Introduction to the Classic 1968 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
Let’s take a walk down memory lane and meet a true American classic: the 1968 Chevrolet Corvette convertible. Originally rolled out to Smith Chevrolet in sunny Turlock, California, this beauty boasts a roaring 427ci L71 V8 engine, hand in glove with a four-speed manual transmission. Back in 2014 and 2015, it enjoyed a rejuvenation process, emerging in resplendent green over black leather upholstery with a rebuilt engine. It even nabbed an NCRS Blue Ribbon Concours Award in the not-so-distant future of 2025.
Top Features
Decked out with goodies like a Positraction limited-slip differential, a sleek black convertible top, sharp retractable headlights, and sporty dual side mirrors, this Corvette is every car enthusiast’s dream. Not to mention, it dazzles with 15″ Rally wheels, a telescopic steering column, four-wheel disc brakes, power steering, and a snazzy after-market AM/FM radio.
- Positraction limited-slip differential
- Retractable headlights
- Telescopic steering column
- Four-wheel disc brakes
- Power steering
This gem found its way to the current seller in 2024 and comes with a treasure trove of goodies: the owner’s manual, service records, car show awards, spare parts, and a squeaky-clean Arizona title.
Aesthetics & Design
This charmer rolled out of the factory coated in British Green and got a fresh paint job in 2014. Adding a touch of modern convenience, it boasts a handy replacement black convertible top and a removable hardtop. However, it’s not without its quirks: the windshield washers stubbornly refuse to work, and the wiper door requires a sneaky auxiliary switch to open.
The Look Under the Hood
An icon of power and elegance, the 427ci L71 V8 engine brags of triple two-barrel carburetors and a factory rating of a jaw-dropping 435 horsepower.
Rebuilt back in 2015, this engine means business. Adorned with an aluminum radiator, electronic ignition, and a one-wire alternator, it’s the perfect balance of elegance and might. To prep for its next proud owner, the distributor cap, along with the oil and filter, have been replaced.
Interior: Sleek and Functional
Inside, you’re met with black leather bucket seats, all spruced up with replacement foam for comfort. On the tech side, it flaunts a nifty aftermarket AM/FM radio, electric clock, and cabin heater. As for the ride, it’s smooth, thanks to the silver-painted 15″ Rally-style wheels sporting Nexan redline tires.
Dashboard Delights
This Corvette offers a dashboard that’s both classic and practical. It sports a three-spoke steering wheel attached to a telescopic column, framing a 160-mph speedometer with a speed alert and a tachometer boasting a 6,500-rpm redline. Center stack instruments include an analog clock and displays for all your driving essentials: fuel, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and amperage.
The Bottom Line
The 1968 Chevrolet Corvette convertible is not just a car; it’s a storytelling piece, an emblem of an era, and a symbol of power. For those captivated by classic aesthetics and roaring engines, this is where history merges with the highway. It’s not unlike the appeal of a sleek Peugeot 107 or the elegance of a Smart design, but with its own unique, throaty roar.
The engine stamping marks it as a true legend, perfect for those who seek the thunderous purr of 435-horsepower muscle and the joy it brings on every drive.
Awards and Triumphs
This renowned vehicle didn’t just win hearts; it clinched the prestigious NCRS Blue Ribbon Concours Award and stole the spotlight at the Corvettes in the Park in Chandler, Arizona, in 2025. If these accolades are anything to go by, this car promises not just to take you places but to let you travel back in time, embracing the thrill of classic motoring.