What's the deal with the notion out there that a 68 prices less than a 69? Is there any truth to it, and if so, to what extent? Is it b/c of the slight modifications they made to the interior starting in 69? I definitely get the general impression that 68's price less than 69's. I know that every vette is different, but to the extent possible, I'm trying to limit this inquiry to an apples to apples comparison. For example, a SB 350 with similar options, similar condition, similar original matching #s block. Thx in advance

 

Not sure if this is the cause or not, but 68's do have some one of a kind parts that make restoration back to "stock" a bit more difficult. I think some people like to see the "Stingray" on the fender as well.

Some items could favor the 68 over the 69 with all options being equal as well. 1968 Corvette Bronze or International Blue paint, Tobacco interior are plus' in my book.

 

Yup, I think you're right about the Stingray badge and harder to find resto parts.

So, do we think it's 5%, 10%, 15%, etc., discount to the 69s? Again, on an apples to apples basis. That's really the bottom line question that I have

 

I like 68's.

Dig the button on the door handle and the ignition on the dash.

 

I think that the 68s are creeping up close to that of comparable 69s, the SBs are
less becuase of the 327 compared to the 350, but in BBs it seems very close.

 

One thing on the practical side, on 69s, the door panels were re-designed to give more shoulder room on an already narrow cabin.

 

Corvette DNA, which does a good job of pricing vintage Corvettes, values the 69 at about 20% more than a comparable 68.

And just for fun, the 70 is priced with the 69, 71's command about 10% over a 68, 72's are comparable to the 68. Give or take a couple hundred here and there.

Your mileage may vary.

 

'68 and '69 are my favorite years...

What I like better on 1968:

Ignition in dash (I find it great)
4 tail and blinker lights instead of 2 and the to backup lights on the inside

What I like better on 1969:

Tilt&Telescopic steering column available
Map pocket on passenger side
Stingray Emblem
Door handle and not push button opens the door

In the end, it really doesn't make a huge difference if it's a '68 and '69.. They are by far the nicest C3's.. I wasn't a fan of the egg crate side grille on the 70-72 Vettes and neither the square blinkers. I'd still own a 70-72 Vette but those are just some items that I like better on '68 to '69.

68's tend to be a little cheaper but it's usually less than 5% difference.

 

68's are priced lower because fit and finish were deplorable which isn't saying much because my 69 isn't all that much better. The 69 was the last year of the internally balanced 427 that actually had over 10 to 1 compression and the beginning of the truck engine 454 that was the same block as the 427, but was reduced by GM to be a joke. A real shame too. Also, an equal 70 454 is not priced right along a 69 427.
Not sure why not but it isn't.

 

Hagerty puts the values fairly close which is what I saw in looking for months on Ebay craigslist and elsewhere. I think the 69's have the edge in value but no where near a 20% premium over 68s in most cases. If we used 20% for a $30k 69 that would mean a comparable 68 would sell for $24k.

 

I am with you 100%.

I love all C3s, but there is something really beautiful about the first two years. I know what it is too, it's the lack of "mud flaps" around the wheel wells. The earlier design is so clean and elegant; a true coke bottle shape. It's a common myth that the 70+ cars are flared, but they aren't really. They just have mud flaps on the backs of the wheel wells.

 

Many thanks guys. All excellent feedback. No doubt that a 427 prices higher than a 454 4 bbl.

And, btw, IMO the tobacco interior on a 68 is awesome. Saw it on a supposedly COPO corvette, but seller's asking price made me run for the hills, albeit a great looking and very well documented vette, but still ...

 

Somewhat. Most of the bad reputation for the 68s stemmed from the test-drive-that-never-was article which appeared in the press prior to the new model roll out. The author said he refused to drive the car after looking over what he considered to be disgusting assembly. Personally, I think he had an axe to grind. Other journalists of the time drove the car, wrote their articles, and didn't much hype on fit or finish. If memory serves, the 68 was Car of the Year.

That said, 68s were the first of the C3s and have many one year only parts which can sometimes be difficult and pricey to find if needed for a restoration.

These days, almost fifty years after introduction, almost any 68 issue has probably been corrected by prior owners.

 

The down side is that '68 - '69 would get rock chips in the paint behind the tires due to lack of flares.

 

I am in the C3 market now & tomorrow going to look at a '68 327 numbers matching coupe. I have been looking primarily just for a '68 but been looking at '69-'72 but they just don't do it for me. The 327 is just has a better sound to it, everything for years has had 350's. The unique 1 year door push buttons & key on the dash is a plus. The lack of the "mud flaps" the '70 & later have is another plus.

Every thing I have come across puts the '68 slightly higher $ than the '69.

 

When I look down the lines of my 68 I think it would be cleaner without the push button wart, but I can live with that, its the living without the map pocket that is a bitch!

Oh yeah- If its got the stock steering wheel it will be the big 16 inch which does not leave a lot of room. Of course you can change out the wheel. Let us know how it goes and good luck with the hunt!

 

Just my spin on this topic:
For a totally unique 1 year only creature like myself, I purchased a '68 Safari yellow 427/4speed. Equipted with AC,PS,PB,Telescopic wheel,
AM/FM Stereo, 3:08 rear.
I love the 1st year car.
It is as individually unique as me.
Parts are one year only but try finding parts for a 52 y/o male.
Both can be a challenge.
The Safari yellow you love it or hate it.
I don't care cause I love it and bought it for me.
I never see another one pull up at the traffic light.
The key in the dash is the way I remember my bow ties.
The cockpit is tight, I'm 225,6'. There is a technique to getting in
under the steering wheel. it was designed to be that way hence the fighter jet cockpit stying. You don't see any fat pilots.
As for the door button I dig it cause it throws everybody off trying to get in on the passenger side. Lock parts can be a challenge to aquire.
The door panels are the hardest interior parts to find.
I need a nice black drivers side, good luck. After markets fit horrible.
It's just going to wear the orig. for a while.
I get accolades everywhere I go.
Don't run out at night for baby formula and think you are going to get right back home. Dedicate at least 1/2 hr for ? and answer period at any venue.
I find the later bumpers cool but the '68 first year is as odd as I am.
The right car for the right guy.
I man asked me if I'd consider selling it?
I said to him... find me something as fun to drive and I consider it.
So far I haven't found it.
Prices????.....Miles of smiles.....Priceless
That's my story and I'm sticking to it
Thee Marshal

 

I have had my 68 coupe for 43 years. It kind of grows on you over time Jerry

 

Jerry, I have had my 68 coupe for 43 years in July.
It is just natural to open the 68 door by putting your fingers into the top flap and using your thumb to push on the door button.
I have never seen a post on here about someone not being able to unlock their 68 door, unlike the hundreds of posts on the forum here from the 69-82 crowd! Lou.

 

454 Joke?? My 70 has over 10-1 compression and ever hear of an LS6?