The third-generation Chevy Corvette debuted for the 1968 model year. The new car rode on nearly identical underpinnings as the previous generation, but that’s where the similarities ended. The 1968 Corvette took its shape from the Larry Shinoda penned Mako Shark II. The seatbacks were fixed with 33 degrees of recline to accommodate the radically raked windshield and cabin dimensions, the hidden headlights were now vacuum operated as opposed to the electric activation of the C2s, and windshield wipers were hidden beneath a vacuum-operated door at the base of the windshield. The C3 had 30 percent more parts than the C2s. Coupes had removable T-tops and rear windows. Taillights had a fiber optic monitoring system with lights at the base of the console. The battery was relocated from the passenger side of the engine compartment to behind the driver’s seat. Door handles were a finger scoop and button affair.
Available engines for the 1968 Chevy Corvette included 327 Small Blocks in 300- and 350-horsepower variants, and the 427 Big Block in 390-, 400-, and 435-horsepower ratings. Also available was the radical, competition-oriented L88 427 grossly underrated at 430 horses. Transmission choices were four-speed manuals available in standard or close-ratio gearing, and a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic automatic to replace the previous two-speed Powerglide box.
For the 1969 model year, the Chevy Corvette saw a handful of minor changes. A map pocket was added to the passenger side of the dash, the ignition switch moved to the steering column from the dash, steering wheel diameter shrunk from sixteen inches to fifteen, exterior door handles ditched the button incorporating it into the finger scoops, the “Stingray” moniker returned as a single word, with an emblem on the front fenders and lettering across the back of the car. Side vent trim and side-mounted exhaust were available options. The seven-inch wide steel wheels grew to eight inches, and Small Block displacement grew to 350 cubic inches. This would be the final year for the 427 Big Blocks and the L88 option.
Our feature 1969 Chevy Corvette coupe is believed to be one of the lowest-mile unrestored examples extant. It retains all its factory components save the battery, tires, and one muffler. With only 11,050 miles showing on the odometer, this L46 350 cubic-inch/350-horsepower, four-speed manual gearbox coupe is finished in Cortez Silver over a black vinyl interior. It has been the recipient of numerous awards including Bloomington Gold, Survivor, and Benchmark certifications, included in the 2019 Bloomington Gold Special Collection, recipient of NCRS Top Flight, Performance Verification, Duntov Mark of Excellence, Four Star Bowtie Preservation Award, Five Star Bowtie Preservation Award, Special Interest Award, MCACN Concours Gold Award, Triple Diamond Award, and 2022 Greenbrier Concours d’Elegance Preservation Class Springhouse Award, the only 1969 Corvette to do so. Additionally, the Corvette has been used by the NCRS as a benchmark example for training judges, and photographed for the NCRS judging manual.
Included in the sale of this remarkable 1969 Chevy Corvette is all documentation, awards, ribbons, trophies, plaques, judging sheets, NCRS Shipping Data Report, window sticker, Protect-O-Plate, Chevrolet warranty brochure, original keys and dealer key envelope, owner’s manual and plastic sleeve, AM-FM radio instructions, showroom brochure, copies of previous titles, full ownership history, and much more.
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Spot on! If you figure they’re free insurance medical, dental and vision that would add up to close to two extra pays a month. I am not a hater of unions but sometimes do you really think they have your best interests at heart. I have worked for many unions and have seen workers drive a company out of business because they wanted to go fishing. Like I said if it hadn’t been for unions we would be working for a lot less wages and benefits. But sometimes…..