conceptcarz.com

1968 Chevrolet Corvette C3

The third generation of Corvettes began in 1968 and lasted for 15 years. The design was different in appearance from any other Corvette. Their design cues came from Bill Mitchell's 'Mako Shark II' concept vehicle displayed at the New York International Auto Show in April of 1965. A running version using a 427-cubic inch V8 was displayed at the Paris Salon, then put on tour throughout the United States and Europe.

Frank Witchell's GM Research and Development Department and Corvette engineer chief Zora Arkus-Duntov lobbied for mid-engine configuraiton, but in the end, Bill Mitchell's dramatically flowing, front-engine design prevailed. Larry Shinoda and his team smoothed and refined the design into production-ready form. Despite its aerodynamic characteristics, pre-production testing exposed a tendency for frontal lift at high speeds, along with increased drag. Using data nalysis off the aerodynamic package applied to Jim Hall's Chaparral Can-Am cars, this deficiency was resolved. A small spoiler/air dam under the car's nose, and a series of air vents added to the lower front fenders improved aerodynamics.

The overall design theme featured hidden windshield wipers and headlights, and removable T-Tops. A luggage rack was optional on the coupe models. The new Corvette had been intended to launch in 1967, but the development process, structural imrovements, and detail refinements moved the car's introduction back by a further 12 months.

The 1968 Corvette continued to employ the fully independent 'C2' chassis configuration and continued to offer buyers the same optional high-performance engine options as before. One of the problems that plagued the designers was engine cooling - especially with the big-block engines with air-conditioning systems. Duntov had warned engineers about the disastrous buildup of underhood heat and hoped the issue would be resolved while he had been hospitalized in May of 1967. Upon his return, he was shocked to find the problem remained. His immediate solution, using his racing experience, was to add two rectangular holes cut near the front spoiler. Air gaps surrounding the radiator were blocked off, ensuring incoming air passed straight into the radiator. These updates were immediately applied to production cars on the assembly line.

The standard engine was the 327 cubic-inch V8 with overhead valves, hydraulic valve lifters, a Rochester four-barrel carburetor, a cast-iron block, 10.0:1 compression ratio, and 300 horsepower. The L71 aluminum head L89 427 cubic-inch, 535 horsepower engine was still offered as optional equipment. The Powerglide automatic transmission was no longer offered, instead replaced by a three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic was offered which improved performance and fuel efficiency. Most were fitted with a four-speed manual transmission. Additional transmission options included a heavy-duty close-ratio four-speed manual floor shift unit, a wide-ratio four-speed manual with floor shift, and a close-ratio four-speed with floor shift. Performance options included power brakes, heavy-duty brakes, power steering, various rear axle ratios, and positive traction rear axle. The 'L68' 427 cubic-inch Tri-Power engine produced 400 horsepower, and the 'L71' 427 cubic-inch Tri-Power engine offered 435 horsepower. The 'L71/89' V8 with a 427 cubic-inch displacement with Tri-Power produced 435 horsepower. The 'L88' 427 CID V8 had a listed output of 430 horsepower but was actually closer to 530 horsepower.

During the 1968 production year, 9,936 coupes with removable roof panels and rear windows, and 18,360 convertibles were sold. The 'C3' enjoyed a lengthy 15-year production lifespan and for much of that time was America's fastest production car.

In L88 form, the Corvette was intended to contest the high-profile international endurance races at Daytona and Sebring in early 1968. FIA rules required a minimum of 500 examples with the L88 engine built within the August-November 1967 timeframe. This task was not completed until November, after which James Garner's American International Racing (A.I.R.) team received the first three 'C3' L88 cars. Two of these cars raced at Daytona with one retiring early and the other finishing in 29th place. The DX-Sunray team's 1967 L88 car, co-driven by Jerry Grant and Dave Morgan, won the GT class, finished 10th overall, and reached speeds of 194 mph. With Jerry Thompson and Tony De Lorenzo driving, the L88 became a dominant force within the American SCCA racing scene, with the pair winning the A/Production title for 1969. In 1972, an L88 Corvette was entered by the North American Racing Team (N.A.R.T.) in the 24 Hours of LeMans where it scored a class victory.

1968 Chevrolet Corvette C3 photo
Sport Coupe
Chassis #: 194678S402351
View info and history
Auction entries : 4
Chevrolet produced just 80 examples of the RPO L88 for 1968, with this package adding an additional $947 to the Corvette's base MSRP.

Related Reading : Chevrolet Corvette C3 History

In 1953 the Corvette was introduced at the Motorama display at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York City. It was conceived by Harley J. Earl. It was a two-seat convertible built by GM aimed at capturing the small car market from manufacturers like Jaguar and MG. All 1953 Corvettes were convertibles with black canvas tops, Polo white with red interiors, and built by hand. Power came from an existing....
Continue Reading >>

Related Reading : Chevrolet Corvette History

Very few vehicles elicit the same kind of satisfaction as the Chevrolet Corvette. The Vette is a symbol of childhood dreams and grown-up triumph. The only true American Sports car, this car stands for excellence and became an icon as a high-performance and dynamic sports vehicle. First introduced in January of 1953, the Corvette has only become more renowned as the years drift by. Undergoing many....
Continue Reading >>

Chevrolet Corvette Roars Into Its 60th Year

On June 30, 1953, the first of a new kind of Chevrolet – indeed, a new kind of American car – rolled off an assembly line in Flint, Mich. The car had only two seats. There were no roll-up windows, or exterior door handles, for that matter. Its body wasnt stamped from steel but, rather, molded from reinforced fiberglass. While the postwar Baby Boom was in full swing, this was definitely not....
Continue Reading >>

Corvette's Chassis Innovations Refined on the Race Track

Its been said that racing improves the breed, and when it comes to the Chevrolet Corvette, nearly six decades of checkered flags are the proof. As Corvette marks its 60th anniversary in 2013, the design of the chassis, suspension and other drivetrain features are rooted in the rigors of competition. Candidly, Corvette was not a high-performance car until Zora Arkus-Duntov fitted it with a V-8,....
Continue Reading >>

Chevrolet puts a groove into your ride

Hot summer day… roof top down… wind in your hair … smile in your face… and Little Red Corvette cranked up to its loudest setting. Theres nothing like music in the car to make a journey really fly by. But, did you know that, aside from Princes classic hit, more than 600 songs across all genres and multiple generations mention Chevrolet, Chevy or the name of a Chevrolet vehicle in their....
Continue Reading >>

1968 Chevrolet Corvette C3 Vehicle Profiles

Recent Vehicle Additions

Performance and Specification Comparison

Price Comparison

1968 Corvette C3
$4,661-$166,900
1968 Chevrolet Corvette C3 Price Range: $4,350 - $4,661

Compare: Lower | Higher | Similar

Other 1968 Chevrolet Models
$2,600 - $3,797
$2,630 - $3,240

Corvette C3

Specification Comparison by Year

Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
98.00 in.
8 cyl., 327.00 CID., 300.00hp
8 cyl., 427.00 CID., 390.00hp
8 cyl., 427.00 CID., 400.00hp
8 cyl., 427.00 CID., 430.00hp
8 cyl., 427.00 CID., 435.00hp
$4,350 - $4,661
38,762
98.00 in.
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 300.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 350.00hp
8 cyl., 427.00 CID., 390.00hp
8 cyl., 427.00 CID., 400.00hp
8 cyl., 427.00 CID., 430.00hp
8 cyl., 427.00 CID., 435.00hp
$4,425 - $4,765
98.00 in.
$4,765 - $4,765
17,316
98.00 in.
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 300.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 350.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 370.00hp
8 cyl., 454.00 CID., 390.00hp
8 cyl., 454.00 CID., 460.00hp
$5,130 - $5,470
98.00 in.
$5,130 - $17,000
21,801
98.00 in.
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 270.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 350.00hp
8 cyl., 454.00 CID., 385.00hp
8 cyl., 454.00 CID., 425.00hp
$5,300 - $5,535
27,004
98.00 in.
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 200.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 255.00hp
8 cyl., 454.00 CID., 270.00hp
$5,245 - $5,296
30,463
98.00 in.
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 190.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 250.00hp
8 cyl., 454.00 CID., 275.00hp
$5,690 - $5,920
98.00 in.
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 400.00hp
$13,990 - $13,990
37,501
98.00 in.
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 195.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 250.00hp
8 cyl., 454.00 CID., 270.00hp
$6,155 - $6,375
38,665
98.00 in.
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 165.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 205.00hp
$6,855 - $7,115
46,558
98.00 in.
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 180.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 210.00hp
$7,600 - $7,600
49,213
98.00 in.
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 180.00hp
8 cyl., 351.80 CID., 210.00hp
$8,650 - $8,650

Related Automotive News

Celebrating 60 Years of Corvette History at Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

Celebrating 60 Years of Corvette History at Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

Rarely Seen Corvettes Assemble for Exhibition August 16-19 in Monterey Monterey, Calif., July 9, 2013 — There are Corvettes, and then there are The Corvettes. Recognizing the power, performance and durability that has made Corvette Ame...
Renowned Racing Legends Grant Exclusive Nod to the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion for New Run Groups

Renowned Racing Legends Grant Exclusive Nod to the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion for New Run Groups

As the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion celebrates the Golden Anniversary of historic racing at Montereys WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, the illustrious gathering also honors the history and significant achievements throughout time. It seems fitting...
Unrestored and Impeccably Original 2,500 Mile Chevrolet Corvette L88 at Russo and Steele's 2016 Arizona Auction Event

Unrestored and Impeccably Original 2,500 Mile Chevrolet Corvette L88 at Russo and Steele's 2016 Arizona Auction Event

Unrestored and Impeccably Original 2,500 Mile 4-Speed 1969 Chevrolet Corvette L88 an Incredible Early Feature Offering at Russo and Steeles 2016 Arizona Car Week Auction Event Scottsdale, Arizona (November 17, 2015) – Restlessly trans...

RRDC VOTES IN 37 NEW MEMBERS FOR 2013

HILLIARD, Ohio (Nov. 7, 2013) - Thirty-seven race-car drivers and motorsports professionals have been voted into the Road Racing Drivers Club in 2013. The group includes 13 Regular Members from the open-wheel and sports-car racing ranks, 20 Associate...
Celebrating 60 Years of Corvette History at Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

Celebrating 60 Years of Corvette History at Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

Rarely Seen Corvettes Assemble for Exhibition August 16-19 in Monterey Monterey, Calif., July 9, 2013 — There are Corvettes, and then there are The Corvettes. Recognizing the power, performance and durability that has made Corvette Ame...
Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival Celebrates Corvette'S 60 Years At Sonoma Raceway

Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival Celebrates Corvette'S 60 Years At Sonoma Raceway

Fast cars, fine food and wine highlight May 18-19 weekend Paul Reinhart is honored guest, popular racing seminar scheduled for second year SONOMA, Calif. (April 27, 2013) - The Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival returns to Sono...