*This is a translation done by a machine.

Like Nissan GT-R in Japan, the American representative of sports cars is Chevrolet Corvette. The first C1 model debuted in 1954. Currently the 7th generation (C7), the next model C8 was finally launched on the 65 year anniversary in July 2019. The FR style of the long nose and short deck that has been passed down for a long time has been abandoned and it became a midship real super sports car. This change has become a major topic of conversation both at home and abroad.

The longest produced corvette in 8 generation history is the 3rd generation C3 type (The production period is from 1968 to 1982.). Following the second generation of the C2, the vibrant body design by chief designer Bill Mitchell and Japanese-American Larry Sinoda was called the Coke Bottle Line, and it excited American fans with a glamorous style that was distinct from European sports cars of the time.

There are 2 types of body, 2-door coupe and convertible. The latter was production ended in 1975.. The rudder frame was a carry-over from the previous C2 type, but it is matured by changing the geometry. When it debuted in 1968, it was a time of prosperity for muscle cars with large engine displacement and high power. Corvettes were 5 liter class V8 engine, but the high grade ones were equipped with monster units with more than 400 ps for 7 liters, showing off their high performance. In 1970, the 7.4 liter Corvette, the largest corvette in its history, was installed. However, due to the revision of the Clean Air Act (Muskie Act) and oil shocks announced that year, the engines gradually lost their fangs, and the dynamic running gradually faded away as the years passed. Styling has also changed from the original iron (Chrome) bumper to a urethane bumper with collision safety features, and styles have changed over time.

However, unit sales continued to grow, unaffected by performance degradation, peaking in 1979 as the model life came to a close. One of the reasons is that the attractiveness of the style didn't fade, but this episode shows how much corvette itself was loved in America.

The latter half of the model continued to evolve while new efforts were made toward the next-generation C4 series, such as the adoption of FRP and injection specifications for the original rear leaf spring mechanism. This process will end in 1982.

The C3 model was also a model that weathered the dark age of the oil shock from the rise of American muscle cars and explored how to connect the baton to the next generation.

First, the colorful Monaco orange caught my eye. It goes well with a well-designed corked bottle style and a style with a sense of freedom that only a convertible can provide. The car is a 1969 model equipped with a big block, and the genuine side exhaust that was set as an option only for this model is also installed, which makes the side view impressive.

For C3 Corvettes, the 25 year anniversary model (Indy pace car specification) and the limited edition model of the last collector edition in 1982 are popular, but from the viewpoint of collectible car, the original design of C3 from 1968 to 1969 with big block engine is valuable.

By 1969, it had a 7 liter engine. There were 4 different types (L36, L68, L71, L88), but the standard L 68 type is installed in this car. It is a powerful V8 engine that generates 400ps/460ibs ･ ft equipped with Holley own special triple carburetor called Tri-power, which draws out low torque and high rotational power.

The current owner has been riding a Corvette for more than 30 years, and he is an enthusiast who has ridden many models from old ones to current ones. As they had been doing business in the US for many years, they had their own network in the US, and they decided to buy C3 because they heard the story through that route.

"We have been getting our old corvettes directly from America. I get information about what kind of car it is from my acquaintance's shop and so on, and at the end, I see everything by myself and negotiate directly to decide." he said. I don't know the details about the history of the body, but if you look closely, there is a high possibility that it is an original paint. Considering the model year, it keeps a pretty beautiful condition, but the lineoff was 50 years ago. Damage to the front lip, door knob, and hood, as well as discoloration, can be seen on both the interior and exterior.

The current owner has been working as a mechanic for a long time, and he used to do everything by himself except major tasks. However, the Tri-power carburetor is difficult to adjust, sometimes doesn't work well, and the air conditioner doesn't work well, so there are some problems for daily use.

However, in the case of American cars, the supply of genuine parts and repair parts is stable even for old timers, and there are many parts to convert each part to the latest model, so it is relatively easy to solve these problems. As a result, cars that retain their original appearance are now extremely valuable, and it is important to have a collectible car to pass on these cars to future generations, so it will be a nuisance for those who want to drive a lot. Ideally, I should store genuine parts and enjoy them with repair parts.

The C3 is a Corvette icon with a unique design that symbolizes an American sports car. Early models of good old muscle cars are hard to find in good condition. This tablet will help those who want to taste the essence of American cars.