I am probably not alone in believing that the C3 Corvette is best photographed from a low angle. Doing so accentuates the sleek and aggressive lines that help these classics to stand out in any crowd. These cars are bold and brash, an impression that is emphasized by the paint shade gracing this 1968 Corvette’s exterior. It is an extremely tidy driver-grade vehicle that appears to need nothing but a new home. If a C3 has been on your Wish List, this ‘Vette deserves a close look.
Very few cars receive global recognition based purely on their styling. The original Mini and Volkswagen Beetle are both members of that group, and we can add the C3 Corvette to the list. It came to represent all that was great about the American automobile manufacturing industry, with sleek styling that was complimented by exceptional performance. This 1968 example adds to that impression, courtesy of its dazzling Safari Yellow paint. The seller’s emphasis on originality suggests it has never undergone any form of cosmetic restoration, although only an in-person inspection would reveal the truth. One item worth noting is the hood, which is a big-block item. I am happy to be corrected if I’m wrong, but it doesn’t show as a stand-alone item on the Options List that I have, and I believe it was only fitted to cars with an appropriate V8 occupying the engine bay. That suggests that this classic may have received some attention from a shop if the hood is, as I suspect, a later addition. There is little to criticize about its appearance because there are no significant paint flaws or evidence of cracking fiberglass. The news is equally positive below the surface, with the seller indicating that the frame and birdcage are rock-solid. The chrome and glass are excellent, as are the Rally wheels, center caps, and trim rings.
This Corvette continues its positive impression when we focus on its interior. The Black vinyl trim is in good condition, with no evidence of wear or distress. The matching carpet has avoided fading which is often seen with age, and the plastic and console are in good order. The factory radio has made way for a radio/cassette player, which appears to be the only aftermarket addition. Overall, the interior is comfortably acceptable for any buyer seeking a high-end driver.
Tilting this Corvette’s hood forward reveals a 327ci V8 that sends 300hp and 360 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission. The first owner’s decision to equip this classic with power-assisted steering and brakes should make driving an effortless experience. This engine and transmission combination makes this the least potent version of the Corvette offered in 1968, but with the ability to cover the ¼-mile in 15 seconds on its way to 140mph, this is no automotive slug. The seller has been this car’s custodian for over five years, mainly using it for shows. However, it runs and drives perfectly, making it a turnkey proposition for the new owner.
The only thing that surprises me about this 1968 Corvette is the subdued auction action. This classic has only received two bids since the seller listed it here on eBay in Fenton, Michigan. This has pushed the price to $18,000, which is below the reserve. Even the Watch List total of twenty-three is lower than I would typically expect for a chrome-bumper ‘Vette. Perhaps some people are biding their time, deciding whether to bid or if hitting the button on the BIN figure of $23,000 is more appropriate. Only time will tell.
My favorite year Vette, and it’s yellow! Nice!
$17K is a fair price. #3-4 condition, who knows what surprises are waiting for you underneath.
1968 was the first year of the C 3’s. A lot of issues with the 68’s were corrected in 69, making the 69’s more desirable. I know, I had both years.
I was kind of digging this car until I got to the description of the mechanicals’. If God had intended for Corvettes to automatics, he would have called them Chevette’s. It’s not a bad looking example of a C3, and if one could pick it up for in the 15 the 17K range, you could cover the cost to convert it to a 4 speed. Also, just a quick note about the hood. The author is correct that you could not get the big block hood as a stand-alone option from the factory, so someone added it after the fact, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
In addition, I don’t recall ever seeing the “327” numbers on the side of a hood bulge for 68. Another personal addition or am I remembering incorrectly?
You are correct, clever owner add-on.
Original valve covers don’t have Crossed Flags on them, and they weren’t chromed.
Nice Driver..questionable past..wrong hood, grill is 69, 68 is silver edged, ventilation contols are 69 blk plastic, 68 and early 69 are metal
You are correct, clever owner add-on.
The radio is not original either.
This is a car in daily driver condition and priced as such. It’s not perfect, it’s not 100% original, it doesn’t have the most desirable options. But, it’s priced accordingly. Give the seller credit for not posting an unrealistic reserve.
Edward… The article says….”The seller’s emphasis on originality”. Is the reason I mentioned the radio and others have brought up valve covers and the hood. The ’68 was never a highly sought after to demand a high price.
Adam, yes C3’s photograph well from low.
They also photograph well from above.
Indeed they do!
Having owned a safari yellow, 427 Vette, there are several non original aspects including the paint which is far too dark. Safari yellow was more of a butter yellow
The color is not safari, it is also not daytona (69 yellow). No air pump, wrong hood. All of this would be very expensive just to bring it close to NCRS standards. Just a simple comment in reference to true originality. What’s going on with the cheap radio? The face angle isn’t right. And yes, I own a 68 4 spd 327 in Daytona. Resprayed in 72.
Somehow I don’t see anyone buying this particular car with any expectations of turning it into a NCRS award winner. Its future is most likely to be something along the lines of somebody’s Sunday afternoon fun. Good choice for that.
This is what I refer to as a typical “EBay Vette”.
Just enough has been done to it to make it look good in pictures, with no regard to originality.
It will draw a decent bid by someone who, as mentioned, just wants a car for Sunday afternoons.
When I sold my very original Vette, it had a lot of cosmetic imperfections. Each person that came to look at it and mentioned that, I said that there were plenty of nice looking Vettes on EBay that they could gamble on.
While I like 68s. they can be tough to restore as their are many one year only parts. Doors, headlamp buckets, steering wheel, seats, dash, etc.
Nothing wrong with driver-quality Corvettes, much more likely to be taken out and enjoyed.
Although, people tend to nitpick when things have been changed from stock, like the valve covers, paint and 327 emblems on the hood? See, I couldn’t help myself. 😊
I totally agree that driver Corvettes are the best – that’s what mine was, and it was thoroughly enjoyed.
The problem that is being pointed out here is that the seller used the word “original” in his write-up when this one clearly is far from that.
I totally agree that if you’re going to own a Corvette, you should drive it. I have a 2000 FRC that I’ve owned since it was new that currently has 53,000 mi. on it. While on one hand, that isn’t a lot of miles on a 24 year old car, it’s enough miles to enjoy the car.
Sold on 10/22/2024 for a high bid of $21,699.
Steve R
That’s a pretty fair deal.