C3: The Third Generation

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=100 BGCOLOR="#CCCCFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="04d00640egdysm.jpg"> <div> <B>Buckeye Corvettes Inc. - Canton, Ohio</B></div> <div> H<A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Buckeye Corvettes Inc. Canton, Ohio"><U>ome</U></A><B>  |  </B><A HREF="id89.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="C1: The First Generation"><U>C1: The First Generation</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id90.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="C2: The Second Generation"><U>C2: The Second Generation</U></A>   |   <B>C3: The Third Generation</B>   |   <A HREF="id92.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="C4: The Fourth Generation"><U>C4: The Fourth Generation</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id93.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="C5: The Fifth Generation"><U>C5: The Fifth Generation</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id87.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="C6: The Sixth Generation"><U>C6: The Sixth Generation</U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=200 BGCOLOR="#0000BF" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <div> <B><IMG SRC="1baa79f0.jpg" border=0 width="167" height="159" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </td> <td valign="top" height=380 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <I>C3: The Third Generation</I></div> <bR> <div> In <I><B>1968</B></I> Corvette was totally different in appearance from any other Corvette. This models where resemblance of the "Mako Shark II" concept vehicle. The Corvette changed a lot in different ways. First it's the totally new bold and aerodynamic body. This basic body design would continued for the next 15 years. It also features hidden windshield wipers, removable T-Tops. There was an option for the luggage rack on Coupé models. The <I><B>1970</B></I> were a time of great change for Corvette. First there came the oil embargo and increasing government regulations about the fuel. These two major outside forces were having a lot of impact on Corvette performance. The original high-performance LT1 engine, a 350-cu.-in. "Small Block," was introduced in <I><B>1970</B></I>. It generated 370 horsepower. That year, the "Big Block" displacement was increased to 454 cu. in., and was rated at 390 horsepower in the LS5 version. In <I><B>1971</B></I>, a special purpose "Big Block" V8 was available that produced 425 horsepower. But 1971 was the last year for "gross" horsepower ratings. The industry changed to a "net" rating system that accounted for the exhaust system, vehicle accessories and other components. It provided a truer measure of an engine's performance and is still used today. In <I><B>1973</B></I>Chevrolet introduced the "soft nose". In <I><B>1974</B></I>the front and back chrome bumpers were removed. And this was the last year that the Corvette had a Big Block motor. <I><B>1975</B></I> was the last year that Corvette produced a convertible. In <I><B>1977</B></I>, Corvette produced over 1/2 million Corvettes. When the 500,000th car rolled off the assembly line, Leather seats were standard for the first time. From this type there were build 49,213 units. In <I><B>1978</B></I> Corvette celebrated its 25th anniversary and. For this event the Corvette was selected to be the official Pace Car of the Indianapolis 500. Two special models were produced for public sale a Pace Car edition and a special Silver Anniversary paint package. The Pace Car had a standard interior the normal Corvettes not. The "round" back window was introduced. In <I><B>1979</B></I>, Corvette production hit 53,807 units -- a record that still stands today. This year the interior of the Pace Car from last year became a standard interior for all models. In <I><B>1980</B></I> the Vette got a new styled hood, back and nose. In <I><B>1981</B></I> Chevrolet produced a "lighter" version of the Corvette especially for California. This was because of the tight emission rules. This was also the first year that there was a computer management on the Vette. <I><B>1982</B></I> Chevy introduced a new cross fire engine. The new injection system was standard on all models. There was only one motor that Chevy build in the Vette. To celebrate the end of the "shark generation" (the 3rd generation) the produced a collectors edition with specials colors and a tail window that you can open. There were no <I><B>1983</B></I> Corvettes produced for public sale. True to form John Crowder's 1972 Convertible is the cleanest and meanest Stringray in the Mid South.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Keep Checking Back: Pictures and Technical Information Coming Soon</B></div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>