit among consumers.
Because of this, the last piece of the C3 Corvette puzzle was put in place by the final C3 Collector Edition before the next-generation C4 Corvette would start the next chapter.
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