Making rarity claims can be a slippery slope in the classic world. This is especially true if they are based more on speculation than hard evidence. That brings us to this 1968 Corvette Convertible. It is claimed to be an original survivor that features its numbers-matching big-block under the hood. It is the rarest version apart from the L88, and the seller speculates on whether its remaining mechanical features and options make this Convertible 1-of-37 built in 1968. They have listed this classic here on Craigslist in Fountain Hills, Arizona. They set their price at $75,000, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting a classic that is both stunning and potent.
I’ve discussed the iconic nature of the C3 Corvette’s styling in previous articles, and I agree with many enthusiasts who feel that the early chrome-bumper vehicles represent the badge in its purest form. This Convertible ticks those boxes, with the seller claiming that the British Green paint coating its swooping fiberglass is original. Its condition is noteworthy if that is true because there are no significant cosmetic flaws. The first owner teamed a dark paint shade with a White soft-top, although they could also have chosen Beige or Black. The top is in good order, fitting tightly with no rips or tears. The glass and trim show no evidence of deterioration, and this is 1-of-8,971 cars ordered with the “turbine” wheel covers.
Okay, this is what most of the song and dance is about with this Corvette. Chevrolet offered buyers a choice of six optional engines to power their new purchase, with only 1,932 selecting the L68 version of the company’s 427ci V8. The big-block inhales deeply through a factory Tri-Power setup, sending 400hp and 460 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission. This was a genuinely potent package, capable of storming the ¼-mile in 14 seconds on its way to 147mph. The seller states that this Corvette is numbers-matching, an important consideration for those contemplating its future investment potential. However, the seller added Hooker headers and a side exhaust, as shown in the last photo. They emphasize the additional power the setup has unlocked, although I would be asking for the factory exhaust manifolds as part of any sales deal. There is no specific information regarding how it runs or drives, but it is fair to expect perfection for any C3 Corvette within this price range.
The first owner continued ticking the boxes on their Order Form when they focused on the interior appointments. The selected power windows, headrests, and a tilt/telescopic wheel, and I suspect they also equipped the car with an AM/FM radio. This last item has made way for a modern stereo with speakers mounted in the back. Once again, I would inquire about the original components to return the interior to its stock state. The Black vinyl is in generally good condition, although I think there might be wear on the outer edge of the driver’s seat. The carpet and dash show no signs of issues, and the console has avoided most of the scratches that seem to plague these interiors.
It will be fascinating to gauge your feedback on this 1968 Corvette Convertible, and whether you believe the seller’s assumption that it is 1-of-37 could be valid. Its paint shade was the most popular offered by Chevrolet that year, but the only engine chosen by fewer buyers was the legendary L88. If its rarity is verifiable, do you feel that the price is fair? So, over to you for your thoughts.
Perhaps my favourite colour of all time,absolutely stunning,As i have old age issues i’m an automatic man so this is truely my dream Corvette.The only change i’d make would be to swap the Hooker sidepipes for the factory style sidepipes which conform to the lower trim perfectly and look classic.
I’d say that the seller should just go ahead and enter the car with Barrett-Jackson. If it’s truly what he says it is, he’ll get more than his $68K asking price.
Heck, my 2017 Silverado High Country with the 6.2 ltr. stock is 400hp/460lbs/ft of torque as well.
That green is probably my favorite as well.
And yes, take that girl to the auction.
Basically a 390 hp with the tripower. Oval port engine, hydraulic lifters. Nice cruiser.
I like the Hooker side headers. I remember there was a 427/454 powered 3/4 ton Chevy tow truck in Syracuse NY with those named “The Happy Hooker.”
Those are expensive Hookers too
This seller seems to want the “rare” money, but seems to have overlooked the “only original once” part of that equation. Adding a booming sound system and (in my opinion) tacky side exhaust does not usually increase the value of a low production number classic. Don’t get me wrong, Vettes are one of the few cars that can pull off side pipes, but these side pipes look a little out of place on this car in my opinion. Of course, a collector that values what is truly rare about this car would probably spend the extra $$ to put it back to original.
Side mount headers scream “race car”. Personally, I like them, but paired with the wheel covers the combination just doesn’t work. I believe the side vent trim is a 1969 option, but I like the looks. I’d install the factory trim rings and center caps on the rally wheels and appearance wise it’s a win! As mentioned, hopefully all the removed items are available. Even the automatic doesn’t offend me anymore! The ad description reads as a history of 1968 Corvettes and options, with little information regarding this car.
First couple of pictures not taken in AZ,the last few yes.Fountains Hills AZ,home of Sheriff Joe Apairo
It would have been nice is they used the space describing the car rather than a contrived calculation about how rare it is. It’s a big block Corvette convertible, it stands on its own merits of which condition matters.
Steve R
That’s a beautiful C3, my favorite version of those before the rubber nose and tail. It’s performance is outstanding, however a 1986 Yamaha V-Max could storm the quarter mile at 10.36 seconds. Best of all, the ‘Max cost less than one tenth of what they are asking for this Vette.
Apples to oranges comparison.
Beautiful Vette with probably my favorite wheel covers on any car. Have to ask, though, are the sport mirrors original for this year?
I once owned a ’68 Camaro convertible in this same color with a 327 2-bbl and 4-speed manual, black interior and top. Miss that car.
No, on the mirrors. Those showed up in the 70s.
“only original once”
He’s selling what is probably a very nice car. I would have taken a different approach in the ad if it was mine, however.
I would have used the text description to explain the mechanical condition of the Corvette. His claims of rarity are wasted words. Nobody cares about the contorted calculations that got to “1 of 37”.
AVOID !! The ’68 model was plagued with problems.
STEVE-O: granted that in 1968 the new C-3s had some quality control problems…but we are in 2024-5 now. All these ’68s have gradually been sorted out throughout the five-and-a-half DECADES that have transpired. The only exceptions would be ’68 C-3s that were stored and never driven…but I don’t think there are too many of those around…
*slurp*
That is a good looking car. Any misgivings about the ’68 being troublesome I’m sure were true back in the day but in the ensuing 50+ years I’d bet the issues have been noodled out by now.
The so-called “rarity” claim here is dubious @ best, but the detracting statement re. such provenance is the misinformation in Craigslist stating that L88s were similarly carbureted to L68s &L71s.
Gosh this vette is nice. Makes sense to have an automatic trans for this drag strip crusher. Both ford and Chevy offered those turbine style hubcaps back in the day. Gotta love sidepipes on a vette
Doesn’t seem like there’s much tolerance for any negative comments here
…
With the modifications mentioned, the car is not an “original survivor”.
I guess were just going to ignore the L-89 427-435 with aluminum heads a actual rare car.
Where is that? Because, it sure isn’t this one.
Couple things changed on this beauty, there is a key switch on the steering column. On a 68, it was on the dash. Also, the tilt/telescopic option on the column was not an option either. The chrome gill inserts were not an option in 68. No radiator overflow tank. The rear valance where the exhaust exit has been filled in, suggesting a repaint. Great looking car, but pretty far from original. I own a 68 and did a frame off restoration on it and if I was going to sell it, would ask about that amount. Hope he gets it.
After looking at all the pictures very carefully and reading all the comments, the only thing for certain is that the doors are 1968. Everything else is open for debate.
If it is original paint it is stunning. I’m confused looking at the pictures: It appears the ‘later’ pictures were taken after the sidemount headers, sport mirrors, aluminum radiator, etc were added. In one of the ‘before’ pictures you can see the exhaust tips, not exiting through the rear valance, but turned down before it. This makes me question the original paint comment.
Just me, but I’ve owned a bunch of Corvettes over the years and nary a one was an automatic…and I’m not looking for one now.
Are those “sport mirrors” even GM parts? I remember the first GM sport type mirrors were l body color, the base as well as the mirror housing itself, and metal. I believe the first application was the 70 Camaro/Firebird. These remind me of the generic Pep Boy’s and other aftermarket generic one size fits all universal mirrors, they have the chrome mounting base, and came with a black plastic mirror housing, paint to match to leave them black. Somewhere around the late 70’s I think the Corvettes gained the sport mirrors as standard. I’m far from a Corvette expert…
Sport mirrors were first offered as an option on the 1977 Corvette. In 1980 they became standard equipment.
Actually I think it is a one of one; only one made with a 69 steering column. Now how is that for a rare, original, survivor !!!!!! PS, I have a one of one 70 Chevelle. It is the only one made with the vin. that is on the dash. I have never seen another one with the same vin. How is that for rare!!!