Yellow C3 Corvette Colors by Generation

Yellow is one of the boldest and most recognizable colors ever offered on a Corvette. Few cars turn heads like a bright yellow C3 Corvette, commonly known as a canary yellow Corvette by collectors.

Chevrolet offered yellow across every era of C3 production (1968–1982), using names like Safari Yellow, Daytona Yellow, War Bonnet Yellow, Sunflower Yellow, and Bright Yellow.

• The early chrome-bumper C3s (1968–1972) featured the most collectible yellow shades, including Daytona Yellow and the legendary War Bonnet Yellow.
• The mid-years (1973–1977) offered Bright Yellow and a brief Metallic Yellow.
• The late C3s (1978–1979 and 1980–1982) continued with Corvette Yellow through 1981, the final year yellow was available on the C3.

For a complete look at all C3 features and specifications, see our C3 Corvettes guide.

Yellow Corvette Stingrays, Convertibles & T-Tops

A yellow Corvette Stingray is one of the most eye-catching classic cars you’ll ever see. The Stingray nameplate appeared on C3 Corvettes from 1969 through 1976, and yellow was available every one of those years, from Daytona Yellow in 1969–1970 to War Bonnet Yellow in 1971–1972, and Bright Yellow from 1974 through 1976. A yellow ‘69 Corvette Stingray in Daytona Yellow with a black interior is one of the most striking C3 configurations collectors search for today.

Yellow convertible Corvettes were produced from 1968 through 1975 and are also very desirable among collectors. After 1975, all C3 Corvettes were T-top coupes, and bright yellow T-tops with both panels removed are a classic look.

Whether you want a convertible, a yellow T-top with a manual transmission, or an automatic, we’ll be happy to help. Browse our inventory above or call 814-937-4941.

Yellow Corvette Paint Codes: Every Yellow by Year

Yellow has been part of the Corvette palette since the mid-1950s. Below is a complete guide to every yellow Corvette color, organized by generation.

C1 Corvette & C2 Yellows (1953–1967)

Yellow appeared only briefly on the C1 Corvette and made a stronger showing on the C2:

• 1955 – Harvest Gold: 120 produced. The first-ever yellow Corvette.
• 1958 – Panama Yellow: 455 produced. Yellow’s only other appearance on the C1.
• 1959–1964: No yellow was offered.
• 1965 – Goldwood Yellow (code XX): 1,275 produced. Yellow returned after a 7-year absence.
• 1966 – Sunfire Yellow (code 984): 2,339 produced.
• 1967 – Sunfire Yellow (code 984): 2,325 produced. The final year of the C2.

Early C3 Yellows (1968–1972): Safari Yellow, Daytona Yellow & War Bonnet Yellow

The 1968–1972 C3 Corvettes introduced the Mako Shark body and some of the most iconic yellow paint codes in Corvette history:

• 1968 – Safari Yellow (code 984): 3,133 produced. The first yellow on the new C3 body.
• 1969 – Daytona Yellow (code 984): Production numbers unknown. Daytona Yellow on a 1969 Stingray is one of the most sought-after C3 configurations.
• 1970 – Daytona Yellow (code 984): Production numbers unknown. Continued alongside the updated body with wider fenders and the new LT1 small block.
• 1971 – Sunflower Yellow (code 912) & War Bonnet Yellow (code 989): 1,177 Sunflower Yellow and 3,706 War Bonnet Yellow produced. The first year Chevrolet offered two yellows simultaneously. War Bonnet Yellow is a deeper, richer shade and is one of the most collectible C3 paint codes.
• 1972 – Sunflower Yellow (code 912) & War Bonnet Yellow (code 989): 1,542 Sunflower Yellow and 2,550 War Bonnet Yellow produced. Last year for chrome bumpers on both ends.

Mid C3 Yellows (1973–1977): Bright Yellow & Corvette Yellow

The 1973–1977 Corvettes transitioned to urethane bumpers and simplified the yellow palette:

• 1973 – Yellow (code 952) & Metallic Yellow (code 953): Two yellows in one year. First year without a front chrome bumper.
• 1974 – Bright Yellow (code 956): The sole yellow for 1974. First year for rubber bumpers on both ends.
• 1975 – Bright Yellow (code 56): 2,883 produced. Last year Chevrolet offered a C3 convertible.
• 1976 – Bright Yellow (code 56): 3,389 produced. First year for optional alloy wheels.
• 1977 – Corvette Yellow (code 52) & Corvette Bright Yellow (code 56): 71 Corvette Yellow and 1,942 Corvette Bright Yellow produced. Last year for the short rear window.

Late C3 Yellows (1978–1981): The Final Years

1978–1979 and 1980–1982

• 1978 – Corvette Yellow (code 52): 1,243 produced. First year for the big rear window.
• 1979 – Corvette Yellow (code 52): 2,357 produced.
• 1980 – Yellow (code 52): 2,077 produced. First year for the spoiler rear bumper and flared front bumper.
• 1981 – Yellow (code 52): 1,031 produced. The last year yellow was offered on a C3 Corvette.
• 1982: Did not include yellow in its color palette.

Yellow Across Later Corvette Generations

While Hobby Car Corvettes specializes in C3 Corvettes (1968–1982), Chevrolet continued to offer striking yellows in later generations. Competition Yellow appeared on C4 models, Millennium Yellow and Velocity Yellow were popular on C5 Corvettes, and Corvette Racing Yellow, Velocity Yellow, and Accelerate Yellow appeared on C6 and C7 models.