Many factors determine whether a classic car is worthy of restoration. These include rarity, desirability, and historical significance. That brings us to this 1968 Corvette Convertible, which seems to tick the boxes. Although it isn’t exceedingly rare, it is desirable. Its historic significance rests in the fact it is a first-year C3, while the fact it retains its numbers-matching big-block drivetrain could be the icing on this cake. It spent years in hiding but is ready for a new home, owner, and lease on life. The seller listed the C3 here on eBay in Astoria, New York. They set their BIN at $29,950, so maybe we need to dig deeper to determine whether the figure is justified.
This Corvette has led a sheltered existence…in the literal sense. It recently emerged after a previous owner placed it into storage in 1980. It requires work to regain its former glory, and no aspect of the car will escape the attention of the next owner. The current shade of Green gracing its panels isn’t original, with the Convertible rolling off the line finished in Corvette Bronze. The panels will need to go down to the gel coat to achieve an excellent finish, but other tasks will undoubtedly take priority. We received no information or photos confirming the state of the frame or birdcage, but the accumulated corrosion in other areas suggests this restoration will entail dismantling the candidate to the last nut and bolt. This will be an arduous process, and I foresee many seized and snapped bolts in the buyer’s future. The fiberglass looks pretty good, so it may not require specialist attention to address any defects. The top looks sad, and most of the chrome will head to the platers.
Those readers questioning the viability of this project to this point may find lifting the Corvette’s hood like a breath of fresh air. The worth of any project of this caliber is often determined by the drivetrain, with the seller confirming this Convertible is numbers-matching. However, the news keeps getting better. The car rolled off the line with a 427ci V8 teamed with a four-speed manual transmission. It is unclear which version of the big-block this is, but the driver had at least 390hp on tap. In a car weighing 3,417 lbs, that’s a recipe for fun. This brute would have demolished the ¼-mile in 14.7 seconds if this is the L36 version of the 427. A more powerful derivative like the L68 or L71 could slash that figure significantly. The seller supplies no information on the state of the mechanical components, but considering how long it spent in storage, returning it to a roadworthy condition in a weekend isn’t likely to happen. The buyer should probably factor a total mechanical overhaul into their restoration budget, but it will be a pleasant and welcome surprise if it proves unnecessary.
Apart from changing the paint shade, a previous owner added custom touches to its interior. The first change to note is the trim color because it rolled off the line wearing Tobacco vinyl. The diamond-buttoned seat upholstery is a 1970s touch so far out of fashion that you would struggle to see it with binoculars! The interior sports a non-original Hurst shifter, but apart from that and the seatcovers, I can’t spot any other additions. A faithful restoration means the buyer can’t cut corners inside this classic, with a total retrim being the only option. Trim kits in the correct materials and colors are available, but we’ve just added around $3,000 to the restoration cost in the blink of an eye.
Restoring this 1968 Corvette Convertible will be a significant undertaking, and the task isn’t for the faint-hearted. Completing the build will require many months of deep dedication and a healthy bank account, but is the effort justified? The car could command a value of around $80,000 in the current market if the restoration is completed to a high standard. It will be a frame-off process, and the state of it and the birdcage are unknown. If they are sound, that removes some stress and potential costs. If they are compromised, that could be a game-changer. A possible value of $80,000 leaves $50,000 beyond the BIN figure to complete the work, but do you think that’s enough?
that’s the most ugly (but original) engine compartment i’ve seen on a big block Stingray. The air cleaner says it’s a 4-barrell carb so 390hp L34. Still plenty of power and semi-sane 10.25:1 rated compression….should be safe for pump premium with timing retarded a bit
Run my l36 on pump premium and a bottle of Lucas octane booster with initial timing at 10 which is 6 degrees advanced.Have a curved to spec gm hei too with plug gaps at .050.Runs great.
I often wonder why people do things? What a shame on so many levels.
I’m not going to say it, I’m not going to say it!
What’s this one worth totally restored. Pass.
Bids at 30grand say 80 grand if it was a tri power maybe unless you have a shop and know now to do this vette right I would pass where I live body shop labor 150hour plus parts misc seen ones in better condition for same money or less
A complete show resto will be $60k to start. As crusty as that engine compartment looks the frame and bird cage need close inspection. Could be cool but to much ask, more like $10-15k
Money pit. Looks like it was kept in a damp environment all these decades.My buddy sold one 4 years ago that was a #’s 427 l36 4spd with the removable hardtop that was 10x better than this for 13k running and driving well. I know that was 4 years ago but this car is over priced imo.You’re gonna be putting way over 50k to restore this one especially if you’re not doing the work.
Bids at 30grand say 80 grand if it was a tri power maybe unless you have a shop and know now to do this vette right I would pass where I live body shop labor 150hour plus parts misc seen ones in better condition for same money or less
It’s Unfortunate but this car may have a rusted out frame its going to be a parts car at best
This thing has been sitting almost 40 years in NYC in “storage” and bidding is just nudging $30K
I bet the guy who owned this back in the 70’s had plenty of vowels in his name and a Ron Jeremy moustache! You will have to replace all the window frames and rails from the jarring of loud disco music!
Is the “plenty of vowels in his name” a shot at the Italian-American community? Hey – “Cooter” is 50% vowels! is this your car, paisano?
Frank I love Italian American people and it was a joke. You can fire back all the redneck jokes you wish. It’s all in good fun! Peace brother
How can I not love a guy named “Cooter”??
New York car,check Frame especially with all that rust under the hood
Mom Always Said, If You Don’t Have Nothing Nice To Say ……….
The owner doesn’t dare wash the ‘patina’ away.
I am familiar with this seller in Astoria. In my case, I was interested in a particular car, and let’s just say he tended to go a little wide with the truth. The background story and the car clearly did not match, which didn’t seem to bother him. I know, because I talked to the previous owner, clearly by luck (courtesy of Barn Finds), a few years ago. I would only recommend that you do your due diligence, and then some.
I contacted Gullwing Motorcars about this listing a couple weeks back…my simple questions weren’t answered, they basically said “do you want to buy the car, it is $29,950.”
Not worth $29,950 in many ways, and with all being said (or not….), I moved on.
“Rust in Peace” 🧐
Not sure why some people are commenting that this is “bid” to 29K. It is clearly marked as the Classified Ad Price.
Pretty steep buy in for a car that hasn’t turned a mile in over 40 years.
Now, if it were a rusty ’68 Charger R/T….
It would be worth more than this turd
ugly
It’s a total ‘labor of love’ if you love Corvettes and ypu love abig block 427, then who cares what it’s worth.
I want to say it’s a good starting point…but it isn’t. The parts that DO NOT need replacing far out number those that do.
Hard pass.
Looking at some of the cars and pu brought onto barn finds as barn finds look more like mausoleum finds.
12 winters of salt in the northeast is a life sentence. After you acid dipped the frame, all’s left is tears and heart ache.
What a shame they let it sit that long parts car now.