Matching numbers 327/300 with automatic transmission. Very clean original survivor. 70% original paint, original interior. Two tops, power windows, power steering & brakes, new tilt column. Extensively serviced, ready to enjoy!

This attractive first-year C3 is right on the cusp of original, survivor status. It has never been apart and aside from basic maintenance over the years, has never needed significant restoration. We believe the nose has been repainted at some point, but the rest of the car is unquestionably original GM enamel. Code 992 Corvette Bronze is a fantastic color, especially when paired with the Tobacco interior, and it looks dynamite in the sun. We like original cars because it means what you see is what you get—no surprises hiding underneath fresh paint or anything like that. This car retains all the first-year idiosyncrasies of the C3, including the pushbutton door latches, so it feels special and stands out at shows. Panel fit is good all around and for a car that has been driven and used but never restored, it feels more solid than a lot of its siblings. Chrome bumpers are obviously part of the early C3 package and these look great, along with the chrome luggage rack on the rear deck. All the emblems and lenses are likewise in good condition, and it presents quite well. It is not a show car, but as a mostly original car we wouldn’t change a thing.

The code 435 Tobacco interior is largely original and still in great shape. There are no splits or tears on the seats, the door panels are not cracked, and we believe even the carpets are probably original. You’ll quickly note a modern wood-rimmed steering wheel and a custom tilt steering column, which were retrofitted to make getting in and out easier, but the original components are included with the car if you want a pure stock Corvette. Options include power windows, an AM/FM radio and a removable color-matched hardtop, which is a very desirable option all by itself. The gauges are all operational except the clock, and the view from the driver’s seat of a Stingray is hard to beat. The headlights work properly but like many early C3s, the windshield wiper door is a little fussy. We believe even the black convertible top is original, and while there are some loose threads and the rear window is a little discolored, we’re not so sure we’d be quick to replace it—it’s original and you really only use it in an emergency.

The engine appears to be the original 327 cubic inch V8 rated at 300 horsepower. The stamping pad shows a matching partial VIN as well as an HO suffix code, which is correct for a 300 horsepower 327 paired with an automatic transmission. The engine has been well maintained and recently serviced, so it runs quite well without any fussiness at all. Easy starts, a nice idle, and 300 horsepower is plenty to be entertaining. It’s painted Chevy Orange, as it should be, and features a chrome air cleaner and finned valve covers that really dress it up. Even the original ignition shields are still in place—nice! It’s backed by a TH400 3-speed automatic transmission, which, surprisingly, was only selected by about 20% of buyers in 1968, but it makes this a very easy car to drive, especially when combined with the power steering and brakes. The undercarriage is quite original, so it’s not shiny, but the birdcage is solid and the areas ahead of the rear wheels are not rotten, so this car has no structural issues. And you’ll note that almost every major component has been recently serviced, including the brakes, brake lines, fuel lines, front suspension, shocks, power steering unit, starter, rear suspension, and the gas tank—this car is ready to rock! The exhaust has a nice rumble without being annoying and ends in cool polished tips under the rear valence. Factory wheels wear desirable spoked hubcaps and a set of 245/60/15 BFGoodrich T/A radials.

There are a lot of extras with this car, including factory service and chassis manuals, two boxes full of spare parts, new seat foam, the original steering column and wheel, and much more.

With some detailing, this car might be able to be shown in survivor-type competition, but we’re not sure we’d want to take it off the road because it works so well. It’s a no-fuss, no-hassles Corvette that’s easy to drive, reasonably comfortable (it’s an early C3, after all), and just works like it should. A great deal of money has been recently invested in getting it mechanically healthy, so it’s ready to have fun this summer. Add in the great color combination and you have a cool vintage ‘Vette that tells an interesting story. Call today!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.