The 1968 model year marked the second redesign of the Chevy Corvette. And the first year of the “Mako Shark” Vettes that would continue through 1982. A 427 cubic inch V8 was the top engine in a ’68 Corvette, and this car is alleged to have had one, but it’s flown the coop along with its 4-speed manual transmission. Now a rough roller, this edition of “America’s Sports Car” is available in DeKalb, Illinois, and here on eBay for $5,000. A Corvette tip brought to us by “Curvette”!
Third-generation Corvettes sold well, with the 1968 edition up by 25% and another third in 1969. A 327 cubic inch V8 was still standard in the Corvette, with several versions of the 427 being optional (with no less than 390 hp). We told this ‘Vette had a 427, so chances are it was the L36 since more of them were installed. But the engine compartment has been liberated of most of its contents, so this project offers an open canvas, if you dare.
How complete this Corvette is will be hard to gauge. There are several photos of bits and pieces on the floors, including a set of Rally hub caps. We’re guessing this Corvette started out with black or dark green paint, but it’s now past the point of no return. And the interior looks to have been well used, too. This vehicle came from a state that doesn’t do titles on older vehicles, so we assume a Bill of Sale will have to suffice. What would you do with this one?
The tach has a 6500 redline making this a possible 427/435hp tripower car. Depending on the structural integrity of the frame and birdcage it could be a good starting point for a project. Especially if you have a 427/435 in the corner of your garage. But it will take many bucks to complete.
I seem to be in the minority here, but I’m with you Curvette. If the frame and birdcage check out, it seems like it could be a good starting point for a resurrection. Body looks straight, as do the bumpers. With no engine/trans I would add that anything you do to get it back on the road could be worth the effort. It’s too far from me to do an in person inspection so I definitely won’t be a player, but heck, drop a small block in it if that’s what you’ve got. Just put a first year C3 back on the road.
selling due to illness. if this were mine i think i would be ill too.
Not even a parts car. Give it a decent burial.
Just read an article about a aluminum 427 being sold on BAT for 30k…
This is the definition of “too bad, so sad”.
Whenever I see a Corvette in this condition, I just have to wonder “what happened?”
Perfect for a Coyote swap….
Why would anyone do that?????
The GM guys do that to ’32 Fords, 49-51 “Shoebox” Fords, F100’s and perfectly good Fox body Mustangs. Why not this old beater Corvette?
Your out of your ever lovin mind !
No self respecting Chevy or Vette Person would ever EVER DESICRATE ONE OF THE VERY FINEST CORVETTE’S OF ALL TIME WITH A ….Ford engine…just saying that made me throw up in my mouth a little….ewwww.
68s have many one year only parts. Unless you are very skilled AND have bags of money, I’d keep looking for another car.
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure! While I should be realistic, I see massive potential.
Not to be the belle of the ball for Ncrs
I’m not gonna get all sqwooshey about original grease pen marks or factory hose clamps, at this stage numbers matching means buyer and seller agree on a number and I get to take it
I like original cars, paint worn off, patina, or better yet a no hit car where the paint is so old that all the edges are worn down to the primer. The last thing I would want to do( or could afford to do would be to try and make it correct, or trailer queen ish.
Unfortunately I will need a title and long before I can put a nickel in the car I will probably have to pay tax on the value of the car. Let me see , the seller wants 5 grand …..so we settle at 3500$ then the state wants 100 for a title
Then the state hands me a paper with base price original MsRP
Then we get the Low retail…..woods that’s more than the original msrp
Oh hold on it gets better, the vin comes back as ( check the tachometer) the 435 car, suddenly the 3500$ purchase price has been eclipsed by the Average retail of a 435 car.
Realistically now , I hear that hammer time riff ( Can’t touch Dis) the state wants a piece of that pie,
L71 2900 built a low retail jd power is 75-90 k average retail is 115-135
Someone in the know please chime in and tell me what I’m gonna pay for my tax on the car? Can I get it appraised to avoid all that revenue loss ? Farm plates? Repair plates? Antique? Yes I’ve had plenty of coffee
unless you have money or can do it yourself walk away working on fiberglass is not like working on metal if this is a tri power car maybe watching a recent auto auction seems like values are down mmaybe a drag car restomod you choose