Engine Changed: 1968 Chevrolet Corvette

This 1968 Chevrolet Corvette is a driver-quality classic that a new owner could enjoy immediately. It requires some cosmetic work, but since that isn’t urgent, the successful bidder could undertake it as time and circumstances allow. It could be an ideal first or hands-on project for the right person, but it has received an engine change that may not appeal to everyone. The ‘Vette is listed here on eBay in Southern Pines, North Carolina. Bidding has raced beyond the reserve to $11,100, although the seller indicates in the listing that they will accept a BIN of $19,995.

Chevrolet unveiled the C3 Corvette for the 1968 model year, finding itself with an immediate sales success. The previous C2 version set a sales record in 1966 of 27,720 cars. The C3 upped the ante in 1968 with 28,566, and apart from some minor hiccups, the figure continued rising during most of the C3’s fifteen-year sales run. This Corvette rolled off the line during the first year wearing Rally Red paint. Much of it still shines well, although the seller readily admits the peeling clearcoat will probably motivate the new owner to perform a refresh. With the fiberglass beneath not exhibiting any significant flaws or cracks, the right person could tackle the task in a home workshop with satisfying results. The trim and glass look acceptable for a driver-quality vehicle, with the same true of the Rally wheels and their associated touches of factory bling. The hood wears badges promising stunning performance, but as we will see, someone made significant changes below this Corvette’s surface.

Lifting this Corvette’s hood reveals what many may find the sticking point with this classic. The attached badges indicate it started life with a 427ci V8 under the hood, although it is unclear which version. The original owner would have had at least 390hp and 460 ft/lbs of torque at their disposal. However, things have changed, with the 427 making way for a 350 years ago. The specifications of this small-block are unknown, although it features aluminum heads, headers, a new Holley carburetor, and an electronic ignition system. The power output would be speculative, but it sends its horses to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. The 350 didn’t appear in the Corvette range until 1969, but with the meekest and mildest versions of it and the 327 offered in 1968 producing 300hp, it would be realistic to expect this motor to pump out more. Therefore, sub-15-second ¼-mile ETs should be there for the taking. For potential bidders, this Corvette is a turnkey proposition. The seller says it runs and drives well, opening the possibility that someone could fly in and build a relationship with this classic by driving it home.

The seller’s candor continues when describing the car’s interior because it requires work to present at its best. The Black vinyl seat upholstery shows wear and damage, while the carpet is missing. The dash pad has some substantial cracks, and there is physical damage to some console components. The harsh reality is that at least a partial retrim will be required, but the buyer might choose to make some short-term shortcuts if finances are a factor. Spending around $100 would secure a dash cover that would hide the cracks. However, a reproduction pad for approximately $280 would provide a permanent solution if the new owner doesn’t mind tackling the task of dismantling and reassembling the dash to complete the work. A set of slipcovers would hide the seat issues, while Black vinyl seatcovers would be a permanent solution for approximately $550. A carpet set adds a further $385 to the tally, but the buyer still needs to consider some damaged plastic items and the tattered wheel. With that work complete, the interior would look pretty respectable

This 1968 Corvette will undoubtedly divide opinions, with some lamenting the loss of the numbers-matching big-block. It means the car will probably not offer the outright performance in its current form that it did when new, but it is not necessarily bad news. The small-block reduces the car’s weight by more than 200 lbs, with most of the additional weight hanging over the front axle. Therefore, the change should result in better handling, which may offset the power loss on twisting roads. Enough people see the potential in this classic to submit eighteen bids. Are you tempted to join the party by submitting the nineteenth?