The 1968 Corvette was the first model that set off a 15 year run for the C3 ‘Shark’ generation of the Corvette, a record that still stands today. Running until 1982, the C3 generation would prove to be the most stubborn of all the Corvette generations selling record numbers in the late 60’s, huge numbers in the 70’s despite a gas crunch, and holding its ground respectably in the early 80’s. This longevity all started with the 1968 Corvette which brought a new design that would eventually be the inspiration of the Corvettes that are driven today (C6 Generation 2005 – Present).
In 1964, Larry Shinoda under the watchful direction of Bill Mitchell, designed the 1968 Corvette. By 1965 the Mako Shark II Concept Car was brought to the public eye by way of car shows and the 1968 Corvette would be an almost identical product by way of looks.
Once the auto shows were done the Shinoda/Mitchell design was sent to Chevrolet styling under David Hollis. The design began to take shape using the existing Sting Ray chassis and the mid-engine design of the Mako Shark II was dropped. The 1968 Corvette was basically the same car from the beltline down just with softer contours. As it began to form there were obvious overtones from the Mako Shark II design.
Some of the new innovations to the 1968 Corvette included:
*Total redesign of the body. *Removable T-Top roof panels and back window on the coupe model. *Redesigned interior. *Optional three-speed Hydra-matic transmission to replace the previous two-speed Powerglide.
The engine of the 1968 Corvette stayed the same and was a carry over from the previous year. Even though, the Corvette had new features. There was no lack of power actually it was quite the contrary. Road & Track conducted several speed tests with the 1968 Corvette and found that the small-block 327 V-8 put out 350-bhp and had a reported top speed of 128 miles per hour. Even better was the big block put out a whopping 400 bhp and could do 0-60 miles per hour in 5.7 seconds.
The Sting Ray name for the first time was not attached to the Chevrolet muscle machine which was new to the 1968 Corvette. Although, it was advertised using the Sting Ray name. However, one year later the Sting Ray name returns to the Corvette.
The unveiling of the new 1968 Corvette was suppose to be a secret according to General Motors, however, prior to the official unveiling there was one a few weeks earlier. Before the 1968 Corvette was unveiled Mattel released an unauthorized new Hot Wheels line that was the custom Corvette. This surprised General Motors.
The 1968 Corvette came out to much acclaim among Corvette fans but got very poor reviews from the critics. Still, this didn’t seem to bother the masses and at the end of the year it would be Chevrolet and the new Corvette that would have the last laugh as a record number of 28,566 units were sold, which was an increase of about 5,000 from the last year of the Sting Ray.
For additional info or questions about The The 1968 Corvette please visit the Smokinvette Team at www.smokinvette.com
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