Corvette 1968 427ci worth?

Which 427 are you thinking about? the 427 425? the 390?

 

If it is a single 4bbl carb, and it is in the correct configuration, it is the L36 390hp 427. Both the L68 400hp and L89 435hp versions got the triple 2bbl "Tri-Power" set up. There was no 425hp 427 offered in '68.

I see nice, clean 390hp cars, without A/C, asking in the $40k/$50k range on the various classified ad sites. I also see some dealers asking $70k/$80k for 390hp cars in "concours" condition. YMMV.

 

No way.

You can get a pretty nice # matching 435hp car for $50k, maybe even less.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chevrolet-Corvette-Coupe-L71-427-435-Survivor-Documented-Big-Block-Options_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem1c10a4daa7QQitemZ120538323623QQptZUSQ5fCarsQ5fTrucks

Keep in mind 68s are somewhat less desirable than 69s.

RMX

 

If it's that race car on the site, then it's worth whatever.... Who knows with race cars. Good history and a car that is ready to go is worth what you pay for it.

As far as street BB C3's go.... a nice original driver quality 390 can be had for +/- $30K, 400hp for $35K-$40K and 435's $40K & up.

 

Apex, Meister and Remix nailed it.......a good C3 is less than $50K..........no one is buying right now, cars are sitting 6-12 + months for sale, with no offers even near asking prices........been watching the market for that long myself. The biggest used Vette dealer (Proteam) has 25-40% off sales 3 times a year. Offer 25% less than anyone is asking (with minimal conditions) and you just might own it.

Perfect frame off resto's can be had for $40K-$50K after the haggling is done.......driver quality small block and the 390 HP big block cars with good RUST FREE frames and birdcages (a $20K repair and the only thing you should be concerned about as 75% of the existing C3 Vette's are total RUSTBUCKETS) are $25-35K.......you'll need a hoist, some simple trim panel removal and a digital snake camera to properly inspect these areas on one.

Go to corvetteforum.com......click on the C3 section and search the words birdcage rust and frame rust for lots of pics and threads about this.

I am looking to buy one right now actually........a 1968-72 FWIW.......

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3s-for-sale-wanted/2505845-f-s-68-427-435-coupe-9-300-miles.html

This car has been for sale for 5 months. I could have bought it with a 3 as the first number...however, it is the absolutely worst color combo they offered (I could not live with the color combo)......it does not have the original numbers matching engine or transmission (I can live with that as they are close date wise, and they are the correct parts) nor the original and correct 427 hood ($2,500 to replace)........as well as the owner CANNOT verify the 9,300 mileage claim with any paperwork, it is all anecdotal hearsay, but if true.....it was 1/4 mile at a time.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3s-for-sale-wanted/2469158-f-s-69-conv-l36-s-matching-frame-off.html

Here's a car that was $60K, then $55K.......but now OBO.......for sale for 5 months........a total frame off resto but in the wrong color (not an original factory color, too dark, however, at least it is best color combo for the car). A 390 HP engine is not worth that kind of money though, there are tons of those cars around. Again........it is a $40K car......but the owner is still on crack.

You don't want the hardtop......it will just sit in your garage.

There are lot of cars for sale at stupid prices because the owners cannot face reality that the market has corrected by 50%. Lastly you can buy a brand new powder coated complete rolling frame and suspension for $10K and build your own car for about $50K in total if you have a decent donor vehicle needing a resto, which costs $5K-10K. That is the market.........of course, low mileage, uniquely optioned, original survivors with hi-po special engines and documented histories/awards always bring more, but that is a given with any car model.

 

With the exchange rate on that '68, BlackJag could buy a small block Midyear in the US. I have to think that part of the price on the '68 is a premium for being in Australia, where the car is rare, an Aussie can buy it today, no shipping or import hassles.

 

As mentioned, the '68s fetch a decent amount less then the '69s.

 

I didn't have any personal issues with the lack of elbow space or teething problems with the first year of the C3s (but then again I was 17 years old). This pic is from circa 1985...427/400hp coupe w AC.

A 1968 big block is the best value out there right now. A lot of car and nostalgia for the $$$. Don't pay more than $30k for a 427/390.

RMX
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Kds do you think that ProTeam triple black 1969 435HP roadster with the M40 for 110k is a different car? Or did Terry just repaint in black the old red 435 roadster he could not sell and replace the incorrect single 4bbl carb and L88 hood with a stock 427 hood and put a 3X2 tri-power carb setup back on the motor. 435HP with an automatic is a very rare combination for 1969 only.
He also had an LS-6 454 Corvette coupe (green on tan) from 1971 that was a factory M40 model before.
CH

 

CH........

Geez I have no clue.......don't know the numbers matching game at all (nor care that much really) or even how to decode a block stamping, trim tag or tank sticker yet.......and cannot tell a thing from the pictures like some others can.

I'd try that question over at the corvetteforum or the NCRS forums.

IMHO however, a 427/435 automatic car would be a dog to sell in any color combo I think........kinda like those automatic column shift 426 Hemi cars, that sell slower and for less money than the pistol grip 4 speeds.

 

Kds turns out it is the old red 1969 Corvette just repainted black. The mileage has not changed; still at 8638. Something that did change was the price; before paint $80,000 and after paint $110,000.
The old Hemi cars do sound neat. Sort of like lots of ball bearings the size of a grapefruit rolling around in a 55 gallon metal drum. A white 1966 Dodge Coronet with a 426 would be fun...
CH

 

I'm restoring a 68 roadster now

Frame has been cleaned up, its got new Dick Guldstrand suspension, Aluminum 509 cid, Jasper 4 speed trans

Next step is putting the drivetrain alltogether, brembo calipers, then probably repaint

 

What was the original 1968 color combination? Are you goint to paint it to match your Z06? You should tack on the IMSA fender flares Chevy Engineering made that they allowed the L88's to run. They are rather tasteful and do give you some extra tire clearance. Then the glass headlight covers...
CH

 

I think his car already looks like this with the exception of the color.

RMX

 

The 68 roadster has a stock body on it, I added a duck tail & a front spoiler

My 70 IMSA car has the Greenwood body on it

 

What are you doing with the race car anyways ? I remember when you bought it. Been to the track yet ?

 

No, I have a few projects going on

The IMSA car is on back burner right now

I told my crew chief to wrap my Camaro GT1 in Hot Wheels colors, so I'll use that this summer since its ready to go anyways

I decided to spend some $ on the 68 and see if I can get that drivable this year

After the 68 is running I'll turn back to the IMSA car
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Rob- What Remix says is true. The 68 Corvette came out with a bunch of new stuff and had lots of problems. It was the only C3 Corvette with 7" wheels, the 1969 introduced fender flares and 8" wheels that carried through until 1982. 1968 was not best year for Corvettes, even though racing versions of the C3 were eventually very successful. Still had the carryover 427, too, not the 454 introduced in 1970, but those 427s were great engines.

So what do you want, a race car or a good Corvette? The one on the website is the former and not the latter. Maybe this quote will help you:

Stung by the criticism of the 1968 Corvette, Chevrolet worked hard to resolve the problems for the 1969 model year. Various quality control and build problems were addressed wherever possible. The door panels were redesigned to recover some interior room. Overall fit and finish improved....

I have only owned 10 Corvettes, and there are folks here who have owned many more, so make sure you get their opinions, too. They may feel differently.

Taz
Terry Phillips

 

Wow, this is a hell of a price. He only wants $18,900. It's NOM, but it's a factory BB car (390hp). I am VERY tempted but have storage issues right now.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3s-for-sale-wanted/2544989-1969-daytona-yellow-427-390-4-speed-coupe.html

More pics
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180479168284#v4-30

RMX