"This rare NCRS Top Flight 1968 Corvette Coupé is presented in Silverstone Silver with a black interior and is powered by its original matching numbers IM-L68, 427 cubic inch 400 bhp engine with correct numbers, fitted with 3x2 Holley carburettors, all of this is mated to a four-speed transmission.
Boasting air conditioning, tinted glass, power steering, power brakes and complete with the original tank sticker, this car is in impeccable condition and we are informed in perfect working order. The paint is described as flawless; indeed the entire vehicle is in incredible concours condition including the undercarriage and frame.
Built in early March 1968 it is believed only 116 Corvettes were built with the 427ci /400hp block mated to a four-speed gearbox. Understood to have had just three owners, the current owner has had the vehicle for 10 years. It appears to have a genuine 90,000 miles on the odometer, substantiated by the original owner’s personal maintenance notes in the Owner’s Manual which contains hand-written maintenance notes to 77,280 miles.
This stunning car received an NCRS Top Flight award in 2004 and again in 2019; an award which was created by the National Corvette Restorers Society in 1974 to recognise cars that have been preserved or restored to the highest level of achievement through the NCRS Flight Judging Process. The overall score was 96.48% in 2004 and the deficits noted on the judging sheets have been corrected as noted in available documents. In September 2018, the vehicle was treated to a refresh in excess of $21,000 which included an overhaul or replacement of all major systems, key components and appearance items; receipts for which are included in the history file.
Provenance is provided by way of the original tank sticker, Owner’s Manual with original owner’s maintenance notes, 2004 NCRS Regional Top Flight certificate judging sheets, receipts from the 2004 restoration and complete documentation of the freshening completed in September 2018 at Masterworks Corvette in Madison Heights, Michigan. Masterworks was founded by Werner Meier, a General Motors engineer/manager who spent over 25 years in the Corvette group and earned him admittance in the Corvette Hall of Fame and also an NCRS senior judge and group judge at the Concours D’Elegance of America. Regarded as one of the best in the world at Corvette judging and restoration, Werner restored dozens of notable Corvettes, some of which have been on display at the National Corvette Museum. Few people understand, or know how to, restore Corvettes as this man does.
During restoration, only the highest quality rebuilt, N.O.S. or premium reproduction parts were used, and no unknown manufacturers were utilised as sources. In the latest restoration, the major systems of the car were replaced, overhauled or repaired including the intake manifold and removal of the oil pan and internals inspected. The compression check was very good with all cylinders registering between 108-116 psi on the 1st cycle, and 128-135 psi on the 3rd cycle. The oil pan, oil pan gaskets and rear main engine seal were replaced. Push rods, lifters, rocker arms, etc. were inspected and found to be in good condition.
The transmission and rear axle were overhauled by a GM engineer and all parts found to be out-of-spec or visibly worn were replaced and the internal specs were checked and corrected. The factory specified rear axle ratio of 3.08:1 was changed to 3.36:1 during restoration (the speedo gear was also changed and is accurate to +1 mph) - this change allowed the vehicle to perform better than it did as new but can easily be returned to the original 3.08:1 ratio with little cost or effort. U-joints, driveshaft, axles were inspected, found to be in good condition and marked with appropriate paint.
The brake system was extensively redone with new vacuum booster, master cylinder, master cylindercover (with bail tag), calipers, and pads. The fluid was replaced and discs were refaced. The carburettors were replaced with N.O.S. units with correct date codes, before fuel lines/blocks, linkage, cable, choke coil/cover and brackets were replaced.
Key electrical components were replaced, the entire interior was removed and each assembly was then inspected and replaced if function or appearance were compromised before painted items received fresh paint. All key electrical switches were replaced and even the FM/AM radio, speakers, speaker wires, fresh air outlets replaced. The front and rear suspension was inspected, aligned and placed in spec and shocks were replaced. The tyres are correct reproduction from original moulds as red line bias-ply Sup-R-Belt - a rare option only available on late production cars.
The paint and chrome appear factory new and gives the appearance of being dipped in a liquid coating. The panel fit is as original and we are informed there is no damage to body or trim and no missing trim.
After the 2018 work this example was imported to the UK where in 2019 it gained a fresh NCRS Top Flight award, and in the face of much stricter criteria than in previous years it achieved an impressive overall score of 97.4 %. Offered with the dealer-installed accessory luggage rack together with a comprehensive history file, this Corvette gives an accurate impression of what the car would have looked like when new 50 years ago. With its impressive looks and performance, the quality of this car is targeted at the Corvette enthusiast who does not want to compromise on their investment but instead wants a verifiable, documented history of responsible ownership and restoration as befits one of America’s true sports cars.
Ready for showing or just for recreational driving, opportunities to own such a desirable car are rare and the new owner would undoubtedly be the envy of every Corvette enthusiast."