For the 1968 Chevrolet Corvette, just about everything was new. Despite some production delays, the body style envisioned by Larry Shinoda’s Mako Shark was well received by the general public when introduced and set a sales record with 28,556 units leaving the assembly line. Of that number, 18,630 were roadster convertibles and the 1968 model year marked the final time when roadsters outsold the coupes.
In addition to the new body shape that featured a knife-edge beltline, the 1968 Corvette coupe models introduced the t-top—removeable panels that could be stored in the vehicle at the driver’s desire—and a removeable rear window which gave the car the feel of a convertible. There was also a new interior design as well, featuring bucket seats, console and full instrumentation as standard equipment.
There were a variety of engine and transmission combinations that could be checked on the dealer’s order sheet. There were two different versions of the 327 cubic inch small block that could be ordered and four variants of the 427 big block producing between 390 and 430 rated horsepower. While the manual three speed tranny was standard, virtually all the Corvettes in 1968 were either a four-speed manual or the new three-speed Hydramatic which replaced the legendary two-speed Powerglide. There were three different four-speeds available—the Muncie M20 wide-ratio, the Muncie M21 close-ratio and the heavy-duty Muncie M22 (supposedly only available when the L88 427 cubic inch 430 horsepower engine).
The C3 body style that debuted in 1968 holds the distinction for the longest span of production, 14 years ending with the 1982 models. Over that period there were numerous changes and modifications made, with the most significant being the disappearance of the chrome bumpers beginning with the 1973 models for the rear and 1974 for the front. From a performance standpoint, the later years of the C3 paled in comparison to the early years thanks to a variety of factors which included government regulations.
Evergreen Digital Showroom offers this numbers-matching 1968 Corvette convertible for sale. This car came off the assembly line in St. Louis, MO in late February of 1968 and is one of 28,566 Corvettes manufactured for the model year which was a production record at the time. We do have a somewhat tattered build sheet for this car that provides documentation as to the options on this Vette! This was one of 7,717 cars equipped with the 427 cubic inch 390 horsepower V8 backed with a Muncie M 20 four speed manual transmission and a positraction rear differential. The Muncie is shifted with an aftermarket Hurst shifter, but the original shifter comes with the car.
Surprisingly, the Polar White (paint code 972) exterior color is significantly rare, with factory records indicating only 1,868 units produced. No records indicate how many of those cars came with the Medium Blue (trim code 414) vinyl interior but it is believed that a majority of the Polar White cars were built with either a black or red interior. This car comes with a white convertible top that is not original to the car (build sheet calls for a black top) and a correct white hardtop. Less than half of the roadsters (8,735) came equipped with the auxiliary hardtop.
This car is equipped with many desirable and relatively rare options, including air conditioning (5,664), speed warning indicator (3,453), power steering (12,364), power brakes (9,559), power windows (7,065), full transistor ignition (5,427), tinted glass (17,635) and off-road exhaust (4,695). We believe the odometer reading of 92,244 to be original mileage but have no documentation to support this. In accordance with Missouri statutes, the car will be sold mileage exempt due to age. This C3 has been in the portfolio of the present owner for over 30 years. We do not have a full ownership history but know the previous title indicates it to have been in Florida prior to the present owner’s purchase in June 1989. The vehicle has a clean and clear Missouri title.
Evergreen Digital Showroom offers this tremendous example of Corvette’s debut third generation for $74,000 USD. Pre-purchase inspections welcomed and encouraged. Financing may be available to those with approved credit through JJ Best (see link on our website, www.evergreendigitalshowroom.com) or other sources. We will gladly assist with shipping and delivery at buyer’s expense. To discuss this 1968 Corvette or to make an offer, contact sales manager Steve Russell at 417-532-8000.
NOTICE
Because of the number of vehicles we represent we cannot drive every vehicle for long distances. These vehicles have been part of static displays for long periods of time, in some cases for decades, and are subject to the flaws and imperfections consistent with that. While we do our best to disclose all issues we known about a vehicle in our advertising, these are old cars and something that has always worked in the past might not function properly today. Please check the requirements of your state regarding the licensing and registration of classic vehicles and make sure the vehicle you are looking at meets those if applicable. Unless otherwise noted, all vehicles represented by Evergreen Digital Showroom possess a clean (non-branded) title which will be provided the new buyer when purchase funds clear our financial institution. Virtually all our vehicles are sold as mileage exempt due to their age. We do not warranty any vehicle, nor any part of the vehicle including air conditioning systems, brake systems, electrical systems and gauges, fuel systems, accessories or powertrain components.
These are old vehicles and it is very common for them to require certain maintenance and upkeep for them to be operational. In many cases issues with leaks may develop when being driven after a long period of not being used. This is common, as classic cars at some point will leak fluids. For this reason, we do not encourage buyers to attempt driving their purchase home as we cannot guarantee functional reliability of these vehicles. We strongly encourage prospective buyers to be sure they are comfortable with these issues before purchasing a classic car.
Descriptions of vehicles represented by Evergreen Digital Showroom are intended to be informational in nature and do not in any way constitute any sort of warranty, expressed or implied. Again, these vehicles are presented “as-is, where-is” without guarantee or warranty. Vehicles manufactured prior to 1981 will likely not be included in the databases of companies such as CarFax and AutoCheck that provide vehicle history information to consumers. If you have specific questions regarding a vehicle we urge you to contact us at 417-532-8000.
