C3 production volume started strongly in 1968 with 28,566 cars built, with 18,630 convertibles and 9,936 coupes. Production volumes grew quickly in the second year with coupe volume overtaking convertibles with 22,129 units.
The sales numbers for the 1973 model year actually improved over previous years. In all, Chevrolet sold 30,464 Corvettes in 1973, another strong growth year.
The 1974 Corvette defined industry standards by having a near-record sales year. In total, 37,502 Corvettes were sold.
Late production as the result of the UAW strike most impacted the total sales numbers on the 1970 Corvette. Only 17,316 cars were made for model year 1970.
Despite these minimal changes to the car, the 1975 Corvette’s sales numbers continued to rise over the previous model year. In total, 38,465 Corvettes were sold that year.
With production now recovered from the UAW strike, sales of the 1971 Corvette improved, resulting in a total of 21,801 Corvettes made for that model year.
The final year of the C3 Corvette was a solid one in terms of production. As expected production wound down and you can see that in the 25,407 units made.
After the popularity of the 1978 Pace Car and Silver Anniversary Editions in 1978, Corvette was about to set another production record – manufacturing more than 50,000 Corvettes in one year.
Despite a generally dismal sales year for the entire automotive industry, Corvette continued to do well with 40,606 units sold that year.
The first year of C3 Corvette production got off to a strong start for Chevy. A total of 28,566 cars were made for model year 1968.
In 1969, sales took a vertical leap, increasing by more than 10,000 units to a total of 38,762 Corvettes sold that year. It was a Corvette sales record that would not be topped again until 1976
The 1977 Corvette set another new sales and production record at 49,213 units. The popularity of the Chevy Corvette throughout the 1970’s was proven time and again by the year over year increase in sales numbers despite the dramatic increases in cost.
The 1978 Corvette sold quite well, moving 46,776 units in all. Of these, 6,502 sold were the limited edition Corvette Pace Car model, which retailed for more than $4,000 over the standard model.
Despite the limited changes Chevy was still able to have a strong sales and production year with a total of 27,004 Corvettes made for that model year.
Although the price of the Corvette was at an all-time high, the new Corvette was still in high demand, as reflected in the fact that Chevrolet sold 46,558 units that year, breaking the previous sales record set in 1969.
Chevrolet sold 40,614 Corvettes in 1980, which was roughly a 20 percent decline in sales from the 1979 model year. At the same time, the numbers were still respectable.