Corvette: Year by Year
1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 19671968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982
1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
The End of an Era
1967 was the last year of the "mid year" C2 Corvettes, as the 1963 through 1967 models were known. The styling that shook the world in 1963 had proved itself everywhere, including critical praise and a sales volume that would not quit. Every model year saw a sales increase through 1966; Things cooled down for 1967 in part because a new body style would be introduced in 1968.For all cars, 1967 would be a pivotal year. Safety and smog requirements would become the law starting in 1968 and the new regulations would affect performance cars profoundly.
Left: the popular L71 427 cu. in. motor. Note the use of shielded spark plug wires, used to reduce radio static. Resistive spark plugs were commonly used in most cars but they degraded engine performance so the more expensive shielding was used. Radio static was a common Corvette problem as the fiberglass body did not provide electrical shielding of a conventional steel body. Right: the 3 x 2 configuration (three 2 bbl. carburetors) was proudly announced on the triangular air filter housing.
Big blocks continued to be the way to go for Corvette purchasers in 1967; of the five engine options available, four were 427 cu. in. displacement. Multiple carburetors were the secret on the L68 (400 hp) and L71 (435 hp) motors. They had been used with great success in the Pontiac GTO but a GM corporate ban caused them to disappear from the Pontiac. Corvette was exempted however and three 2 bbl. Holly carburetors (below) were mounted on top of a aluminum manifold. The center carb was used in normal operation; above 2000 RPM the front and rear units kicked in. Good fuel economy was part of the bargain since only one carburetor was in use most of the time.
The L71 was a very popular engine option and for good reason. Included was four bolt mains, a very aggressive cam rubbing on solid lifters, big valve heads and a transistorized ignition system.
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