Rarity claims must often be taken with a grain of salt, especially when they relate to some obscure option. However, when they revolve around a major drivetrain component, they are typically more credible. This 1968 Corvette Convertible is a perfect example of that thinking, because it features a rare transmission that helps it stand out. It is an extremely tidy survivor that is set to head to a new home. The seller has listed the ‘Vette here at Hemmings in Boca Raton, Florida. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder PRA4SNW for spotting a classic where bidding sits below the reserve at $18,500.
Chevrolet’s original plans were to release the C3 Corvette for the 1967 model year. However, the company discovered some rather unpleasant aerodynamic issues with its latest model, postponing production by a year so that these could be eliminated. This first-year Convertible presents nicely in Rally Red, a shade selected by over 10% of buyers in 1968. It features a nice Black soft-top and a color-matched factory hardtop. The seller is unclear about its history, so we’re flying blind about whether it has undergone any form of restoration. The paint shines impressively, the fiberglass is in good order, and the underside shots reveal no evidence of rust or other problems. The glass and trim are in good order, as are the Rally wheels.
The seller believes that this Corvette is numbers-matching, powered by a 327ci V8 producing 300hp and 360 ft/lbs of torque. The most popular transmission chosen by buyers in 1968 was the close-ratio M21 four-speed, accounting for 12,337 sales. However, this car’s first owner followed a different path, ticking no boxes on their Order Form beside mechanical options. Therefore, the shifting duties in this car are handled by a three-speed manual transmission. Only 326 Corvettes were thus equipped in 1968, making this a fairly rare beast by any standard. The seller admits that the small-block sports an aluminum intake and chrome valve covers. Otherwise, it appears to be an unmolested survivor. There is no supplied information regarding its mechanical health, but I can spot nothing causing concern.
My instinct tells me that this Corvette’s first owner may have been shopping on a budget, because they didn’t load the interior with factory options. They splashed $172.75 on an AM/FM radio, but passed on such luxuries as power windows and air conditioning. Trimmed in Black vinyl, there is little to criticize about this interior beyond a wheel crack. The upholstered surfaces are free from significant wear, and there appears to be no carpet fading. The dash looks excellent, and I can’t spot any aftermarket additions.
Chevrolet had a hit on its hands when it released the C3 Corvette in 1968. It set a new record, selling 28,566 vehicles, with 18,630 buyers opting for the Convertible variant. Only 326 buyers selected the three-speed manual transmission, and this is one of those cars. Its rarity stems from the fact that its specifications represent what could probably be viewed as an entry-level approach, with the AM/FM radio and the Hardtop as the only apparent options. Is the rarity of a three-speed enough to tempt you to pursue this Convertible, or would you prefer one with more bells and whistles?
3.36 rear gear standard I believe Clarkey. Pretty great base model. 👍
Funny most up selled to 4 speed back in the day as the 3 was the base. (Bean counters even back then were gaming more $$$ from consumers) 😜
It looks good…
I am the rare person that doesn’t mind the 3 speed. Learned to drive stick on a few different vehicles, but the most memorable was a 55 task force Chevrolet truck with an inline six and a column shift manual transmission (for those less uptight, fondly remembered as a “three on the tree”)
I was curious about the gold canister in the engine compartment, so I looked it up. It’s the actuator for the vacuum-operated windshield wiper door. Hidden wipers were still a bit of a novelty, having been introduced the year before on the big Pontiacs, but Chevrolet went above and beyond by adding a bit of theater. It’s unfortunate that the system was troublesome.
@CC- Back in the day there was a rumor that GM said the system would operate with a 1/4″ of ice on the door and if there was more than 1/4″, you should not be out driving. Good story and most likely another urban Corvette legend.
Judging by the fit of the headlight fit there must have been a front end collision at one time.
I don’t know. When I looked at the right door gaps and the hood gaps, they’re excellent. I suspect that the right headlight bucket just needs adjusting, but you could be right.
The undercarriage looks clean from the pictures, but I thought that the ‘birdcage’ required looking upwards in the area behind the doors and that’s the area of most concern on these. I’m no Corvette expert though.
“Believes” it’s numbers-matching? Um, can’t you just LOOK at the VIN derivative stamps and know for sure?
Rarity claims are like mileage claims.
I live in Texas…. No air???
One advantage of the 3 speed is that it will be going faster before requiring the upshift. Along with that is the split second delay of power application for second gear in a 4 speed. I had a 396 Chevelle with the 3 speed and often outran the 4 speed cars including the 4 speed 390 equipped Failanes.
Mark,
This is simply not true. The 3 speed manual had a first gear ratio of 2.54:1. The M20 wide box 4 speed which was the only 4 speed available with the 300 hp engine had a first gear ratio of 2.52:1. So they are basically identical and assuming the same rear axle ratio the 1-2 up shift would occur at the same speed.
Well, I saw it happen more than once.
Loads of torque and one less upshift. What’s not to like about this offering? Nothing.
Sold….$24,675
Reasonable price it seems
I thought I knew a lot about C3 Corvettes. This is the first time I’ve seen or even heard of a 3 speed manual being offered. I will have to check when they stopped offering it. Maybe this was the only year, since the following year, the base engine change to a 350.