The 1968 Chevrolet Corvette proved nearly as controversial as the turbulent times in which it arrived. The so-called "Shark" generation was a fundamentally different kind of sports car than its predecessors. What had been a dual-purpose race-and-ride machine evolved into more of a plush and powerful boulevard cruiser.
Critics blasted the initial C3 offering for its excessive styling, increased bulk, and carryover platform. It certainly was not the substantial leap forward that Corvette fans had hoped for. The third-generation Corvette had suffered development problems, and its introduction was pushed from 1967 to 1968. That delay actually proved beneficial. The government's first safety and emissions standards took effect nationwide with the 1968 model year, and the extra time allowed engineers to address these requirements without the pressure of an all-new design.
Powertrains for the 1968 model were largely retained from the previous generation, with one significant exception: GM's new three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission replaced the old two-speed Powerglide automatic. The battery was relocated behind the seats to improve weight distribution and free up under-hood space. Side vent windows gave way to a new "Astro Ventilation" fresh-air system, and shoulder belts, previously an added-cost option, became standard on coupes.
Other new features underscored the Corvette's growing grand-touring character, including an electric rear-window defroster, speed warning indicator, AM/FM stereo radio, and a fiber-optic light monitoring system. These 1960s and early 1970s Corvettes pushed serious power through their cooling systems, and Griffin Thermal Products builds exact-fit aluminum radiators for C2 and C3 Corvettes, delivering the cooling performance these iconic sports cars deserve.
Available Radiators
18 products available for Corvettes of the 1960s
ExactFit Griffin aluminum radiator with a 22.25" x 16.75" crossflow design and 2-row MegaCool core, built for efficient cooling in applications under 600 HP.
ExactFit Griffin aluminum radiator with a 28.22" x 18.62" crossflow design and 2-row MegaCool core, built for efficient cooling in applications under 800 HP.
ExactFit Griffin aluminum radiator with a 32.0" x 18.47" crossflow design and 2-row MegaCool core, built for efficient cooling in applications under 1000 HP.
ExactFit Griffin aluminum radiator with a 31.76" x 18.5" crossflow design and 2-row MegaCool core, built for efficient cooling in applications under 950 HP.
ExactFit Griffin aluminum radiator with a 26.88" x 22.26" crossflow design and 2-row MegaCool core, built for efficient cooling in applications under 650 HP.
ExactFit Griffin aluminum radiator with a 22.25" x 16.75" crossflow design and 2-row MegaCool core, built for efficient cooling in applications under 600 HP.
ExactFit Griffin aluminum radiator with a 28.22" x 18.62" crossflow design and 2-row MegaCool core, built for efficient cooling in applications under 800 HP.
ExactFit Griffin aluminum radiator with a 32.0" x 18.47" crossflow design and 2-row MegaCool core, built for efficient cooling in applications under 1000 HP.
ExactFit Griffin aluminum radiator with a 31.76" x 18.5" crossflow design and 2-row MegaCool core, built for efficient cooling in applications under 950 HP.
ExactFit Griffin aluminum radiator with a 26.88" x 22.26" crossflow design and 2-row MegaCool core, built for efficient cooling in applications under 650 HP.
ExactFit ComboUnit Griffin aluminum radiator with a 22.25" x 16.75" crossflow design and 2-row MegaCool core, built for efficient cooling in applications under 600 HP.
ExactFit ComboUnit Griffin aluminum radiator with a 28.22" x 18.62" crossflow design and 2-row MegaCool core, built for efficient cooling in applications under 800 HP.
ExactFit ComboUnit Griffin aluminum radiator with a 31.76" x 18.5" crossflow design and 2-row MegaCool core, built for efficient cooling in applications under 950 HP.
ExactFit ComboUnit Griffin aluminum radiator with a 26.88" x 22.26" crossflow design and 2-row MegaCool core, built for efficient cooling in applications under 650 HP.
ExactFit ComboUnit Griffin aluminum radiator with a 22.25" x 16.75" crossflow design and 2-row MegaCool core, built for efficient cooling in applications under 600 HP.
ExactFit ComboUnit Griffin aluminum radiator with a 28.22" x 18.62" crossflow design and 2-row MegaCool core, built for efficient cooling in applications under 800 HP.
ExactFit ComboUnit Griffin aluminum radiator with a 31.76" x 18.5" crossflow design and 2-row MegaCool core, built for efficient cooling in applications under 950 HP.
ExactFit ComboUnit Griffin aluminum radiator with a 26.88" x 22.26" crossflow design and 2-row MegaCool core, built for efficient cooling in applications under 650 HP.