">
2012 Shannons Melbourne Autumn Classic Auction
Lot
29

1968 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible (RHD)

$38,250

Sold

Specifications

Engine 454cu V-8
Gearbox 3-Speed Automatic
Body Work Convertible
Colour Red
Interior Black
Trim Vinyl
Wheels Styled Steel
Brakes Disc

Description

This lot is no longer available

Drawing inspiration from the Mako Shark II show car, Chevrolet's third generation Corvette (the Sting Ray badge was dropped temporarily) was introduced in 1968 and promoted as "...all different all over." The C3 Corvette was a beauty queen with macho attitude, the pumped up 'Coke bottle' lines devoid of any superfluous detailing or chrome. Neat touches like the push button arrangement instead of door handles, hidden windscreen wipers gave a sleek, aerodynamic shape. The Corvette was sold in either of two body styles, namely a full convertible or the coupe, the latter actually featuring a targa-type roof arrangement with a pair of removable panels and removable rear window. The 1968 Corvette came with a 327-cid V8 developing 300 hp and a choice of either the Turbo-Hydra-Matic or four-speed manual gearbox. Included in the standard equipment list were vinyl upholstery, centre console and full instrumentation including tacho and an electric clock, disc brakes front and rear, a dual exhaust and tinted glass. Optional engines included the 350 hp L79 or the 427-cid big-block, along with heavy-duty manual transmissions to cope with the extra grunt. Chevrolet built 9,936 convertible Corvettes in 1968 and these pre-emissions cars still managed to turn some very respectable numbers - a 327/350 L79 equipped car could to 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds - and these early chrome-bumper C3 cars are becoming increasingly popular with collectors.