While values continue to climb, affordable driver-quality C3 Corvettes are still available in today’s classic market. This 1968 example is not perfect, but it is ready to be enjoyed by a new owner. It presents well and has undergone a color change at some point. The ‘Vette has no immediate needs and is in good mechanical health. Adding to its appeal, the original owner ordered it with the comfort of power steering and air conditioning. Located in Winter Haven, Florida, you will find the Corvette listed for sale here on eBay. Spirited bidding has pushed the price to $15,100, but this figure remains short of the reserve. For those who want to avoid the whole auction scene, the owner has set a BIN of $20,500.
The Trim Tag for this Corvette indicates that it rolled off the production line wearing Silverstone Silver paint. It has undergone a color change, and the new shade appears to be close to Frost Lime Metallic. Its consistency across the vehicle looks pretty good, with no visible patchiness or matte areas. There are no signs of significant flaws or defects, and the fiberglass panels are free from major issues. There is a small area of damage on the driver’s side below the rear bumper, but this appears to be repairable. The owner doesn’t mention any rust problems with this classic, so hopefully, the frame and birdcage are in good condition. He places great store in the removable rear window, claiming this is a rare option. While it was a very clever design feature, it was standard across all early C3 Corvette Coupes. With the roof panels and glass removed, it effectively transformed the Corvette into a Targa. It offered owners the benefits of a convertible, but in a package that was warmer and more weatherproof if things turned nasty or cold. The chrome is in good condition, including those beautiful bumpers. There are no problems with the glass, and the overall impression is that this Corvette is a tidy classic.
After some initial confusion, the owner confirms that this Corvette features its numbers-matching 327ci V8. It isn’t clear which version we are dealing with, but it should be producing at least 300hp. Bolted to the back of this small-block is a three-speed Hydramatic transmission. This combination should allow the ‘Vette to cover the ¼ mile in a neat 15 seconds. The original owner ordered this classic with power steering and power brakes to make life easier on the move. The engine is missing its ignition shield, but otherwise, it looks relatively tidy. For potential buyers, the news appears good. The owner says that this Corvette runs and drives well, suggesting that it is ready to be enjoyed by a lucky new owner.
This car brings more good news to the table when we open the doors and examine the interior. It is an aspect of the vehicle that is original and unmolested and would serve effectively in a tidy-driver context. The original owner ordered this Corvette with Gunmetal vinyl trim. It remains intact, although it does look green in some photos. There are no major issues or problems with the plastic components or console, although there is some wear on the outer edge of the driver’s seat. It is not an issue that demands immediate attention, but spending $480 on a new pair of seat covers would make a dramatic difference. The other problem worth noting is that the speedometer needle is broken. It isn’t clear whether it or the odometer still function effectively, so that would be a question worth asking. Otherwise, there are no major worries. As well as the original AM/FM radio, this car features the comfort of factory air conditioning. It blows ice cold, which will be a bonus when the weather turns warm again.
While this 1968 Corvette is not perfect, it is a tidy driver with no immediate needs. Its lack of perfection could be a positive point for buyers to consider. Owning a classic vehicle that represents automotive perfection will always turn heads, but it does not necessarily equate to a relaxed driving experience. There is always that nagging doubt in the back of the owner’s mind that an errant rock will inflict a chip or mark that will mar its perfection. That is not an issue with this Corvette, and the owner’s BIN probably is realistic in these circumstances. It has already attracted an impressive twenty-eight bids, suggesting people like what they see. Are you tempted to join the bidding party?
Looks like a 300 hp as the 350 had the Winters aluminum intake. Not a big fan of the color. Still, looks like a nice car.
68 327/350’s came with a cast iron intake. Only the 64-67’s came with an aluminum one. The earlier high rise aluminum intake won’t fit under the 68 small block hood, which is why LT-1’s used the big block hood.
My initial thought when I saw the listing was that “finally, a fairly priced chrome bumper Corvette”…..then I started looking the ad over. The fit of the hood, headlights, wiper door and doors lead me to believe this thing was hit, and not repaired all that well. In the photo of the damaged area, the shape of the body around the left rear marker, and the fit of the exhaust bezel both have me thinking there’s been (questionable) repairs in that area too.
To the writer, I’m not so sure the car has had a color change. From looking at the ground around the car, and the interior, I think they may be just poorly exposed photos instead? The 68 Gunmetal interior is a charcoal gray color, and that interior looks way to light to be Gunmetal. By the way, the car does have power steering, but not power brakes.
gbvette, the left rear corner looks like bondo filler and the zaust tip is a couple inches short of the one on the other side.
I frequently see authors in BF articles mention new seat covers. Any suggestions where one could look for those? Needing some for a 78 camaro and not sure what sources the authors are referring to.
Spend a few bucks on a Hemmings Auto News magazine and look at the Camaro section.
PUI in Kentucky makes 78 Camaro seat covers in both the standard and Custom (LT) pattern. I don’t recall if they sell direct or only through hobby vendors. Legendary Auto Interior in NY and TMI in CA, also both make 78 Camaro seat covers. They all carry new seat foam too.
Eckler’s (Ricks Camaros), Classic Industries, Summit Racing and others are dealers for one or more of them. I have a Corvette parts business and use to be a dealer for PUI, but I don’t think my account’s active anymore. They don’t do Corvette interiors, but they do make the inner and outer door wipes for Corvettes, I just buy them from a different company now.
RARE REMOVABLE REAR WINDOW you say. Only bout 75,000 coupes had that. Body lines just don’t well, line up. I’m thinking there’s some crash history there. Buyer be ware.
My nephew coughed up something near this color last week. Should have resprayed the original silver.
While we all know fit & finish on early Vettes wasn’t nothing to brag about, this car has been hit, especially in the front; the front grilles don’t line up at all, there’s a spot on the right corner of the hood that is questionable, headlight doors are way out of alignment, etc. Rear is questionable also, but you guys have already pointed it out. Plus another downer, it’s an automatic. I own a survivor 72 Coupe .
Definitely not an example of a good Corvette.
The LH Rear quarter panel is a relatively easy fix.
The comments about potential crash in the front are likely inaccurate. ’68 was the first year of a completely new body style and fit & finish for all C-3s was always a struggle.Headlight can fits & grille fits were typical areas of poor fits.
Interior is base trim and showing it’s age. A decent buy at half the price, but certainly not worth the $20,500 Buy Now
Picky Picky looks like a good project car and yes its probably been in a wreck
they all have at that age. Someone will buy it get it fix and have fun