No Reserve 1968 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

In 1968, Chevrolet found itself with a hit on its hands in the form of the newly-released C3 Corvette. Pent-up demand for the new model saw 28,566 buyers eagerly handing over their hard-earned cash to park a ‘Vette in their garage…or their driveway so the neighbors could see their new toy! While the C3 would linger in production for longer than envisaged and become a “softer” vehicle as the 1970s drew to a close, early examples continue to be highly sought. That is the case with this 1968 Corvette Convertible. Somebody has commenced a restoration, but this has ground to a halt. However, it runs and drives, and the seller’s decision to offer it with No Reserve adds to its appeal. Located in Frenchtown, New Jersey, you will find the Convertible listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has raced to $12,001, and with No Reserve in play, a new home beckons this classic.

This Corvette rolled off the line wearing attractive British Green paint, although a coat of gray primer now cloaks that shade. The original color is visible around the door frames, making returning the car to its factory appearance seem straightforward. However, it also allows the next owner the option to complete a color change to tailor the appearance to their taste. Whatever path they choose, they may face the prospect of stripping away the primer. The quality looks ordinary in a couple of spots, and putting in the hard yards now may prevent possible heartache in the future. The fiberglass has a few imperfections, but they look repairable. The seller doesn’t mention any rust problems, with the lack of visible surface corrosion potentially indicating this Corvette has a solid frame and birdcage. The wheels aren’t original, nor is the side exhaust. Whether they stay or go will depend on the buyer’s vision for this classic. Personally, I don’t believe that either feature does this ‘Vette any favors, so I’d ditch them pretty quickly. Of course, that’s a personal opinion, and yours could be different from mine. It is these varying opinions that make the classic scene so fascinating.

The Corvette’s interior is a mixed bag, but the trim color may steal the show. The Trim Tag shows Code 420, but that doesn’t appear on any Chevrolet information in my possession. It represented Saddle vinyl upholstery in 1967 and 1969 but didn’t rate a mention on any Chevrolet options list. It could be a Special Order, and that possibility is worth investigating. The passenger seat has some damage on the inner edge, but the upholstered surfaces generally present well. The carpet exhibits some fading, and there are a few aftermarket additions that a purist may elect to remove. These include a radio/cassette player, a later-model wheel, and a column-mounted tachometer. Reversing these changes shouldn’t present a challenge. If the buyer confirms the interior as a Special Order, it could be worth the effort when considering this classic’s potential future value.

The domed hood may convey the impression that this Corvette features an optional big-block, but that isn’t the case. The engine bay houses the numbers-matching 327ci small-block producing 300hp. When backed by a four-speed manual transmission, it would have allowed the ‘Vette to cover the ¼ mile in 14.8 seconds. So far, this all sounds promising. However, it seems that someone may have wanted this classic to be a more relaxed long-distance cruiser. They elected to replace the original transmission with a five-speed unit, although its origins are unclear. If it features an overdrive fifth gear, that could see that sweet little 327 barely ticking over at 70mph and will help to extend the fuel range of this classic. The seller states that the Convertible runs and drives, and these claims are supported by a video embedded in the listing. The motor sounds as sweet as a nut, with no evidence of smoke or odd noises. It isn’t clear whether this classic is roadworthy, but if it isn’t, getting it to that point to make the most of the pending warmer weather may not be difficult. It is an intriguing possibility worth considering.

The bidding history on the 1968 Corvette Convertible has been healthy but not as spirited as I might have expected, given the owner’s decision to list it with No Reserve. What would be your approach if you elected to make a play for this classic? A fresh coat of its original British Green would seem the obvious choice, but the opportunity exists with the ‘Vette in its current state for a color change to be viable. What about the drivetrain? Would you retain the five-speed transmission and the touring advantages it offers, or would you search for a date-correct four-speed to bolt behind the original motor? Those questions represent the tip of the iceberg because we haven’t discussed interior trim options or the question of wheels and tires. This Corvette represents a chance for someone to let down their hair and create something genuinely unique. I would love to see the finished product.