Potential Purchase - feedback b4 I drive
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 805
Likes: 260
Hogwash. The '68 is not rare and more desirable when compared to the '69-72. The 68 unfortunately has several items/parts that are '68 only, and which are not interchangeable with the later chrome bumper years, so good luck finding replacement parts. Fortunately, this one looks well sorted, so that's great.
Moreover, the '68 got terrible press reviews when it was released, which prompted Chevrolet to make a bunch of changes for the '69 MY, and continued on through the 70,71,72 years (aside from the lower HP rating in the 71 and 72 - an unwelcome change). As for 327 vs 350 quicker rev capability, that's as simple as a lightened flywheel if you want it to rev faster (at the cost of some street manners) and on top of that, you get an extra 20 ft lbs of torque in the 350. The 350 has a lot more potential, and is better/more streetable than a 327 stock for stock because it doesnt need to rev as high to make the same power - I think you're in the minority here if you think the 68 is better because it has a 327 (basically a de-stroked 350). Post '68, Chevrolet never when back to the 327 for the C3, so that's saying something about the SBC 350.
Would I turn away a 68 L88 if it were given to me? That's a rare '68. There's a reason why you always hear the old adage 'never buy the first production year of a new model', and the '68 Corvette is no exception. This is a beautiful Vette though, for sure. Just a gorgeous color combination, and a seemingly nice restoration.
Moreover, the '68 got terrible press reviews when it was released, which prompted Chevrolet to make a bunch of changes for the '69 MY, and continued on through the 70,71,72 years (aside from the lower HP rating in the 71 and 72 - an unwelcome change). As for 327 vs 350 quicker rev capability, that's as simple as a lightened flywheel if you want it to rev faster (at the cost of some street manners) and on top of that, you get an extra 20 ft lbs of torque in the 350. The 350 has a lot more potential, and is better/more streetable than a 327 stock for stock because it doesnt need to rev as high to make the same power - I think you're in the minority here if you think the 68 is better because it has a 327 (basically a de-stroked 350). Post '68, Chevrolet never when back to the 327 for the C3, so that's saying something about the SBC 350.
Would I turn away a 68 L88 if it were given to me? That's a rare '68. There's a reason why you always hear the old adage 'never buy the first production year of a new model', and the '68 Corvette is no exception. This is a beautiful Vette though, for sure. Just a gorgeous color combination, and a seemingly nice restoration.
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 9,130
Likes: 4,242
From: US-PNW
Ummm duh, Captain Obvious. Read my post again because it appears you it may have gone right over your head when I wrote "...When asking people for purchasing advise, it should also not be debatable to include the price of the car you are interested in purchasing - that's very pertinent information as well...."
Read posts more carefully, 67!
Read posts more carefully, 67!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 1,159
Likes: 492
Ummm, I bow to your superior intellect, General Posterior. You are correct that I misread your post and I apologize from my deepest orifice. I shall never again doubt your written words - you are the all-knowing forum god and I am not worthy. I bow at your greatness and will take my leave from your presence.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 4,757
Likes: 1,647
From: Fairfax Virginia
That is a nice looking 1968 Corvette for one that has been slightly modified and restored. I would buy the car if it fits your needs for what YOU want in a Corvette. The 1968 Corvette has been given lots of negative press and there are people here keeping that feeling alive. The 1968 is still a real live Corvette and nothing can change that. I bought a 1968 Corvette Convertible back in 1991 and it is a four speed Big block Corvette. I have never ever regretted having a 1968 Corvette, it has so many unique features that make it more attractive to me. I don't consider the differences "flaws" the car is just different and they were still working out the bugs as they made them. I like having the push button door ***** and the lack of the chrome they added to the later Corvettes. There was some negative press but don't forget there was also lots if praises for the radical new design and it's engine options.
The 327 engine is a great engine and one of GM's "masterpieces" in my opinion. Even with a 327 the car will be great fun to drive and enjoy. I hope the car passes the examination it is having done to it and that you can get it for a price you think is reasonable. Someone has kept it pretty original for a 54 year old Corvette and that is a great starting point!
I have ridden in and driven many Corvettes in the past thirty years but I still love the feeling of getting into my 1968 C3 and bringing the engine to life. The experience I get driving that car is like none other, the way it feels, and looking down the long hood while driving is just beautiful. Don't let anyone tell you that the 1968 Corvette is anything less that an awesome Corvette experience. I wouldn't trade the memories for anything, I love my 1968 Corvette Convertible.
The 327 engine is a great engine and one of GM's "masterpieces" in my opinion. Even with a 327 the car will be great fun to drive and enjoy. I hope the car passes the examination it is having done to it and that you can get it for a price you think is reasonable. Someone has kept it pretty original for a 54 year old Corvette and that is a great starting point!
I have ridden in and driven many Corvettes in the past thirty years but I still love the feeling of getting into my 1968 C3 and bringing the engine to life. The experience I get driving that car is like none other, the way it feels, and looking down the long hood while driving is just beautiful. Don't let anyone tell you that the 1968 Corvette is anything less that an awesome Corvette experience. I wouldn't trade the memories for anything, I love my 1968 Corvette Convertible.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Omaha NE
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For what it's worth...
If this was a stock numbers matching '68 base Roadster in #2 excellent condition Hagerty prices it at $52,800.
Looks like a nice Vette. Good luck brother...
If this was a stock numbers matching '68 base Roadster in #2 excellent condition Hagerty prices it at $52,800.
Looks like a nice Vette. Good luck brother...
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 90
Likes: 88
From: Columbia SC
So the update: Kerry inspected the car, had it on a lift, drove it etc… His quote “zero evidence of any rust, frame, birdcage, or anywhere” another quote, “it would be hard to find a better frame”.
He went through so much, as well as a likely remedy for the hood fit (which is currently much less than the original pictures after some dealer adjustments). The restore, new suspension etc… are all outstanding, all previous work looks like it was done right. Bottom line, buy it!
I’m going down Monday to drive and do just that! Thanks to all for your feedback, insight and critiques. It’s been a big help in this process!
Mitch
He went through so much, as well as a likely remedy for the hood fit (which is currently much less than the original pictures after some dealer adjustments). The restore, new suspension etc… are all outstanding, all previous work looks like it was done right. Bottom line, buy it!
I’m going down Monday to drive and do just that! Thanks to all for your feedback, insight and critiques. It’s been a big help in this process!
Mitch
Last edited by MitchinSC; Jul 9, 2022 at 04:50 PM. Reason: weird characters in post? did from my mobile
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2012
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From: myrtle beach sc
Army
It looks beautiful to me! Later this month I will have had my 68 coupe for fifty years. And I love all of the unique 68 features. I loved the fiber optics and four real taillights so much that I added a second pair of fiber optics to monitor all four taillights. That door button always opens the door. Enjoy it Mitch. Lou.
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Joined: Jun 2022
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From: Columbia SC
It looks beautiful to me! Later this month I will have had my 68 coupe for fifty years. And I love all of the unique 68 features. I loved the fiber optics and four real taillights so much that I added a second pair of fiber optics to monitor all four taillights. That door button always opens the door. Enjoy it Mitch. Lou.
1967 Pedal Car Champion
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From: US-PNW
Race Director
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From: SW Florida.
nice to hear some people don't consider me stupid. especially people i don't consider stupid. 2 years ago i woiulda said 25-30. i wish i hung on to that clean 75 i picked up for 6 and was happy to get 6 a year later when i bought my beat bomb 75 vert that i should have not touched... this was 2015 or so.
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From: Columbia SC
T2T SUPPORTER
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From: NNCC No Name Car Crew; Owned 1 C2, 2 C3's, 1 C4, 3 C5's, 1 C6, 2 C7's; Now '86, '03; S. DE
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Good for you, car really looks good from the photos. have fun, enjoy. 