Not all classic cars are created equal. This fact is true when comparing one brand or model with another, but it can also be a reality when two vehicles carry the same model badge. Take this 1968 Corvette Convertible as a prime example. In entry-level form, it could offer its owner impressive performance levels that would satisfy most enthusiasts. However, the original owner ordered this car with the fire-breathing 427ci Tri-Power V8 under the hood, transforming an impressive car into a brute with mind-bending acceleration. It is an original survivor that presents superbly, and it is also one that needs a new home. Located in Long Beach, New York, you will find the Corvette listed for sale here on craigslist. The owner has set the sale price at $59,995. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pat L for referring this fantastic survivor to us.

There are times when mere words don’t seem to have the power to convey how special a classic car is, and that is very nearly the case with this Convertible. Its flawless fiberglass panels are draped in Corvette Bronze paint that shines beautifully. The owner admits that the vehicle has received a repaint in its original color, but it isn’t clear when this occurred. I’m not sure whether it is perfect, but it is impossible to spot faults in the supplied photos. There are no visible chips or scratches, while the fiberglass is free from cracks, crazing, or issues around the bonding strips. Its beauty is more than skin-deep because the underside shots reveal a frame that is spotlessly clean and rock solid. The White soft-top is in as-new condition, as is the tinted glass. The owner doesn’t indicate whether he has a factory hardtop, but it probably isn’t the end of the world if he doesn’t. The chrome and trim shine as impressively as the paint, while the original and immaculate Rally wheels wear redline tires.

If a buyer walked into their Chevrolet dealership in 1968 and plopped $4,320 on the table, they could drive away in a Corvette Convertible with a 327ci V8 under the hood. This motor delivered 300hp and allowed the car to cover the ¼ mile in 14.8 seconds. Neither figure is anything to be ashamed of, and it would’ve satisfied most owners. However, by kicking in a further $437.10, that buyer could up the ante significantly. Suddenly, the engine bay would be occupied by the L71 version of the 427ci big-block that featured a Tri-Power setup and a staggering 435hp under the right foot. The impact of this change was profound and allowed the car to blitz the ¼ in 13.5 seconds. That’s what we find hiding under the hood of this Corvette, while the package is rounded out by a four-speed close-ratio M21 manual transmission, a 4.11 Posi rear end, a full transistor ignition, and the Off-Road exhaust system. As drivetrains go, this was about as good as it got in a 1968 Corvette. The owner indicates that the vehicle is wholly numbers-matching and that it has never received any restoration work. Adding to the attraction is that it has a genuine and documented 87,000 miles showing on its odometer. Disappointingly, the owner provides no insight into how this ‘Vette runs or drives, but if appearances are any indication, this classic should be in sound mechanical health.

If a buyer ordered their ’68 Corvette wearing Bronze paint, they could have the interior trimmed in Black, Tobacco, or Dark Orange. The original owner chose that last color, and it is incredible to think that what we see today is that original trim in an unrestored state. The seat upholstery has developed some wrinkles over the years, but there’s no evidence of wear or physical damage. The carpet has some visible fading, but I am struggling to remember the last time I saw an original and unrestored Corvette from this era without that fault. The buyer might choose to address this, but the purist within me thinks that they would be better served to keep the money in their pocket given the lack of wear or significant damage. The dash and plastic trim appear excellent, and I can’t find much to criticize in this classic. It isn’t an interior overflowing with luxury appointments, although the original owner ordered the car with an AM/FM radio and a Speed Warning Indicator.

I’m not sure whether this Corvette Convertible represents what would’ve been considered the ultimate example in the 1968 range, but there’s no doubt that it would’ve been a car that demanded respect when it was new. If we wind the clock forward fifty-three years, that situation has not changed. If we look at where our car industry seems to be headed, preserving vehicles like this will become more critical. Most manufacturers have made it clear that their focus is almost exclusively towards zero-emission vehicles and that the internal combustion engine’s days could be numbered. If this proves to be a reality, it could be that the next generation has no idea what cars like this Corvette represent to enthusiasts like you and me. Confronted with cars like this, they would gain insight into what they would have had the misfortune to miss. I will feel sympathy for them, but I will feel grateful that we lived through this era and got to experience these classics as more than some static display in a museum. Therefore, I hope that this Corvette finds a new home with an owner that continues to treat it with respect. I hope that they continue to preserve it so that future generations have an opportunity to appreciate a genuine classic. Most importantly, I hope that they hit the road and enjoy the car for the high-performance beast that it is.