By 1963, the “overnight success” of the Chevrolet Corvette had taken 10 years. In that initial decade, it had survived a sometimes rocky start and disappointing sales. It was moving into its second generation. The C2 was critical to the popularity of the Corvette with its split rear window and Sting Ray design. Sales soared for the car that was finding its way as America’s sports car. It was just in time too, as Ford’s Mustang was galloping on the horizon.
Production of the C2, a second generation Corvette, continued until 1967.
In 1968, GM introduced the C3 edition of the Corvette. It was the third generation ‘Vette’ and it would last an amazing 15 years. While engines and chassis were mainly retained from the previous generation, bodies and interiors changed significantly.
From 1969 to 1976, Chevy kept the Stingray name, this time as a single word. Sales continued to grow, with production reaching nearly 54,000 units in 1979. GM would ride the C3 until 1984, when it was replaced by the fourth generation C4.
The C4 Corvette marked the return of the convertible and improvements to performance. Notable among the improvements to engines was the LT5 engine in the 1990 ZR-1. The engine generated an impressive 375 horsepower. But as power and performance increased, so did prices, and sales of the Corvette began to slump. The last of the C4s was produced in mid-1996.
In 1997, the fifth generation Corvette hit the market. This was a generation that would include the 24 hours of LeMans and the 24 hours of Daytona class-winning Z06. This generation of Corvette included a convertible, a coupe, and a hardtop.
The next generation Corvette C6 debuted in 2005, a generation that would last through the 2013 model year. Not since 1962 had a Corvette featured exposed headlights. Along with the Z06, variants in this generation include the ZR1, Grand Sport, and 427.
In 2014, the Corvette C7 marked the return of the Stingray name. Sweeping, exposed headlights remained. The seventh generation Corvette lasted only until 2019.
The 2020 Corvette was the first mid-engine Corvette produced, initiating the C8 generation. This edition is still being produced to this day.
The Chevrolet Corvette remains an iconic part of not only American but world-wide automotive history. It remains desired by both new car buyers and collectors. It remains unique as America’s sports car.
If you are interested in a Corvette of any year, check our inventory at the Auto Boutique. Don’t see anything you like? Contact us and perhaps we can help you find what you are looking for.