Car Life loved the new 1968 Corvette—but Car and Driver refused to test theirs. What went wrong? This deep dive compares early and late C3 Corvettes, exposes the truth about build quality, and shows how a modern C8 stacks up against both.
Dive into a complete review of the 1968–1982 C3 Corvette, examining its engineering advancements, dramatic styling changes, production highs and market challenges. From chrome-bumper muscle to late-era refinement, discover how the C3 became one of the most recognizable and influential generations in Corvette history.
Explore how Hot Rod Magazine’s 1965 cover story wondered if the radical Mako Shark-II concept hinted at the next Corvette. Designed under Bill Mitchell’s direction and widely seen as a precursor to the 1968 C3, the Mako Shark-II blended forward-looking style with Corvette heritage. Learn why this show car still fascinates Corvette fans today.
Discover how Hanspeter Bohi brought the 1965 Mako Shark II Corvette back to life in an extraordinary recreation of GM’s iconic dream car. With meticulous craftsmanship and deep respect for the original concept, this reborn Mako captures the dramatic styling, innovation and bold design language that influenced generations of Corvette evolution.
In retrospect, it’s amazing that the C3 Corvette wasn’t called the “C2.5 Corvette.” After all, the frame, suspension, chassis, and running gear was straight off the C2 Sting Ray. It all goes to show how important looks can be. Of course, today, we’re all used to the “shark” style, but in September ‘67 when the ‘68 cars made their grand debut, it was WOWZERS for Chevrolet! To really appreciate how advanced and completely original the Mako Shark-inspired ‘68 Corvette was, go back an look at what Detroit was offering back then. Yes, there are a dozen of so genuinely classic cars from the late ‘60s, but the ‘68 Corvette was even more original than the ‘63 Sting Ray. The ‘68 – ‘82 Corvettes were so iconic, they are forever branded the “Shark” Corvettes.
Catch to story, plus some awesome artwork!
It was an interesting generation. Certainly in the Fall of ‘67 as the first Shark ‘68 Corvettes were arriving in Chevrolet showrooms, no imagined the shape would have a 15-year run, with a chassis designed in 1960! The comedian Gallagher used to have a routine about how Americans have, “S t y l e……” The Mako Shark-II defined THE basic “style” of America’s sports car.
What was your favorite C3 Corvette?
