68 vs 66-67
 

I have been looking for a BB 66-67 and have not had much luck thus far. Found a 68 435 car for sale that looks half way decent. Was talking to Meshon's regarding another car and mentioned the C3... The owner stated he would not sell a 68 car due to a number of issues including the floors cracking, electrical issues and generally poor driving. NOT trying to start a fuss, but truly want some answers regarding the early C3's compared to the 66-67 coupes. Thanks in advance. 540 55

I been around corvettes since I was a kid,I never heard of the floors cracking or driving issues on a 68,electrical problems yes,but that was back in the day.If this car is nice as you say it probely been restored to some decree and electrical issue are a thing of the past.The 66,67 cars are the most desirable and alot more expensive.:cheers:

Hi 540,
I'll begin.....
Mechanically the 67 and 68 were very similar. It's the body/interior that were so different.
The 68 body/interior has many parts that are different than the 69+ cars. That's not bad in itself but does make finding certain parts ( 1 example.. the ignition is in the dash... 69+ has it in the steering column), more difficult.
My opinion is that the 68 isn't inherently any better/worse than a 69+ car.
I think after 40+ years each 68+ car has to be judged on it's own merits.
There certainly is a feeling among many 63-67 owners that Chevrolet stopped making Corvettes after 1967.
Some of us love them!
Regards,
Alan

PS:I thought I'd be first but I turned out to be second!

The 68 was a car not without issues. Headlights did not have sheilds when down, door hing issues, push button release for door rather then the later cleaner version. Interior parts are less refined as well, steering wheel, column and door panels to mention a few. All that being said, it was a departure from the previous version, '66 and '67 BB cars are pricey. It has to be a personal choice, just inform yourself so that you get what you want. Searching is a large part of the fun. Also the cheapest part.

two completely different cars except the engines that they share....I like my 68 better than the 63 coupe which is my only comparison as its not a 67...The 67 is the best of the series as it has 5 years of improvements....but I still enjoy the 68 better but mine has more power than normal....

the real solution, buy them both!........:D

Thank for the honest input. As I said, not attempting to be disrespectful to any year Corvette, just want knowledge of the C3 from those who have experience with them. Honestly I do like the midyears better, but as was pointed out that comes with a hefty price tag!! Not sure I want to have 100K plus sitting in my garage! Thank you again. 540 55

A car salesman who would not sell a car? About as likely as a politician who has never told a lie. :rofl:

I guess I thought the same thing.....

The 68's had handling improvements over the 63-67's. Also the 68's were the first "modern" car. Look at the windshield rake as compared to the other cars of the period. They had the first totally soft padded interiors. Most other cars had metal dashes with a rubber pad on top.The seats were angled back more, for better comfort. I think that they are more comfortable to drive than the mid years, straighter seating position. Bye the way, I have had mine over 40 years now and I had to drive it for 4 1/2 years in Cleveland, OH. every day, due to a divorce. I have 110,000 miles on it and I have never had any problem with the door button, even in ice storms. I do not have that nice little 69-up rod thingy that drops and makes it impossible to get in the car. Lou.

The '68 looks better than the others, so go for it my friend!

Thank you for the replies. Will let the board know when I make my decision on what car I eventually buy. Appreciate it. 54055

I've owned my 68 since 1985 and have never experienced any of the issues the salesman spoke of. Most of the above comments cleared it up but my first thought after reading your post was that this "salesman" knows very little about (C3) Corvettes. As Alan said, some mid year guys think they ended production in 67.

If you have a thick skin, lots of self confidence, and don't give a s##t what other people think, then buy a 68. If you are status and self conscious, worry about what others think of you and have a fragile ego, you might need to stick with the generally accepted ultimate corvette, the 1967 bigblock.

oh, and I am not in any way describing "typical owners." I am merely suggesting "better fit". :lol:

I never had any of those issues on my '68. If you like it and the price is right go for it. :rock:

On the other hand, if your heart is set on a mid-year, wait to find the one you want. :cheers:

Good luck. :thumbs:

The basic frames, suspensions and steering systems for the C2 and C3 cars are nearly identical. So, the only reason for [significant] differences in handling (if there are any) would be due to differences in spring rates, shock absorber calibrations, tire construction (from bias ply to steel-belted radials) and tire/wheel widths. If those minor differences in construction are varied between C2 and C3 cars, there will be little difference in handling performance.

1968 Corvette - :thumbs: :yesnod: BK3

7T1 vette, They lowered the rear geometry in the back and made other significant changes to make the 68's handle better. They also put 1" wider wheels on them. All of the road tests in 68 stated how they handled better, than the mid years. I think the track was widened also. Besides, when I got out of the army, I could not believe what they looked like, a fighter jet with the wings cut off! Lou.

I have a 68 big block and a 65 convertible. The 68 is as reliable and drives as good as any mid year I have owned and I've owned several mid year coupes and convertibles. The notion that 68's are problematic is an often told story that stemmed from magazine reviews of early and pre-production 68's that weren't ready for prime time. Any issues with any old Corvette will be sorted out by now. It all depends on what you like and how nice the car is you're looking at. I like both the mid years and the 68 almost equally.

What are your questions?
:thumbs:

At 225 lbs, and 6' I fit better in a '68.
I can drive it all day.
When I drive my friends '65 I do need to get out and stretch
my legs. It reminds me of sitting in my late grandfathers Cris Craft boat.
I think the styling cues of the c-2's is what everyone identifies with when the word classic corvette pops up.
I love my Safari yellow, '68 BB w/ AC.
I wouldn't trade it for a 67 BB as I drive I don't collect.
But then I'm a lil off:willy:
Marshal