often the first of a series is shunned (1968), the last of a series is collected (see 1967). Often has to do with perception (and sometimes reality) that the first of a new design may not have all the kinks worked out, which are later taken care of. Witness the thumb operated doors unique to a 1968, the hand grip type in later years consdered to be what the factory intended (but couldn't get ready in time), and are preferred by me as well (I have the later style doors on my car).
If it needs a full resto or is missing a lot of the one year only parts it will be more expensive to restore. All the things unique to this year make the car more special to me instead of the other way around. If it's a 327 small black car that is a great little motor and is the motor used in the high dollar C2 cars.
Can someone tell me why poeple do not like 68's as much as 69-72's..
Thanks
I read this a while back and have heard similar explanations:
"Due to policy changes at Chevrolet, Corvette was treated like all other car lines for the first time, and quality dropped drastically. With bad publicity in most magazines, policy was re-thought and Chevrolet quickly restored independence and higher quality to Corvette production within a few months. Many believe that all 1968 models still carry the stigma of having 'the worst quality' of all Corvettes."
The 69 vette is a cleaner design,but the 68 is a great vette that is sometimes overlooked like BAMAVETTES said ,because people tend to believe everything they read.I owned a 68 427/435 and loved just as much as any 69 or 70 i ever owned.....JERRY
Location: Those who say it can't be done should get out of the way of the ones who are doing it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by rick1500
"Many believe that all 1968 models still carry the stigma of having 'the worst quality' of all Corvettes."
The powertrains are nearly identical to what was offered in 1967. True that there were improvements and additional options made available in 1969 but the same could be said for '71, '72, etc. That's just the law of continuous improvement over time.
Some of the most awesome powertrain combos with respect to big blocks were available during the years '67, '68 and '69, and maybe '70. After that, the smog police started to get the Corvette engineer's attention and performance (which is what I think of with the Corvette name) went down hill fast. I personally would prefer a '68 or '69 over any of the chrome bumper and subsequent C3 models.
I don't think that any "knowledgeable" Corvette guy would turn down a decent '68 over any other C3 model year. The problem is that the "speculators" and the guys that think it would be cool to own and drive a C3 for a while and then move on to something else aren't necessarily "knowledgeable" Corvette people and take comments like the above quote to heart.
It's an unfortunate misconception about the 1968 Corvettes. By this time, there really is no difference between a 1968 or the other years you listed. For some reason, people believe that 1968 is not as desireable becuase of the first year of the C3 generation? There were some minor bugs back then, but by now they should be straightened out. Why doesn't the same happen for the 1963's? 1969 brought on some refinements over 1968 but I would not consider them of any major consequences. Given a choice between a 1968 or the other years, I would be prone to want the 1968. Just my opinion.
The same misperception happens 1984 Corvettes too.
And sad to say, you probably heard it from another Corvette owner.
Example, one evening I was at the local cruise night having a great time , admiring all the different cars and my car was spit shined to the hilt. Up walks a guy with his gal, proceeds to tell her that 68's were the worst of the lot. I just smile to myself and think of what he's missing out on. Later on that night I notice he drives away in a beautiful midyear.
I had a '68; loved it. The 327/350hp motor was great. Due to so many parts being different I'm not sure I would recommend going out to try to find one over a '69. there are a lot of things that can make life miserable, not just cosmetics. If a great '68 comes available, go for it. Ecklers and Mid-America now offer a lot of the '68 only parts that I couldn't get when I had mine 12 or so years ago.
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Why do poeple shy away from 68's
I doubt that the quality issues extended to the drive train.
