The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is a staple in the history of American sports cars. However, not every base-model ‘Vette from every generation wears the maritime moniker. So, which years of the sweetheart sports car boast the Stingray badge? Also, are the C7 and C8 Corvettes considered Stingrays or “Sting Rays?”

What Chevrolet Corvette generations had the Stingray name?

Of the Chevrolet Corvette’s eight generations, four carry the iconic Stingray name. 

• C2: 1963-1967
• C3: 1968-1976 
• C7: 2014-2019
• C8: 2020-Present

While the C2, C7, and C8 refused to go without the badge, the C3 generation shrugged off the badge after the 1976 model year, per IMSA.  

What is the oldest Corvette Stingray?

The first Chevrolet Corvette Stingray was the 1963 model, and it was actually a “Sting Ray.” Moreover, the 1963 Chevy Corvette was the first C2, or second-generation, model. Better yet, it was the first year of the iconic Corvette hideaway headlamps. 

The name was a hit and would find itself returning for part of the third-generation car. However, the first Sting Ray was less than popular initially; its famous split-window design was polarizing. Specifically, the legendary engineer and designer Zora Arkus-Duntov was outspoken about his reservations. Moreover, the body member that split the rear window compromised rearward visibility, a safety concern. 

Is a 1970 Corvette a Stingray?

The third-generation Chevrolet Corvette C3 wore the Stingray name from its inception in 1968 to 1976. However, the 1977 Corvette went without the famous badge. Unfortunately for fans of the famed model, the Stingray namesake wouldn’t return for a full-production generation until 2014. 

Moreover, IMSA asserts that the 1968 model year, despite not being badged a Stingray, still qualifies as a Stingray. In advertisements and brochures, the 1968 model was a “Sting Ray.” While that might be cause for controversy among veteran ‘Vette fans, it’s a piece of the model’s history.  

Are C7 Stingrays fast?

The C7 Chevy Corvette resurrected the Stingray badge for an exceptionally fast model. For starters, the base-model 2014 Stingray could hit 60 mph in around 4.0 seconds. However, opting for the Z51 package and its performance-oriented features could drop that figure to about 3.8 seconds. 

How much HP does a Corvette Stingray C8 have?

The Chevrolet Corvette C8 Stingray was an evolutionary step for the “Plastic Fantastic,” wherein the model had its first production mid-engine platform. Further, the new naturally aspirated 6.2L LT1 V8 produces 490 horsepower, or 495, with the performance exhaust option. 

The C8’s high-horsepower LT1 out-muscled the previous C7 by 40 ponies. For now, the Stingray name lives on into the fourth and fifth model years of the C8. 

Which generations weren’t Stingrays?

The C1, C4, C5, and C6 models didn’t incorporate the Stingray name into their base models. Instead, the C4 and C5 carried over the Stingray’s pop-up headlamps without taking the title.