Choosing which path to follow when completing another person’s unfinished project can be difficult, and it is a decision facing the new owner of this 1968 Corvette Convertible. With the hard work done, the buyer needs to add the final touch. This includes fresh paint, although there is a tempting alternative to consider. The Corvette is listed here on eBay in Manorville, New York. Bidding sits below the reserve at $18,350, with time for interested parties to join the action.
Chevrolet released the iconic C3 Corvette in 1968, with potential buyers liking what they saw. The C2 set a sales record in 1966 with 27,720 cars, but the first-year C3 total of 28,566 trumped it. This Convertible is an unfinished project that leaves the buyer with decisions to make. The panels look perfect, with no cracks or other issues. The underside shots reveal a solid frame, while there is no evidence of problems with the birdcage. The Black soft-top looks acceptable for a driver-grade car, with the same true of the trim and glass. New vacuum hoses mean the headlamps and wiper door work correctly, which is an important consideration. The owner added a big-block hood, but the exterior is otherwise unmolested. The panels sport a coat of Black sealer, although the seller confirms it is 1-of-4,779 ‘Vettes that originally wore British Green. Applying a fresh coat of the factory shade would be straightforward, but there is an alternative deserving consideration. Readers know I favor originality with classics, but I don’t oppose custom touches if performed to a high standard. The existing matte black sealer looks consistent across the car and nicely contrasts the sparkling chrome. Part of me feels that leaving it untouched could be a viable option because it gives the car a sinister appearance. Some might agree, while others won’t. It is the diversity of opinion that makes the classic world a fascinating place.
One aspect of this Corvette requiring nothing is the interior. The seller recently completed a retrim, and it presents beautifully. The Black upholstery and trim add to the car’s presence and are another reason I might leave the exterior untouched. A new dash wiring harness and gauges mean everything works as it should. As with the hood, there are additions that may divide opinion. The seller installed an aftermarket wheel, a retro-style stereo, and a Hurst shifter. These changes are reversible, and doing so would depend on the winning bidder’s taste and desire for originality.
If potential buyers crave originality, this Corvette’s numbers-matching status will be attractive. The engine bay houses a 327ci V8 that sends its power to the road via a four-speed manual transmission. It is unclear which version of the small-block this is, but it should pump out at least 300hp. With the ability to scorch the ¼-mile in 14.7 seconds, it could never be called slow. The seller recently replaced the rear wheel bearings, master cylinder, shocks, and exhaust. The car features a new rear wiring harness and has no mechanical issues or vices. They say it runs and drives well, meaning the buyer could enjoy it immediately while planning the next step in the Convertible’s cosmetic journey.
If anything surprises me about this 1968 Corvette, it is the lack of interest shown by enthusiasts. Chrome-bumper C3s are exceptionally popular and usually attract intense action. Only six bids have been submitted at the time of writing, although some may have merely been testing the water before becoming more serious as the end draws near. Do you think that’s the case, or is something else at play with this classic?
If you gotta have a C3 the 68-70 are the ones to have, before the EPA and the various government safety nuts started interfering too much with the car. I’d take one of these simply because a C2 in decent shape is too $$.
Most Corvette people in the know shy away from the 68’s. Too many one year things.
Adam, another option for completing the exterior is vinyl wrap, although IMHO, this would be the cheeky/cheesy route. I agree the matte black gives it a stealthy look.
I did get a quote recently for $25k to “same color respray” a C3, food for thought.
Not a lot of photos on the EBay listing, that may hold it back a bit….
I really like this one…..👍🤓
If you’re being quoted $25k for basic enamel paint, find another painter. That’s just over the top price gouging. You ought to be able to get a good enamel paint job for no more than $8k to $10k tops.
Was told you can’t paint over original 1973 GM acrylic and a full strip is required, then respray with Urethane…..I thought $25k was pretty steep, as well.
🧐
I was thinking custom wrapping it too.
I’ve never tried wrapping over primer, but some say it won’t last. I thought vettes of this vintage were originally done in lacquer.
The BIG BLOCK Hood is a nice touch.
Clarification – this is not a big-block hood. This car has an L88 hood. The bi-block hood was also used on the 70-72 LT1 cars
This is probably the C3 in its purest form, before government regulations started to meddle with what the car was intended to be. I hope the car’s cosmetics don’t prevent it from going to a worthy home regardless of its sale price. GLWS
Firstly… You can’t just leave it the way it is and drive it. If it’s painted in black sealer, that means one of two things… The car has been completely stripped of it’s old paint and they did the “first step” in the paint job. Or they just sprayed sealer over a scuff of the original paint… And if they did that the sealer has about two years tops, before it starts peeling off like plasti-dip. Either way… Sealer is a soft material as far as paint prep goes. That’s why after sealer, you spray a primer coat… Then, a guide coat… So you can block sand and find the impurities. Then you spot fill, block sand again, primer, block sand again… Degreaser and tack cloth…band then the first coat of paint. You have to have some kind of paint. That is the hard surface… The protectant of all the work you did underneath. Then, the clear… That seals it all up and gives it the protection against UV rays. So, you can’t just leave it. And, 25k for all that is probably because they will blow the car apart and do it the RIGHT way. 8-10k for a paint job sounds like someone’s cutting corners or using inferior products. Either way… It wouldn’t come out like you expect it.
Why replace wiring harness?
Was there a short of some kind?
Spraying sealer (flat) would appear to hide something. A big block hood replacement? What happened to the old hood? Electrical fire perhaps. I would be cautious. Something isn’t being told.
Another tire kicking know it all that will never ever be a buyer.
Useless comment on your part !
I’m not saying this to get a rise out of people. True, the 68 was the first of its body style but it has its problems. Water leaks, overheating, passenger compartment heat and more. After many, many years of working on all years of Corvettes, the 68 is a challenge to make driver friendly. Not for the novice.
Had a 68 Daytona Yellow with a 350/350 for a while. I was under the impression that the hood shown on the power barn was reserved for the 454. Am I mistaken?
I have a 68.
also have a71
Dont be afraid of the 68. different parts here and there. but a great driver for both.