Nineteen sixty-eight was a big year for the Corvette. This was the first year of the third-generation body style (C3), as Chevrolet completely redesigned the car’s bodywork and interior, yet they still kept the widely adored chassis and available engines the same as the outgoing C2 Sting Ray. The body was seven inches longer than the car it replaced, while still riding on a 98-inch wheelbase. The new body was considered a major step forward. Where the mid-years were marked by the Sting Ray’s horizontal beltline, the third generation (which would not be called a Stingray until 1969, and was now presented as one word) was a smoothly-flowing construction of curves and compound bends distinguished by a pronounced ‘Coke-bottle’ shape that accented the wheels and tires. Bill Mitchell’s beloved Mako Shark concept was superbly executed by Corvette’s design team and would remain relatively unchanged through 1982.

The Corvette offered a host of options so buyers could configure their car exactly to their tastes. Eleven engine options were combined with ten exterior and seven interior colors to minimize the opportunities for any two Corvettes produced that year being alike. Overall, in 1968, 9,936 Corvette Coupes were built, while the Convertible version had 18,630 constructed. When you combine the two body styles, the total production number totaled 28,566. From this total, you can see the absolute uncommon nature of the L71, in that only 2,898 Corvettes (representing both body types) received this $437.10 option; a very worthy investment indeed.

This 1968 Corvette L71 Convertible was originally owned by the father of the current owner. After his father’s unfortunate passing, the family decided to send the car off for a complete restoration. The car, it is reported, was found to be “beautifully original” in most respects, including the original tank sticker. The car received this “bare glass restoration in the 1990s and it remains fresh. The work was executed by Corvette Restoration, including the complete engine rebuild. Larry from Corvette Restoration feels it is “one of the nicest L71 Corvettes out there.”

Finished in code 986 Silverstone Silver, this machine has a black interior and is one of 3,435 that was finished in this color in this year. The car is fabulously powered by the acclaimed 427-cid, 435-hp L71 Turbo-Jet V-8 engine with three two-barrel carbs; in this case paired with a four-speed manual transmission. While this car was originally powered by this type of powerplant from the factory, the engine in this example is a correct replacement for the original unit. Per the tank sticker, (it is reported) this Corvette has a full transistor ignition, Posi-traction rear end and four-speed. Rally wheels and factory-style side pipes are also part of this exciting package with a one-family history and the fearsome L71 mill.