While the C1 and C2 Corvette may not achieve immediate recognition on foreign shores, the C3 Corvette faces no such challenge. Along with the First Generation Mustang, the C3 has one of the most iconic silhouettes in the automotive world. Unlike its predecessors, which experienced relatively average production runs, the C3 achieved exceptional longevity. After fifteen model years of rolling off showroom floors, it was still selling in respectable numbers. Our feature Corvette Convertible is from the first year of production and is in excellent condition for a survivor. Adding to its attraction is the original owner’s decision to equip this classic with a big-block V8. Everything must end, so the seller has listed the ‘Vette for sale here on Craigslist. Located in Shell Knob, Missouri, the seller has set a price of $55,000. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pat L for spotting another fantastic classic for us.
When a seller is considering placing their prized classic on the market, it is worth the effort for them to take a bit of time securing decent photos. After all, isn’t a picture worth a thousand words? This Corvette’s owner would do well to heed that advice because the supplied images do the car no favors. However, we can piece together enough to determine that there’s plenty to like about this classic. It wears Safari Yellow paint, and with 3,133 buyers selecting that shade in 1968, it fell in about the middle of the range from a popularity perspective. The owner doesn’t mention any restoration work, and I believe that if it has received a refresh, the work was relatively recent. I base this feeling on the car’s history. The seller indicates that it underwent NCRS judging in 2006, 2007, and 2008. It scored 95.3 during that process, and those numbers are generally reserved for original survivors. The paint shines beautifully, and like the fiberglass, it appears to have no significant flaws or problems. The owner doesn’t mention rust problems, and the supplied underside shots reveal floors and a frame that looks solid. The Black soft-top is in good order, and a spotless factory hardtop is also included. The Corvette rolls on a new set of Rally wheels and tires, but the original wheels and bias plies come with the car.
The interior continues this listing’s theme of ordinary photos, but we see enough to make some positive conclusions. The original owner ordered the Corvette trimmed in Black vinyl, which remains in good order. There is no visible damage, and the prone outer edge of the driver’s seat looks perfect. The remaining upholstery and trim show no evidence of issues, but it is the console that steals the show for me. The section near the HVAC controls and shifter can be prone to wear and minor damage. While that area on this Corvette isn’t perfect, its condition is far better than we see on many C3s at Barn Finds. The interior isn’t fully loaded, but the original owner was part of the 86% of buyers to tick the box for the AM/FM radio.
We’ve reached the point in this story where we need to discuss what many would consider this Corvette’s highlight. Lifting the hood reveals a 427ci big-block backed by a four-speed manual transmission. This motor is the L36 version, churning out 390hp and 460 ft/lbs of torque. With this classic tipping the scales at 3,280lbs, its ability to scorch through the ¼ mile in 13.8 seconds before winding its way to 149mph is nothing to be sneezed at. Buyers in 1968 could order faster Corvettes, but with the L36 adding a mere $200.15 to the sticker price, it represented a great “bang-for-your-bucks” proposition. This C3 is numbers-matching, right down to the functioning smog pump. The owner added the correct N40 power steering, but the car is otherwise unmolested. The seller provides no specific information on how the ‘Vette runs or drives, but its overall condition gives cause to be quietly optimistic.
If I had one wish about this 1968 Corvette Convertible, it would be that the seller supplied better photos to allow us a greater appreciation of what it offers. There’s no doubt that chrome-bumper examples are the popular pick in the C3’s history because purists recognize those cars as the most elegantly styled and genuine hard-edged sports cars. Like many classic cars, the C3 experienced a downturn in value due to world events over the past two years, but they have bounced back with a vengeance. It isn’t unusual to see big-block examples top $60,000, but $70,000 isn’t out of the question for the right car. This Corvette’s price looks highly competitive when you consider its originality, condition, and specifications. It has only been on the market for a few days, and while I’m not about to pretend that it’s a cheap classic, I won’t be surprised if a buyer emerges pretty quickly. Will you?
Yellow=check
Topless=check
427=check
I seriously don’t like rowing anymore but
Manual=check
Beautyfull and hard not to notice
Few if any “survivor cars” score anywhere near 95.3 in NCRS judging. Those are numbers usually only seen for fully restored cars. My 100% original and unrestored 44000 mile 81, that I’ve owned since new, barely scores 94% (4230 out of a possible 4500 points), which is the minimum score needed for an NCRS Top Flight. Also, 15 year old judging sheets are just about useless for determining the condition of a car, as much has been learned about these cars in that time frame, and cars can age a lot in 15 years. It can also matter were the judging took place, a Chapter show, a Regional or the annual National show, it makes a difference.
It’s really hard to tell from the ad if this is a restored 68, or an unrestored original car. The ad says a fair amount, and yet doesn’t provide much information, and though there are plenty of pictures, they aren’t of great quality. Overall though, it does appear to be a decent 68 big block, priced realistically.
Yessir ✔️