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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

There were predictions in the automotive industry that Chevrolet would introduce a mid engined Corvette this year. However, nothing that radical came to be. Major changes included a new domed hood, body color urethane front bumper and a fixed rear window which added a little more trunk space. Radial tires became standard in an effort to reduce road noise. Leather interior was available in black, medium saddle, and dark saddle. 70.8% of '73 Corvettes were sold with A/C, 41.2% had a 4 speed, 91.5% had power steering, 79.3% came with power brakes, and 46% had power windows. The Corvette continued to get heavier, less powerful and slower. An L-82 equipped '73 Corvette went from 0-60 in 7.2 seconds and 0-100 in 17.9.

A restyled sloping rear end and the elimination of the conventional rear bumper with a body color urethane plastic bumper substitute were two noticeable changes for 1974. The power steering, seat belts and radiator were improved. The alarm system activator was relocated. Buyers had their choice of 10 exterior colors: Medium Blue, Gray, Bright Yellow, Dark Green, Medium Red, Orange, White, Dark Brown, Silver and Mille Miglia Red. Most 1974 Corvettes, 95.6%, had power steering, 88.3% had power brakes, 63.1% had power windows, 72.9% had tilt wheel, 77.7% had A/C and 33.7% had a 4 speed manual transmission. The 1974 Corvette was heavier, more expensive and slower than any previous Corvette except for the early 6 cylinder models. Sadly, this was the last year of the big block for the Corvette.

Most of the changes for 1975 were hidden. The bumpers were improved but looked the same. This was the first year for the catalytic converter on the Corvette as well as HIE ignition. On the inside, the speedometer included kilometers for the first time. This was the last year of the convertible until 1986. The 454 was dropped this year. This was one of the slowest Corvettes ever made. Even with the L-82 option it took almost 8 seconds to get to 60mph. Quarter mile came in at 16.1 seconds and top speed was 129mph. Zora Arkus Duntov retired this year and was replaced by David R. McLellan.

Two V-8's were offered once again. The base motor was up to 180 horsepower. The optional L-82 produced 210. It had different heads with larger valves and impact extruded pistons. The standard Corvette used a new lighter weight TH-350 auto tranny. The old tranny came with the optional engine but with a revised torque converter. The convertible was no longer available, but the coupe had removable roof panels. Of the ten body colors, 8 were Corvette exclusive. The included red, silver, Classic white, bright yellow, bright blue, dark green, buckskin, dark brown, mahogany, and orange flame. A total of 5,368 Corvettes came with the FE7 Gymkhana suspension. 5,720 had the L-82 and 2,088 had the close ratio M-22 four speed installed. Cast aluminum wheels were installed on 6,253 Corvettes this year. Vinyl interior's came in black, dark firethorn, light buckskin, and white. Leather interiors were available in 7 colors. 1976 was a record year for Corvette sales so far.

The name "Stingray" was no longer in use. Changes were modest this year. New crossed flags emblems graced the Corvette. Exterior paint colors included- Classic white, black, medium red and silver, plus Corvette dark or light blue, orange, dark red, tan and yellow. Leather interior came in 10 colors also. For the first time ever in a Corvette a cloth interior was available. There was a choice of 6 colors. Power brakes and power steering were now standard. A total of 6,148 1977 Corvettes had the L82 motor and 7,269 had the Gymhkana suspension. Only 7,803 had a manual transmission, and just 289 came with the towing package. New options for the 1977 Corvette included a tape player, cruise control and a luggage carrier that could hold the roof panels.

To mark Corvette's 25th anniversary, the 1978 model got a major aerodynamic restyling with large wraparound back window and a fastback roofline. The optional L82 was up to 220 horsepower due to a dual snorker air cleaner and better exhaust. Glass roof panels became new this year as well as 60 series radials and a CB radio. A total of 15,283 Vettes had the two-tone anniversary paint job.