Author: David Harned

Pricing: $27,999.00 (Coupe), $33,172.00 (Convertible)

Engine options: 350CI 240 Horsepower, Tuned-Port Fuel Injected L98 V8 Engine.

Transmission: 4-speed automatic (standard), 4+3 speed manual (optional)

Top speed: 150mph

Units Produced: 30,632

Available Colors: Silver Metallic, Medium Grey Metallic, Medium Blue Metallic, Yellow, White, Black, Gold Metallic, Silver Beige Metallic, Copper Metallic, Medium Brown Metallic, Dark Red Metallic, Bright Red, Silver/Grey, Grey/Black, White/Silver, Silver Beige/Medium Brown

Highlights of the year:

In an ongoing effort to reduce engine friction with the intent of improving both engine performance and fuel economy, Chevrolet added rollers to the hydraulic lifters.  In doing so, the engine performance of the 1987 Corvette was increased by ten horsepower, taking the engine’s overall horsepower rating to 240hp.  The engine torque was also improved by 15lbs/ft., bringing it to a total of 345.  In addition to the rollers, they also added rocker-arm covers with raised rails to help prevent oil leaks. 

Designated with option code Z52 and priced at $470.00, this “sports handling package” option was essentially a softer version of the Z51 package, with the wider 9.5 inch wheels, plus a solid and thicker front anti-roll bar, new gas-charged shocks, quick-ratio steering, and all but one of the chassis stiffeners originally developed for the convertible.

A low-tire pressure indicator made a brief appearance in late 1986 (for the 87 model year).  New for 1987 was an aftermarket option that was offered to consumers when ordering their Corvettes from the factory.  Although it was not a factory option, speed-thirsty consumers could order a Callaway Twin-Turbo Engine package through participating dealerships.

Under the designation RPO B2K, the twin turbo option was rated at 345 bhp and 465 lbs/ft of torque.  When installed, it allowed the Corvette to reach a top speed of 177.9 miles per hour with 60 overdrive gearing.  Unfortunately for most consumers, the Twin-Turbo Engine package included a steep price tag of an additional $19,995 (over the base price of the Corvette), putting it well out of reach for many Corvette consumers.  

Equipped with a manual transmission and the newly improved 240 horsepower version of the L98 engine, the 1987 Corvette Convertible accelerated from 0-60 in just 6.3 seconds and ran a respectable 15.11 seconds in the quarter mile, reaching a speed of 93.8 miles per hour.

For the 1987 model year, Corvette sales did continue to decline, although overall sales were still respectable with a total sales yield of 30,632 cars total, of which the Corvette convertible accounted for 10,625 units, which was actually an increase of 3,400 convertible sales over the 1986 model year. Additionally, a total of 184 Callaway twin-turbo models were also sold that year.

Photos of the 1987 Corvette:

  

Sources:

https://www.corvsport.com/1987-c4-corvette/
https://www.corvsport.com/1987-c4-corvette-image-gallery/

Pricing: $27,027.00 (Coupe), $32,032.00 (Convertible)

Engine options: 350CI, 230/235 Horsepower, Tuned-Port Fuel Injected L98 V8 Engine.

Transmission: 4-speed automatic (standard), 4+3 speed manual (optional)

Top speed: 150mph

Units Produced: 35,109

Available Colors: Silver Metallic, Medium Grey Metallic, Medium Blue Metallic, Yellow, White, Black, Gold Metallic, Silver Beige Metallic, Copper Metallic, Medium Brown Metallic, Dark Red Metallic, Bright Red, Silver/Grey, Grey/Black, White/Silver, Silver Beige/Medium Brown, Silver Beige/Black

Highlights of the year:

The arrival of the 1986 Corvette came with “VATS” or “Vehicle Anti-Theft System” in addition to the existing alarm system and as a result, Corvette theft dropped from 7% to less than 1% in 1986 and to near 0% by late 1987/early 1988.

Another advancement of the 1986 model year involved the introduction of the first anti-lock braking system to the Chevrolet Corvette.  Antilock brakes (or ABS), which utilized the latest ABS II setup from Bosch in Germany, prevented wheel lock-up in extreme braking conditions and reduced/eliminated skidding and subsequent loss of control of the car.  ABS was relatively new in 1986 and its usage was limited mainly to high-cost luxury cars.

The engines that were fitted with aluminum heads were rated at 235 horsepower, which was a 5 horsepower increase from 1985 and early 1986 models that were fitted with cast iron heads. Additionally, “low coolant” and “anti-lock” (in reference to the anti-lock brakes) instrument displays were also added.  Wheels were given raised hub emblems and a bright brushed finish which replaced the black centers of the 1984 and 1985 models.

But for all of this, the most significant change didn’t come as an optional component, but rather as an entirely optional model type – the Corvette Convertible.  Chevrolet engineers, aided in part by engineers from the “American Sunroof Company”, had stated that the C4 Corvette’s design had always been intended to support a convertible variant of the beloved coupe, and so they knew that transforming the car from coupe to convertible would be a straight forward process.

Interestingly, the arrival of the new Corvette Convertible in 1986 resulted in less than stellar sales. Probably due in large part to “sticker shock”, there were only 7,315 Corvette convertibles sold that year.  While there was certainly no question that Corvette engineers, workers, and fans alike welcomed back the nostalgia-filled convertible, its price proved to put the car just out of reach for most consumers looking to purchase a convertible sports car that year.

Instead, sales of the Z51 Corvette continued to lead the way, although this option was only made available in coupe form.  Even with its integral X-member reinforcement, the convertible chassis was still no match for the hearty, bone chattering Z51 performance package.

In all, 35,109 Corvettes were sold in 1986.  While this number was still considered to be very respectable, it was the second year in a row that overall Corvette sales numbers had slipped.  Despite these diminished numbers, there was no question that Corvette was continuing to move in the right direction.

Photos of the 1986 Corvette:

Sources:

https://www.corvsport.com/1986-c4-corvette/
https://www.corvsport.com/1986-c4-corvette-image-gallery/

 

Pricing: $24,403.00

Transmission: 4-speed automatic (standard), 4+3 speed manual (optional)

Engine options: 350CI, 230 Horsepower, Tuned-Port Fuel Injected L98 V8 Engine. 

Top speed: 150mph

Units produced: 39,729

Available colors:  Silver Metallic, Medium Grey Metallic, Light Blue Metallic, Medium Blue Metallic, White, Black, Gold Metallic, Light Bronze Metallic, Dark Bronze Metallic, Bright Red, Silver/Grey, Light Blue/Medium Blue, Light Bronze/Dark Bronze 

Highlights of the year:

When the C4 Corvette returned for a second year in 1985, it did so with some much-needed improvements. It had the Cross-Fire Injection System replaced with “Tuned Port Injection” fuel delivery which in turn aid in the car’s improved performance. This along with a half-point compression increase (9.5:1) improved the engine output by 25 horsepower, pushing the engine to a total of 230 Brake Horsepower (BHP) at 4,000 RPM.  Similarly, the engine’s torque was increased by 40lbs/ft, taking it to 330lbs/ft at 3,200 RPM (versus the former 290lbs/ft at 2,800 RPM found on the 1984 C4 model.

With regard to the Z51 package, other suspension changes were introduced as well.  This option now included larger fore and aft stabilizer bars which helped to offset total roll stiffness after GM introduced the softer suspension calibrations.  Further, the package included wider, 9.5 inches wide tires to be mounted in the front (as well as the rear) of the car.  Also included were Delco-Bilstein gas-pressurized shocks and a revised heavy-duty cooling system.  The Delco-Bilstein shocks were also offered as a separate option on the base level Corvette.

1985 Corvette was lowered ¾ of an inch to reduce the drag coefficient to 0.33. As GM, engineers set out to have Corvette achieve higher speeds, it was determined that the steering caster angle should be increased by one degree (to a total of four degrees) to produce better straight-line stability.  Similarly, the braking system was bolstered to produce greater braking power by the addition of a larger brake master cylinder and brake booster as well as different brake pad linings.

The interior received a minor facelift which included revised instrument graphics and optional leather upholstery for the more expensive Lear-Siegler Seats which further solidified the overall aesthetic quality of the car.

However, the cost of these improvements caused a sizable increase in the sell price of the 1985 Corvette.  The cost of the C4 (base price) jumped from $21,800 in 1984 to $24,403 just a year later.  As a result, the C4’s sales dropped dramatically, resulting in the lowest number of annual sales in more than ten years.  Despite the decline in sales, General Motors knew that they were moving in the right direction with this new design and continued to layout further design revisions which would help the Corvette gain greater success in the years to come.

Photos of the 1985 Corvette:

 

Sources:

https://www.corvsport.com/1985-c4-corvette/
https://www.corvsport.com/1985-c4-corvette-image-gallery/
https://www.ryanfriedmanmotorcars.com/1985-chevrolet-corvette-c-593.htm

The 1984 Corvette was unveiled to the public in March, 1983.  Although there had been rumors and silent rumblings of a new Corvette for several years prior to it’s unveiling, the arrival of the C4 Corvette was met with overwhelming enthusiasm from both the press and the public.  Although the car was a departure from its predecessor in both styling and form, it was still unmistakably a Corvette – although it was definitely a more technologically advanced Corvette than any that had come before it.

Pricing: $21,800.00

Engine options: 350CI, 205 Horsepower, Crossfire Fuel Injected V8 Engine

Transmission: 4-speed automatic (standard), 4+3 speed manual (optional)

Top speed: 140mph

Units Produced: 51,547

Available Colors: White, Bright Silver Metallic, Medium Grey Metallic, Black, Light Blue Metallic, Medium Blue Metallic, Yellow, Gold Metallic, Light Bronze Metallic, Dark Bronze Metallic, Bright Red, Silver/Medium Grey, Light Blue/Medium Blue, Light Bronze/Dark Bronze

Highlights of the year:

Conscious of maintaining the highest possible emissions standards, it was decided early on that, at least for the first model year, the C4’s primary focus would not be horsepower (as was the norm for generations of Corvettes before it) but handling.  Many increases to the overall drivability of the Corvette were made, and a special performance handling package – option Z51 – was introduced for the 1984 model year.

While sales began almost immediately after the arrival of the new Chevy Corvette, GM continued to make on-going changes to the car’s final layout and design.  These “running changes” were made even after sales began.

The most significant changes that were made to the 1984 Chevy Corvette from the earlier prototype models included an engine-oil cooler that was to be included as part of the standard equipment package.

Other changes to the design of the C4 also helped differentiate the new Corvette from all of its predecessors.  Prior to the 1984 model, all Corvettes had been built to include a front grill.  Since it’s inception in 1953, the Corvette front grill had served as a trademark that was synonymous with Corvette.  Of course, in the 30 years that followed, the design of the grill had grown smaller and smaller.  At the onset of the 1984 Corvette, it was removed completely.  Corvette engineers had developed an under-car ducting system that provided adequate airflow to properly cool the radiator. Replacing the grill was a pair of halogen fog/running lamps which were inspired by the Porsche 928 (and other European sports cars of that era).

Another item that disappeared completely from the C4 Corvette’s design was the existence of actual bumpers on the car. While the new Corvette actually did have bumpers integrated into its design, (which were rated to absorb impact speeds of up to 5 miles per hour), it was done in such a way that they were not differentiated from the rest of the car, giving the car a “bumper-less” appearance.

As commercial production of the C4 Corvette began, so did the criticism.  Because of the long lead/build time on the 1984 Corvette, General Motors had, perhaps mistakenly, provided many late ’83 model Corvettes to the automotive press for review.   Chevrolet engineers invited the automotive media to test the Corvette to the Riverside Parkway as early as December 1982.  These first, regular production Corvettes were being driven – and evaluated – by automobile reviewers all over the country.  Initial reviews praised the Corvette for its quick acceleration and drivability.  They focused on how well it cornered and handled road courses.  At the same time, there was significant criticism about how the car treated its occupants.  The ride was rough, especially in Corvettes equipped with the Z51 suspension package.  While the car was deemed a superior car for the track, it was generally judged as being too harsh-riding for daily driving.

Despite the lukewarm reviews that began to circulate about the first model year of the C4, the excitement of being able to purchase an all-new Corvette for the first time in 15 years made the 1984 Corvette a quick sellout.

Photos of the 1984 Corvette:

 

Sources:

https://www.corvsport.com/1984-c4-corvette/
https://www.corvsport.com/1984-c4-corvette-image-gallery/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/482659285037352678/

 

While most of the design specifics surrounding the new C4 Corvette model were still a carefully kept secret from the general public, it was known amongst automotive enthusiasts that a new model was coming and that it would be another front-engine design keeping in the tradition of Corvette since 1953.

Despite the certainty that the next-generation Corvette was close at hand, a decision was made by General Motors brass to continue production of the existing Corvette for one final year.

Chevrolet executives knew that testing out new manufacturing machinery and developing standardized assembly procedures made more sense when working on a familiar design, rather than trying to develop all of these production standards while simultaneously attempting to manufacture an all-new vehicle.  Hence, the 1982 Corvette would, for one last model year, continue to be a third-generation model.

Pricing: $21,800.00 (Base Coupe)

Engine options: 350ci, 200HP Engine (standard)

Transmission: 4-speed automatic transmission

Units Produced: 25,407

Available Colors: White, Silver, Black, Silver Blue, Dark Blue, Bright Blue, Charcoal, Silver Green, Gold, Silver Beige, Red, Dark Claret, White/Silver, Silver/Charcoal, Silver/Dark Claret, Silver Blue/Dark Blue

Highlights of the year:

Chevrolet recognized that it did not make sense to release a new drivetrain at the same time as a new overall design, so it was decided that the 1982 C3 Corvette would be fitted with the revised engine and transmission developed for the new C4.

Although Corvette fans would actually end up waiting nearly 18 months before they’d finally be able to see the re-designed fourth-generation Corvette, they were able to see the future Corvette’s engine and drivetrain immediately.

The new engine was essentially the time-proven 350 cubic-inch V-8 that had powered Corvettes since the mid-1950’s, though it now came equipped with a newly developed twin throttle-body fuel-injection system instead of a carburetor.

The result of this change was the introduction of the first production Corvette “fuelie” since 1965.  However, this wasn’t fuel injection of the type that had been available like that found from 1957 thru 1965.  Instead, it featured an injector unit within a carburetor-like throttle body for each cylinder bank (a total of two injectors), while a crossover intake manifold fed the air/fuel mixture to the bank on its opposite side.  This process sped up mixture velocity for more complete combustion, which resulted in greater thermal efficiency and power, plus the added benefit of reduced emissions.

Improved Computer Command Control (CCC) electronics, a technology that first appeared along with the lG4 California V-8 engine in 1980, governed the duration of injector opening in response to signals from various engine-mounted sensors.

The new CCC was capable of making eighty adjustments per second (compared to just ten adjustments per second on earlier versions of the system).  The fuel delivery system was given the name “Cross Fire Injection.” The “Cross Fire” 350 was given the engine designation L83, and was rated at a respectable 200 bhp at 4,800 rpm, which was a 10 horsepower increase over the 1981 Corvette’s L81 engine.

Similarly, only a single transmission option was offered in 1982.  While a manual gearbox had been available in every Corvette built since 1955, the 1982 Corvette was only offered with a standard four-speed automatic transmission.

Other mechanical changes to the 1982 Corvette included the addition of an in-tank electric fuel pump as well as a new fuel metering system which included a positive fuel cutoff to prevent engine run-on (dieseling.)

To celebrate the departure of the third-generation Corvette, Chevrolet decided to offer a final commemorative “Collectors Edition” model.  However, recalling their experience with the 1978 Pace Car Replicas – namely, the number of bogus Pace Cars that were created by consumers who converted base level coupes into Pace Car “clones” – it was decided that the 1982 Collector Edition Corvettes would be built only “as needed” to satisfy customer orders.  Additionally, unique vehicle identification plates were affixed to help further deter someone from turning a standard car into a Collectors Edition knock-off.

Due in large part to the Cross-Fire Fuel Injection system and the improved horsepower output of the 350 cubic-inch engine, the final C3 small-block Chevy engine showed definite performance improvements.  This occurred despite its performance limitations as the result of Corvette not offering a manual transmission in 1982.  Road & Track magazine timed the ’82 Corvette’s quarter-mile time at 16.1 seconds, running at a speed of 84.5 miles per hour and accelerating from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 7.9 seconds.

Throughout its fifteen-year production run, the third-generation C3 Corvette was able to solidify itself as a true survivor.  Throughout the sixties and seventies, the Corvette had been plagued with a number of challenging events  – including oil embargoes and increasing emissions standards – yet the car persevered.  While the “Shark” model of Corvette underwent a number of mechanical, and cosmetic changes, it never lost sight of the car’s essential mission and character.

Photos of the 1982 Corvette:

  

Pricing: $16,258.52

Engine: 350ci, 190HP Engine (standard)

Transmission: 4-speed manual transmission, 3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission

Units Produced: 40,606

Available Colors: Mahogany Metallic, White, Silver Metallic, Black, Bright Blue Metallic, Dark Blue Metallic, Silver Metallic, Dark Blue Metallic*, Charcoal Metallic, Beige, Yellow, Beige*, Dark Bronze, Red, Maroon Metallic, Autumn Red, Charcoal Metallic*, Dark Claret Metallic, Silver/Dark Blue, Silver/Charcoal, Beige/Dark Bronze, Autumn Red/Dark Claret.

Highlights of the year: 

The 1981 Corvette fell under the umbrella of the progressively rising CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards.  Because of this, Corvette production was again evaluated, though in this instance it was to determine what steps could be taken to improve the Corvette’s fuel compliance rating as well as help to improve GM’s compliance as a whole.

It was on this basis that the previous L48 & L82 350 cubic inch engines (offered with the 1980 Corvette) were retired in favor of a single, reworked engine which carried the designation L81. The L81 featured magnesium rocker covers and a stainless steel exhaust manifold.

The new, 350 cubic inch V-8 engine was rated at 190 brake horsepower at 4,000rpm and 280 lbs/ft peak torque at just 1,600rpm.  The engine featured an auxiliary electric cooling fan that worked in conjunction with a smaller, engine-driven cooling fan, which aided in the reduction of noise.

As a result, the 1981 model year was the first since Corvette’s earliest days to offer a single-engine option for all models – including Corvettes built for sale in California.

However, the most substantial improvement to the 1981 Corvette over earlier models was the introduction of Computer Command Control (CCC).  Though not unique only to the 1981 Corvette, Computer Command Control used electronics to integrate the emissions and fuel systems in order to reduce smog and fuel consumption.  Similarly, CCC was tied into the automatic transmission’s new lockup torque-converter clutch.  This provided a direct mechanical linkage between the flywheel and the prop shaft in second and third gears at steady-state speed, thus eliminating gas-eating frictional losses through the converter.

Cosmetically, the most notable changes to the car’s physical appearance occurred to its interior.  The dashboard in the 1981 Corvette received a more modern and user-friendly makeover, including the introduction of a standard quartz clock and electronic tuning for all factory radios.  A new six-way power driver’s seat was also introduced (one which finally reclined (a notable shortcoming of the seats in earlier third-generation Corvettes).

Outwardly, the car remained virtually identical as it had in 1980, with the exception of a new paint option – RPO D84 – that was offered exclusively for the 1981 Corvette.

The price of the 1981 Corvette had again increased from the previous model year to a base price of $16,258.52.  Despite a generally dismal sales year for the entire automotive industry, Corvette continued to do well with 40,606 units sold that year.

Photos of the 1984 Corvette:

       

 

Sources:

https://www.mecum.com/lots/LN1117-297350/1981-chevrolet-corvette-coupe/
https://www.corvsport.com/1981-c3-corvette/
https://www.corvsport.com/1981-c3-corvette-image-gallery/

 

The arrival of the 1980 Chevy Corvette came on the heels of another fuel crisis that had impacted the American automotive market – and, more generally, the national economy – as a whole.

Much like the fuel crisis of the early seventies, when the 1973 Arab Oil Embargo had cutoff petroleum exports to many parts of the world, a second energy crisis had emerged after the Shah of Iran was overthrown during a revolution that had occurred in that country – and the results were nearly the same.

The United States, in response to the 1973 OPEC embargo on petroleum, had enacted CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy). CAFE had aimed to improve the average fuel economy of cars and light trucks sold throughout the U.S.  Now, given the continued upheaval in the Middle East and the resulting increase to petroleum prices, new CAFE standards were being implemented. This meant the Corvette would have to be put on a “diet” if it was to continue being a viable production vehicle.

Pricing: $14,345.24 (Coupe)

Engine: 350ci, 190HP Engine (standard), 350ci, 230HP Engine, 305ci, 180HP Engine (California)

Transmission: 4-speed manual (standard), 3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic (optional)

Top speed: 85mph

Units Produced: 40,614

Available Colors: White, Silver, Black, Dark Blue, Dark Brown, Yellow, Dark Green, Frost Beige, Dark Claret, Red

Highlights of the year:

In response to the CAFE mandate, Chevrolet decided that the first-stage of trimming back the Corvette would mean the elimination of some 250 pounds from the current design.  Engineers considered every option to lighten the car’s structure while trying to maintain its structural integrity.

Externally, engineers trimmed weight by using lower density roof panels, and by reducing the material thickness of the hood and the outer door skins.

Exterior chrome was kept to a minimum, which meant the elimination of the crossed-flag emblems from the front fenders.  Lastly, greater use was made of plastics throughout the car on everything from interior trim components to sub-assemblies in seats, and so on.

In addition to weight reduction measures, engineers also focused on getting the Corvette to produce better overall gas mileage results.  The previously optional front and rear spoilers were reshaped and made an integral part of the bodywork.  Additionally, the front grilled was raked back slightly.  As a result of these changes, the coefficient of drag (Cd) fell from 0.503 to a more respectable 0.443.  While this number was still not optimal, it was a notable improvement nonetheless.

Mechanically, the 1980 Corvette suffered some because of increasingly stringent emissions regulations. The base L48 engine, which had been rated at 195 horsepower in 1979, lost five bhp as a result of emissions tuning – taking it back to 190HP at 4,400rpm and 280lbs/ft. of torque at 2,400rpm.  Worse was the impact that California emission standards had on the Corvette.

Outwardly, the Corvette received few design changes, save for the aforementioned front and rear spoilers, the raked-back grill, and the removal of the Corvette emblems from the side fenders.  However, the Corvette emblem itself was modified some and now featured a new, more elongated design.  Additionally, the hood featured a lower profile, and new cornering and taillights were introduced.

Inwardly, a number of other changes were implemented, many of which were the result of either Federal requirements or the need to make cosmetic changes as a result of functional improvement.  To start, the speedometers of all 1980 Corvettes now showed a maximum speed of just 85 miles per hour.  Although this change had started being phased into the Corvette in some of the late 1979 production models, it was now a federal requirement for all 1980 models – presumably in response to the newly imposed 55 miles-per-hour mandatory speed limit that had been put in place on interstates across the country.

Additionally, power windows, air conditioning and tilt/telescopic steering were made standard options, a new ribbed-pattern cloth interior was introduced,  a side-shield was added to the driver side sunvisor to reduce sun glare, and the power door lock buttons were relocated to increase operator convenience.

Chevrolet sold 40,614 Corvettes in 1980, which was roughly a 20 percent decline in sales from the 1979 model year

Press and public opinion of the 1980 Corvette remained divided.  For some, the car continued to impress with its more-than-respectable performance numbers.  The 1980 Corvette clocked 0-60mph times at between 7.1 and 7.7 seconds (when equipped with the L82.)

However, others criticized the measure that had been taken to lighten the Corvette, and the overall emphasis on fuel efficiency.

Perhaps the greatest criticism of the Corvette as a whole was the fact that the C3 production continued on, when clearly it was time for Chevrolet to introduce a new generation of Corvette, or perhaps abandon the program entirely.

However, given the sales numbers of the 1980 Corvette, there were few who believed that the Corvette would go anywhere – which reinforced the belief amongst enthusiasts and critics alike that a next-generation model was imminent.

Photos of the 1980 Corvette:

   

Sources:

https://www.corvsport.com/the-c3-corvette/
https://www.corvsport.com/1980-c3-corvette-image-gallery/

By the late 1970s, Corvette production was moving at a pace that had never been seen in the history of the car.

Little did anyone realize that, after the popularity of the 1978 Pace Car and Silver Anniversary Editions in 1978, Corvette was about to set another production record – manufacturing more than 50,000 Corvettes in one year – with the 1979 model year.  At the same time, Corvette was about to surpass another record – a base sales price of more than $10,000 – for the first time in the car’s history.

Pricing: $10,220.23 (Coupe)

Engine options: 350ci, 195HP Engine (standard), 350ci, 225HP Engine

Transmission: 4-speed manual (standard) 4-speed manual (close ratio) 3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic (optional)

Top speed: 127mph

Units Produced: 53,807

Available Colors: Classic White, Silver, Black, Corvette Light Blue, Corvette Yellow, Corvette Dark Green, Corvette Light Beige, Corvette Red, Corvette Dark Brown, Corvette Dark Blue

Highlights of the year:

While the fastback Corvette design introduced in 1978 carried over into the 1979 model year, there were a few, mostly subtle, refinements made to the car’s overall appearance.  For one, the “25th Anniversary” emblems were replaced by the more traditional “crossed flags” which had been a key identifier of the Chevy Corvette for more than a quarter-century.

Additionally, the chrome trim that wrapped the 1978 rear window, and the roof panels was replaced with black trim moldings.  Tungsten-halogen headlights were phased into 1979 production early in the model year for increased visibility.  The tungsten-halogen headlight beams replaced only the high-beam units.  Lastly, a couple of items in the 1978 Pace Car Package became options for the 1979 model year.

Mechanically, both the base L48 and optional L82 engines received a 5 horsepower increase due to a new “open flow” muffler design.  Additionally, the low restriction, dual-snorkel air intake that had been introduced on the L82 engine was added to the L48 engine, which gave the base engine an additional 5 horsepower boost, resulting in an overall output of 195hp for the L48 and 225hp for the optional L82 engines, respectively.

In total, Chevrolet manufactured 53,807 Corvettes in 1979, which set the record for the most Corvettes built in a single year of the car’s 26 year history. It was the height of the Corvette’s acceptance, which was ironic given that General Motors had once been convinced that the C3 model would never sell half as well.  Instead, the car’s popularity was stronger than ever, despite an increasing number of competitors vying for consumer attention.  It had proven to be indispensable as both a high-profit personal car as well as a showroom sweetheart.

Photos of the 1979 Corvette:

Sources:

https://www.corvsport.com/1979-c3-corvette/
https://www.corvsport.com/1979-c3-corvette-image-gallery/

The arrival of the 1978 Chevy Corvette would happen just a few months after the 500,000th model rolled off the St. Louis assembly line (see the “1977 Corvette Overview” for further detail).  As significant as that milestone had been as a benchmark of Corvette’s success, the 1978 model would mark a second milestone – Corvette’s Silver Anniversary.

Just as the Corvette had been America’s only true production sports car in 1953, the 1978 Corvette continued to carry that mantle 25 years later, and with similar distinction.

Pricing: $9,351.89 (Coupe), $13, 653.21 (Pace Car Replica)

Engine: 350ci, 185HP Engine (standard), 350ci, 220HP Engine

Transmission: 4-speed manual (standard), 4-speed manual (close ratio), 3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic (optional)

Top speed: 123 mph

Units Produced: 46,776

Available Colors: Classic White, Silver, Silver Anniversary, Black, Black/Silver, Corvette Light Blue, Corvette Yellow, Corvette Beige, Corvette Light Beige, Corvette Red, Corvette Mahogany, Corvette Dark Blue, Corvette Dark Brown

Highlights of the year:

To celebrate 25 years, executives within Chevrolet decided that something special had to be done to the current Corvette to commemorate the car’s silver anniversary.  The question that followed this decision was this: how could Chevrolet make a notable modification to the current model on a very limited budget?  The answer was simple: trim away the old “flying buttress” sail panels and substitute a large, compound curved rear window.  In so doing, Chevrolet engineers not only gave the aging third-generation Corvette a new look, but they also brought about the return of the Corvette fastback, which had been notably absent since 1967.

While a lot of discussion had centered around making the rear window a hinged, lift-up hatchback design, Dave McLellan, Chief Engineer of the Corvette, opted not to complicate the design for the 1978 model (though he would later introduce the option as part of the Collector Edition Hatchback model in 1982.)

Though not a hatchback, the addition of a curved window to the C3 not only improved the car’s overall appearance, it enhanced rearward visibility while also providing nearly three times the available luggage room of earlier models and greater ease of access.  A retracting cover was also added to the rear compartment to offer added security and protection from the sun

Additionally, the car received a special striping package.  Though inexpensive to manufacture, the striping package would be viewed by many consumers as a desirable package and, as such, GM would be able to mark up the package considerably.  Ultimately, the “25th Anniversary” paint scheme ended up being two-tone; silver over a gray lower body with a separating pinstripe

To further commemorate Corvette’s 25th anniversary, Chevrolet had negotiated with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to allow a modified Corvette to serve as the pace car for the 1978 running of the Indianapolis 500.

The car, much like the Silver Anniversary Edition, featured a special, two-tone paint scheme, although, for this model, the color choice was black over silver metallic with a bright red pinstripe between the two tones of paint.

Mechanically, the car remained very similar to the 1977 Corvette that had come before it.  A few changes were made, including a larger fuel tank, which now held 24 gallons of gas (versus the 17-gallon tank used on the previous year.)  To accommodate the larger fuel tank, Corvette introduced a smaller, lighter weight spare tire.

The arrival of the 1978 Corvette was met with a great deal of praise, especially for its more refined ride and appearance, both of which seemed to revitalize the car in the public eye.

In all, the 1978 Corvette saw the resurgence of a car brand that had begun to falter some throughout the previous decade. Between the Silver Anniversary and Pace Car Limited Edition Corvettes, and the overall look and feel of the 1978 model as a whole, there was no doubt that Corvette was moving in a better direction once more.

Photos of the 1978 Corvette:

Sources:

https://www.corvsport.com/1978-c3-corvette/

https://www.corvsport.com/1978-c3-corvette-image-gallery/

For Chevrolet, however, the 1977 model year marked a significant manufacturing milestone – the production of their 500,000th Corvette.  It had taken Chevrolet 15 years to build the first 250,000 Corvettes, but only an additional eight years to build 250,000 more.

While it was true that the Corvette’s performance had certainly dwindled – especially over the past couple of years, to a modest shadow of its big-block older brothers from the 1960s, there was no question that the car’s appeal had only grown with each passing year.

Pricing: $8,647.65 (Coupe)

Engine options: 350ci, 180HP Engine (standard) 350ci, 210HP Engine

Transmission: 4-speed manual (standard) 4-speed manual (close ratio) 3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic (optional)

Top speed: 132mph

Units Produced: 49,213

Available Colors: Classic White, Silver, Black, Corvette Light Blue, Corvette Dark Blue, Corvette Chartreuse, Corvette Yellow, Corvette Bright Yellow, Corvette Orange, Corvette Tan, Medium Red, Corvette Dark Red

Highlights of the year:

The 1977 C3 Corvette arrived with only a few, modest modifications from its previous year. Outwardly, the car was virtually identical to the 1976 model, save for the introduction of a reworked luggage and roof panel rack (RPO V54) that could be used to transport the car’s T-tops (instead of placing them in the Corvette’s lidless trunk.)

With regard to the T-tops, glass roof panels were introduced as a new option at the start of the model year, though General Motors later canceled the option because of a reputed dispute with the supplier over sales rights. The most notable change from 1976 to 1977, however, was the removal of the Stingray nameplate from the Corvette’s front fenders. It was replaced by Corvette’s traditional crossed-flags insignia.

Mechanically, the 1977 Corvette went essentially unchanged from the 1976 model year. As in 1976, the 1977 Corvette came standard with a 180 horsepower, 350 cubic-inch, small-block Chevy engine mated to a 4-speed, wide-ratio manual transmission.

Also, like the 1976 model, the new Corvette could be ordered with an optional 210 horsepower engine (PRO L48), except in Canada where the base engine remained the only available option due to higher emission standards.

The 1977 Corvette set another new sales record at 49,213 units. The popularity of the Chevy Corvette throughout the 1970s was proven time and again by the year over year increase in sales numbers despite the dramatic increases in cost.

Photos of the 1977 Corvette:

 

Sources: 

https://www.corvsport.com/1977-c3-corvette/
https://www.corvsport.com/1977-c3-corvette-image-gallery/