Some classics can be pretty surprising, which is true with this 1968 Chevrolet Corvette. It features one of the most desirable mechanical combinations offered by Chevrolet, and its enormous string of awards stands as a testament to its originality. However, it hasn’t attracted the level of interest one would typically associate with classics of this type. The seller listed it here on eBay in Kingston, Tennessee. It has attracted a mere four bids, leaving the price below the reserve at $15,100. There is a BIN figure of $68,500 for those wishing to bypass the auction process, and it will be fascinating to see whether the interest grows to the point where someone exercises that option.
The seller’s emphasis with this Corvette is on its originality, extending across every aspect of the car. This includes its British Green lacquer paint, which shows the marks and chips one might expect from an unrestored but cherished survivor with fifty-five years under its belt. It holds a deep shine, and the fiberglass looks excellent. The seller doesn’t mention rust issues with the frame or birdcage, which is unsurprising when we reach the point of discussing its long string of awards and trophies. The T-Top fits snugly, with the storage bags in excellent condition. The chrome is all you would expect from a vehicle of this type, and there are no visible glass issues.
You only need to examine the engine bay of cars like this Corvette to understand why many modern models leave enthusiasts feeling cold. My wife’s daily driver is a current model Mitsubishi, and it does everything required of it. I have lifted the hood several times, gazed at the engine bay, and thought, “Yep, there’s a motor hiding somewhere under all that plastic shrouding and other associated junk.” Admittedly, it is a triumph of packaging efficiency, but it doesn’t stir the emotions like an engine bay proudly housing a fire-breathing V8. This car’s original owner focused on outright performance, ticking the box beside the L68 version of the 427ci powerplant on the Order Form. This big-block churns out 400hp and 460 ft/lbs of torque, which the four-speed manual transmission feeds to a 3.55 Posi rear end. This was one of the most potent packages available in 1968, allowing the ‘Vette to storm the ¼-mile in 13.7 seconds. If the driver is brave enough to keep the right foot down, the needle will eventually nudge 150mph. Those numbers remain respectable today, but they demanded respect in 1968. The enormous list of awards received by this classic stand as evidence of its originality and numbers-matching status. These include seven NCRS Top Flight awards, a Founder’s Award, two Five-Star Bow-Tie gongs, and a host of other trophies. The seller supplies the relevant awards and certificates and the original Owner’s Manual, Protect-O-Plate, Order Form, Tank Sticker, and other documentation. They provide no information on how the Corvette runs or drives, but the impression is that prospective buyers should consider it a turnkey proposition.
We only need to examine this Corvette’s interior to realize the original owner focused on outright performance. They didn’t load the interior with power windows or a tilt/telescopic wheel because both added weight. They selected an AM/FM radio, and this car is 1-of-350 equipped with Custom shoulder belts. It is trimmed in Tobacco vinyl, and the overall condition is impressive for a vehicle of this vintage. There are no significant wear issues and no evidence of abuse. The wheel is immaculate, and there are no aftermarket additions. It is easy to see why the ‘Vette repeatedly impressed the NCRS judges.
This 1968 Corvette confused me because I expected the bidding action to be more intense. It ticks so many of the right boxes that the seller’s BIN figure looks realistic. It should appeal to purists, but it probably won’t win the heart and mind of an enthusiast seeking a pristine example. Still, it is early days, and history suggests the action could become frantic as the end draws near. Are you tempted to make a play for this gem, or would you prefer to monitor the auction as an interested spectator?
I love the Corvette, although the green exterior doesn’t go with the dark brown interior. Tan interior would have been much better looking and power windows and power driver seat would have added how much weight?? Pfft … Nothing.
It’s a great color for the interior IMO, and the pw’s would’ve only added about 10 lbs.
Apparently the author was with the original owner at the time of ordering and was able to ask why they were not “ticking the boxes” for power windows or tilt-tele steering wheel.
Considering that on average, less than 25% of 1968 Corvettes were ordered with power windows, power locks, tilt, A/C, etc., it’s actually rarer to see these options.
Even power steering came on only 43% of 1968s.Power Brakes? 33%.
This is a really cool Corvette for many reasons. The main one being it was truly built by the original buyer and is probably the only one built with its scant options list and color combination, while having the Best, most incredible engines ever put into a Corvette or any car for that matter! I don’t recall reading the mileage of this car, but as clean as it is for a Survivor and probably a driven car too it really isn’t a stretch to understand why it has won so many awards. The BRG paint with that Chocolate interior ain’t for everyone it seems, but I personally Dig it, man…It speaks late 60s in America to me…The other reason to like this ’68 427 4spd Vette is you’d pay a LOT MORE than the buy it now price if you picked this car up at one of the Auctions for this type of car…Good for him for offering it up to us regular guys in eBay…Wish I could afford it, bc I’d drive it like I stole it, at least on the drive home, with a big steak eatin grin on my face.
1968 Corvette Options and take rate, including engines:
1968 Corvette Exterior Colors and take rate, including interior recommendations.
Some of those interior colors must be very rare.
I also recall that the 3 deuces version of the 427 was either 425 automic trans or 435 horsepower 4 spd. The L68 had a 4 bbl q-jet
No, this is not correct. The L71 was three deuces and was435 hp with either a 4 speed or an automatic trans. The L68 was also three deuces (but with milder hydraulic cam) and was rated at 400 hp.
Well, not exactly. Two tri powers available in 68. L71 is solid lifter 435 horse with stick only. Other is 400 horse hydraulic with stick or automatic. The other 427 was 390 horse with one 4 barrel.
I will correct my comment. I worked at Chevrolet Engineering back in the day but my memory is not what it used to be. Paul is correct in that the L71 was only available with a 4 speed manual in 1968. However, in 1969, both the L71 and the L88 were released with the TH400 as an alternative. I was off by one year.
Nice car but not the color combination needs an update. Love Corvettes & own a beautiful 2002 auto 350 V8.
Tough to look at these cars and remember what GM did to the Corvette in the ’80s. Overall look on this series says sleek and fast. Not a great color combination but a beautiful example of art on wheels.
A really beautiful Corvette. I would love to own it.
Thank goodness it’s not a 69, so I’m safe from bidding. (I was born in 53 and got my license in 69, so that’s a sweet spot for me.
3-1-1953 here.Bid on it. Can’t you hear the clock ticking and read the writing on the wall? Well, considering our ages, maybe not. And it is actually time to hop into my 1995, 6-speed Corvette and head to my Ortho app’t! Have a great day!
“Well, considering our ages, maybe not.” As a long time hearing aid wearer, I found this comment really funny. At least I can still read the writing on the wall…where did I leave my glasses?
I have a 68 427 4 speed mine on the l36, 390 he, I love it.. I have a/c and pw, no ps no pb but its great. I just painted mine British racing green metallic, >i love it, get many comments too and how much asked all the time.. black interior though.. don’t pass that up…
My 79 has crank windows and I prefer them. Very, very rarely do they fail.
My silver 1979 also had crank windows, no AC, blue leather interior, L-82, 4-speed, FE-7 suspension. The guy I bought it from was an “enthusiast” and was smart enough to keep the cat converter and AIR injection system he removed. I probably should have kept that one.
The hardest part about having crank windows in a Corvette is removing them, especially without the special tool.
But, how often are you going to be doing that?
Likewise with me as for 1953. When I was a kid I said I was going to have a different year with nothing below 400 HP and a 4 speed for each week of the month; excluding winter. Never got the opportunity due to lack of funds. Insurance rates would have killed me!