Initially, 2500 Indy 500 replica pacers—100 for each year of production—were scheduled for sale. There are 6 counterweights on all cranks. Although the M22 HD 4-speed was no longer a Regular Production Option, it continued to be fitted to cars outfitted with the ZR1 package. [27] Anticipating further federal safety restrictions, Chevrolet believed it would be Corvette's last soft-top model ever but the convertible returned in 1986. Reviewers praised the car's classic strengths including its impressive straight-line numbers, especially an L48/automatic's 7.8 second 0-60 mph time and top speed of 123 mph (198 km/h), and noted its more refined, less rattling ride. Classified Ad with Best Offer. The 1969 Vette was chock full of reworks and redesigns. Home Current Inventory 1968 Chevrolet Corvette Play Video [6] Engines were detuned with reduced compression ratios to tolerate lower octane fuel. Cylinder heads are high chrome cast iron alloy. Its main distinction was black over silver metallic with a bright red pinstripe in between with a spoiler added to each end to alter appearance more dramatically. A Chevrolet advertisement headlined: "We gave it radials, a quieter ride, guard beams and a nose job. [15] This was the beginning of a trend where Chevrolet restricted certain power train choices to California buyers due to that state's practice of applying more stringent emission (smog) standards than mandated by federal regulations. Classified Ad. The engine line-up and horsepower ratings were also carried over from the previous year as were the 3 and 4-speed manual transmissions. This was also the last year for the M21 close-ratio 4-speed, a gearbox that, as in previous years, required the optional L-82 engine. This was the last year for optional white striped tires, as 86% of the cars were being delivered with the optional white lettered tires. The motor was certified in all states and available with manual or automatic transmissions. Although the factory-claimed horsepower was 435, real power output … Width overall-69.2″. Dual-mounted steering arm tie rod connection permits a choice between street or fast ratio. This motor was a 305 cu in (5.0 L) V8 engine rated at 180 hp (134 kW), fitted with new tubular 409 stainless steel exhaust manifolds that were far lighter than the cast iron pieces they replaced, and mated to an automatic transmission, also mandatory. This TBI (Throttle Body Fuel Injection) was not the type of fuel injection installed previously in some C1 and C2 Corvettes. [15] The rear window defroster option was changed from the forced-air type of previous years to the new "Electro-Clear" defogger, an in-glass heated element type. Body Color White. While the intent of this page is to identify the common issues pertaining to the 1968 Corvette, it is not an all-inclusive list and should be used for reference only. Engines and chassis components were mostly carried over from the previous generation, but the body and interior were new. There was the L36, a 390 hp (291 kW) version with a Rochester 4-barrel carburetor; The L68, a 400 hp (298 kW) motor with a Holley triple 2-barrel carb set up (3 X 2 tri-power); The L71, generating 435 bhp (441 PS; 324 kW) at 5,800 rpm and 460 lb⋅ft (624 N⋅m) at 4,000 rpm of torque also with a tri-power;[7] The L89 option was the L71 engine but with much lighter aluminum cylinder heads rather than the standard cast iron. All T-tops were now wired into the standard anti-theft alarm system. On the inside, revised door panels provided additional shoulder room in the C3's tighter cabin and headrests became standard. A special color scheme was used inside and out and Collector Edition badges were featured. Due to the state's strict emissions standards, this was the last year Chevrolet installed the L-82 engine in a Corvette destined for California. However, the chrome blade front bumper was dropped for the federally required 5 mph (8.0 km/h) standard for a light-weight front bumper system with an inner transverse tube attached to the frame with two Omark-bolts-(special steel fasteners which absorbed energy when a forming die, pushed back by the bumper, was forced down their length), and an injection-molded urethane bumper cover. Model Corvette. Hot Rod magazine in its March 1986 issue selected the 1973-74 Corvette LS4 454 as one of the "10 most collectable muscle cars" in the company of the 1968-70 Chevelle, 1970 'Cuda, 1970 Challenger, 1966-67 Fairlane, 1968-70 AMX, 1970 Camaro Z28, 1968-70 GTO, 1968–69 Charger, and 1967-68 Mustang. The C3 is the third generation of the Chevrolet Corvette, and marks the second time the Corvette would carry the Stingray name, though only for the 1969 - 1976 model years. Steel sprocket and chain timing gear. Nose and fuel door crossed-flags emblems changed to a more squared design. Compared to the previous Turbo-Hydramatic 3-speed, the new 700-R4 transmission had a lower first and second gear for improved low-end acceleration, and a fourth gear overdrive that would reduce engine RPM by 30 percent at highway cruising speeds, resulting in better fuel economy. In 1969, small block engine displacement increased from 327 cu in (5.4 L) to 350 cu in (5.7 L), though output remained the same. For unknown reasons, the 1968 Corvette is not a Stingray. This Corvette boasted uncommon, removable sections over pilot and navigator, that lift out for open air moving. The Corvette converted to metric tires with the P225/70R15 as standard. Standard ratio remained 3.08 with automatic and 3.36 with manual transmission. [31] The sun visors were redesigned to swivel so as to provide some glare protection from the side as well as the front. The fiber glass body parts are bonded directly to the steel frame rather than to riveted bonding strips as in the past. Push rods actuated with hydraulic lifters (except the 435-hp which has solid lifters). The Corvette Convertible takes the same basic stingray idea with the lid off and turns in top-down driving for two. [9] All cars featured 8-inch-wide (200 mm) steel wheels (increased from 7 inches). Power bottomed out this year — the base engine produced only 165 hp (123 kW) and the only remaining optional motor, the L-82, dropped an astonishing 45 hp (34 kW), managing to deliver 205 hp (153 kW). The carburetor and ignition timing were controlled by Chevrolet's new Computer Command Control system. The new seven-inch wide steel wheels had F70x15 nylon bias-ply tires standard with either white or red stripe tires optional. It was the idea of legendary Zora Arkus-Duntov who was the director of GM’s performance division. There are 72 1968 Chevrolet Corvettes for sale today on ClassicCars.com. The Corvette began to be influenced by the metric system as speedometers now displayed small subfaces indicating kilometers-per-hour. In 1968 there were six engines, two small-block V8s and four big-block V8s. Executed under Bill Mitchell's direction, the Mako II had been initiated in early 1964. Road & Track magazine stated in a 1973 road test: "For all its age, size and compromises, if the Corvette is equipped with the right options it is a pleasant and rewarding car to drive and this 1973 example was one of the best Corvettes we've ever driven." 4-Speed ratios are: first- 2.52:1; second- 1.88:1; third- 1.47:1; fourth- 1.00:1; reverse-2.59:1. This Corvette boasted uncommon, removable sections over pilot and navigator, that lift out for open air moving. First-year for steel floor-panels, cold-air induction dropped, new aluminum alloy wheels option, new one-piece rear "Corvette" nameplate (replaces letters), last year of "Stingray" fender nameplates. A standard steel rim spare was used. There is a big story in glass for the ’68 Corvette Convertible. The base L-48 engine generated 185 hp (138 kW); Those destined for California or high altitude areas produced 175 hp (130 kW). All Corvette engines in ’68 feature Air Injection Reactor equipment to control exhaust emission. In 1982 Chevrolet knew this would be the last year of an entire generation of Corvettes and so commemorated the occasion by offering a Collector Edition with separate serial number sequencing, silver-beige paint, unique wheels patterned after the 1967 model's bolt-on alloys, and an operable rear hatch window. For 1968, the mechanics of the Stingray were improved and refined; this year was an inspiring year in terms of design. Vertical suspension loads taken by shock absorbers and transversely positioned nine-leaf spring. And granted, the 454s will squirt through traffic with just a feather touch on the gas pedal. The magazine ordered an L-48 4-speed for a 4,000-mile (6,400 km) road trip to Alaska. A redesigned center console permitted universal Delco radio options. A new ignition alarm system to remind you to take the key when you leave the car was also introduced. button. Some models of the C3 include the Stingray T-top, Stingray Coupe, and Indy 500 Pace Car. This was the final year for Astro Ventilation. For the 1974 model only, casting limitations mandated left and right bumper covers with a vertical center seam. Body Style Convertible. Construction is cast iron caliper type with radial cavities for heat dissipation. 1968 was a year of bold new design changes for the Corvette. [6] All cars ordered with a radio, like the C2 cars, continued to be fitted with chrome-plated ignition shielding covering the distributor to reduce interference. [9] The LT-1 could now be ordered with air conditioning, a combination not permitted the two previous years. The final touch was the Indy 500 decal set included uninstalled with each limited-edition car. Inlet manifold on 300- and 350-hp engines is of cast iron alloy. The 454 cu in (7.4 L) LS-4 big-block V8 engine was offered delivering 275 hp (205 kW) and 15% of the cars were ordered so equipped. [36], In 1980, both front and rear bumper covers were restyled with brand new integrated aerodynamic spoilers that resulted in a significant reduction in drag and increased radiator air flow. [6] A short model year resulted in a disproportionately low production volume of 17,316, down nearly 60%. It utilized two throttle bodies combined with Chevrolet's computer control system. For 1968, the mechanics of the Stingray were improved and refined; this year was an inspiring year in terms of design. A fiber-optic system appeared on the console that monitored exterior lights and there was no glove box. Side rails and intermediate crossmembers box section; front crossmember box girder section. Windshield wipers are hidden under a power operated panel which activates when the wipers are turned on or off, so that they aren’t around when they shouldn’t be. Dual exhaust pipes were routed to a single converter, then split again leading to dual mufflers and tailpipes. Thin tapered and contoured buckets are very comfortably high-backed. Save $20,376 on a 1968 Chevrolet Corvette near you. [6] Unchanged was the horsepower ratings for both base and L-82 engines. C&D said: "The Corvette feels highly competent with power-everything to help you guide the long body around..."[29]. Chrome air cleaner lids and cast magnesium valve covers dressed up all engines. The mechanical part of Frame, chassis and power team members give the enthusiast precise handling of a smooth-but-hustling road car. Horsepower rose to 180 hp (134 kW) for the base L-48 engine; 210 hp (157 kW) for the optional L-82. Basic Stingray idea with the ZR-2 package, including only 2 convertibles pounds compared the. 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