When Chevrolet shoehorned its big-block V8 under the hood of its Corvette, they transformed an iconic vehicle into one with performance to leave you breathless. This 1968 ‘Vette features its original big-block, but it has hibernated since 1980. It needs someone with the vision and commitment to return it to active duty. If you feel up for the challenge, it is listed here on eBay in Astoria, New York. The seller set their price at $37,500 but left the option to make an offer.
Chevrolet introduced its C3 Corvette onto the market in 1968, and while it was business as usual below the surface, it featured bold styling that is recognized across the globe. Our feature car is from that first year of production and would have been a stunning car when it rolled off the showroom floor. The nondescript Green that covers its panels isn’t original, with its first owner ordering the car in attractive (and aptly named) Corvette Bronze. The previous owner parked it in 1980, and the passage of time has exacted a high toll. The paint has aged badly, although the fiberglass has no horrendous faults. The new owner will probably polish the trim to determine what is salvageable, but the soft-top is beyond help. My most significant concern is the potential presence of rust in the birdcage or frame. The seller doesn’t mention issues in the listing, but the significant corrosion across various areas would make an in-person inspection a wise move. I generally recommend that course of action, but it is particularly relevant when you consider the capital outlay this project represents.
For any enthusiasts subscribing to the theory that there is no substitute for cubic inches, this Corvette’s engine ticks the right boxes. The original owner ordered the car with a 427ci V8 and a four-speed manual transmission. This motor is the L36 version, meaning the driver had 390hp at their disposal. It is worth noting that slotting the big-block into these classics meant that every 427-equipped Corvette could break the 14-second barrier for the ¼-mile. This car would have been no exception and should have covered the distance in 13.7 seconds. The seller indicates the vehicle is numbers-matching, although it hasn’t fired a shot in anger since 1980. It is unclear whether the V8 turns freely, making that another aspect requiring a check during any inspection.
This Corvette may feature custom paint, but that is the tip of the iceberg. The interior is more extreme, and its appearance is an acquired taste that probably won’t appeal to most readers. The Black diamond-buttoned vinyl upholstery marks a significant change from the factory Tobacco trim. It is a sight that screams 1970s custom and one that most purists would consign to the trash. The buyer faces a total retrim to achieve excellent presentation, which won’t be cheap. They will probably choose to swap the Hurst shifter for a more appropriate item, but I can’t spot any further additions. It isn’t loaded with options beyond the factory AM/FM radio.
Some classic barn finds leave me torn, and that’s the case with this 1968 Corvette Convertible. In its prime, it would have been a potent beast that commanded respect due to its performance potential. Time hasn’t been kind, and it requires nothing short of a frame-off restoration to recapture its youthful good looks. The sticking point is the cost because it is not a cheap project car. It may deserve further consideration if an in-person inspection reveals no issues with the frame or birdcage. However, the accumulated corrosion ensures there is an element of risk involved. Would that be enough to prompt you to place it in the “too-hard” basket?
Kudos for the engine not being opened in any way during its hibernation. Not to say that it will be spared from being opened up shortly…
Looks like a flood victim. Proceed with extreme caution.
Hmmm, now that you mention it…
I bet the birdcage is…
TOAST.
I wouldn’t say its a flood victim; a car like that would have a lot more rust and the interior would be a lot worse. I’m thinking it was a neglected ,tired car when it was parked and then stored poorly, possibly a concrete walled garage with no ventilation . Chrome pieces may have already been getting rusty when it was parked. That being said , the New York plates mean it was at one time on the East Coast so its seen its share of bad weather and salted roads, so the birdcage may be really bad
$37,500 seems like a ton of cash for a car needing basically everything. I dig the Monza style gas cap, but on a stock car, it just doesn’t “fit”.
Wonder how bad I will offend the seller if I drop the $37k and offer $500 bucks
How much would a 68 427 used engine cost ?
So, no, your $500 is offensive to me, and its not my car.
WHY oh why do people even bother making such comments ??
Its a 68 convertible 427
Its a frickin rare and top of the line car,
its worth money. especially to those that know what theyre talking about.
Ya, a barn find 68, hmmm i wonder why its not perfect ?!?, i wonder if theres rust, i wonder…
For all you pretty boy flippers out there, just move on, nothing to see here .
It’s best to realize the value of your car in the current condition. It’s not worth anywhere near that kind of money. You could buy a nice big block corvette (not numbers matching) for $20k. The price your asking is for a numbers match car in near perfect condition. Do some research.
16 people agreed with that comment ?!?
I read it and thought:
Wow, that guy seems to not realize what hes looking at,, annnd then i saw the 16 thumbs up..
Now im getting some perspective
my peers
ya
I mean, why cigarettes and hot dogs are so popular ; sigh
This car was worth 3500 ten years ago because it was in better condition (hypothetically) and values hadn’t sky-rocketed.
Today, maybe the same 3500 because it’s pretty much a rust bucket that needs everything.
That’s a lot of rust. It has rust showing on the inside of the car as well as the outside. My guess is this car sat outside for a long time and for some of the time with a bad car cover on top of it. Even the rear bumpers are rusted bad.
The frame and birdcage are mega toasted in my opinion.
BTW what are those weird toggle switches on the emergency brake cover?
Seat eject.
Gullwing motors. Couldnt even clean it up, to them its probably something the snobs would thumb their nose at. Notice no pics of frame and birdcage. Rick nailed it, bet it went salt water swimming. for 37 large, run Forrest,, run…..
Cheers
GPC
Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and Ida in 2021 both flooded Astoria NY!
It is just incredible that anyone would let a car like this deteriorate so badly. It deserved much better.
Judging from the rust on the valve covers the engine is totally junk the pistons are surly frozen to the cylinder walls, not to mention the frame and birdcage, way too much money for what they are presenting
I’d rather have the RR Fire Truck.
This trash hauler is over priced by about $35000.
If I was going to take on this project would need eye on birdcage etc with a look at the title the car is worth about 10k
Sad because it was ONCE a very beautiful cir combo, but only a 390 hp car. Seller is seriously optimistic about what this heap. Add to that, 68 parts hard to find. Plenty of one year stuff.
If you subtracted a year off of the car’s year, then you MAYBE have a car worth the asking price.
This heap isn’t worth half of the asking price.