Vehicle Description
For the 1968 model year, Chevrolet unveiled a much-anticipated,
thoroughly redesigned Corvette. Known internally as the "C3," the
new Corvette Stingray shared much of the outgoing C2 car's chassis
and engine range but with striking new bodywork for the arrival of
the new decade. Larry Shinoda's fabulous 1964 Mako Shark II
provided the basis for the design, which was modified and adapted
for production under the direction of GM design czar Bill Mitchell.
Ideally proportioned, low-slung, and with flowing curves
intersected by sharp creases, the new Stingray is a triumph of
sports car design. Purists prefer the first generation pre-1973
cars, as the early thin, delicate chrome bumpers and stylish front
fender gills distinguish them from the later models. The C3 chassis
was effectively a carry-over from the previous generation,
featuring proven four-wheel independent suspension, four-wheel disc
brakes, and minor refinements to fine-tune the ride, handling, and
weight distribution. In 1968, a base-model Corvette used the
300-horsepower 327 cubic-inch V8 and 3-speed manual, though most
buyers opted for the four-speed manual Muncie or 3-speed
Hydramatic. A plethora of engine and transmission combinations
could be had, culminating with the mighty 427 cubic-inch, 435
horsepower, tri-power L-71. The alloy-head L-88 made more power,
but Chevrolet restricted it for racing use only. Enthusiasts covet
these early big-block cars as they represent the end of the heady
big-cube, big horsepower era when the Corvette blurred the line
between all-out sports car and tire-shredding muscle car. This 1968
Corvette Convertible is an exceedingly rare, early production model
fitted from new with the L-71 435hp 427 V8 and four-speed manual
transmission and has been judged as one of the finest examples of
its type. According to the documentation provided by the NCRS,
Chevrolet produced this car on October 30, 1967, for delivery via
GM's Foreign Distributor's Division, Dealer Code 1, Zone 21, though
little else of its early history is known. It is the subject of a
concours-level, nut-and-bolt expert restoration by the renowned
Corvette specialist Kevin Mackay, completed in the late 1990s on
behalf of the car's Wantagh, New York-based owner. Options are
numerous and include the gorgeous LeMans blue paint, blue interior,
white top, L-71 427/435hp engine, transistorized ignition, power
steering, fiber-optics, AM/FM radio, tinted glass, redline tires,
rally wheels, and four-wheel disc brakes. When Mackay disassembled
the car, a portion of the original tank sticker was preserved,
confirming this as a genuine L-71 car. After the restoration, the
car was shown at top-level marque events, earning a plethora of
awards along the way, culminating in the coveted "Triple Crown" of
an NCRS Top Flight, Bloomington Gold Certification, and Gold
Spinner Certificate. Additionally, it was selected by Carlisle
Events founder Chip Miller to be one of a select few "Chip's
Choice" cars on special display at the 2001 Corvettes at Carlisle
and again in a reunion of Chip's Choice cars in 2004. It is
accompanied by its corresponding certificates, judging sheets, NCRS
blue ribbons, and Triple Crown trophy. It also includes an original
owner's manual, magazine articles, and a period brochure. Since the
restoration was completed, this gorgeous 'Vette has been
meticulously maintained by dedicated collectors. It shows fewer
than 1000 miles, which is believed to reflect the mileage since the
project was completed. The LeMans Blue paintwork is beautifully
finished to better-than-new standards, and the body is detailed
with superb brightwork and trim. It rides on factory-correct steel
Rally wheels shod with correct Firestone redline tires. Blue
upholstery provides a beautiful complement to the exterior color,
and appropriately for a high-level restoration, all the details are
there, including proper upholstery materials, restored instruments,
dealership hang-tags, and original equipment and accessories. The
same holds for the engine bay, where the numbers-matching V8 is
detailed to the highest standards with NOS parts and meticulously
researched decals, labels, and assembly marks. Chassis and
undercarriage components are authentically refinished and affixed
with restored hardware, and the entire underbody is remarkably
clean. Thanks to years of attentive care, the Corvette remains in
superb condition throughout, ready for continued enjoyment in
judged marque-specific shows or for prestigious concours where a
benchmark example such as this can be fully appreciated. This car's
outstanding restoration, beautiful color combination, plentiful
options, and mighty L-71 Big Block result in one of the most
eminently desirable of all C3 Corvettes. Offers welcome and trades
considered For additional details please view this listing directly
on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7292-1968-chevrolet-corvette-convertible/