L68 427 V8! 1969 Chevrolet Corvette

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The C3 or third-generation Corvettes were born in 1968, so changes for 1969 would be minimal. Five engine choices were offered, either 350 or 427 cubic inch V8s (apparently the 396 was reserved for other products). The seller’s car has a 427, RPO L68, which produced 400 hp. This motor isn’t original to the Chevy; however, the whole package was treated to restoration over the past four years. From Garfield, New Jersey, this sports car powerhouse is available here on eBay where the bidding stands at $25,000 but you can pass-go and take it home for $36,000.

For the 1969 model year, Chevrolet built 38,762 Corvettes, of which 16,622 (43% of production) were convertibles like the seller’s car. 2,072 Corvettes of all body styles had the L68 V8, which the seller says is in this car. Sources quote 400 hp, while the sticker on the air cleaner of this ‘Vette says 390. Whatever the case, the engine is paired with a 4-speed manual transmission. The seller has owned this automobile for about four years and uses it primarily for weekend outings.

The car is camera shy as the seller provides just five photos of any part of the auto. Most recently, the convertible top has been replaced but we’re told that a radio and a new blower for the heater are needed to finish it off properly. The reported mileage is under 59,000, so there should be plenty of life left in this Corvette, restored or not. These cars were built before the detuning process of the 1970s began to lower the pollution output of all new autos.

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Comments

  1. Fred

    Take odometer readings on C2 and C3 Corvettes with a grain of salt cause the odometer gears are prone to failure.

    Like 8
  2. gbvette62

    The seller can claim the original engine was whatever he wants, but with it gone, it doesn’t really matter. The L68 was a 400 hp, hydraulic cam, oval port head, 3×2 version of the 427. The 427/390 L36 was identical to the L68, except it used a single four barrel induction system.

    Another lousy ad with very little information and 5 crappy pictures. Can a seller put any less effort into trying to sell a car?

    Like 23
  3. Claudio

    My kind of ride
    Topless and big block

    Like 0
  4. Camaro Joe

    The air cleaner is nowhere near what a L-68 427 had. It was a large triangle shaped air cleaner with three two barrel carburetors under it. A friend had a low mile original 69 L-68 so I’m pretty sure I know what it should be.

    What’s there looks like a 427/390 HP air cleaner with what may be a single Holley four barrel under it. Because of the lack of pictures and bad eyesight I can’t tell for sure, but something there isn’t what the seller says it is.

    Like 4
    • gbvette62

      The 69 390 had a Rochester Q-Jet and a cast iron intake. This car has a Holley, an aluminum intake, HEI distributor, and the wrong valve covers, I wonder if it’s even a 427?

      Like 3
  5. bobhess bobhessMember

    Nice car. Looks like the wrong length rear gas shocks are on it. Extra height does nothing for keeping the rear aligned properly. Friend we met at an Air Force professional school had one just like this one I got a chance to drive. Asked him if he’s like to trade for our Porsche but after driving it I understood why he didn’t want to do that. Lots of fun.

    Like 4
  6. G Mobley

    Looks like they’ve done away with the stock or correct model hood , cowl vent and wiper door . . I wondered why it is “hiked up” in the back . .

    Like 0
    • Fred

      Maybe it was on jack stands and just taken down and didn’t settle yet?

      Like 1
  7. Ken Barker Ken

    Gbvette62 is write on the $ with the 400 hp being tri power oval port 427.
    When he started ranting about how crappy the add was I realized I’ve owned 14 different corvettes & there is a specific reason why I never joined a corvette club because you have to think your crap don’t stink because you own one!!!
    Not me baby,

    Like 0
  8. moosie moosie

    Besides the issue on the motor 390 horse power versus 400 , like it was previously said the 400 was essentially the same as the 390 with the induction system being the only difference. Stock shifter is replaced by a Hurst (an upgrade), aftermarket hood , eliminates the wiper door, looks to be a dual inlet Holley in place of the Quadrajet, Aluminum intake manifold, HEI ignition, but a nice early C3 in a good color combination, The LT-1 style pin striping on the hood is a nice touch. I like it, I’d buy it.

    Like 2
    • Ken Barker Ken

      For what it’s worth, I have 400 hp 427 tri power. I just took it off of my 79 454 oval port. I guess I missed it.
      Was it originally a 400 hp. If so I’ll sell my tri power to the next owner. It would be closer to original,

      Like 0
  9. George Mattar

    In contrast to all the nit picking this is a decent car for the money. Hurst shifter certainly better than factory. If you actually drive your vintage cars, you will quickly learn keeping those 3×2 carbs in a tune is a pain in the butt. As said here numerous times news, the L68 is basically the same m same as a 390 hp engine except the 3×2. At least thus a driver rather than a trailer queen.

    Like 0
  10. Dan Skopp

    Looks like some kind of a “mess” in the engine compartment, drivers side!!

    Like 0
  11. PRA4SNW

    Too many questions on this 3 sentence, 5 picture auction that no one in their right mind should place a bid.

    At the current bid of 25K, the seller should grab the money and run and the buyer can hope that the gamble pays off.

    Like 1
  12. leiniedude leiniedudeMember

    Ended:May 31, 2022 , 6:49AM
    Sold for:
    US $36,000.00
    [ 38 bids ]

    Like 1
  13. PRA4SNW

    Methinks the seller had someone bid on the car. There was a battle between 2 buyers that stalled at 30K and then someone hits the BIN button for 6K more just before the auction ends? Not likely.

    Like 1

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