If buyers had the money, they could order a new Corvette in 1968 loaded with factory options. The original owner of this classic didn’t stop by equipping it with a desirable drivetrain, ticking enough boxes on the Order Form to lift it a rung above the ordinary. It needs cosmetic work, but the bones are there to create a classic guaranteed to turn heads and command respect. The seller listed this Corvette here on eBay in Merrick, New York. Intense bidding has pushed the price beyond the reserve to $16,877.

In some light, the presentation of this first-year C3 Corvette isn’t bad. In the right light, it reveals its non-original Black paint is pretty tired. It may respond positively to a careful polish, but I suspect the new owner may treat it to a repaint to bring out its best. They must choose whether to continue the Black theme or if returning it to its factory shade of British Green is a better option. British Green managed to sneak over the line as the most popular shade in 1968, gracing the panels of 4,779 cars. However, the high figure doesn’t mean it’s unattractive, and choosing originality would offer the best return on the new owner’s investment. The fiberglass panels exhibit none of the stress cracks or other problems often experienced on these classics, while a life spent garage-kept ensured the frame and birdcage are rust-free. The seller indicates the sometimes troublesome headlamps and wiper door work as they should, and the tinted glass is spotless. Rounding out this package is trim that looks excellent for a survivor and the original Rally wheels.

Although some buyers prefer the poise and handling of a Corvette with a small-block under the hood, there is no substitute for cubic inches. If you subscribe to that theory, you’ll love this Corvette. It features the L36 version of the 427ci V8, producing 390hp. The original owner added a four-speed manual transmission, a Posi rear end, and power steering. The car cements its performance credentials with the ability to scorch the ¼-mile in 13.7 seconds before winding its way to 150mph. The seller says this numbers-matching classic has lain idle since 1999, but they recently revived its big-block with fresh fuel, a new battery, plugs, and plug wires. They say the engine sounds excellent but advise it requires brake work and a thorough inspection to return it to a roadworthy state.

If a buyer ordered their ’68 Corvette in British Green, they received the interior trimmed in Black leather or vinyl. This car features the second option, and its overall presentation is acceptable for a driver-grade classic. The driver’s seat exhibits wear and slight damage, and the carpet shows some of the fading that is a character trait of older Corvettes. The rest of the interior looks excellent, with no cracked plastic or other problems. The interior would look stunning if the new owner spent $480 on some replacement seatcovers, $320 on a carpet set, and $25 on a new shift boot. The original owner included such desirable options as power windows, a tilt/telescopic wheel, and an AM/FM radio. Everything works as it should, meaning this interior’s needs are minor and purely cosmetic.

With a fresh coat of paint and some basic TLC, this 1968 Corvette could be pretty special. It’s big-block V8 promises neck-snapping performance, and the thirty-one submitted bids suggest I am not a lone voice on the subject. Preserving classics like this is becoming more important as the world turns its attention toward zero-emission vehicles. Without restored cars of this caliber, future generations may fail to understand their significance. Describing cars like this Corvette in mere words may not be enough. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but experiencing one in person tells their story most effectively. I believe the new owner will return this ‘Vette to its former glory, and I hope the next generation of enthusiasts have the opportunity to appreciate their efforts.