“America’s Sports Car,” the Chevrolet Corvette, was treated to its third design in 1968. Inspired by the Mak Shark concept car, the C3 Corvette would remain in production through 1982. And across other generations, it’s still going strong today. This ’68 “Vette has received some mild customizing to its front end and the rest is rather rough, so it needs a restoration. Available in Louisa, Virginia, and here on craigslist, the asking price for this project is $5,500. Heads up to Chuck Foster for the ‘Vette tip!
The revised Corvette was well-received and record production numbers were the result. In 1968, 28,566 units were produced of which 9.936 were coupes like this one. The 300 hp 327 cubic inch V8 was still standard in the 1968 Corvette, though the 350 would soon take over that position. From the photos provided, this one has been in and out of the car and we think it’s back in now, but we’re told the 327 has started backfiring and the TH-350 (or 400?) automatic transmission is slipping. As a result, the current asking price reflects a reduction.
We assume while the numbers matching engine was out of the car, it received the high-compression pistons the seller references. Also, the hi-rise manifold, headers, and a Holly 600 carburetor. The seller lists a bunch of other new parts but doesn’t indicate if any of them have been installed. If not, be prepared to cart home several boxes. The odometer reads 80,000 miles, but we don’t know how long it’s been broken.
The paint will have to be redone and – unless you want to source another front clip – you’ll need to be happy with the flared fenders, hood, and headlights (the latter of which remind me of a 1970s Datsun 240Z). The Corvette comes with T-tops and lots of interior pieces, which have been removed by the seller. Who’s up for putting this Corvette back together?
Those Datsun headlights are ghastly additions! One of the best looking Corvettes of all time made ugly! Can we punish such wayward thinking?
Looks like a Baldwin Motion front.
Looks like a Baldwin Motion
Someone thought this frog-eyed front end was an improvement?
Joel Rosen and the people that bought from him did. Love that blue interior!
Unless someone has changed the trans a 68 Corvette came with a Turbo 400 automatic, not a 350. All 68-75 automatic Corvettes used the Turbo 400, 76-81’s came with the TH-350. The seller doesn’t specify what trans is in the car, so why did the Barnfinds author chose to identify it as a Turbo 350?
The headlight conversion might be a real Motion Performance piece, but more likely it’s an old Eckler’s or ACI copy. Even with the funky nose, $5500 doesn’t seem bad these days for a fairly straight and complete looking 68.
I think you meant ’75-82 corvettes had turbo 350s, because, like the camaro & firebird, the turbo 400 trans was too big to fit alongside the flat pancake cat converter, starting for the ’75 model year.
At least they rebuilt that 327 before it started “backfiring” and the Turdbo Hydro started “slipping.”
Seller should definitely check into the history on this car. Has a lot of Baldwin Motion touches and if it is truly a Motion car, worth more than the asking price. 327 Though so not likely a Motion car as they liked their Big Blocks and I am not sure if they built them with 327’s
Yes, my thoughts as well. There are some Baldwin motion touches but as someone else had mentioned, it’s probably just a custom front end. Joel Rosen liked to put 427s in everything. I don’t know if he used a small block in any of his cars.
This car would certainly be cool to get and make it look like a Baldwin motion Corvette. If there’s no rust on the frame, it certainly seems like a decent deal. That’s if you like the Baldwin Motion front end.
Looks a bit like a fish or a baby fish, either way it looks a bit strange…but I guess if you want to be able to say you own something that no one else has…well that s the car for you ! lol!
Hardly worth $1500.
Hardly worth $1500? Parting it out will net you a LOT more than $1500…
Wow, this project really went downhill!
$4500-5500 May be a decent deal. I’d live with the Baldwin Motion-esque front end. Build the trans and engine, then enjoy ttop summers will finishing it as a cool, old, modded car…. But hey 🤷🏻♂️ that’s just me. Definitely not a bad deal for a handy rodder who wants a fairly reasonable vintage Vette.
Too bad more commenters here fail to see the glass half full.
A little jarring at first but it grows on me, and it’s fun to cause a little consternation with people who aren’t purists. No. matching with some nice upgrades, I’d drive it
I believe that’s a Baldwin – Motion Corvette. Very desirable
For 7-10 grand in mechanical, repaint and interior, that could be a really hot head turner.
Any running chrome bumper Vette is worth at least this much – tranny slip and all. A good tune will fix the backfire.
Easier to inspect the birdcage with all of that trim removed.
This would be a great project for low starting $.