1968 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe 327/300

Description

“The Corvette driver will be tired of smiling long before he’s tired of the car,” said Car Life magazine of the new 1968 Corvette. The third generation (C3) Corvette Stingray featured either a T-Top Coupe or Convertible model, the exterior design characterized by voluptuous fender flares and vacuum-operated pop-up headlights. It also delivered a completely redesigned interior with an aircraft-inspired instrument cluster of which Chevrolet said, “If it has anything to do with the engine, there's a gauge for it.” Utilizing the well-proven chassis components from the C2, the C3 offered independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, and a slate of seven powerful V8 engines. Yet even with the base 300 horsepower engine, Road & Track magazine recorded a top speed of 132 mph, far above that of comparable contemporary sports cars. The C3 Coupe pioneered the T-Top roof, allowing both all-season comfort and open-air enjoyment.

Of course, a Corvette like this is not mere transportation; it often takes on the role of family heirloom. This nicely optioned 1968 Stingray Coupe was found under multiple covers in a garage in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where the long-time owner preserved it for decades. Originally British Green, it was resprayed red at some point in the past. Otherwise, the Corvette appears to be highly original, including the 300-horsepower V8 — a true genuine Chevrolet.

Highlights

• Offered with 42,879 miles, which are thought to be original

• Powered by a 327 cu-in V8 engine rated at 300 hp

• Engine stamp matches chassis number (414580)

• M40 Turbo Hydra-Matic three-speed automatic transmission   

• T-Top roof and removable rear window

• The Body Tag decodes as:

  • Paint: 983 – British Green (resprayed red since new)

  • Trim: STD – Standard Black vinyl interior

• The engine identification number (V0308HO) decodes as follows: 

  • V – Flint, Michigan engine build location 

  • 0308 – March 8 assembly date 

  • HO – 327 cu-in V8, 300 horsepower, automatic transmission

• The chassis number (194378S414580) decodes as:  

  • 1 – Chevrolet  

  • 9 – Corvette  

  • 4 – V8 engine (all types)  

  • 37 – Corvette Coupe  

  • 8 – 1968 Model Year  

  • S – St. Louis, Missouri, assembly plant  

  • 414580 – Serial number

Features

• Factory options include:

  • A31 power windows ($57.95)

  • C60 Air conditioning ($412.90)

  • J50 Power brakes ($42.15)

  • N40 power steering ($94.80)

  • M40 Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission ($226.45)

• Maintenance on 12 March 2025 includes:

  • Fuel pump replaced

  • Carburetor professionally rebuilt 

  • Spark plugs replaced

• Aftermarket AM/FM/Cassette radio

• Four-wheel independent suspension 

• Four-wheel power disc brakes 

• Pop-up headlights 

• Aircraft-inspired instrument cluster

Known Imperfections

• This 1968 Corvette Stingray Coupe is offered after many years of storage, without operation, in a garage facility. The Corvette was brought back to running potential; however, as a result of the extended passive storage, it is to be assumed it will require additional mechanical attention. It is in generally good condition with the slight patina and paint imperfections that come with age.

• Radio and clock do not work

• Wipers do not retract

Included

• Owner’s manual

• Repair manuals

• Assorted Corvette magazines

• Assorted receipts

Ownership History

This 1968 Corvette is from an estate in Waukesha, Wisconsin, after long-term storage. The consignor reports, “We prepped the engine before turning it over with oil down the cylinders and massaged the engine before cranking the starter. We also drained the fuel and tested the fuel pump and other components. Once started, the engine runs well considering it has not had a tune-up.  We determined the engine to be born-with, based on the HO suffix code (327 300H V8, Automatic) and the VIN stamp in the block. The transmission and rear end also appear to be original. It runs, drives, and stops as expected, but it should be completely gone through due to age and the extended storage. The fuel pump was replaced, the carburetor was professionally rebuilt, and the spark plugs replaced on 12 March by a local garage that specializes in classic cars. It would benefit from a tune up, front end check, cooling system flush, thermostat check, fluid level check, and also have the tires checked (they’re probably older).

“The interior is nice, with the seats, carpeting, and headliner possibly original, but it needs a good cleaning. The windshield and glass appear to also be original. The frame and birdcage appear to be in nice shape. The headlights pop up and retract, the wipers do not. The gauges work, the clock and radio do not. The paint has patina and imperfections and is driver quality. The original color appears to be green with a black interior, but we could not find any green paint. There is red overspray in spots. We also believe the mileage (42,879) to be correct but given the age of the vehicle and little documentation, we cannot guarantee the mileage to be original.”