'68 Coupe: L71 427ci/435hp
This original, numbers-matching Sting Ray looks like a solid first-year C3
I don’t think I’ve seen many Safari Yellow ‘68 Corvettes, but I really like the looks of this first-year C3. It’s got the high-compression, solid-lifter big block which makes it even more rare and attractive. At first glance, the exterior looks exceptionally good; however, the seller, to their credit, has supplied photos that show the paint is far from flawless. But for many people, that wouldn’t be an issue given the positive aspects of this Sting Ray.
While it’s not flawless, with various paint imperfections pointed out in the extensive photo gallery, this Sting Ray looks like a very nice first-year example.
The car left the factory finished in Safari Yellow and was reportedly repainted approximately 20 years ago. The photos accompanying the ad description point out some paint cracks, chips, and scratches.
The 15″ Rally Wheels, which I’ve always loved, feature chrome hubcaps and trim rings and are mounted with 215/70 BF Goodrich tires.
The cabin features bucket seats upholstered in standard black vinyl as well as color-coordinated door panels and carpets. The black interior shows well, with the seat covers, door panels, dash, and console still in good condition. I love that the original chrome shifter with reverse lockout is still present. A custom Autosound stereo radio has been installed, and this C3 was ordered with power four-wheel disc brakes and power steering.
The L71 427ci engine with three two-barrel carburetors atop an aluminum intake produced 435hp and added $437.10 to the Corvette’s base price of $4,663. An MSD distributor and ignition coil have been installed on the engine and a four-speed manual transmission sends power to the read differential. Only 2,898 ‘68 Corvettes were ordered with the L71 engine out of a total run of 28,566.
As always, it’ll be very interesting to see the final selling price of this car. Although the odometer indicates 23,000 miles, I doubt that there’s any way to verify this mileage on a 57-year-old car.
The auction ends in six days as of this writing. It isn’t a No Reserve auction, so it’s possible it doesn’t sell at all. For reference, a heavily-refurbished ‘69 L71 coupe was bid up to $65,000 a few weeks ago and didn’t make reserve.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1968-chevrolet-corvette-coupe-32/