1968 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster (LHD)

Description

Announced in 1968, the Corvette Stingray was tagged the C3 model in deference to its position as the third generation of America's only mainstream production sports car. Drawing inspiration from the Mako Shark II show car, the C3 Stingray had very pronounced 'Coke-bottle' lines that manage to look beautiful and aggressive in equal measure. The styling was largely left untouched for the first few years of production, and this was no bad thing, as the Stingray's original shape was always going to be hard to better. The Corvette was sold in either of two body styles, a full convertible or a coupe, the latter featuring a targa-type roof arrangement with a pair of removable panels. The 1968 Corvette came with a 327ci V8 developing 300hp as standard and a choice of either the Turbo-Hydra-Matic or four-speed manual gearbox. Underneath the C3’s swoopy new exterior, the Corvette’s chassis was essentially a revised version of the previous model, retaining the same independent suspension set-up and 98-inch wheelbase. Spring rates were stiffened and this, combined with wider wheels and tyres, resulted in improved lateral acceleration, with Road & Track magazine commenting “No question about it, the Corvette is one of the best-handling front-engine production cars in the world”. Included in the standard equipment list were vinyl upholstery, centre console and full instrumentation including tacho and an electric clock, disc brakes front and rear, a dual exhaust and tinted glass, along with Chevrolet’s new “Astro” ventilation system. Chevrolet built 9936 convertible Corvettes in 1968 and these early chrome bumper C3 cars are finally earning the recognition they have long deserved with collectors.