1968 to 1972

[fatherlarry]

ENGINE-
Type- 327 cubic inch V-8, 427 cubic inch V-8 optional
Horsepower- 300@5000rpm standard, L79- 350, L36-390,
L68- 400, L71- 435, L88 435+
Compression Ratio- 10.0 to 1
Carburetor- four barrel, triple 2 barrels optional
TRANSMISSION- 3 speed manual standard, 4 speed manual and
automatic optional
SHIPPING WEIGHT- 3055 lbs (coupe) 3070 (convertible)
PRODUCTION TOTAL- 28,566 (9936 coupes) (18,630 convertibles)
FACTORY PRICE- $4663 (coupe) $4347 (convertible)
CHASSIS DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase- 98 inches
Overall length- 182.5 inches
Front tread- 58.7 inches
Rear tread- 59.4 inches
Tires- F70X15
1968 CORVETTE OPTIONS
Automatic Transmission ($226)
4 speed manual transmission ($184) close ratio ($263)
350 horsepower L79 ($105)
390 horsepower L36 427 cubic inch ($200.15)
400 horsepower L68 427 cubic inch big block tri-carbs ($305)
435 horsepower L71 427 cubic inch big block tri-carbs ($437.10)
435+ horsepower L88 427 cubic inch big block ($947.90)
Aluminum heads for L71 ($368)
Posi-traction ($46.35)
Off-road exhaust ($36.90)
Side mounted exhaust ($131.65)
Transistor ignition system ($74.75)
Power brakes ($42.15) Heavy duty ($384.45)
Power steering ($94.80)
Air conditioning ($412.90)
4 wheel covers ($57.95)
Detachable hardtop ($231.75)
Alarm system ($26.35)
AM/FM radio ($172.75) AM/FM stereo ($278.10)
Black vinyl roof ($52.70)
Telescoping steering wheel ($42.15)
Tinted windshield ($10.55) Tinted glass ($15.80)
Leather seat trim ($79)
Speed warning indicator ($10.55)
Whitewall tires ($31.35)
Red stripe tires ($31.30 White stripe ($31.30)
Headrests ($42.15)
Shoulder belts ($26.35)
Rear window defroster ($31.60)
Power windows ($57.95)




HISTORICAL FOOTNOTES- The first major restyling since 1963. The fastback was replaced by a tunneled roof coupe. It featured a removable back window and a two piece detachable roof section. The convertibles optional hard top had a glass rear window. The front end was more aerodynamic than previous Vettes. As before, the headlights are hidden, but now they were vacuum operated rather than electrically. The wipers now dissappeared when not in use. Conventional door handles were replaced with pushbuttons and depression plates. The blunt rear deck contained four round tail lights with the word "Corvette" printed in chrome in the space between them. The wraparound, winglike rear bumper and license plate holder treatment resembled that used on the '67. Buyers had a choice of 10 exterior colors. Just over 80% of the '68's were equipped with the 4 speed, 81% had tinted glass. 36.3% had power steering, 19.8% had A/C and 33.7% came with power brakes. The L-79 350 horsepower eqipped Vette would do 0-60 in 7.7 seconds and 0-100 in 20.7 seconds. The L88 was capable of 12 second 1/4 mile times but wasnt really made for the street.

[fatherlarry]

ENGINE-
Type- 350 cubic inch V-8, 427 cubic inch V-8 optional
Horsepower- 300@4800rpm standard, L46- 350, L36-390,
L68- 400, L71- 435, L88 435+
Compression Ratio- 10.25 to 1
Carburetor- four barrel, triple 2 barrels optional
TRANSMISSION- 3 speed manual standard, 4 speed manual and
automatic optional
SHIPPING WEIGHT- 3091 lbs (coupe) 3096 (convertible)
PRODUCTION TOTAL- 38,762 (22,154 coupes) (16,608 convertibles)
FACTORY PRICE- $4763 (coupe) $4420 (convertible)
CHASSIS DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase- 98 inches
Overall length- 182.5 inches
Front tread- 58.7 inches
Rear tread- 59.4 inches
Tires- F70X15
1969 CORVETTE OPTIONS
Automatic Transmission ($226)
4 speed manual transmission ($184) close ratio ($263)
350 horsepower L46 ($105)
390 horsepower L36 427 cubic inch ($200.15)
400 horsepower L68 427 cubic inch big block tri-carbs ($305)
435 horsepower L71 427 cubic inch big block tri-carbs ($437.10)
435+ horsepower L89 427 cubic inch big block aluminum heads ($832.05)
ZL1 427 cubic inch 500+ horsepower (only 2 were built) ($3000)
Posi-traction ($46.35)
Off-road exhaust ($36.90)
Side mounted exhaust ($147.45)
Transistor ignition system ($81.10)
Power brakes ($42.15) Heavy duty ($384.45)
Power steering ($105.35)
Air conditioning ($428.70)
4 wheel covers ($57.95)
Detachable hardtop ($252.80)
Front fender louver trim ($21.10)
Alarm system ($26.35)
AM/FM radio ($172.75) AM/FM stereo ($278.10)
Black vinyl roof ($57.95)
Telescoping steering wheel ($84.30)
Tinted glass ($16.90)
Leather seat trim ($79)
Speed warning indicator ($11.60)
Whitewall tires ($31.35)
Red stripe tires ($31.30 White stripe ($31.30)
Custom deluxe shoulder belts ($42.15)
Rear window defroster ($32.65)
Power windows ($63.20)




HISTORICAL FOOTNOTES- After a years absence, the Stingray name (now spelled as one word reappeared on the front fenders. The backup lights were integrated into the center taillights. The ignition was now on the steering column and the door depression button used in 1968 was eliminated. A key lock was put in it's place. Front and rear disc brakes, headlight washers, center console, wheel trim rings, carpeting and all vinyl upholstery were standard. The majority of 1969 Vettes, 59.2% came with power steering, 78.4% had four speed transmissions and 25% had power windows. The base engine was bumped up to 350 cubic inches. Vettes with this base motor and auto tranny took 8.4 seconds to reach 60mph from a standstill. 100mph came by at 21.7 seconds.

[fatherlarry]

ENGINE-
Type- 350 cubic inch V-8, 454 cubic inch V-8 optional
Horsepower- 300@4800rpm standard, L56- 350, LT1- 370,
LS5 390, LS6- 460
Compression Ratio- 10.25 to 1
Carburetor- four barrel, triple 2 barrels optional
TRANSMISSION- Buyers choice of automatic and close or wide
ratio 4 speed manual
SHIPPING WEIGHT- 3153 lbs (coupe) 3167 (convertible)
PRODUCTION TOTAL- 17,316 (10,668 coupes) (6648 convertibles)
FACTORY PRICE- $5469 (coupe) $5129 (convertible)
CHASSIS DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase- 98 inches
Overall length- 182.5 inches
Front tread- 58.7 inches
Rear tread- 59.4 inches
Tires- F70X15
1970 CORVETTE OPTIONS
350 horsepower L56 ($158)
370 horsepower LT1 ($447.60)
390 horsepower LS5 454 cubic inch big block ($289.65)
460 horsepower LS6 454 cubic inch big block tri-carbs ($3000)
Optional gear ratios ($12)
Off-road exhaust ($36.90)
Side mounted exhaust ($116.65)
Transistor ignition system ($64.16)
Special suspension front and rear ($29.20)
Power brakes ($33.55)
Power steering ($105.35)
Air conditioning ($428.70)
4 wheel covers ($57.95)
Detachable hardtop ($252.80)
Front fender louver trim ($21.10)
Alarm system ($26.35)
AM/FM radio ($172.75) AM/FM stereo ($278.10)
Black vinyl roof ($57.95)
Telescoping steering wheel ($84.30)
Tinted glass ($16.90)
Leather seat trim ($79)
Whitewall tires ($31.35)
Custom deluxe shoulder belts ($42.15)
Rear window defroster ($32.65)
Power windows ($63.20)




HISTORICAL FOOTNOTES- Refinements were made to the basic styling used since 1968. A new "ice cube tray" design grille and side fender louvers, rectangular amber front signal lights, fender flares and square exhaust exits were exterior changes. The bucket seats and safety belt retractor containers were also improved. Standard equipment included 4 wheel disc brakes, headlight washers, wheel trim rings, center console and all vinyl upholstery availible in black, blue, green, saddle or red. Most 1970 Corvettes, 70.5% came with the 4 speed manual. 33.5% had tilt steering, 27.9% had power windows, 38.5% had A/C, and 68.8% were equipped with power steering. An LT-1 equipped Corvette would do 0-60 in 6.9 seconds and 0-100 in 14 seconds.

[fatherlarry]

ENGINE-
Type- 350 cubic inch V-8, 454 cubic inch V-8 optional
Horsepower- 270@4800rpm standard, LT1- 350, LS5 365, LS6- 425
Compression Ratio- 8.5 to 1
Carburetor- four barrel
TRANSMISSION- Buyers choice of automatic (no cost with base
engine, $100 with optional motors) and close or wide ratio 4 speed manual
SHIPPING WEIGHT- 3153 lbs (coupe) 3167 (convertible)
PRODUCTION TOTAL- 21,801 (14,680 coupes) (7121 convertibles)
FACTORY PRICE- $5536 (coupe) $5299 (convertible)
CHASSIS DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase- 98 inches
Overall length- 182.5 inches
Front tread- 58.7 inches
Rear tread- 59.4 inches
Tires- F70X15
1971 CORVETTE OPTIONS
350 horsepower LT1 ($483)
365 horsepower LS5 454 cubic inch big block ($295)
425 horsepower LS6 454 cubic inch big block ($1221)
ZR1 package ($1010) ZR2 package ($1747)
Off-road exhaust ($36.90)
Side mounted exhaust ($116.65)
Transistor ignition system ($64.16)
Heavy duty battery ($15.80)
Special suspension front and rear ($29.20)
Power brakes ($47.40)
Power steering ($115.90)
Air conditioning ($464.50)
4 wheel covers ($57.95)
Detachable hardtop ($252.80)
Alarm system ($31.60)
AM/FM radio ($178) AM/FM stereo ($283.35)
Black vinyl roof ($63.20)
Telescoping steering wheel ($84.30)
Whitewall tires ($30.35) White letter tires ($43.65)
Custom trim ($158)
Custom deluxe shoulder belts ($42.15)
Rear window defroster ($42.15)
Power windows ($85.35)


HISTORICAL FOOTNOTES- If you liked the 1970 Corvette, you'd like the 1971. They were virtually the same car. A new resin process (that supposedly improved the body) and a different interior were the major changes. Under the hood, compression ratios were lowered to enable Corvette engines to run on lower octane fuel. Slightly over 1/3 of 1971 Corvette's had a tilt steering wheel, 53.9% had a four speed manual, 82.1% had power steering, 52.7% had A/C and 28.4% had power windows. A "ZR1" option package included heavy duty brakes, close ratio 4 speed, special sway bars, springs and shocks, transistorized ignition and the LT-1 motor. Cost was $1010.

[fatherlarry]

ENGINE-
Type- 350 cubic inch V-8, 454 cubic inch V-8 optional
Horsepower (net)- 200@4400rpm standard, LT1- 255, LS5- 270
Compression Ratio- 8.5 to 1
Carburetor- four barrel
TRANSMISSION- Buyers choice of automatic (no cost with base
engine, $97 with optional motors) and close or wide ratio 4 speed manual
SHIPPING WEIGHT- 3215 lbs (coupe) 3217 (convertible)
PRODUCTION TOTAL- 26,994 (20,486 coupes) (6508 convertibles)
FACTORY PRICE- $5472 (coupe) $5246 (convertible)
CHASSIS DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase- 98 inches
Overall length- 182.5 inches
Front tread- 58.7 inches
Rear tread- 59.4 inches
Tires- F70X15
1972 CORVETTE OPTIONS
255 horsepower LT1 ($483.45)
270 horsepower LS5 454 cubic inch big block ($294.90)
ZR1 package ($1010.05)
Heavy duty battery ($15.80)
Power brakes ($47.40)
Power steering ($115.90)
Air conditioning ($464.50)
Detachable hardtop ($273.85) vinyl covering for hardtop ($158)
AM/FM radio ($178) AM/FM stereo ($283)
Telescoping steering wheel ($84.30)
Whitewall tires ($30.35) White letter tires ($42.65)
Custom interior ($158)
Custom deluxe shoulder belts ($26.35)
Rear window defroster ($42)
Power windows ($85.35)




HISTORICAL FOOTNOTES- The 1972 Corvette was basically the same as the 1971. Among the standard equipment were: a posi-traction rear axle, outside rearview mirror, tinted glass, flo-thru ventilation system, front and read disc brakes, electric clock, wheel trim rings, vinyl upholstery and anti-theft alarm system. Ten exterior color choices were offered. The convertible top could be ordered in only white or black. Over 1/3 came with power windows, 46.1% had the 4 speed, 88.1% had power steering, 63.8% had A/C, 48.1% had tilt/tele and only 1% had the LT-1 engine.