Description
CHEVROLET Corvette from 1968, the first year of the 3rd generation of the American sports car. One of the most iconic models of American production, with its sculptural lines that have captivated many a car enthusiast... Derived from the Mako Shark II prototype created by designer Bill Mitchell's team, the Corvette C3 takes up the shark profile that inspired the Mako Shark concept of the C2, with an even more exaggerated line, and a few nods to European sports cars such as the small vertical rear window surrounded by roof pillar arches, inspired by the Ferrari 250... The duck-tail rear comes from certain Le Mans cars like the Shelby Daytona, and gives an incredible look to these Corvettes, mainly between 1968 and 72 when the design is closest to the concept. Later versions would receive successive modifications due to safety constraints and then modernisation that would slightly diminish the raw, beastly character of the early years...
It's therefore a particularly beautiful and endearing car, quite sought-after, and whose prices vary enormously depending on condition, exact version and options. The one offered here is an entry-level price, not intended for a collector, as it is not original, but rather for an enthusiast of the model wanting to drive a first-phase C3 on a limited budget. It's not perfect, hence its reasonable price, but it runs well and presents well, which allows you to have plenty of enjoyment without investing 35 or 40, 000 Euros in a higher-quality example.
The first important point is that, as mentioned above, this Corvette is not original. The 327 engine was replaced at an indeterminate time by a 5. 0L Chevrolet V8 305 from the 1976-79 period, with a modest tune-up allowing it to produce roughly the same power as the period version (aluminium intake and 4-barrel Holley carburettor, electronic performance ignition, dual exhaust with 4-into-1 manifolds, electric fuel pump, etc...). This was quite common in the USA during the 1980s, when these cars didn't yet have "collector" value, and when in case of engine failure, it was ultra-simple to pick up any second-hand small-block V8, available in abundance for a few quid at the local garage... Similarly, the paintwork has been redone in a Monza red shade from the 1968 Corvette colour palette that suits it beautifully, but which is not its original colour (Bronze metallic), just like the bonnet, which is a custom model very popular in the 80s.
As for condition, the car presents well, with nice glossy paintwork and chrome in good order, some signs of use and minor bodywork imperfections common to C3s (small fibreglass cracks in the usual places, see photos), an interior completely refurbished in high-quality black leather and new carpets, a straight and sound chassis with no signs of impact, suspension and brakes in good condition with up-to-date bushes and pads, and mechanics that work perfectly. On the maintenance side, there are a few minor electrical issues (horn, temperature gauge), no spare wheel, and a thorough service needed, plus tyres, which although in good condition, are not the correct size (215/ 65R15 instead of 225/ 70R15).
I'm looking to part with it in its current state for another project, so the future buyer can either do the bare minimum and enjoy it as it has been used so far (it's reliable and runs perfectly), or invest to bring it up to spec. Its asking price leaves room for negotiation.
