In the world of Corvette Regular Production Option codes, none carry more historical significance than the limited production, racing-purposed L88. Developed by Corvette chief engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov, the L88 was a superbly well- rounded suite of heavy-duty engine, driveline, braking and suspension components centered around the 427/430 HP Mark IV big-block engine. The L88 had its roots in Roger Penske’s famous Sunoco-sponsored, Mark IV-powered Corvette Grand Sport roadster, which used the first Arkus-Duntov-designed big-block aluminum cylinder heads during practice for the 1966 Sebring 12 Hours. By Daytona later that spring, the L88 engine had officially entered production, serving notice to the competition by powering Penske’s red No. 6 Sting Ray coupe to a GT class win. The product of extensive racing development coupled with Arkus-Duntov’s knowledge and experience, the L88 powerplant incorporated 4-bolt mains, a forged crank, rods and pistons, 12.5:1 compression, free-flowing rectangular-port aluminum heads with huge valves, a radical solid lifter cam and a single Holley 850 CFM 4-barrel carburetor fed by a special cowl induction hood. While the official factory rating was 430 HP at 5,200 RPM, that figure was achieved with the stock cast iron exhaust manifolds in place and well below its redline of 6,500 RPM. In full competition trim, its true output exceeded 550 HP. Transistor ignition, dual-pin J56 heavy-duty disc brakes with J50 vacuum assist, F41 Special Suspension, a heavy-duty close ratio 4-speed manual transmission and a G80 Positraction rear end filled out the L88 spec sheet for production models, which numbered a mere 20 cars in 1967, rose to 80 in 1968 and topped out at 116 for 1969 when production ceased. One of the last 116 produced, this 1969 L88 convertible is well- known in the Corvette collector community as the documented first car on Drew Papsun’s 1997 L88 Registry release showing that the car had closed chambered heads, an M22 transmission and a 3.70 rear end. Finished in Tuxedo Black with a tan top and Saddle leather interior, it boasts the entire array of factory L88 features, including the 427/430 HP L88 V-8 engine dated a few months after the car was built, a date-coded and serial number-stamped Muncie M22 close-ratio 4-speed manual transmission, and F41 Special Suspension, though it is missing the front sway bar. Photographic information, including Papsun’s inspection summary and date codes and serial numbers of the engine, transmission, brakes and engine components, will be available for viewing at auction.
