The 1968 Corvette was the first year of the C3, introduced as “All Different, All Over”, which was an irony. The earlier C2 was very expensive to develop, and in light of higher gas prices and stiff insurance premiums for “sports cars” in the 1960s, Chevrolet had every incentive to keep C3 development costs as skinny as possible. Consequently, the objective was a simple update to the exterior, while reusing the C2’s mechanicals. Stylist Bill Mitchell, who was fond of deep-sea fishing, suggested to Larry Shinoda that the image of a shark should inspire the shape of the new Corvette. The car was actually completed before 1968, but with sales slumping as the mid-’60s continued, and the C3’s annoying tendency to lift under acceleration, Chevrolet made the decision to forestall the new car’s debut. That allowed time to fix the suspension, and hopefully build anticipation to goose sales. The gamble worked: customers proved keen to accept the new car despite the media’s many criticisms about fit and finish, handling, and the cabin’s cramped quarters. Production was over 28,500, a record for the model. Here on eBay is a 1968 Corvette with the desirable L79 engine option, at an asking price of $28,500. Located in Cornelius, North Carolina, this car runs and drives. The seller has owned it since 1980.

The 1968 ‘Vette came with several engine options, including two 327ci V8s. This car has a matching numbers L79 327 with an 11.0:1 compression ratio, domed pistons, hydraulic cam, and 350 hp. That cam became so popular that it’s sometimes referred to as its part number, 151. This car has a four-speed manual transmission, and top speed is about 120 mph. The odometer reads 40,398.

The interior is in reasonable condition. Plenty of documents are available, showing maintenance receipts. The car has a pop-out rear window, T-tops, and air conditioning. No word on whether the AC works.

A few items do need attention. The front trim and grille could be cleaned up. The panel that lifts to reveal the wipers is stuck ajar. The seller says the paint needs attention as well, though he also indicates there’s no rust and the car is accident-free. Whereas the C2 series was known as the Sting Ray, and the 1969 to 1976 cars were badged “Stingray”, the ’68 had no badge. Some Corvette fans prefer the ’68, being the first year of the new body style. Later years saw the fender vents become fussier, and the ’73 lost one chrome bumper while the ’74 lost both. This example is quite clean and the price isn’t completely out of line, but I’d want to riffle through those maintenance receipts and give her a drive before getting serious. What do you think?