We’ve seen a few of these Corvette Sport Wagon conversions over the years here at Barn Finds, and they are a vehicle that can polarize opinions. This particular example will almost certainly be no exception because it started life as a desirable chrome-bumper 1968 model. It will be interesting to see how thoughts are split on this one. There will be those who would argue it should remain unchanged, while there will be a strong contingent that will argue that the Corvette should be returned to its former glory. For those who wish to take their own school of thought further, they will find the Corvette located in Las Vegas, Nevada, and listed for sale here on Facebook. The owner is asking $20,000 for this distinctive vehicle.
History tells us that there has been no shortage of companies that have offered conversion kits for C3 Corvettes. The fit and finish vary wildly from maker-to-maker, and there was also some evolution over the years. The Wagon concept was credited to Chuck Miller, with early kits being manufactured by Eckler’s and American Custom Industries. Greenwood also offered a kit which was aimed at the later “rubber-bumper” C3s. Apart from a different roofline, one of the most significant advantages of the Greenwood conversion is that it did offer an opening rear window. With the fixed rear glass on this vehicle, it is more of a van than a wagon. I believe that this vehicle is probably fitted with an Eckler’s kit, although I’m not 100% certain of that. The shape looks right, and it does have the correct “kick up” above the rear window. The quality of the conversion work looks to be respectable, and it has also managed to maintain the beautiful chrome rear bumpers. The front of the Corvette has also received the custom treatment. A few knowledgeable individuals have identified this as a kit available from Eckler’s in the early-to-mid 1970s. Its appearance is an acquired taste, although there is a slight hint of early 2nd Generation Camaro RS in the grille opening’s shape. I do stress that it is a hint. Beyond that, the fiberglass shows no signs of stress cracks or issues, and the paint remains presentable. The owner supplies no information on the state of the frame or the birdcage, but if the Corvette has spent its life in drier climes, we can probably expect these areas to be free from issues.
This is one of those listings designed to frustrate us because the owner provides virtually no information on the Corvette’s mechanical health. We know that it is equipped with a 327ci V8, but it isn’t clear which version. Bolted to the back of the V8 is a 4-speed manual transmission, and the drivetrain is said to be numbers-matching. The only other piece of information supplied is that the car has a claimed 55,000 genuine miles showing on the odometer. The owner doesn’t indicate whether he holds evidence to verify this claim, but then again, he also doesn’t tell us how well the vehicle runs or drives. The familiar story continues with the interior. There are no photos, and the owner supplies no information in the listing. It is to be hoped that he is willing to answer questions because this is a classic that raises plenty of them.
The listing for this 1968 Corvette Sport Wagon raises more questions than it answers. There will almost certainly be readers who will love this vehicle, but there will also be purists who will be coughing and spluttering at the sight of it. One interesting point to ponder is that it is still possible to buy these conversion kits today through many suppliers. That indicates that there are still people out there who aspire to own a vehicle like this. That raises the question of whether you are one of those people, and if so, whether you might be willing to pursue this one further.
I’ve seen a few of these over the years and I’ve always thought they weren’t doing the sleek design of the Corvette any favors. The roofline looks awful, the fixed rear window means you have to chuck luggage or whatever over the seats and the front end is just too long. Those wheels don’t help the looks of the car either. Not a ‘Vette I’d want, these kits just make a classic design look ridiculous.
Quick , get a sawsall and a grinder !
Shagadelic, Baby!
I don’t mind the wagon back end, but the front looks like it was designed by the folks who drew Speed Racer.
I was about to comment on the ugliness of this car when I spied the white car in the background. Blah. I would frive this corvette ovrr that any day.
Out of curiosity, the Mustang or the DelSol?
I’m no purist, and neither did I cough and sputter. I did puke through my nose. A lot. This is something that you’d do to a ‘Vette that was a total, and only then if you’re Mark Hamill and doing a remake of Corvette Summer. Hard pass, and holding my breath until I’m sure it’s gone.
Nah, this is made by AMT, build one of 3 ways,,,
Under the advisory of my wife, I will not comment.
My mother in law thou, just stared at the write up.
I seem to be in bad company at home, so I will return to the weather channel, followed by the dog taking me for walk.
It’s too bad that Eckler didn’t go further with the design. As the prototype for today’s “Shooting Brake” it is a decent try, but not a Texas League Single. It leaves one helluva blind spot on each side, so while side Windows on the wagon extension would have created a greenhouse, it at least would have been safer to drive in Traffic. The rear looks like a Vega GT: Not a bad place to start, but “FordGuy 72” nails its lack of utility.
The front of the nose is just “fugly,” and makes me wonder if the lights provide ANY ILLUMINATION for night driving. The wheels appear to be American Racing Vectors: If they’re Uni-Lug pattern, they would easily be re-sellable to the Dukes of Hazzard fans who want to modify another 2nd generation Charger.
Conclusion: Fixable, if you want a project and have the cash. That rules me out.
Cool Vette sedan delivery. Put your business signs on the sides and watch it grab eyeballs.
What has been seen cannot be unseen.
Call the Guinness folks! I think I just found the car with the worlds biggest blind spot.
Well, they tried. I wonder if somebody will buy it?
what a waste!
No.
Needs fender flares and a blower cut thru the hood…and buyer needs a Joe Dirt mullet..LOL
This car is even worse than the 2020 Vette!
Bought one of these a few years ago, for $1,000.00 wanted a project, The back window does open. there were windows on the side also. I purchased a back end and front end for 1969, been laying in the garage for 10 years. Just using it for parts. Was cheaper to buy a deceit 1968 corvette that it would be to restore this.
They should have looked to the British Reliant Scimitar GTE for inspiration.