C3: 1968 - 1982 THE MAKO SHARK. In the mid-1960's Muscle Car Era, the Corvette maintained its competitive edge with the new C3, introduced in 1968. It would be the most enduring series lasting through 1982.
The C3 exterior styling was derived from the famed Mako Shark II show car created in 1965 by Bill Mitchell and his design team. Corvette coupe owners had the option of removable roof panels, known as T-Tops. In July 1975, Corvette was the Official Pace Car of the Indianapolis 500 and a reproduction of this car with the official track decals was offered to the public.
On June 1, 1981 the first Corvette rolled off the assembly plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Some of the most powerful engines ever built for Corvette, like the awesome 500+ horsepower L88, were offered in the C3 series.
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