Guide for the 1968 Corvette
The 1968 Corvette is an icon in the C3 generation. From pros and cons to purchase tips, here’s everything you need to know.
Written by Shannon Fitzgerald
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
With upgraded 300-horsepower turbo hydra-matic transmission and a groundbreaking T-top roof design, the 1968 Corvette was, and still is, an iconic classic sports car.
Its exterior revealed a new, sleek look for Chevrolet that showcased the Corvette’s high-performance engines and drivetrains—both of which helped it set a record number of sales at 28,566 units.
Though in several ways structurally and mechanically flawed, the 1968 Corvette still delivered an unbreakable feel and a brisk performance that gave it high esteem in the eyes of American drivers.
Here
car insurance
comparison and broker app Jerry
guides you through everything you should know about the 1968 Corvette—from purchase tips and expenses to vehicle strengths and weaknesses. We'll even show you how to save on Corvette insurance costs
.
Make safe driving pay
Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.
Start earning now
Ownership costs for a 1968 Corvette
The 1968 Corvette came in a standard convertible or coupe trim with six optional engine platforms, ranging from the standard 300-horsepower to the 435-horsepower L71 V8 engine.
While the buying cost of the car depends on how many upgrade options were chosen—like engine size and leather seating upgrades—generally a well-maintained 1968 Vette will go for around $46,700 or more today.
According to J.D. Power and NADA Guides, the value of a 1968 Corvette is as follows:
Cost factor | Value |
|---|---|
Original MSRP | $4,320 |
Current low retail | $23,500 |
Average retail | $46,700 |
High retail | $66,200 |
The cost of owning a 1968 Corvette, on the other hand, must take insurance, maintenance, fuel costs, repairs, and taxes into consideration, as well.
While these annual costs can range unpredictably from a few to several thousand dollars depending on how much the car has been driven, the 1968 Vette has a value in ownership, as well.
As an iconic C3 Corvette, the ’68 model can accrue value as a financial investment whereas newer models might depreciate over time.
Where to buy a 1968 Corvette
If you want to buy a 1968 Corvette, your best bet is to look for listings on sites like
Classic Cars
. You can also see if any fellow enthusiasts on Corvette forums
have purchase tips or listings sighted for older models. 
"I’m earning
awesome rewards
every week, just for driving safe!”
Patricia W.
Reviewed on 5/28/2023
What does the 1968 Corvette bring to the table?
Built to reflect the 1965 Mako Shark II show car, the ‘68 Corvette introduced a voluptuous silhouette and innovative convertible assembly to the American sports car image.
Thanks to an upgraded turbo hydra-matic three-speed engine and a refreshing astro-ventilation system, driving the ’68 Vette quickly became just as exhilarating for its owners as witnessing its design’s unveiling. In fact, more people bought a Corvette in 1968 than they ever had before.
Strengths and weaknesses of the 1968 Corvette
If you’re itching to get your hands on one of these classic icons for yourself, here’s a rundown of the ’68 Vette’s standout features—for better or worse.
The good: handling
Sitting lower and wider than earlier models, the ’68 Corvette increased cornering limits from 0.75g to 0.84g—leading critics to laud it as one of the best-handling, front-engine production cars in the world.
In addition to this, the C3’s battery was moved behind the seats to distribute weight more evenly and improve drivability even further.
The good: aerodynamic design
From its fender vents to its removable T-top roof panels, the 1968 Corvette was designed to improve on the bad aerodynamics of its C2 predecessors.
Other features like hidden “pop-up” headlights and hideaway windshield wipers added to a slicker performance upon acceleration.
The good: new safety features
As the first model beholden to safety and emission standards from the federal government, the standard ’68 coupe model came equipped with shoulder belts and a speed warning indicator.
Other new safety features include an electric rear-window defroster, seat belt reminder light, door ajar flashers, and an ignition alarm system to remind the driver to take their keys with them.
The bad: tendency to understeer
In an effort to prevent front end lift during high speeds, spring rates were increased to stiffen the suspension.
Unfortunately, this also contributed to an understeering problem common in earlier Corvette models.
The bad: harsher ride
One of the major complaints of the ’68 model was that the cockpit was loud and the engine was earth-shaking—and not in a good way.
With the reduction in height, the 1968 Corvette also had to adjust both the angle and roominess of the passenger seating to match the car’s low roofline. As a result, riders were often cramped and continually slid forward while driving.
The bad: fuel economy
With big-block engine designs only receiving 11 to 15 miles per gallon, the ’68 Corvette is certainly not the most fuel-efficient Vette out there.
While you likely won’t be taking this classic on your daily commute, it’s something to consider as a long-term cost.
The bottom line—which 1968 Corvette to buy
Though your options are more limited with a vehicle no longer in production, there are still some considerations you should take when searching for the ’68 Vette of your dreams.
If you’re looking for acceleration power and don’t mind the extra shake and gas expense—you may want to go with the higher extreme L71 big-block engine. For a less bumpy ride, but a slower acceleration—reaching 60 mph at 7.7 seconds rather than 5.7—a 350-horsepower or 400-horsepower engine system will be adequate.
As for design, the T-top coupe offers flexibility with its removable panels—though it should be noted, the T-bar has been known to leak when the panels are fully assembled. For a lower cost—and consistent wind through your hair—you can also go with the convertible build. However, this model generally doesn’t come equipped with shoulder belts as a no-cost option.
How to save money on car insurance for the 1968 Corvette
No matter which version of the iconic ’68 Corvette you choose to go with, you’ll want to protect your investment with good car insurance.
Jerry
can make sure you get the lowest rates available. The app is free to use and instantly analyzes custom quotes from over 50 top insurance companies to track down the best price for your coverage needs. As a
licensed broker
, Jerry can help cancel your old policy for you and handle all the transition paperwork. The average Jerry user ends up saving $887 a year on car insurance so it’s definitely worth a look to keep that classic Corvette covered—without breaking the bank!
“Jerryhad a super simple app that was easy to navigate. And their terrific customer service made everything even easier. Plus I saved $700 in a single year.” —Lucia M.
RECOMMENDED
Thousands of customers saved on average $887/year on their car insurance with Jerry
This app is great, but the customer service is even better! Not to mention convenient! My husband and I got the lowest rate (much lower than the rates I was finding online through my own searches), quickly, and pretty much all through text message! Thank you so much for a hassle free experience👍
Gabriella R.
Find insurance savings
4.7/5 Rating on App Store
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
4.7You might also be interested
