Some classics appear on the market with a history shrouded in mystery. Others are fully documented. This 1968 Chevrolet Corvette falls into the second category, having been part of the same family since it emerged from the dealership. It features documentation dating back to Day One, which helps to increase its desirability. All good things must end, with the ‘Vette set to potentially find a new home in a few days. The seller has listed it here on eBay in Foxboro, Massachusetts. Bidding sits below the reserve at $19,900, although there is a BIN option of $25,900 for those who find it irresistible.
It would be fascinating to compile a list of classic cars that would be instantly recognized globally if presented to enthusiasts in silhouette form. The 1964 Mustang Hardtop would probably make the list, as would the ’59 Cadillac and the Jaguar E-Type. One that would undoubtedly score a spot is the C3 Corvette. Chevrolet struck a sweet spot with its latest model, helping to explain why the C3 is probably more popular on some foreign shores than in its homeland. This International Blue ’68 model presents exceptionally well as an original and unrestored survivor. Close inspection reveals a few minor chips and marks, but they are expected on any vehicle that has clocked 100,000 miles during fifty-six years of active service. It has never undergone restoration or repairs, and the fiberglass shows no evidence of problems. The lack of visible surface corrosion across various areas supports the seller’s claim the frame and birdcage are sound, while the trim and glass are excellent. It is refreshing to see the car retains its original wheels and hubcaps because these often make way for Rally wheels for a more aggressive appearance.
The 2,473 buyers who ordered a ’68 Corvette in International Blue could specify Black or Blue interior trim. This car’s original owner chose the latter, adding the AM/FM radio for in-car entertainment. The interior is unmolested and unrestored, but it isn’t perfect. There is visible damage on both seatcovers, wear on the rear console section, and a split on the passenger door trim. It would be worth consulting an upholsterer to ascertain whether they could address the shortcomings. It would be a shame to compromise this classic’s survivor status by replacing the faulty items. Otherwise, there are no significant problems or issues and no aftermarket additions. The seller states that the gauges and lights work as they should, but unsurprisingly, the exception to that rule is the clock. However, restoration services could revive that item to protect the interior’s originality.
Chevrolet carried the drivetrain components across to the C3 from its predecessor. The entry-level engine was the 327ci V8, although this was the only year the company offered a small-block with that capacity. That is what hides below this numbers-matching ‘Vette’s hood. It sends 300hp and 360 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a three-speed manual transmission. The transmission deserves special attention because it is a relatively rare item. Chevrolet produced 28,566 Corvettes in 1968, but only 326 buyers selected the three-speed. That will increase this car’s desirability in the eyes of many. The engine might be the least potent in the Corvette’s arsenal, but its ability to launch this classic through the ¼-mile in 14.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 131mph confirms it isn’t an automotive wimp. Potential buyers receive plenty of good news with this classic. The seller holds an enormous collection of documentation, including the original Dealer Invoice, Owner’s Manual, Protect-O-Plate, Sales Brochure, a Letter of Congratulations to the original owner from Chevrolet, and a selection of invoices and receipts for services and other work. This classic is a turnkey proposition that could be driven home once the new owner hands over the cash.
History and documentation can significantly impact interest in any classic, and this 1968 Corvette is no exception. The car delivers on both fronts, helping to explain why it has attracted thirty-nine bids. It isn’t the rarest or most potent C3 to roll off the line, but it has a story to tell. The bid figure will undoubtedly climb, although I would be unsurprised if someone hits the BIN button well before the auction ends. Do you agree?
Gee….not a bad buy in 1968 with the 1967 Corvette trade in – wounder how it was optioned ?
Oddly equipped, 3spd manual, manual brakes, manual steering, speed warning and AM/FM. Nice enough to leave it as is, there is no need to restore it.
Steve R
Right on Steve! I would ONLY drive this on PERFECT DAYS and LEAVE IT LIKE IT IS. NOT MANY Factory Corvettes are left in this configuration I’d bet and I’m not a ‘Vette Officianado”! Definitely see about a repair over a redo on the items mentioned, detail it, and enjoy this Gorgeous piece of AMERICAN Motoring in its simplest form. Wish I had a loan! Glwa and Congrats to its new owner. Nice Car.
$20k is good value for this car. Nice to see it’s unmodified, and yep that 3 speed on a ’68 is as rare as hen’s teeth.
If you pop he hubcaps off there are rally wheels underneath. And I believe the manual transmission version of these cars had a 3 speed standard and a buyer would have to select a 4 speed manual at additional cost. FWIW this is the first C3 I’ve ever seen so equipped, and i think it’s pretty cool because it’s so unusual and almost counter intuitive, slong the same line as a big block C2 with a Powerglide, since the TH wasn’t offered with a big block until ’68. But it makes me wonder who would have wanted a 3 speed Corvette in ’64 given 4 speeds were pretty much deriguer. Back in the early 70s I had a friend that had a ’60 Vette the he bought new with a 3 speed manual. He said he decided to spend the extra money on a hardtop instead of a 4 speed.
Actually the performance of the 3 speed versus 4 speed was about nil, but 4sp did make more fun going thru gears. I had 68 442 that came with 3 so, swapped to Muncie 4 speed and no real difference at drag strip.
BTW I looked at a 3 sp convertible 68 Corvette in a St Petersburg dealer a few years back. Definitely unique.
One of my favorite Vettes in one of my favorite colors. Never got real fond of the wheel covers as they just don’t look right on something like this car. Nice one!
I have always thought the optional wheel covers solidified the idea of Corvettes as Grand Touring-type cars.
Odd that the console front lower side parts on these cars are separate pieces.
How hard is it to find that 3 speed shifter nameplate?!
I wonder if Chevy had any early test mules for this gen with a powerglide.
Weren’t that woodgrain steering wheel & whitewalls also xtra cost options?
Could those 2 vents by the rear window let water get inside the car?
Best to lower that speed warning indicator to 55, if u get pulled over. lol
I bought my 68 coupe in December 1968 and still have it.
A nice piece of originality for this 68 is the original smog pump and lines going to the exhaust manifold (most owners removed it).
One modification is the addition of the pouch in front of the passenger on the dash. The 68s had a smooth panel in front of the passenger, with the pouch being added a year later in 69.
The lack of a glove compartment on the vette & ’69-72 grand prix scream concept car interior, like inside the …
https://www.motorcities.org/story-of-the-week/2023/remembering-the-1969-corvette-manta-ray-concept-car-by-gm
Looks like a great find. We’d address the minor interior issues, perform paint corrections where feasible, give a good cleaning/detailing to the engine bay, and cruise to cars and coffee’s everywhere.
Nice car, the BIN price seems low at $25k for a mostly original car. I would like to see some photos of the car’s underside. If there is no significant rust, this car could be quite a find. Detail it, fill it with gas, and enjoy the summer.
I would love to have this car for its originality and lack of options. I believe this color is lemans blue as international blue is several shades darker. Those wheel covers were not listed on the original invoice so added later. Pop those off, put the stock rally trim rings and center caps back on, repair what you can on the original interior pieces, fix all mechanical needs with stock parts and correct the paint but don’t buff through it. Those vents on the rear deck are not just open to the interior, they have drains for water. I’m a serial C3 addict and have driven and owned these cars since 1970 with my current version being a red/red ‘73 454 convertible. I wish I had room for this car.
At $25,000, this would be an amazing Corvette to own. I see the term “time capsule” tossed around a lot. This is a true “time capsule”. Buy it and don’t touch a thing except the usual maintenance items. This is yet another day I wish I had been born rich instead of handsome.
SOLD for $25900.
Perhaps the BF Corvette bargain YTD?
Somebody got one heck of a deal on this gorgeous and original Vette. Love the color on this one.
When I was a kid back in the 70’s one of the cars I had was a 70 Challenger convertible 340, 3 speed on the floor. I recently came to realize that 20 were built that way. I can’t bring myself to think what I let slip through my hands.
3-Speed trans is OK if 1st gear is synchro !! If not, PIA to drive !!
Great buy at $25K in my opinion.
This 3spd is not like a 50’s British sports car, it’s synchro in all gears.
As I own a 68 Resto mod Vette, I am happy to see this one. It’s un-molested and pure. I have molested mine so much it took out a restraining order. But, its also the cheapest version of the Vette that Chevrolet made in 1968. Which makes it pretty rare. 25.9k seems like a great price for this in my opinion. Cheers to the new owner!