The Chevrolet Motor Company was formed in 1911. The Corvette, Americas first sports car, was introduced in 1953, the third generation C3 Corvette was built from 1968-82, an all new body, based on the Mako Shark II concept car, it was longer, narrower and lower, a T top was now available. Big block cars got power bulge hood and integral air exhaust vents. For the 70/71 Corvettes (more or less identical), the horizontal bar grille was changed to a silver egg-crate grille, signal lights went from small round units to large clear lens rectangular ones, front fender louvers changed to a egg-crate style. 1972 was very similar again, front signal lights now had amber lenses and the grille was now chrome. For 1973, the new urethane front bumper was introduced, the rear bumper still chrome in 73, rear urethane in 1974 . 1972 Engines; 200 or 255hp 350 cu in, 270hp 454 cu in