Chevy’s sports car, the Corvette, was redesigned for 1968, taking on the “Mako Shark” persona in its styling. The changes were well-received, and customers would buy 25% more Corvettes in 1968 than the year before. The seller’s ‘Vette is a project car that will need some degree of work, although we’re not sure what will be involved from the information and photos provided. Located in East Canton, Ohio, this non-running Corvette is available here on eBay for $19,500 (or you can submit an offer). Thanks for the tip, Larry D!
The ’68 ‘Vette underwent a complete body makeover and its hardtop model provided a near convertible feel with removable T-tops and back window. But those wanting a true drop-top could still get one. Its aerodynamic styling provided for a low “V” shape in the front and a built-in spoiler in the back. Functional louvers were embedded in the front fenders to help cool the engine. When you ordered a Sting Ray convertible, three options were offered on how to put the top down: a soft top (in three available colors), a removable hardtop, or you could order both. The seller’s car is a convertible and is said to have both top options.
Five engine choices were available in the 1968 Corvette: 2×327 cubic inch V8s or 3×427 V8s. The seller indicates this car has an L72 427 V8, but if it’s original then sources indicate that an L36 or L71 would be more likely, at either 390 or 435 hp. No photos of the drivetrain or interior or provided, and just one photo of the full length of the car. The seller provides two images from a torn build sheet or order form that doesn’t seem to help much. He/she mentions RPO K66 which is identified as a “Transistor Ignition System.”
While the Corvette currently wears bright yellow paint, which may be okay, the cowl tag indicates that the car was originally finished in Corvette Bronze. The car is said to have a manual transmission but the rear-end is not correct, out of a 1969 model instead. We’re not certain if everything is there to put the Chevy back together, although we’re told some miscellaneous parts will come along for the ride. The indicated mileage is 44,000 which, if accurate, indicates a vehicle that was lightly used before reaching the state it’s in today.
I know the seller. Good guy, who knows his GM products. Typically has cars with a lot of documentation, although this one seems to have a “little” documentation😜 See what I did there?😂
There were 4 427’s in 68, the 390, 400, 435 and the rather limited production L-88.
The fuel line doesn’t mean much. But the lack of a return line does indicate this car (likely) started life a Holley carb, meaning it was either a 400 or 435 (it could also be an L-88, but nothing I see in the limited info provided identifies it as one). The Q-Jet equipped 390, used a return line. The inclusion of F-41 on the build sheet, further identifies this as a 427. All it would take to know which engine it started life with, would be to see the tach. The 400 had a 5600 redline, while the 435 redlined at 6500 RPM.
Corvette Copper’s a desireable color, but $19500 for a missing motor 68 needing a full resto, is a lot of money.
Gbvett62 is correct. Too much money, but Corvette Bronze is one of the best looking 68 colors, especially with Tobacco interior. There is no photo of dash showing 6,500 red line tach for 435 or L88. But with K66, could be L71. K66 available with L68 as well. I owned a 67 L68 that came from St Louis that way. Bought that car in 1976, before the scum of this hobby started faking everything.
One thing about the 68 Vette, there are a lot of one year only parts for it that are hard to find. Door lock and handle mech, grill parts, frame needs to be strengthened a bit, windshield wiper motor, little things. But I love the body style and own one. I will follow this one as I have the completed one sitting in my garage.
Looks like a great project for someone that knows the price of replacement parts today
More pictures would probably be a big help.
You would be under water as soon as you bought it unless you do everything yourself. A top quality paint job will cost north of 15k, add $2500.00+ for the interior, $7000.00+ for the correct engine, etc you will have $65000.00 in it before you know it.