350/4-Speed Roadster: 1968 Chevrolet Corvette

• Seller: David B rill (Contact)
• Location: South Windsor, Connecticut
• Mileage: 26,000 Shown
• Chassis #: 194678S422517
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: 350 cui GM Crate V8/290HP
• Transmission: 4-Speed Manual Muncie M22

Back in 1992, the owner of this 1968 Corvette bought it and drove it around New England and Connecticut with his son. Unfortunately, it overheated one day, and their son put water in the cooling system instead of antifreeze. While in storage the following winter, the original engine block cracked after the coolant froze. So, the car sat for several years. He eventually decided to put the car back on the road with a GM 350 crate engine and a rebuilt Muncie M22 four-speed. This Roadster is in South Windsor, Connecticut, with a reported clean title and a $24,500 asking price.

The seller says DH Consulting lifted the body off the frame about three years ago, cleaned and painted the chassis, and installed the 290-hp 350. Other work included a new clutch, suspension bushings and springs, brakes, fuel and brake lines, a gas tank, a DeWitts aluminum radiator with twin electric fans, and exhaust. The seller reports spending more than $25,000, and they’ve driven it about 300 miles since the work was completed 3 years ago. It has power steering and power-assisted four-wheel discs, and the seller says it starts easily and shifts smoothly. There’s some surface corrosion underneath, particularly on the exhaust.

The car was originally Safari Yellow, according to the seller. It spent time in dark blue and yellow before getting its current red paint, which shows stress cracks, chips, and peeling clear coat. They had planned to have the body restored while it was off the frame, but decided to keep the patina it currently sports. The Rally wheels wear 255/60R15 BFGoodrich Radial T/As. The convertible top frame is present, but the seller notes that the fabric top is deteriorated and needs replacement.

Inside, we find cloth seats with the optional headrests, a smaller steering wheel, and a Pioneer stereo. Chevrolet didn’t offer cloth seats in the Corvette in ’68, so the seller assumes a previous owner had the seats redone, but claims they look factory-done. During their ownership, the only interior work done was installing the steering wheel and replacing the heater fan. The seller says the pop-up headlights and the wiper door work. The odometer shows about 26,300 miles, but the total mileage is unknown.

I’d put a top on it and get some miles on the 350 before deciding anything about the body and paint. It has a cool survivor look, and while I prefer original paint, I’m not a huge fan of yellow. As long as the chassis and structure are solid, there’s no real urgency to do anything with the paint, so you might as well drive and enjoy it before winter hits. What do you think? Would you have it repainted, or would you just drive it as is?