1968 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Photos, engines & full specs

Chevrolet kept the second generation of the Corvette for just five years before replacing it with the third generation, which lasted until 1982, surviving the entire Malaise Era.

The muscle car era was at its peak when the automaker introduced the third generation of the Corvette. But while those coupes focused mainly on straight-line acceleration performance, the C3 was a lightweight sports car that could handle better thanks to its independent suspension in all corners, low center of gravity, and better weight distribution. In addition, the C3 was already seen as an American alternative to European sports cars thanks to its high performance per buck value. The design was carried over from the Mako Shark II concept penned by Larry Shinoda under Bill Mitchel’s direction, but the chassis was inherited from the Corvette C2. But there was nothing wrong with that since Zora Arkus-Duntov developed it with racing in mind and with clever solutions such as the transaxle system and independent suspension in all corners.

Chevrolet liked the idea of the pop-up headlights and used the same system on the C3, albeit with a hydraulic system instead of the electrical one used on the C2. A chromed metallic bumper adorned the front fascia, and a broad grille underneath it ensured the engine’s cooling. Lower, below the apron, the automaker added a slim lip spoiler.

From its profile, the front fenders sported functional exhaust vents on the sides, and their upper sections formed an arched line above the wheels. The door panels looked like they had no door handles since these were concealed on their upper side, next to the window, and could be activated by pushing them down. It was a clever idea. Like many other cars from that era, the C3 sported coke-bottle-styled rear quarter panels. Unlike the C2, the C3 had sloped shoulder lines behind the cabin, but the rear window was vertical, right behind the seats. Finally, at the back, the 1968 Corvette had the same twin taillights design.

Inside, the automaker installed a dashboard that lost the twin-cowl design concept from its predecessor and featured a tall panel with a sloped front face. Fronting the driver were two large dials for the speedometer and tachometer, while on the center stack, Chevrolet placed four additional gauges and a clock. Lower, the automaker installed the radio. In front of the side passenger was a storage area with pockets. Between the bucket seats, the Corvette featured a center console that housed the controls for the heater, the gear stick, and the handbrake. As an option, the C3 was also available with air conditioning.

Under the hood, the Corvette Stingray (this time one word) was available with a choice of V8 engines ranging from 300 hp (304 PS) to the 390 hp (395 PS) offered by the LS5 454 powerplant. Later, due to changes in power ratings and increased emission restrictions, the advertised power dropped significantly below 200 hp (203 PS). Unlike the C2, the C3 was available with three- or four-speed manuals and three-speed automatic gearboxes. To stop the sports car, GM installed disc brakes in all corners.