The Chevrolet Corvette, fondly known as the Vette, has captured the hearts of car enthusiasts since it’s debut in 1953. It secured it’s place in automobile history as one of the most iconic American classic cars. However, even the most knowledgeable Corvette aficionados may not be aware of many nuances and trivia surrounding this beloved car.
While the Corvette has always offered a wide range of interior options and engine packages, one aspect that can sometimes perplex people is the roof and body style. Is it a convertible, a roadster, a Targa top, or removable hardtop? Which options were available in each model year, what were they called? Most importantly, which roof and body style do they have?
As a company that sells weatherstripping, which is a vital component for any convertible or T-top, we encounter these questions more frequently than most. To provide clarity, we have created a comprehensive guide to the various Corvette roof type options, covering C1 (1st gen) through C5 (5th gen) Corvettes.
First Generation, C1: 1953 – 1962
1953- 1955
- 2 Door Convertible (Soft Top) / Roadster (No roll-up door windows)
1956
- 2 Door Convertible (Soft Top)
- Roll-up glass door windows
- Optional removable Hardtop roof available
1957- 1962
- 2 Door Convertible (Soft Top)
- Optional removable Hardtop roof available
Second Generation, C2: 1963 – 1967
1963 Sting Ray
- 2 Door Convertible (Soft Top)
- Optional removable Hardtop roof available
- 2 Door “Split-Window” Coupe
- Two-piece glass Rear Window
1964 Sting Ray
- 2 Door Convertible (Soft Top)
- Optional removable Hardtop roof available
- 2 Door Coupe
- One-piece wraparound glass Rear Window
1965- 1967 Sting Ray
- 2 Door Convertible (Soft Top)
- Optional removable Hardtop roof available
- 2 Door Coupe
Third Generation, C3: 1968 – 1982
1968-1975 Stingray
- 2 Door Convertible (Soft Top)
- Optional removable Hardtop roof available
- 2 Door T-Top roof Coupe
1976- 1977 Stingray
- 2 Door T-Top roof Coupe
Did you know? The Corvette had an option for a factory CB radio from 1978-1985? The craze from this Starsky and Hutch staple of course was offered for the Camaro and Trans Am but also spilled over to the Corvette.
1978- 1982
- 2 Door T-Top roof Fastback rear window Coupe
Did you know? The term Targa Top originated in 1966 with the Porsche 911? And while many people use the term to describe the hard top removeable top on a Corvette it is a registered trademark of Porsche.
Fourth Generation, C4: 1984 – 1996
1984- 1985
- 2 Door Standard removable roof panel Coupe
1986- 1988
- 2 Door Convertible (Soft Top)
- 2 Door Standard removable roof panel Coupe
1989- 1996
- 2 Door Convertible (Soft Top)
- Optional removable Hardtop roof available
- 2 Door Standard removable roof panel Coupe
Fifth Generation, C5: 1997 – 2004
1997
- 2 Door removable roof panel Fastback (hatchback) Coupe
1998
- 2 Door Convertible (Soft Top)
- Optional removable Hardtop roof available
- 2 Door removable roof panel Fastback (hatchback) Coupe
1999- 2004
- 2 Door Convertible (Soft Top)
- Optional removable Hardtop roof available
- 2 Door removable roof panel Fastback (hatchback) Coupe
- 2 Door fixed roof Hardtop (notchback rear window)
The Corvette convertible top options certainly evolved a lot over the years and so did their weatherstripping parts. If you have any questions about your specific roof type or parts for it feel free to reach out on the phone or online and we’ll be happy to help you!
At Steele, we’re more than just high-quality products, we’re your trusted resource for completing your weatherstripping projects with confidence.
Whether you’re working on a classic car or truck, street rod, RV, or boat, our expert team is here to help. If you have questions about weatherstripping or need product guidance, we’re just a call or click away.
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