454-Powered 1968 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible 4-Speed

Description

The 1968 Chevrolet Corvette marked the debut of the third generation (C3), introducing a radical new design inspired by the Mako Shark II concept car. Its sleek, curvaceous fiberglass body replaced the sharp lines of the C2 and was offered both as a convertible and a coupe with removable T-top roof panels. While the chassis and many mechanical components carried over from the previous generation, the interior was completely redesigned for a modern look. The “Sting Ray” name disappeared for '68 (only to return as “Stingray” in 1969).

This 1968 Corvette Convertible left the factory with a four-speed manual transmission and benefits from a previous repaint in silver with blue stripes and a blue rear deck. The car reportedly underwent a comprehensive mechanical overhaul in 2008, when it received a professionally rebuilt 454ci V8, an engine that was not available in the Corvette until 1970. According to the seller, less than 2,000 miles have been added since the engine rebuild.

This upgraded 454-powered C3 Corvette has been kept within the same family for the past 44 years. It is now offered with receipts covering the mechanical refresh and a clean Iowa title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• 1968 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible owned by the same family since 1981

• Less than 2,000 miles since mechanical overhaul in 2008

• 454ci V8 engine swap

• Factory four-speed manual transmission

• Refinished in silver paint with blue stripes and blue rear deck

• Replaced seat foam seat upholstery, and carpeting

Factory Equipment

• Four-speed manual transmission

• Vacuum-operated flip-up headlights

• Wood-rimmed steering wheel

• 160-mph speedometer and 7,000-rpm tachometer

• Five-gauge console cluster with fuel, water temperature, clock, oil, and battery

• Steel wheels with chrome rims and Chevrolet Motor Division hubcaps

• The data plate decodes as:

  • Trim: 411 – Dark Blue vinyl upholstery with basketweave pattern on seats

  • Paint: 976 – LeMans Blue (now painted silver)

  • Accessories: C09 – Vinyl covered auxiliary hardtop

• The chassis number (194678S401594) decodes as:

  • 1 – Chevrolet

  • 94 – Corvette

  • 67 – Convertible

  • 8 – 1968 model year

  • S – St. Louis (Missouri) assembly plant

  • 401594 – Sequential production number

Modifications

• Exterior

  • Repainted in silver with blue stripes and a blue rear deck

  • Frame cleaned and painted

  • Wheel openings radiused

• Interior

  • Replaced seat foam and covers

  • Replaced carpeting

• Engine/Fuel/Mechanical

  • 454ci V8 engine swap less than 2,000 miles ago, including:

    • New cylinder heads

    • New water pump

    • New radiator and new hoses

    • Rebuilt fuel pump

    • New belts and wires

    • Rebuilt alternator

    • Rebuilt distributor

    • New power steering pump

    • New fuel tank

• Brakes/Suspension

  • New front upper and lower control arms, upper/lower ball joints, inner/outer tie rod ends, springs and shocks

  • New rear bearing assemblies, trailing arms, springs, shocks, and struck rods

  • New brake calipers and master cylinder

Servicing

• BFGoodrich Radial T/A P245/60R15 tires

Known Imperfections

• Some paint chips and scratches noted

• Passenger rear wheel well is cracked (and wearing a Band-Aid)

• Passenger side dash pad shows signs of prior damage

• Lock/Unlock knobs are missing both doors

• Driver’s door trim has an indentation

• Overspray on driver’s door interior

• Clock is inoperable

Ownership History

This 1968 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible has remained in the same family since 1981.

The seller says, “This car has been in my family since 1981, but it doesn't get driven as it should, so it's time for someone else to enjoy this beautiful car. The paint looks good from 10 feet, but a close examination reveals several imperfections (chips/scratches). Other than the wheel openings being radiused, the body is all original. The seats have new covers and foam, and the carpet is new. All the lights, controls, and functions on the dash work as they should except for the clock. The car has always been stored indoors.”

Included Items

• Receipts for mechanical overhaul work

• Black vinyl Corvette floor mats