Regular readers will probably find this 1968 Corvette familiar because we have seen it before. However, a significant amount of new information on this car has emerged since it was featured in this excellent article by our own Jim ODonnell. The owner is pretty candid about the car’s overall condition, but that doesn’t mean that it is a classic that is beyond salvation. Adding to its appeal, the owner believes that the odometer reading of 32,000 could be genuine given its history. If you are a person with a determined attitude and a willingness to save classic cars from oblivion, you will find this Corvette located in Kankakee, Illinois, and listed for sale here on Barn Finds Classifieds. It might be worth contacting the seller to see if you can be the person who returns this diamond in the rough to its former glory.
The seller purchased this Corvette from a deceased estate, and the departed owner was passionate about his classic cars. He bought this one with plans to restore it for his daughter, but as often happens, this never eventuated. It appears that the vehicle has been in hiding for many decades because it was last titled in 1973. If that was when the former owner parked this gem, it makes the odometer reading extremely plausible. The owner is candid about the ‘Vette’s condition and states that every square inch of the vehicle will need to come in for scrutiny. The original Corvette Bronze paint has seen better days, but the buyer will face some work before they even contemplate applying a fresh coat. The fiberglass panels wear some significant damage and will require the attention of a knowledgeable person to be returned to their best. However, this may not be a drama because replacement panels are readily available and surprisingly affordable. A rear exhaust filler panel, for example, would cost the buyer around $300. Similarly, a new front fender would add around $530 to the total. If the buyer replaces those two items, the vehicle’s overall appearance will take a significant leap forward. However, the most encouraging part of this car, from my perspective, is the frame. What we can see of it shows surface corrosion but no evidence of penetrating rust. The owner supports my belief in his Barn Finds listing. If I am correct, that could make this a structurally sound basis for a project build.
Nature is a beautiful thing unless the slice of nature in question is raccoons that have taken residence inside a classic car. That has been the fate of this Corvette’s interior, and those little guys have exacted a high toll on the trim and upholstery. In keeping with the owner’s earlier statement, this aspect of the car will need plenty of attention. You’d need to check the Tag to determine the original trim color and material, but with much of the dash and the seat frames intact, the basics are there to whip the interior into shape. The most obvious course for the buyer to follow would be a trim kit, which aren’t hard to find. One that includes seat covers, seat foam, door trims, and carpet will cost around $1,500 in vinyl. That price increases to about $1,800 in leather, but that would represent a great starting point for a restoration. If the buyer is patient, many of these items will appear regularly online on sites like eBay at significantly lower prices. Once the carnage has been cleared from this interior, the buyer will discover that this car rolled off the line with desirable options like air conditioning and power windows.
If you’ve harbored doubts about this Corvette up until now, maybe a glance into the engine bay might tip the scales for you. This is a numbers-matching classic that features a 327ci V8 and a four-speed manual transmission. It also appears to be mechanically complete, with no significant components missing. You probably won’t be surprised to learn that the V8 doesn’t run, and I suspect that it probably hasn’t since the 1970s. However, if it turns freely, it would be a prime candidate for restoration. When the seller unearthed this classic, he examined the tires. Their condition and age have led him to believe that the odometer reading is probably correct, which adds to the attraction of this car. One further point of interest is that the spare wheel carrier houses the original spare, and it seems that it has never been lowered.
I don’t doubt that we will have readers who will look at this 1968 Corvette and see it as nothing but a source of parts. I understand that sentiment, but I hope that the seller can successfully find someone who can see the potential locked within this classic. It hasn’t led the happiest life, but it is a chrome-bumper C3 Corvette that deserves a second chance. It is essentially complete, and it could represent an affordable way for someone to get their hands on a DIY Corvette project. With values continuing to climb at an impressive rate, it certainly deserves a closer look.
The odometer might read 32,000, but the rest of the vette looks a little more driven.
I thought 68 Vetts had regular door handles and the top handle was introduced in 1969 ?
68’s were different from later models, but they still had the handle on top of door.
I think the driver’s door is off of a 69,70 etc. It doesn’t seem to have a place for the pushbutton door release like a 68. That was the main problem with building a 68 as a lot of things on the car were a little bit different from later C3’s.
Driven hard like someone stoke it.
Hope it gets restored but its going to take a minimum of 20 to get it there and cheaper to get a better one.
If the car truly has only 32,000 miles, that makes it even more of a disgrace the owner let this car get to this point.
I’d hate to see the rest of the “Estate”
There is another photo of the estate, once I saw it, I could not un-see it either. Hoarder and pack rat, toss in some raccoons living in it for smell. Wonder what the asking price is on it?
Another jack up the radiator cap and put a new car under it. Parts at best unless you are a shop teacher in an automotive school.
I would offer $ 0.07 per pound. This thing is junk.
While the mileage may be low, this is a parts car at best. It’s a crying shame that a car with this low of mileage is in this condition. Not sure why some would choose to restore as it needs way more than it could possibly be worth.
it’s junk bet my house theres no windshield frame left it has newer than 68 doors and quarters on it its sounds like it might have 1 of the original rims and that would be the spare tire i believe the letters were ag 1 year only 6 ” i know these shit boxes i have been restoring a 435hp t top for 10 years
He was serious about his car collection. Yeah right? While I see factory parts on the 327, including the correct A.I.R. pump, which is good, this heap will need more than seat covers and door panels. Looks like Rocky Raccoon had 100 babies who lived in this thing. 68s are worth money, but never to C2 prices. 68s were blasted by the press when new for numerous problems. They are very expensive to restore due to many one year only parts. For example, different headlamp buckets than other C3s, and one year only doors. Today’s aftermarket body panels are junk and finding NOS fiberglass is getting very difficult. If it was an L71 or L88, I’d be all over it. And Corvette Bronze is one of the best colors, set off with redlines.
When you said it needs some TLC did you mean Throw Lots of Cash?