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 new body offered many improvements including hidden headlights set back in a safer position behind the thin chrome front bumper, flow-through “Astro Ventilation,” fiber optics, lower seating position, and re-positioned the battery behind the seats to improve weight distribution. In fact, very limited chrome trim was required to accent the dramatic design. As for 1967, a wide variety of high-output small- and big-block V-8s were available. Unfortunately, the emissions standards of the 1970s sapped much of the power out of these engines and, as a result, the earlier models, such as this, remain most desirable to collectors. Additionally, 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 L71 two-top convertible is reported to have received a 100-point body-off-frame restoration that utilized restored or N.O.S. components; this process was completed in 2014. Not only are the colors of Rally Red with black interior correct in presentation, the combination is visually appealing and a very popular duo of shades for the many years they have been choices in the Corvette pallet. The impressive and highly-coveted 427-cid, 435-hp V-8 engine has three two-barrel carburetors and is paired with the desirable four-speed M21 manual transmission. These components, including the carbs and intake, along with the rear differential have all been rebuilt. The Corvette also has the restored, original 1968 big-block smog system. The running gear is correct for this car, and the numbers match to confirm this claim. There is a listing of casting numbers and date codes that may be acquired by calling your Auctions America Specialist for additional details.

The chassis exhibits the correct factory frame and component markings; plus the suspension has been rebuilt and restored, as well as new four-wheel disc brakes, brake lines and exhaust system. There is new weather stripping, dated window glass, dated hose clamps, new wiring harnesses, correct dated and restored transistorized ignition, voltage regulator, alternator and horn relay, original T-3 headlights, correct and restored 1968-only headlight actuators, and all hardware, nuts, bolts, screws and additional fastening hardware have all been properly painted or plated to factory specifications.

The L71 Corvette has been repainted in period-correct lacquer Rally Red paint and the interior is new with restored instrumentation. The paint is reported to be regarded as “flawless” and in keeping with the overall presentation, the body gaps are easily considered “perfect.” The factory accessory removable hardtop has also been restored and the soft-top is also new. The bumpers and trim elements have been re-chromed in a show-quality manner, in keeping with the quality prominence that is seen throughout this outstanding machine. The correct “AG” wheel rims come with the original four-clip trim rings and N.O.S. Rally hubcaps. Additional equipment on the Corvette includes an AM/FM radio and redline tires. Since this first-class restoration has been completed, the Corvette has received approximately 100 test miles. The L71 has been driven by its attending Auctions America Specialist, and he attests to the painstaking fashion in which this Corvette is presented, along with its exciting performance package being all that it was advertised as.

Along with available restoration photographs, the car is documented with the original tank sticker and a copy of the window sticker. Additional factory documents include the new vehicle warranty and owner’s manual. This meticulously presented Corvette is capable of putting most modern cars safely in the rearview mirror, plus it is quite likely to remain a Corvette of undisputed status and respect.