The third generation of the Chevy Corvette, aka the Corvette C3, spanning model years 1968 to 1982, is often viewed by Corvette fans and enthusiasts as the black sheep generation of the American sports car. Indeed, most model years of the C3 Vette occurred during the malaise era, when horsepower numbers were crushed by gas prices and tightening emissions. However, from 1968 to roughly 1972, the Corvette lived up to its name, with big engines and gobs of power. Recently, YouTuber Mid-Year Mitch pulled a 1968 Convertible 427 cubic-inch Corvette from a garage, the first time that Vette had been outside in over 30 years.
While normally accustomed to working on the C2 generation of the Corvette, or model years 1963 to 1967, Mitch unveiled his latest project in the form of this 427 Vette. This particular example belonged to his dad’s late best friend and best man Greg Averi, who originally bought the C3 to serve as a weekend cruiser with Mitch’s dad, a role the Corvette filled for over nine years. Unfortunately, after a wheel weight dinged up the front fender, the car was garaged, and remained there until Mitch found it.
The C3 Corvette was only offered with a 427 cubic-inch gasoline engine for two years, 1968 and 1969. Labeled with RPO code L71, this 7.0L V8 produced 435 horsepower for the 1968 model. This particular Corvette is also equipped with a four-speed manual transmission.
For now, the Vette will be on the back-burner until Mitch finishes his current 1963 C2 split-window project. As far as modifications of the C3 are concerned, Mitch says he intends to make it reliable and provide plenty of fun.
“It’s a real nice car compared to what I’m used to working on,” Mitch says. “It’s gonna need wiring, interior, mechanical, brakes, engine work, fuel system, interior… It’s gonna need a complete overhaul. It probably could use a paint job in some areas, but I think we’re just gonna leave all that, clean it up best we can.”
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Comments
What a very nice find. Keep it original.
Maybe “back to original” by getting rid of those goofy tail light lenses and the 80’s wheels, likely among some other small “upgrades”. Overall looks to be in very good condition, I’ve driven many very similar ones.
WOW!!!!! As crazy as those days were, today’s muscle cars, have nothing on the originals. Still have my “69 Chevelle SS396. but my buddy who purchased his 435 horse Corvette at the same time, sold it a few years back. For $3,000.00! That was before the resurgence of the real muscle cars. This one will get cleaned up, and go to auction somewhere. And be sold as a “Barn Find”. We can expect real bid bucks for this one. How many more are out there hiding?
I know of one of these 68 L71 cars, in storage for many years, now for sale because the owner just passed away. Not exactly a barn find, but close! What a car in their day as well as now.
I had one 1969 brand new loaded with the factory side pipes, The 435hp was way under rated and was a screamer. I have never owned a Corvette since or before like this car. I had one of the first 1963 split window coupes, loved it.
One of my friends had a 69 and let me drive it once. What a first time experience! I had a Vega with a V8 in it, and it was nothing compared to driving that Vette.
I’m pretty sure I’ll never get to own one, but I’d sure love to.
…and a convertible WITH the hard top!
Don’t even touch that car!
It is a cursed car. It cost me a fortune to restore.
You do not even want to attempt to restore this vehicle without at least 100K in your bank account. I ended up practically giving it away out of frustration.
It was put together at the last moment to make the Road & Track magazine. The 1969 model is a completely different story.
No disrespect to the 68 lovers, but
let it stay where it is.
I