427/4-Speed: 1968 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

Some classics raise as many questions as they answer, and this 1968 Corvette Convertible is no exception. Its presentation is impressive, and it appears to be a turnkey proposition for its new owner. Someone performed a few modifications and updates, but since they are reversible, returning the car to its factory form shouldn’t pose many challenges. However, the sticker on its air cleaner raises the question of whether it is one of the most potent examples of the Corvette buyers could drive off the lot that year. That makes it worth a close look.

The history of this Corvette is unclear, although the seller confirms it spent its days in Texas and Nevada. The dry climate should mean that it has avoided the frame and birdcage rust that sometimes afflicts these classics, and the lack of visible surface corrosion in areas like the engine bay is encouraging. Its International Blue paint shines nicely, with no evidence of significant flaws or defects. The photo quality isn’t particularly good, so only an in-person inspection will expose the truth. The soft-top is new, and the ‘Vette comes with a color-matched factory hardtop. The glass and trim are in good order, while the side exhaust provides a hint that this Corvette might be more than a pretty face.

Tipping the hood forward reveals a 427ci V8, which the first owner teamed with a four-speed manual transmission. Somebody added aftermarket headers to feed spent gases to the side exhaust. This big-block features a Tri-Power setup, with the air cleaner sticker suggesting this could be the L71 version producing 435hp and 460 ft/lbs of torque. If this is correct, this muscular beast can storm the ¼-mile in 13.5 seconds. This aspect of the Corvette leaves us begging for more information because the seller provides little information beyond the fact that the carburetors recently received a rebuild, the suspension features a range of new components, and the braking system received a new booster. It is unclear whether the car is numbers-matching, making this another area that justifies inspection to verify the authenticity. There is no information supplied regarding how it runs or drives, but the indications are the news should be positive.

This Corvette’s interior appears as tidy as its exterior, with no evidence of issues with its Black vinyl trim. The plastic looks surprisingly good for a car that may have been exposed to harsh UV rays, and the gauges feature clear lenses and crisp markings. The first owner equipped the Convertible with power windows and a tilt/telescopic wheel, but it received a retro-style stereo, an aftermarket wheel, and a Hurst shifter at some point. Reversing those changes should be straightforward, and many enthusiasts might consider doing so if this classic proves to be numbers-matching. That approach would maximize the investment potential of what should be an appreciating asset.

The seller listed this 1968 Corvette Convertible here on eBay in West Plains, Missouri. Bidding sits below the reserve at $25,550 with plenty of time remaining on the auction. If it is all the photos suggest, I would expect that figure to at least double before the hammer falls. Of course, a single sticker doesn’t represent irrefutable proof, meaning an in-person inspection is required to unearth the truth. Does this classic interest you enough to make that next move? I will be fascinated to learn the outcome if you do.