Help settle a bet: Are all C3s a Stingray?

[Mark E.]

My buddy says that C3s only from 1969-76 are Stingrays.

I say all C3s are Stingrays since they share the same chassis and basic body design, and the presence or lack of an emblem is just a minor trim choice (albeit 1968 ads call it the "Sting Ray").

I have a free lunch riding on this.

[Hank D.]

Re: Help settle a bet: Are all C3s a Stingray?

I believe the "Stingray" script can be found only on 1969 thru 1976 models. I'm not a C3 guy, so let's hear from some.

[Rich G.]

[Rich G.]

Re: Help settle a bet: Are all C3s a Stingray?

Well……
The brochure for 68 says: “Shown on cover Corvette Sting Ray ( two words!) coupe. “

Inside it says: “The Corvette Sting Ray (two words) is for those……”

Rich

[Joe R.]

Re: Help settle a bet: Are all C3s a Stingray?

According to the GM catalog of parts only 69-76 had the side emblem "Stingray".

Who knows what that means? Don't matter unless your getting dinner on it!

JR

[Rich G.]

[Rich G.]

[Keith B.]

Re: Help settle a bet: Are all C3s a Stingray?

it's a marketing term. I never understood the fascination with the name to be honest

[Michael J.]

Re: Help settle a bet: Are all C3s a Stingray?

IMO, only C2s were real Sting Rays.........

[Michael G.]

Re: Help settle a bet: Are all C3s a Stingray?

Just my opinion but the C2s carried the name for some 5 years where as the C3s carried it (in badging or print) for some 9 years. In the following 6 years the C3 maintained the same body style ( with the obvious minor tweaks) which would IMO would carry on what was born a Stingray (Sting Ray)

[Michael J.]

Re: Help settle a bet: Are all C3s a Stingray?

It is OK to call C3s Stingrays, but not Sting Rays.......

[Tom R.]

Re: Help settle a bet: Are all C3s a Stingray?

Not all Stingrays were created equal. But their association with C3 Corvette is a branding issue and by 76 it was a tired notion and even Corvette probably concluded it was time to let it go. But the style remained and improved with the 78 model year and the fastback redesign as a throwback to ever-popular C2. Roll forward and aren't C7s called Stingrays as well?

So is the moniker Stingray refer to style, performance or some mix of both? I say...each buy their own lunch and split it down the middle!

[Mark H.]

Re: Help settle a bet: Are all C3s a Stingray?

IMO, only C2s were real Sting Rays.........

And then there's geezers like me who still use the following terms:
'53 - '62 - Solid axle
'63 - '67 - Stingray
'68 - '82 - Shark cars
And then we start using the "C" designations starting with the C-4

[Dave H.]

Re: Help settle a bet: Are all C3s a Stingray?

Interesting question! The C2 is also commonly referred to as a "midyear". This is a commonly accepted moniker, like "solid axle". Just like my 55 Chebby was a Tri-five, Hot One, Classic Chevy, 2 door hardtop, shoebox, and Bel Air Sport Coupe. Which is it?

As my 65 does not have a "midyear" script on it, does that make it "not a midyear"? Must I stop using the term?

I call my 82 a Stingray...or Sting Ray...or fat body...or Mako Shark...or disco-vette...or cool AF...but C3 is much less confusing. Depends on who I am talking to at the moment I guess.

No losers in this "friendly bet". Split lunch. :-)

[Steven B.]

Re: Help settle a bet: Are all C3s a Stingray?

Looking at the '77 I ordered new no Stingray and none in my advertising collection or ordering info. 😊