When scouting around for a Corvette project, a first-year C3 is always a fun choice to consider, especially when it was born with a big block. When you dig a little deeper and find out the original engine is still present, the desirability continues to escalate, as even the lowest rating of any 427 was a stout 390 horsepower for the L36. To find a pedigree such as this 1968 Chevrolet Corvette convertible is the sort of thing dreams are made of for Chevy enthusiasts, as this one’s got the rare L89 option under the hood.
Code L89 wasn’t a common accessory, with this configuration accounting for only 624 of the 28,566 ‘Vettes produced for the 1968 model year. It gave buyers an already potent L71, rated at 435 HP, then added a pair of lightweight aluminum heads while retaining the trio of 2-barrels resting in between. At some point, the tri-power setup was removed from this one, and now it’s running with a single Holley 780 cfm carb. The seller provides a video of the engine starting up, which sounds healthy inside and registers nearly 80 PSI on the oil pressure gauge. Additional good news is the transmission, a Muncie 4-speed manual.
Some background information we’re told is the previous owner purchased the Corvette in 1977, and then later disassembled it as part of a restoration that was never completed before he passed away. The front end has been changed out and is bolted in place, but quite a few parts are missing, although the seller mentions that most of these are items that would typically be replaced during restoration anyway. Looking around the photos, the body seems to live up to the seller’s claim that it’s in excellent shape, with the birdcage described as being in the same condition.
Some attention is going to be needed inside, but the original AM/FM radio is still in the dash, plus it’s nice to see the carpet has been removed, which gives us a good view of the floor. We also get to see the underside, and the components below appear to be nice and solid. This C3 appears to be very good project material, and the car is located in Winter Springs, Florida, with the seller believing it’s resided in this state since new. This 1968 Chevrolet Corvette can be spotted here on eBay, where the current bid of $27,700 isn’t enough yet to meet the reserve. What are your thoughts on this one?
Love the top bolt holding the alternator, this puppy needs some tlc before going at 27 G’s
Bolt doesn’t need to be tight, no belt.
Tri-powers are easy to come by. As long as it’s a rectangular port it’ll be correct. Well worth buying as long as the reserve isn’t astronomical but yet reasonable. Very cool car…….
This is a 100k car when finished so well worth it with. Numbers matching which is gospel with corvette collectors
I’m not as knowledgeable as most of you, but is the car still “numbers matching” if the front end has been replaced?
IF there are VIN or sequence numbers embedded in those front-end parts, it would affect value, but I don’t know if that’s the case on Corvettes. Of course, it’s usually the case with American muscle era cars that driveline (engine, transmission, and often rear axle) combinations drive the value within a given model. Therefore, the codes and numbers relating to those parts are generally of most concern.
That said, Corvette enthusiasts as a group are notorious for demanding matching numbers and correct equipment, below only the Mopar crowd on the nitpickiness scale.
Without a doubt a very rare 68’ L89……buyers keep in mind, this needs total restoration…..and it won’t be cheap……
435 hp and a 4 spd? Oh man!!!
Great car! Deserves the right buyer!
1968 Corvette aware no headrest seat for 68
A rare car with great bones – will make a great base for a big buck resto.
A 100% halo car in my book. More affordable and road friendly than the L88, but with all the power, style, and rarity you could ask for, not to mention a pretty easy restoration in this particular case. Even at 50k, if markets hold, there’s is tons of upside potential for the DIYer.
…and bankers are practically going door to door to lend on home equity lately. lol
I’ve said before, I don’t understand the numbers matching excitement and value increase. I’ve never been to a car show and seen spectators crawling under the cars to look at the numbers on the differentials and transmissions, and then comparing them to the numbers on the engine – if they can find them.
Last time I dropped by Coast Corvette in Anaheim, CA, they had a tri-power manifold…