350 Horsepower 327: 1968 Chevrolet Corvette Project
C3 Corvettes get lots of coverage but frequently it’s not the inaugural ’68 model year that’s featured but a later model year. This 1968 coupe is the first from that initial year that I have stumbled across so let’s see what’s here and how much it differs from those C3’s that followed. This very yellow Corvette is located in Accokeek, Maryland and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $6,200 with four bids tendered as of this writing.
It has been said that the first year of the Mako Shark-inspired ‘Vette was plagued with quality issues, most having to do with creaking fiberglass. I do not know this with certainty, it’s just something that I have uncovered from more than one supposedly informed source. Of course, knowledgeable input from our readership is always appreciated. I do know that the ’68 Corvette is differentiated from the almost identical ’69 by virtue of its door handles, lack of standard headrests, dashboard located ignition switch, seven-inch wide wheels (instead of 8″), standard 327 CI V8 engine, and the placement of its backup lights. There are probably other facets that separate the two, but those are the ones that immediately come to mind.
So, is this Corvette hued in its original code 984 Daytona Yellow finish? I can’t tell with certainty, it’s so streaked with what looks like tree mung that it’s hard to say – it really looks too yellow. That said, the fiberglass bonding strips and seams are not showing and the panels appear to be smooth. The body shows as undamaged or unmolested and the frequently gouged beak shows just a minor boo-boo and loss of its racing flags badge. The trim rings are missing from the rally wheels while the center caps have attached non-stock spinners. Overall, this Chevy does appear to present an original, if filthy, ’68 Corvette portrayal.
The air cleaner decal reads “327 Turbo Fire 350 Horsepower” which pegs this ‘Vette as having an L79 engine. GM’s Vehicle Information Kit for the ’68 Corvette states that the L79 did in fact use a cast iron intake manifold and Quadrajet carburetor in ’68 so this engine could be legitimately marked and original. It would be nice to get a glimpse of the engine’s two-character alpha code, however, that’s the best way to identify what it actually is. The seller advises, “This car hasn’t been started in a few years motor spins freely“. An optional four-speed manual transmission backs up the 327 engine.
Inside is where it all comes off the rails. Where does one start? The instrument panel has been hacked apart and a lot of it is missing, right along with the center console, center stack, and gauges. The tachometer appears to be held in with a zip tie and maybe no one has tried to start this baby up because the ignition switch is missing. It is truly a mess with a lot of hacked-up wires and an ominously placed toggle switch (Gee, what’s this do?). The black vinyl upholstery of the optional headrest equipped seats has seen better days and will require repair – though they’re not unusable at this point. The steering wheel’s horn switch appears to be missing as does some of the steering column shrouding. The carpet looks like a write-off too.
It seems we were in OK territory until that driver’s side door got opened. The seller states, “I purchased this 1968 Vette to restore and realized I have too many projects“. It would be good to know who undid the dash etc. and if that’s the reason for the loss of interest. It would be in my case – it actually would keep me from moving forward in the first place; wiring “issues” can be an absolute nightmare. What do you think, worth the required challenge, or keep looking for a better example?
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Comments
In 1968, the yellow was safari yellow, kind of a butter color. I don’t believe Daytona yellow was available, not at least according to my blackbook.
Definitely a repaint. I owned a 1968 safari yellow roadster with the 427 390 hp.
So you’re saying you owned a fast, ugly corvette?
Probably nicer than the Vette you own.
Actually, I could rewire the whole thing if I could get all the stock gauges and switches. This was made way before all the digital crap used in cars today. I’m thinking this car may have been a theft recovery sometime in its past.
Junk…
Sitting in that damp environment for a long time would be a concern
Must be a water shortage in Accokeek, Maryland.
Sadly a parts car now. But there are a lot of good parts there to be had. New wiring for the whole is car is 1K, ask me how I know.
But its not the high end model Vette by any means.
Cheers!
So sad to see something like this. Really.
How does a car like this end up in this condition?
Rotted mess underneath, birdcage is probably gone too. Part it out or build a restomod with a …..LS!
I owned a 68/327/350/4spd yellow corvette in 1978. I bought it from my uncle, who bought it from his neighbor, who bought it from . . . ? Seems like these cars got passed around quite a bit back then. It ran strong but things did seem to fall apart pretty often, especially the interior. The paint had spiderweb cracks over the entire body. It was very fast but had a brutally stiff suspension. The convertible top leaked like crazy if driven during a rainstorm. Like a boat, the two happiest days in my life . . .
Same old thing I’ve had it for two years, but to many project, know you bought it and found out how must it going cost to get it on the road ,well clean it up would you like pressure washing .
It’s original steering wheel is also gone, replaced by a ’69-75 type… Too badly gone and really just a parts car…unless someone with deep pockets, tremendous knowledge/experience with these cars, and with a fanatic drive to not let it be lost to history, is merciful enough to take many years to gradually restore it…
68 had a long list of improved changes from 68 to the 69 which makes the 68 far less desirable. Rot and rust in this car are MOST LIKELY = NOT GOOD as someone mentioned. The fiber optics that I believe came out in 68 in this car, I believe were a nightmare…..and if I am correct, you add in the moisture, age and neglect this car has experienced making that issue 1000 times worse…..especially with the look of the gutted wiring! I agree with ED above, parts car.
The old car market is changing and not for the better but permanently on the decline. It will take 6 figures to restore this car to HALF that value. You can go buy one done, in way better condition than this one for well under $50K.
I have had 4 Stingrays from 72-76 and only the Big Block 4 speed matching number cars from 69-71 or 72 are worth the investment. 68 is a year you stay away from if you are Corvette educated. After 71 HP’s started dropping like crazy = no value.
Again, demand is going down. Supply is increasing due to the guys who have been collecting for years are unfortunately dying off. Their cars are going to auction by the “collection”….thus flooding the market which basic economics kicks in. High supply (of good to great quality), lower demand as younger people don’t have an interest or don’t have the money for the toys, causes prices to go down on average. I have been restoring cars and am in the industry/hobby now for 40 years. Just the facts.
I just bought a car with probably 70K invested in it for $17K. I will put another $30K into it making it near perfect and it will have a $50-60K market value with will over $100,000 invested in it by the previous owner and me combined. I am not happy about where the market is going but it is the truth. Go buy one done OR start with a better foundation.
Had a L-79 68 back in the early 70s and got a good one(if you can believe that) that after a teardown and balancing went like stink. No squeeks and rattles but may have been to the fact that the previous owner replaced the body mount bushings(teflon) with later rubber mounts.(never went on a sightseeing trip to varify, ya’ just drove them in those days. Bought a Parish Plastics hardtop for it and you couldn’t tell from an original except no chrome tips on the corner, fixed that for 2 bucks from GM.
Sold – $10,050.
Happy to see it going to a new owner that will put it in a garage where a chrome bumper C3 belongs.