Corvette C3 Charts 1968–1982

Corvette C3 Production Numbers 1968–1982

The third-generation Corvette (C3) was produced from model year 1968 through 1982 — a 15-year run that saw dramatic shifts in sales, design, and performance due to oil crises, emissions regulations, and changing consumer preferences. Below is a verified breakdown of production by year and body style, sourced directly from GM Heritage Center records and Chevrolet’s official historical data.

First Generation C3 (1968–1972)

The early chrome-bumper years were heavily affected by the 1969 UAW strike at St. Louis, which extended 1969 production and shortened the 1970 model year — making 1970 the lowest-production C3 year ever.

Second Generation C3 (1973–1977)

The rubber-bumper era faced the 1973 oil crisis and increasingly strict emissions standards, yet production climbed steadily, peaking in 1977 — the best-selling C3 year of all time.

Third Generation C3 (1978–1982)

The fastback redesign and anniversary editions boosted sales, with 1979 setting the all-time C3 record at 53,807 cars. Production ended mid-1982 to transition to the C4.

The Corvette C3 Convertible (1968–1975)

The C3 convertible debuted in 1968 and remained in production only until 1975. Convertibles represented 65 % of sales in 1968 but dropped to just 12 % by 1975 due to safety concerns and shifting buyer preferences. Chevrolet discontinued the convertible after 1975; the next open-top Corvette wouldn’t appear until the C4 in 1986.

Transmissions

Transmission choices evolved dramatically over the C3’s lifespan — from close-ratio M22 “Rock Crusher” 4-speeds to the first use of the 700-R4 overdrive automatic in 1982. Detailed specifications and code breakdowns are available in the dedicated article: Corvette C3 Transmissions 1968–1982.

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