Chevrolet Corvette C3 Targa

The C3, later called the «Coke-Bottle Corvette» because of its shape, was introduced in 1967 and was a completely new design inside and out. Some parts of the chassis and the wheelbase were taken over from the C2, whereby the 2-speed Powerglide transmission was replaced by the 3-speed automatic transmission called «Turbo Hydra-Matic». From then on, the hidden headlights were opened and closed by vacuum and no longer electrically. The coupes were equipped with a removable roof, known as a T-top, and a removable rear window. The first C3 model year was powered by a 327 V8, which sent an impressive 300 hp to the rear axle.

One year later, the engine capacity was increased to 350 ci and various minor improvements were made. For example, there was now a steering wheel lock, 8-inch rims and a wax system for the headlights.

In 1970, the design was tweaked a little. The C3 suffered from stone chips that damaged the curved fenders. To counteract this, side skirts were integrated into the body from then on. The side air vents were now arranged horizontally and the tailpipes of the exhaust system were designed to be square instead of round. The interior has also been refreshed. Thanks to new seats, even tall sports car drivers had room and there was optional deluxe equipment with leather seats, wooden inserts in the center console and on the doors and a special carpet.

In the engine range, the popular 454 big block with 460 hp and the 350 LT1 with 370 hp were included in the sales brochure from 1970.

There were hardly any changes to the vehicle in the following year. The engines lost some power and the parking lights were now yellow and no longer clear. The engines' loss of power was due to the plan to feed them with less octane-rich gasoline in the future and to equip the exhaust systems with catalytic converters.

The 72 model also came onto the market with inconspicuous changes. It was the last year with the chrome bumper, the large front grille, the fender air vents and the removable rear window.

In 1973, the front had to be redesigned to meet the 5 mph standard. The car should be able to roll into an obstacle at 5 mph without sustaining any damage. The hood was an eye-catching innovation and the now built-in cold air intake was also functional. The interior was elaborately insulated and the doors were fitted with an extra steel tube to provide additional protection for the occupants. The Corvette was now delivered with belted tires. Like the front bumper, the rear bumper was also produced and painted in body color.

One year later, the big block was removed from the range and from 1975 onwards only Corvettes with catalytic converters were available. Cooling at low speeds and the seat belts were optimized.

The last Corvette C3 Convertible was built in July 1975. In addition to the standard catalytic converters, the «High Energy Ignition» and an electronic speedometer were now also installed. The 205 hp 350 L82 was the only engine on offer that year apart from the standard 350 with 165 hp.

In 1976, the air intake for the carburettor was optimized and moved to the front. The interior now proudly featured a new sports steering wheel. From 1977, leather seats were part of the standard equipment and seats with integrated headrests followed in 1979. The engines, standard L48 and optional L82, received a 5 hp boost thanks to the modified exhaust system.

The 1980 model was significantly lighter and noticeably more agile than its predecessors thanks to a lighter roof, less material thickness on the hood and doors, a new diff housing and aluminum cross members. Spoilers were integrated at the front and rear and the intake of the optionally available L82 engine also became standard equipment for the L48.

The «81 model year was the last to be fitted with a manual gearbox until the late »84 production months. The "Computer Command Control" system for automatic adjustment of the ignition timing and fuel injection was standard equipment on every Corvette from 1981 onwards. The anti-theft device was additionally equipped with an ignition interruption in 1981 and all valve covers were made of magnesium to reduce weight. Various changes to the interior and the introduction of an electrically adjustable seat, which was initially reserved for the driver, rounded off the model upgrade.