Select a chart:
Production Numbers
During its production run, the Corvette C3 experienced both highs and lows in terms of sales and production figures. Let's take a closer look at the numbers.
"The first generation" of the C3 Corvette was manufactured from 1968 to 1972. In its debut year, Chevrolet produced a total of 28,566 units.
The exceptional numbers of the 1969 and 1970 models are explained by the strike in 1969 at the St. Lous assembly plant, due to which the production of the 1969 model was extended for four months so that the ordered cars could be manufactured. Because of this, the 1970 model year was correspondingly shorter and became the least produced Corvette C3 year model. Overall, "the first generation" of the C3 Corvette saw a total production of 133,449 units.
- 1968: 28,566 units
- 1969: 38,762 units
- 1970: 17,316 units
- 1971: 21,801 units
- 1972: 27,004 units
"The second generation" (1973-1977) of the C3 Corvette faced several challenges due to the oil crisis and tightening emission regulations. Despite these obstacles, Chevrolet managed to produce a respectable number of cars. The production numbers for this period were as follows:
- 1973: 30,464 units
- 1974: 37,502 units
- 1975: 38,645 units
- 1976: 46,558 units
- 1977: 49,213 units
The total production of "the second-generation" C3 Corvette was 202,382 units.
"The third generation" of the Corvette, produced from 1978 to 1982, saw varying production numbers reflecting market conditions and demand. 1979 stood out as a record year, with Chevrolet manufacturing an impressive 53,807 Corvettes. However, in 1982, production came to a temporary halt due to several factors, including an upcoming redesign and a shift in manufacturing processes. The production figures for this period were as follows:
- 1978: 46,776 units
- 1979: 53,807 units
- 1980: 40,614 units
- 1981: 40,606 units
- 1982: 25,407 units
The total production of "the third-generation" C3 Corvette was 207,210 units.
Corvette C3 convertible
The Corvette C3 convertible was introduced alongside the coupe variant in 1968, capturing the attention of sports car enthusiasts who craved the thrill of open-top motoring. Its sleek lines, muscular fenders, and retractable soft top made it a true head-turner on the road. The C3 convertible perfectly embodied the spirit of freedom and adventure, offering drivers an exhilarating and immersive driving experience. The total production of the C3 Convertible was 70,285 units.
The demand for convertibles experienced a significant decline during the period from 1968 to 1975. In 1968, convertibles accounted for 65% of Corvette sales, but by 1975, their popularity had decreased to only 12%. During this time, there were concerns that the government might impose a ban on convertibles due to safety reasons. However, this anticipated prohibition never came to fruition.
As a result of the diminishing demand and the potential regulatory risks, Chevrolet made the decision to halt production of Corvette convertibles. This marked the end of the convertible variant for the Corvette, and it would be over a decade before a new convertible Corvette would be reintroduced. The next generation of Corvette convertibles finally made their debut in 1986.
Transmissions
The transmission options available for the Chevrolet Corvette C3 played a crucial role in enhancing the driving experience and further solidifying its legendary status. From the precise control and engaging nature of the manual transmissions to the effortless cruising and convenience of the automatics, the C3 offered a transmission to suit every driving style. To learn more about transmissions, you can gather additional information by reading an article specifically about Corvette C3 transmissions.
