I’ve been looking through some of my photographs from 2023 and inside the file for Pistons and Props at Sywell, I found one which I think, shows off the Corvette C3 in all its curvy glory. Designed by Larry Shinoda who was directed by Billy Mitchell, they’re not a car I’ve previously been conscious of in terms of design and looks, but as it was a model of car that stayed in production for a period of 15 years from 1967 to 1982, it probably deserves a little more respect.

Various versions of the model appeared in TV series’ The Magician (1975) being one. A number have also been raced such as this one at Le Mans 1971.

The car went through some changes during its production run but the basic shape remained unchanged. Design cues such as the recessed rear lights and the pointy front end, developed from the even pointier Mako II project, remained throughout its life. Then there’s the curvature of wings (fenders in American parlance) that appear to be moulded around the wheels giving the car a characteristic narrow and low waist.

It was produced with a soft top or a split targa or “T bar” top, apparently the first on a production model, initially produced with a 5.4l V8 engine the capacity was increased to 5.7l for 1969. Visually the first major change was the vertical rear window, which from 1978 became a glazed fastback. 

A quick look at Parking Cars indicates quite strong values for these cars with the early “chrome front bumper” versions sitting at around £50 to £60k whereas the later (all plastic front) cars sitting between £12 and £24k. The later cars were also de tuned to cope with emissions laws and lesser quality petrol which may go some way to explaining the differences in price.

So, as a latecomer to the car, I have little first hand experience of them. I understand getting in and out can present problems, but since I have an XJS I doubt I’d find one of these any different. My preference is the later, plastic front – curved rear window version since it looks just right to my eyes. 

Feel free to comment on this article because I would be very interested to read your thoughts.

For those who would like to know more Car and Driver provides a good potted history of these vehicles.