Vehicle Description
By now, you've probably memorized most of the Corvette story. From
Zora Arkus-Duntov to the Mako Shark to the bankruptcy years, each
of the car's seven generations has its own key moments and cast of
colorful characters. At this point, the third generation Corvette
accounts for the middle section of the brand's story and, looking
back, it's a remarkably appropriate car to hold that place. With
visible nods to both Chevrolet's heritage and future, examples like
this Bloomington Gold certified roadster are finding firm footing
in a collector market that will inevitably grow stronger. The
subject of complete restoration, this numbers-matching Sting Ray
features options like a tri-power 427, a rugged 4-speed
transmission and 4-wheel disc brakes that make it both fun to drive
and surprisingly capable. There's never a bad time to buy a good
Corvette, so if you're looking to add a first class C3 to your
collection, you've come to the right place!
BODYWORK/TRIM
Assembled at GM's storied St. Louis manufacturing facility on March
18th, 1968, and Bloomington Gold certified on June 29th, 2013, this
awesome drop-top is bathed in correct code 978 International Blue
two-stage. Under that striking paint, the car's solid fiberglass
body presents well and has a solid feel that conveys a mostly rust
and drama-free existence. That body's panel gaps have been narrowed
to better-than-factory standards, creating a smooth finish that,
devoid of noteworthy issues, provides a testament to its high
quality restoration. And overall, this vintage cruiser is a clean,
well-maintained classic that provides a combination of style and
reliability not normally found in moody trailer queens or butch
barn builds.
With such a cleanly styled body, ornamentation could have ruined
the C3's presence. Thankfully, Chevrolet did a great job of placing
form over function and keeping brightwork to a minimum. At the
front of the car, chrome-trimmed 'egg crate' grilles center small
parking lamps between a thin chrome bumper and a subtle chin
spoiler. Above that bumper, a cross-flag-branded header draws the
eye to a chrome-trimmed hood that anchors bold "427" emblems in
front of a vacuum operated cowl. That hood reflects raked glass
that's framed in showroom-quality stainless and capped by a bright
white top. At the sides of that glass, 68-exclusive door poppers
perfectly complement slick rocker trim and a correct chrome mirror.
And at the back of the car, a "CORVETTE" branded valence hangs
signature tail lamps and two chrome bumpers between a familiar
cross-flag fuel filler and spotless stainless exhaust tips.
ENGINE
Beneath the bright blue hood you'll find the car's original
"3916321" branded L68 (IM) which was cast on January (A) 10th, (10)
1968 (8), assembled in Tonawanda, New York (T) on March (03) 11th,
(11) 1968 and stamped with a correct 414054 partial VIN. Straight
from the factory, this beefy big block utilizes Chevy's storied
Tri-power technology to twist stout 10.25 to 1 compression into an
even 400 horsepower! At the peak of the road-ready mill, a polished
and decaled air cleaner swirls wind into a Winter aluminum intake
via three Holley carburetors. At the sides of that intake, cast
iron heads prop stamped and polished valve covers above fully
restored exhaust manifolds. And at the back of those heads, a
chrome-capped ignition system sequences spark through stainless
sleeved plug wires. When fired, the infamous 427 rumbles like an
old school stoplight slayer. Its ancillary components are top-notch
in every way, with new GM hoses and a rebuilt master cylinder
accompanying bright tower clamps and era-correct smog equipment.
And an evenly sprayed combination of Chevy Orange engine skin and
Satin Black fender framing is interrupted by nothing but clean
decals and fresh stainless fluid lines.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Peer under this low-slung roadster and you'll find a Satin Black
chassis that's straight, solid and ready to pound the pavement. The
hot 427 sends power to an original Muncie 4-speed, which hangs a
Muncie (P) assembled on March � 7th, (07) 1968 (8) build stamp
between a correct 3925660 casting number and matching 414054
partial VIN. In front of that transmission, a rebuilt double A-arm
suspension is complete with an authentic manual steering rack.
Opposite that steering rack, a rebuilt transverse leaf suspension
does an excellent job increasing grip. In the middle of the car, an
aluminized, true-dual exhaust system pipes spent gases through new,
rear-mounted mufflers. At the corners of the car, 4-wheel disc
brakes ensure rapid stops and great handling. And all that fully
sorted hardware rolls on handsome rally wheels, which spin fresh
F70-15 Goodyear Wide Tread whitewalls around dent-free trim rings
and turbine center caps.
INTERIOR
Slip into this Sting Ray's correct code 414 Bright Blue interior
and settle on one of its pristine vinyl buckets. Those seats are as
original, with correct stainless hardware framing their bases. The
carpet below them was replaced, even in the cargo area, where
you'll find a surprising amount of storage space. The door panels
at the edges of that carpet are, like the rest of the car's side
panels, virtually new in every way. There's a fresh center console
that accommodates a small shifter, cool wheel-style heater controls
and a correct Delco AM/FM radio. From the driver's seat, a 3-spoke
steering wheel laps a set of factory gauges that keeps tabs on
speed, revs, oil, amps, temp, fuel and time. And all that hardware
unites to create a simple, comfortable cockpit that's befitting of
a performance oriented brand like Corvette.
The sale of this refreshing sports car includes a vintage
Protect-O-Plate, a vintage owner's manual, a vintage window
sticker, a few pieces of factory literature and a stack of
Bloomington Gold paperwork.
As the value of third generation Corvettes continues to grow,
well-optioned, numbers matching cars like this International Blue
roadster will become serious investment pieces. With a strong color
combination, an original drivetrain and an excellent restoration,
this C3 is not only a fun car to own, but also a great example of
the brand's evolution. Whether you're a seasoned Chevy owner or a
potential first-time buyer, don't miss your chance to put this
stunning Sting Ray in your garage!
SUMMARY
Original, 427 cubic inch L68 V8 (400hp)
Correct Tri-power carburetion
Original Muncie 4-speed
Factory 4-wheel disc brakes
Correct International Blue paint
Correct Bright Blue interior
Bloomington Gold certified