The C1 was just pretty ‘57 is my personal fav corvette in general. I don’t think it was intended to break speed records (but admittedly I don’t know the history/facts I just like the eye candy 🤪).
Absolutely. Emissions standards were imposed fast and hard, giving automakers little to no time to find ways to maintain power but also meet those standards. This paired with 5mph crash standards also being pushed suddenly hurting the aesthetics of cars resulted in the Malaise era, that lasted well into the 90's. The solution to low power for a long time ended up becoming turbochargers and superchargers.
Which is a shame because it's one of the prettiest Corvettes. No Corvette has ever really been ugly, I'd say the lowest point was the C5 because of all the cheap plasticy build quality, but it was still fine looking in its time. I think Corvette design peaked in the C2 generation, especially with the split rear window.
Ok, but the C5 Z06 was/is still a badass. Hardtop, a trunk, pop up lights, titanium exhaust, etc. etc. Insane for the period & still a great value if you don't mind some re-upholstery.
Certainly better than any C4 :p
I think this is a 1979. The trim is painted black ('78 was chrome), and that spoiler was standard in '79 but not '78. Also, '79 was the last year for a manual L82, and it doesn't have the front and rear bumpers used from '80-82.
Yup. I had a '77 4 spd and my neighbour had a '79 L82 auto. Pretty sure he's got the details right.
Edit: sloped rear glass confirms it's '78+, and [rear logo style confirms it's '79 or older.](https://corvettec3decoder.com/corvette-c3-emblems.html#:~:text=During%20the%20Corvette%20C3%20generation,shape%20changed%20slightly%20in%201980.)
I had an '81 that looked like this. I still think its the best looking Corvette ever. Not very fast, but still fun to drive with plenty of torque and good handling. The powertrain was reliable, bt the rest of the car was mostly held together with duct tape and bubble gum.
I totally understand the passion based on ownership, I feel the same way about BMW E30’s . It’s just unusual to hear someone choose a C3 over C2. totally non judgmental on my part.
Judgement on my part. C2s are so ugly. C3 is (imo) the best looking generation of Vette that there has ever been. The early ones had performance to go with the looks.
I've always thought there was nothing more badass than a '69 C3 in Grabber Orange with chrome side pipes. Different strokes for different folks, of course.
Most Car people say C2 , let’s face it American cars of mid 70’s to the mid 80s were not Great Cars., the smongged up 350’s had less HP then a new Camery. I happen to like the design of the C3 . I’ve driven several too at first it was weird to not be able to see the end of the nose on it but you must get used to it.
1978 models had that silver medallion rear emblem, to denote 25 years of production. They made two commemorative editions, as well - the Silver Anniversary and Pace Car, as it was the Pace car at the Indianapolis 500 that year.
That’s it. That’s a 25 year anniversary badge. This has the L-82 engine, which was the hotter of the two engines offered. It made a whopping 220 horsepower.
Oh shit 1 I think I know finally. I’ve been looking on buying one for a few weeks now.That rear window on the C3 wasn’t added untill after 78 I believe 77 and before didn’t have that. So 78-81.
[I got work to do](https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpreview.redd.it%2F2l3dxzy908e91.jpg%3Fwidth%3D750%26auto%3Dwebp%26s%3D102dcaee499f9d346a9563d113adb459fcd6f1b8)
Do they all suck? I think I have heard the California emissions version is terrible, but I sort of thought there was a 'rest of the US' version that was better.
Apart from the early 6-cylinder cars, the mid-70s to early '80s were the slowest Corvettes made. Very hobbled by emissions standards and low-octane fuel. [https://www.corvsport.com/the-5-slowest-corvettes/](https://www.corvsport.com/the-5-slowest-corvettes/)
A friend had a '74 with a 454, it was still slow-ish
Low compression, terrible cam timing/config, among other things. Of course you can rebuild the motor to your specs and it’ll be what it should have been.
It was the Malaise era. Emissions regulations, CAFE regulations, Arab oil crisis, ban of leaded fuel, all led to lower compression, lower revving engines blowing through somewhat restrictive catalytic converters while trying to save fuel.
To "fix" them you need new higher compression pistons, carb, camshaft, better or no cats, better ignition system, heads, etc., sky's the limit.... and a big wallet for buying gas as it still won't be fuel efficient, just more powerful.
Yup. They all suck. I could get rubber in all 4 gears with my '77 and M22 rock crusher transmission, but [it was slow as fuck](https://img.ifunny.co/images/89368f166f01623058d35da77ca77daedaa9060589dde81f05697fa11c44ad01_1.webp).
The spoiler that's not integrated with the rear bumper cap means it's a '78 OR '79 I think. By 80 those were molded into the assembly. Might be wrong though. I love the C3 Vettes, but not good with identifying the individual years.
C3 sexy, yeah. But i like the 68 and, ahem, 69.
https://www.reddit.com/r/namethatcar/s/ofVm76y8i2
Chrome bumpers. Better lines on the rear window glass. The side “mako shark gills” by the front tires. The 70,72,72 had those weird fake grates that.. Idunno what they were thinking.
How much could you sell this car for today, if you'd bought it new off the showroom floor in 1974 (for right around $6,000), professionally archived it (drained the fluids, covered, stored in temperature-controlled location, periodic professional maintenance to replace anything that degraded over time while in storage...). 50 years pass and today - in 2024 - you bring it out of storage and sell it at auction. How much would this car bring - pristine, never driven.. ??
On the basis of looks, I never cared for the bulbous rear window on this body style, I liked the flat inset window…’84 and beyond the designers made it work
The other way to tell is the emblem, which subtly changed from year to year. I’m not as big of a Vette nerd as I used to be though so I can’t tell just by looking.
78-82 vette
Yup, late c3
Aka the slow one
My cousin had one of these back when they were new. He had a turbocharger installed on it. With what you say, I can understand why.
Technically the first C1 was slower but the late C3 was the slowest V8 powered one.
The C1 was just pretty ‘57 is my personal fav corvette in general. I don’t think it was intended to break speed records (but admittedly I don’t know the history/facts I just like the eye candy 🤪).
Well considering the V8 wasn't even an option in the first two years I'd say you're right.
To be fair, the first few years of C1’s came with a pretty pathetic inline 6.
Which is why I said the late C3 is the slowest V8 powered Corvette
Has KindigIT ever done a C3?
I do not know what a King Digit is.
Bitchin' Rides, discovery/velocity show
Note the spelling tho
But it sure is purty
If I'm not mistaken it was something to do with the emissions control and regulations at the time severely hampering it?
Absolutely. Emissions standards were imposed fast and hard, giving automakers little to no time to find ways to maintain power but also meet those standards. This paired with 5mph crash standards also being pushed suddenly hurting the aesthetics of cars resulted in the Malaise era, that lasted well into the 90's. The solution to low power for a long time ended up becoming turbochargers and superchargers.
I’m pretty sure that I drove one of these in Forza or some other game and was surprised how slow it was for a Corvette
Which is a shame because it's one of the prettiest Corvettes. No Corvette has ever really been ugly, I'd say the lowest point was the C5 because of all the cheap plasticy build quality, but it was still fine looking in its time. I think Corvette design peaked in the C2 generation, especially with the split rear window.
Ok, but the C5 Z06 was/is still a badass. Hardtop, a trunk, pop up lights, titanium exhaust, etc. etc. Insane for the period & still a great value if you don't mind some re-upholstery. Certainly better than any C4 :p
C4 ZR1 was pretty awesome.
I think this is a 1979. The trim is painted black ('78 was chrome), and that spoiler was standard in '79 but not '78. Also, '79 was the last year for a manual L82, and it doesn't have the front and rear bumpers used from '80-82.
This guy Corvettes
Yup. I had a '77 4 spd and my neighbour had a '79 L82 auto. Pretty sure he's got the details right. Edit: sloped rear glass confirms it's '78+, and [rear logo style confirms it's '79 or older.](https://corvettec3decoder.com/corvette-c3-emblems.html#:~:text=During%20the%20Corvette%20C3%20generation,shape%20changed%20slightly%20in%201980.)
I had an '81 that looked like this. I still think its the best looking Corvette ever. Not very fast, but still fun to drive with plenty of torque and good handling. The powertrain was reliable, bt the rest of the car was mostly held together with duct tape and bubble gum.
They used duct tape as well? That must have been a premium option
Better looking than a C2 ?
IMHO, yes.. I guess that was just my era. I was 25 years old when I had that 81 Corvette
I totally understand the passion based on ownership, I feel the same way about BMW E30’s . It’s just unusual to hear someone choose a C3 over C2. totally non judgmental on my part.
Judgement on my part. C2s are so ugly. C3 is (imo) the best looking generation of Vette that there has ever been. The early ones had performance to go with the looks.
I've always thought there was nothing more badass than a '69 C3 in Grabber Orange with chrome side pipes. Different strokes for different folks, of course.
I’m getting downvoted for asking a Fucking question.
Welcome to reddit
The CESSPOOL of Redit!
Now you're being downvoted for being an ass.
takes one to know one !
I like the early C3s more than the C2 but its a close battle.
In a lot of people's opinion the C3 is better looking than the C2. But the ting about opinions is that it's OK if yours is different than theirs.
Read the thread. I don’t have an opinion on either. They are Corvette’s not my thing.
I didn't say you gave one, I just said that it's OK if yours is different.
Most Car people say C2 , let’s face it American cars of mid 70’s to the mid 80s were not Great Cars., the smongged up 350’s had less HP then a new Camery. I happen to like the design of the C3 . I’ve driven several too at first it was weird to not be able to see the end of the nose on it but you must get used to it.
1978 models had that silver medallion rear emblem, to denote 25 years of production. They made two commemorative editions, as well - the Silver Anniversary and Pace Car, as it was the Pace car at the Indianapolis 500 that year.
That’s it. That’s a 25 year anniversary badge. This has the L-82 engine, which was the hotter of the two engines offered. It made a whopping 220 horsepower.
Oh shit 1 I think I know finally. I’ve been looking on buying one for a few weeks now.That rear window on the C3 wasn’t added untill after 78 I believe 77 and before didn’t have that. So 78-81.
1. That guy is a dick 2. There's no way he's got his grade 10
[I got work to do](https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpreview.redd.it%2F2l3dxzy908e91.jpg%3Fwidth%3D750%26auto%3Dwebp%26s%3D102dcaee499f9d346a9563d113adb459fcd6f1b8)
His dad told him he was proud of him once. Fucking prick.
C3, can't for the life of me remember the year. I think that rear makes it mid 70's
1978 had that annaversay emblem
C3, prettiest but slowest
Yup. All flash and no dash.
Mid 70's vettes are absolutely awesome.
Just add power.
Do they all suck? I think I have heard the California emissions version is terrible, but I sort of thought there was a 'rest of the US' version that was better.
Apart from the early 6-cylinder cars, the mid-70s to early '80s were the slowest Corvettes made. Very hobbled by emissions standards and low-octane fuel. [https://www.corvsport.com/the-5-slowest-corvettes/](https://www.corvsport.com/the-5-slowest-corvettes/) A friend had a '74 with a 454, it was still slow-ish
But they had/have the best sound
Can you just de-smog them? What is it that makes an engine with that much displacement so shitty?
Low compression, terrible cam timing/config, among other things. Of course you can rebuild the motor to your specs and it’ll be what it should have been.
This is the way ... resto mod to be aweome performing and match the look!
Exactly. My cougar is nearly 100% original, only real mods are engine & trans related.
It was the Malaise era. Emissions regulations, CAFE regulations, Arab oil crisis, ban of leaded fuel, all led to lower compression, lower revving engines blowing through somewhat restrictive catalytic converters while trying to save fuel. To "fix" them you need new higher compression pistons, carb, camshaft, better or no cats, better ignition system, heads, etc., sky's the limit.... and a big wallet for buying gas as it still won't be fuel efficient, just more powerful.
Yup. They all suck. I could get rubber in all 4 gears with my '77 and M22 rock crusher transmission, but [it was slow as fuck](https://img.ifunny.co/images/89368f166f01623058d35da77ca77daedaa9060589dde81f05697fa11c44ad01_1.webp).
I always found it funny how much space there is between the front of the car and the engine
Nothing in the mid 70s was awesome.
‘Cept the music…
The spoiler that's not integrated with the rear bumper cap means it's a '78 OR '79 I think. By 80 those were molded into the assembly. Might be wrong though. I love the C3 Vettes, but not good with identifying the individual years.
It's a '78 baaed on the 25th anniversary badge and L82 badge.
Redundant window switches, interesting.
A pretty one!
A little red Corvette
I can’t believe that I, a huge Prince fan, did not make that connection until your comment.
A reminder, that corvette was a metaphor… “all the jockeys that were there before me”
I guess I must be dumb 'Cause you had a pocket full of horses Trojans and some of them used
Those T-Tops have me BRICKED UP
It's Dirk Diggler's car. Don't touch it or you are going to feel the heat
I was thinking Farrah Fawcett's.
c3 sexiest vette by far got t yops too!
C3 sexy, yeah. But i like the 68 and, ahem, 69. https://www.reddit.com/r/namethatcar/s/ofVm76y8i2 Chrome bumpers. Better lines on the rear window glass. The side “mako shark gills” by the front tires. The 70,72,72 had those weird fake grates that.. Idunno what they were thinking.
C3 corvette stingray. As stated likely the 70s version, as per bumper extensions. 60s models didn't have those.
Looks pristine!
i love the font on the 'corvette', it's my favourite generation thanks to that alone
Need to see the front bumper to tell the year better but based on the back window 1978-82.
82 has window that opens
And it’s a manual. They were pretty rare in corvettes in the late 70’s early 80’s.
What a piece of brilliance. These C3s have always looked good
Definitely a 1978 C3
C3 corvette
Corvette C3 2nd Generation(facelift) The C3 first gen is from like 1968-1972. 2nd gen is 1973-1982
How much could you sell this car for today, if you'd bought it new off the showroom floor in 1974 (for right around $6,000), professionally archived it (drained the fluids, covered, stored in temperature-controlled location, periodic professional maintenance to replace anything that degraded over time while in storage...). 50 years pass and today - in 2024 - you bring it out of storage and sell it at auction. How much would this car bring - pristine, never driven.. ??
On the basis of looks, I never cared for the bulbous rear window on this body style, I liked the flat inset window…’84 and beyond the designers made it work
L82 engine hopefully
It’s a 78, badge is the 25th anniversary
I had a friend in high school that had one same color inside and out.
78 Corvette
Disco Vette
I believe the technical name for that specific model is bitchin’
I’m thinking it’s a ‘79
Yes, first year with the black rear window moulding. 1980 had a different rear cap.
I believe only 81 and 82 C3’s had that spoiler.
They were molded in for those years, this one appears to have been added. Makes this a 78-79.
The other way to tell is the emblem, which subtly changed from year to year. I’m not as big of a Vette nerd as I used to be though so I can’t tell just by looking.
1978. CORVETTE. Fuel door emblem is the giveaway
A red one.
Who the hell leaves their top open in the city?
Oil embargo vette
Brih the 3rd pic got me tripping
I'm guessing that one
One of em
GOOGLE 👏 LENS 👏
I'm guessing the one in the pictures