Introduced for 1968, the new third-generation Corvette was inspired by the Larry Shinoda-designed Mako Shark II concept car that debuted to the world at Paris in 1965. Beneath its sleek new bodywork, the third-generation Corvette retained the chassis design of its predecessor and its many available powertrain combinations. Race-proven performance and handling remained outstanding, thanks to the tireless development work performed by Zora Arkus-Duntov and his Corvette engineering team. Once available in Chevrolet showrooms, the new Corvette sold better than ever before, with production of 28,566 units for 1968. The basic 1968 Corvette design continued with refinements through 1982 and adapted very well to the changing buyer demands and tightening regulatory environment of the late 1960s and 1970s. Continued from 1967, the thundering Mark IV 427 CI V-8 was again available with the new-for-1968 Corvette in several tune levels. Apart from the track-intended L88 mill, the top street-performance engine was Chevrolet’s wicked RPO L71 unit producing 435 factory-rated HP and 460 lb-ft of torque with triple 2-barrel Holley carburetors and a hot solid-lifter cam. According to period road tests, the L71-powered Corvette delivered blistering acceleration with tire-smoking launches at anything above idle and quarter-mile times under 14 seconds. High-speed handling, a Corvette forte, was preserved with the considerable mass of the iron block-and-head 427 V-8 offset by carefully tuned higher-rate front coil springs. Remarkably, the big-block Corvette’s weight distribution was surprisingly balanced, thanks to low, set-back engine placement within the car’s relatively short 98-inch wheelbase. Unrestored with 27,500 original miles, this L71 427/435 HP 1968 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible is a stellar find for collectors, retaining the original Rally Red paint finish, red vinyl interior, drivetrain, chassis, chrome, engine bay and glass. Specially ordered through Alan Green Chevrolet in Seattle, Washington, on September 25, 1967, it was completed November 13, 1967 and then delivered to Alan Green Chevrolet on November 25, 1967. One of just 2,898 Corvettes produced for 1968 with the L71 427/435 HP V-8 engine, this example retains the original matching-numbers unit. Other choice features and options include the original C07 Auxiliary Hardtop and dated black vinyl soft top, plus a Muncie close-ratio 4-speed manual transmission, 3.55:1 G81 Positraction Rear Axle, K66 Transistorized Ignition, N40 Power Steering, U69 AM/FM Radio, tinted glass, N36 Telescopic Steering Column and P01 Bright Metal wheel covers. This Corvette’s accolades and awards are many, including NCRS Top Flight honors, and it is in select company as one of only 11 Corvettes from 1968 to have been awarded the NCRS 5-Star Bowtie Award. Under Bloomington Gold judging, the Corvette has received coveted Gold, Survivor and Benchmark Certification—all three awarded in 1999 and again in 2019, the year the car was displayed at the Bloomington Gold “Sharks 1968-1972” Special Collection display. This wonderful Corvette has also won the Springhouse Award at the 2020 Greenbriar Concours d’Elegance, making it the only 1968 Corvette to ever win this prestigious honor. Not surprisingly, this Corvette has been used on multiple occasions by the NCRS as a benchmark of originality to train the world’s top Corvette judges. In addition to the original keys and key knock-outs, this wonderful Corvette comes with a window sticker, original order form copy, original Protect-O-Plate warranty card, an original owner’s manual inside its plastic pouch, an original showroom brochure, copies of previous titles, judging sheets, awards, ribbons and trophies, and corresponding NCRS Shipping Data Report. One of the most highly decorated 1968 Corvettes in existence, this incredibly original and well-preserved 1968 Corvette convertible is simply one of the finest.
