Is the Corvette C3 Always a Stingray?

To be clear, Stingray is just an additional name that was used for the entire car series and does not define any features or customization package. It does not refer to a specific performance level, engine option, or special edition, it is simply a marketing name that emphasized the car's sporty and aggressive character.

The history of the Stingray name in Corvettes dates back to the 1963 model year, when the all-new second-generation (C2) Corvette was officially introduced as the "Sting Ray" (two words). This distinctive name appeared on the car's emblems and was prominently featured in Chevrolet's marketing materials throughout the entire C2 production run from 1963 to 1967. The Stingray name for Corvettes traces its origins to the 1959 Stingray Racer concept car. This groundbreaking prototype had a major influence on the styling and overall direction of the second-generation (C2) Corvettes. Bill Mitchell's GM design team created one of automotive history's most iconic names from that concept, combining the shape and speed of a sea creature.

When the third-generation (C3) Corvette debuted in 1968, the physical Sting Ray emblems were omitted from the redesigned body. However, Chevrolet continued to refer to the car as the Sting Ray in official sales brochures and promotional literature that year, maintaining continuity with the beloved name during the transition to the new generation. You can explore the brochure in more detail here: 1968 Chevrolet Corvette Sales Brochure (PDF).

In 1969, the emblem made a triumphant return to the Corvette lineup, now styled as "Stingray" (one word) on the front fenders. This updated badge remained a defining feature through the 1976 model year. After 1976, the Stingray name vanished from both the car and Chevrolet's official marketing materials for nearly four decades. It was joyfully revived with the seventh-generation (C7) Corvette, introduced as the 2014 model year Stingray, marking its first appearance since the classic C3 era.

So, from Chevrolet's advertising perspective, the 1968 model still carried the additional name Sting Ray, even though the physical emblems were no longer present on the car itself. From 1969 through 1976, Corvettes were consistently referred to as Stingrays in both official advertisements and on the car emblems. Many owners of 1977 to 1982 models continue to lovingly refer to theirs as Stingrays, despite the name not being officially used during those years. Of course, everyone is free to decide what to call their own car. :)

I own a 1976 Corvette, which was the final year the Stingray name and badge were used officially. I have always called it my Stingray, and driving it never gets old. That emblem on the fenders still makes me smile every time I see it.

The C3 generation of Corvette is also commonly known as the Shark or Shark-body due to its aggressive, flowing lines. This nickname originates directly from the Mako Shark II concept car, which heavily influenced the overall design of the third-generation Corvettes produced from 1968 to 1982. Models from 1968 to 1972 are often referred to as chrome bumper Corvettes, as they were the last to feature genuine chrome bumpers at both the front and rear. In 1973, federal safety regulations required a more energy-absorbing front bumper, leading Chevrolet to switch to a body-colored urethane cover. The following year, 1974, the rear bumper followed suit and was also replaced with a matching urethane design, marking the full transition to the rubber bumper era.

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