Third-generation Corvette (C3 "Stingray", 1968–1982)
1968–1982
The third-generation Corvette (1968–1982) wore the curvaceous 'Coke-bottle' shark body and is the longest-running Corvette generation. It opened with big-block muscle — including the rare 1970–1972 ZR1 option and the LT-1 small-block — before tightening emissions and insurance rules steadily detuned it through the 1970s. Its fifteen-year run makes it the Corvette many enthusiasts picture first.
Photo: “1969 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible” by Mustang Joe / Wikimedia Commons — CC0 1.0. Cropped to 16:9.
1968–1982
Overview
The third-generation Corvette (1968–1982) wore the curvaceous 'Coke-bottle' shark body and is the longest-running Corvette generation. It opened with big-block muscle — including the rare 1970–1972 ZR1 option and the LT-1 small-block — before tightening emissions and insurance rules steadily detuned it through the 1970s. Its fifteen-year run makes it the Corvette many enthusiasts picture first.
Milestones
Highlights
- The longest-running Corvette generation (fifteen model years).
- Big-block muscle early; the rare ZR1 option ran 1970–1972 (only 53 built).
- Steadily detuned through the 1970s emissions era.
Model years in this generation
Browse scale models for this generation. Check each listing for its actual year, trim and scale.