Hiding in this shed is a classic that is both a promising project and a mystery machine. The seller advertises this Corvette Convertible as a 1968 model, although there are indications that the model year may be incorrect. Only an in-person inspection or a VIN check would reveal the truth, but regardless of the reality, the big-block under the hood suggests it could be a pretty potent machine. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Corvette listed here on eBay in Dallas, Pennsylvania. Bidding sits below the reserve at $7,600. However, there is a $15,000 BIN option.
Chevrolet’s C3 Corvette hit showroom floors for the 1968 model year, creating an instant sensation and cementing the styling as among the most iconic produced by an American manufacturer. The seller claims that this Convertible is a first-year example, although I have some doubts. The car doesn’t feature the correct exterior door handles for that model year, nor the right taillights. Those two factors aren’t conclusive, but they are the first pieces of the puzzle that raise doubts in my mind. The Red paint on its exterior isn’t original, as the Trim Tag indicates Code 972 White. The shade was identical during both production years, referred to as Polar White in 1968, and Can-Am White in 1969. The car appears to be essentially complete, and is a restoration project that apparently stalled in the early 1990s. While the paint is well beyond its best, the fiberglass is free from noticeable stress cracks and other significant issues. The condition of the frame and the birdcage is unknown, but the lack of visible corrosion in areas like the engine bay could be a positive sign. The sale includes a color-matched hardtop and a White soft-top that should present well following a deep clean.
Tilting this Corvette’s hood forward reveals a big-block, although it isn’t the 427ci unit that occupied this spot when the car left the factory. The seller describes it as “a late 60s/early 70s” 454ci powerplant. This quote can only be partially accurate because Chevrolet increased the big-block’s capacity in 1970. The ‘Vette also features a four-speed manual transmission and power brakes. The seller confirms that this classic hasn’t been in active service since around 1990 and that the V8 is locked. We can only speculate whether a dose of Mystery Oil would be enough to loosen the motor, but budgeting for a rebuild as part of the vehicle’s restoration would be wise.
Okay, we’ve reached the other point which makes me believe that the seller is mistaken about this Corvette’s model year. They state that the Trim Tag shows an interior Trim Code of 420. Accessing the company’s Dealer Marketing information confirms that Chevrolet offered no such code in 1968, but it equated to Saddle vinyl in 1969. Whatever the truth, there is enough deterioration inside this Convertible to justify at least a partial retrim. The car also features an aftermarket radio and a Hurst shifter, both of which can be easily reversed for a more faithful look. The first owner ordered the car with air conditioning, and although the system is complete, many parts aren’t currently installed.
It will be fascinating to gauge your opinion regarding this C3 Corvette Convertible. The indications are that it is a 1969 model, not a 1968 as stated in the listing. A quick VIN check would reveal the truth, and it might be worth reaching out to the seller for that information before committing to a purchase. It is worth noting that big-block Corvettes produced in 1969 typically command a slightly higher price in the classic market than equivalent examples from the previous model year. Therefore, any potential error could be to the buyer’s financial advantage. So, do you believe that this Convertible left the line in 1968, or are you convinced that it is a 1969 model?
The ignition switch, being on the steering column, is also indicative of a 1969. It was in the dash for 1968. There is little doubt that this is actually a 1969.
Bonus points for the bubble tail lights!!!
The interior door panels and passenger side dash with pockets are also 69 items. Whether it’s a real big block car is another question that needs answered.
The VIN indicates this is a 1968 model. Contrary to what the seller claims there is nothing in the VIN which indicates the size of the engine.
Obviously this C3 is not original. It’s history is a complete unknown. There are bits and pieces from a different model year along with an engine of unknown provenance. The 1969 piece-parts could include the trim tag and most of the now mismatched interior. The door cards appear to be ‘tobacco’ which was not offered in 1969. Without a build sheet it’s impossible to determine exactly how this ‘customized’ car was originally delivered.
It’s a 69 – key on the column. A major change for the entire 69 Chevy line.
From everything we’re reading here all kinds of red flags are being thrown.
If someone is seriously considering the purchase of this it’d behove them to have an expert check it out ESPECIALLY the hidden VIN’s.
The VIN on the title photo is definitely for a 1968. The are more than one digits that indicate 1968. It could be that a seller somewhere in the chain of ownership delivered a 1968 title when selling this 1969 model. It would not be the first time that I have seen that occur.
In the words of Elmer Fudd, “Be vewy, vewy careful”.
I honestly don’t know a lot about these cars and the value of them but just looking at the pictures here I think $7k is the max I would be willing to go
The exterior door latch release is the door pocket, not the push button that was on the 1968….red flags all over this thing
It looks to be a good project at about 10k but I would check the frame
Put car on lift. Hand sand top of frame rail.. above left rear tire.. o top of frame rail you will sand thru rust and dirt until you see factory frame rail stamping.. check frame rail ser . Number with cowl vin and title vin. All three will match.. the second frame rail number is stamped on frame rail on top drivers side between left front tire back to left rear tire.. both stamping will be on top.. and you will need a mechanic mirror and a good flash light to read.. if those two frame numbers do not match cowl number and title number.. you have a stinker.. the more you sand top frame rail nu.bers the better you can read them… it does have a 69 steering colum in it.. and drivers door shows to be 69.. 68 one year only.. had door push button on side were 69 on side has a key lock cylinder… 68 s are half 67.. and half 69s… 68 is a tough year to restore.. most parts are one year only.. wait till you try and find correct 68. Radiator.. and fan shroud… cause. Most of the time the early 68s.. had 67 Radiators a d 67 fan shrouds in them.. then last built 68s had 69 Radiators and fan shrouds in them.. 68 is a tough year.. you must read and know correct facts on a 68 .. and check ser. Numbers very carefully.. a lot of 68s were stolen..weeakes havoc with correct titles… one year only rules abd ball game.. good luck to allll…
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I think it is bits of 69 and 68 the fins behind the front wheels are 68 but what’s with the roof ??
It also has the same interior as the 75 that I once had. It’s a Frankenstein car.
There I was in 1972 looking at the new Corvettes at the Cadillac dealership in our town, thinking THESE are beautiful cars that will always be taken care of. (Most have not been taken care of.)
The cost of insurance kept me from even looking into owning a Corvette for years, though I enjoyed many other similar-fun cars. When I finally decided to buy a car – this one either a Z-28 or Trans Am, I noted that 1964-66 Corvettes (without original engines) were only $8,000 more than the Z. Now the Z-28 is worth about $8,500 while those Corvettes are worth $40,000 plus.
The sixty year market value of the Corvette (and other specialty cars) makes for an interesting study.
From what I remember of 68s, they dropped the ‘Stingray’ name, and then picked it up again in 69, putting the nameplate on the front fenders.
I would guess this car is an old rebuilder form the 60s and 70s. . What ever parts they could afford.. ta da…
No photos of the rear valance, but the back up lights are there for 68 only. I imagine the rear clip is all 68. The cross flag emblem on the center console is 68 only. Why someone would put a 69 column in a 68 is beyond me. All other stuff like pockets and seats just means it’s all patched back together. All I can say for sure, it is a “basket case” I own a 68 c3.
Again a lot of these cars are old rebuilders.. matching numbers were not a problem back then.. they all wanted that body style… any thing just about from 68- 83 might would work.. just a sign of the times… good luck every one…
But if you want to rebuild and have fun a good car to start with.. if u want body to make new race car with.. great start.. so just put back together and just drive and enjoy. Do not spend the cash and stress to find the correct parts. Just put yourself together an old fashion hot rod.. and go peel out. Have fun.. thats what duntov. would have told you.. corvette was made to lead the pack.. now drop the hammer..
Shift lever backwards? My Hurst shifter’s lever curved to the rear.
Most Hurst shifters were bolted on are a machine shop could make handle removable.. just 2 bolts .. un bolt and turn around.. that easy.. that simple. These are also easy cars to work on and to hot rod.. god life was great then.. so much fun can be had with these..
I still have the OG Muncie. Not sure what’s going on with that Hurst.
The people have spoken. Buyer beware! Corvettes are like a city bus. There will be another one in 15 minutes. Don’t ever be in a hurry to buy one.
Which screams they were taken care of over the years. I know through 2023 the high-water mark never was above 50,000-ish zone. Compared to the numbers on Mustangs, Camaros, Chevelles….etc. They were expensive, costly to insure & maintain and were garaged more than the others.
That’s not due to GM over producing these cars. Most people took care of them. Check the production numbers compared to the Mustangs and all others over the years.
Looks like the vacuum operated cowl over wiper arms. Was that not 68 only?
1969 also, not sure about 70-72
1968 thru 1972 had the vacuum door over the wipers
The door over the wipers was 68-72.
Vacum wiper cover door was 68 thru.. 72.. all had wiper vacuum door.. cover..
Don’t walk away from this one. RUN!! The only thing about this car that is 1968 is the VIN. It’d be interesting to see what VIN is stamped into the frame.
Another Frankencar… I wouldn’t touch this thing on a bet!
Hey.. everyone.. just.. buy the car.. smear some paint on it.. shove 600 c.i. big block or 1000 c. I. Big block.. in it.. and go peel out. Enjoy the car.. have old fashioned fun…..
I’m a chrome bumper C3 guy, but I would take that Daytona Z in the background before I would touch this heap.
The responses on this thread are starting to jog my memory, I recall that there was a lot of issues with the 68 corvettes, such getting the correct parts based on the date of manufacture. One guy I knew, was so upset with his 68, he painted his Corvette yellow and had lemons painted on the sides. That was in 69 the year I bought my Corvette.