1968 Chevrolet Corvette 427/390 Convertible

ONE FAMILY OWNED SINCE NEW | NUMBERS-MATCHING ENGINE & TRANSMISSION | ORIGINAL TANK STICKER & PROTECT-O-PLATE

YEAR: 1968
MAKE: Chevrolet
MODEL: Corvette Convertible (C3)
VIN: 194678S405281
MILEAGE: 37,353 Miles Shown (Title Exempt)
ENGINE: 427ci L36 V8 — 390 HP
TRANSMISSION: 3-Speed Turbo Hydra-Matic Automatic
EXTERIOR: Safari Yellow (984)
INTERIOR: Black Standard Vinyl
TITLE: Indiana — Normal / Mileage Exempt

OVERVIEW

MOTORVAULT is pleased to offer this 1968 Chevrolet Corvette 427/390 Convertible, finished in Safari Yellow over black vinyl. Purchased new on November 30, 1967, from Morris Chevrolet in New Castle, Indiana, this first-year C3 Corvette has remained within the original purchaser's family for nearly six decades.

Originally owned by George Poole and subsequently passed to his daughter, Margaret Walls, the Corvette remains largely unrestored and has been predominantly stored indoors. Power comes from its numbers-matching 427ci L36 V8, factory rated at 390 horsepower, paired with a three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. Both the engine and transmission bear stampings corresponding to the vehicle's VIN.

During MOTORVAULT's preparation, we located and recovered the original factory tank sticker, providing valuable documentation of the Corvette's factory configuration. Additional materials include original Chevrolet literature, historical registrations, certified Indiana title records, and maintenance invoices.

Displaying 37,353 miles, the Corvette has received periodic mechanical maintenance and is reported to run and drive well.

WHY WE LOVE IT

The appeal of this Corvette extends beyond its big-block engine and distinctive first-year C3 styling. Its nearly six decades of family ownership, largely unrestored condition, and accompanying documentation offer a compelling history.

One particularly rewarding discovery was the original factory tank sticker, recovered from the fuel tank during our preparation of the vehicle. Despite its age and deterioration, the surviving document identifies several factory options and provides a direct connection to the Corvette's original assembly.

Combined with matching drivetrain stampings, original dealership literature, and decades of ownership records, this example offers the character and history of a Corvette that has been preserved and maintained rather than comprehensively restored.

EXTERIOR

Finished in factory-correct Safari Yellow (984), the Corvette features the distinctive styling introduced for 1968, including concealed headlights, sculpted fenders, side vents, and chrome bumpers.

The exterior presents in largely unrestored condition with age-related cosmetic imperfections. The factory trim tag confirms the original color, although the extent of original paint has not been independently established.

EXTERIOR FEATURES

• Safari Yellow exterior (984)

• Concealed retractable headlights

• Chrome front and rear bumpers

• Removable auxiliary hardtop

• Beige folding convertible soft top

• Factory-style steel wheels with chrome wheel covers

• BFGoodrich Radial T/A raised-white-letter tires

• Dual exhaust

Both the removable hardtop and convertible soft top accompany the vehicle and are identified on the original factory order copy.

INTERIOR

The Corvette features a black standard vinyl interior, consistent with its factory trim tag and recovered tank sticker.

The cabin retains the distinctive early C3 layout, including large primary gauges, centrally mounted auxiliary instruments, and a floor-mounted automatic shifter.

INTERIOR FEATURES

• Black standard vinyl bucket seats

• Three-spoke wood-rim-style steering wheel

• Telescopic steering column

• Factory-style instrumentation and auxiliary gauges

• Speed warning indicator

• Deluxe front shoulder belt option

• Floor-mounted automatic shifter

• Period aftermarket Happy Tooters musical horn accessory

The factory order copy identifies the telescopic steering column, speed warning indicator, and shoulder belt options. The musical horn controller was added during previous ownership.

ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN

The Corvette is equipped with Chevrolet's L36 427ci big-block V8, factory rated at 390 horsepower, paired with a three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission.

MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• 427ci L36 V8 — 390 HP

• Rochester four-barrel carburetor configuration

• Three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic

• Positraction rear axle

• Factory-ordered K66 full-transistor ignition

• Four-wheel disc brakes

• Independent front and rear suspension

• Power steering

ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN IDENTIFICATION

The 427ci L36 V8 bears assembly stamping T1005IQ and partial VIN 18S405281, corresponding to the vehicle's VIN. The original Chevrolet Protect-O-Plate independently records the matching engine assembly information as T1005IQR, identifying an October 5, 1967 Tonawanda-built 427/390 HP engine equipped with automatic transmission and Rochester carburetion.

The Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission also bears the corresponding VIN sequence 405281. These markings support the Corvette's numbers-matching engine and transmission configuration.

TRANSMISSION IDENTIFICATION

The Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission carries the matching VIN sequence 405281, corresponding to the Corvette's vehicle identification number.

These markings support the vehicle's numbers-matching drivetrain configuration and are consistent with the original factory order copy. Stamp authenticity has not been independently certified.

ORIGINAL CARBURETOR

The original Rochester Quadrajet carburetor was removed during previous ownership and accompanies the vehicle. The retained unit bears identification number 7028216, corresponding to the correct factory application for a 1968 Corvette 427/390 automatic.

ORIGINAL FACTORY TANK STICKER

During preparation for sale, MOTORVAULT successfully recovered the Corvette's original Chevrolet Motor Division Corvette Order Copy, commonly referred to as the factory tank sticker.

Although portions have deteriorated, the surviving document identifies the following factory equipment:

• BSTD: Black standard interior trim

• L36: 427ci V8, 390 HP

• M40: Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic

• G81: Positraction rear axle

• K66: Full-transistor ignition

• PT7: F70-15 white-stripe tires

• C05: Beige convertible soft top

• C07: Auxiliary removable hardtop

• A85: Deluxe front shoulder belts

• N36: Telescopic steering column

• U15: Speed warning indicator

The surviving factory document will accompany the Corvette along with its original literature and historical records.

ORIGINAL PROTECT-O-PLATE

The Corvette is also accompanied by its original Chevrolet Protect-O-Plate, retained with the factory warranty booklet. The plate records engine identification T1005IQR, consistent with the engine's stamped assembly code, along with rear axle identification AY1109W, indicating a 2.73:1 Positraction axle assembled November 9, 1967. The differential's installed identification stamping has not yet been independently verified.

PRODUCTION TIMELINE

• October 5, 1967: Engine assembly (T1005IQ)

• November 9, 1967: Rear axle assembly (AY1109W)

• November 22, 1967: Body build date (D22)

• November 30, 1967: Original purchase from Morris Chevrolet, New Castle, IndianaOWNERSHIP HISTORY & DOCUMENTATION

The Corvette was reportedly purchased new on November 30, 1967, by George Poole from Morris Chevrolet in New Castle, Indiana. It subsequently remained within the family, passing to his daughter, Margaret Walls, who reports ownership beginning in 1994.

Historical Indiana registrations support the family's long-term ownership account. In November 2016, the Corvette was transferred into the Margaret E. Walls Revocable Trust. Certified Indiana BMV records document its subsequent title history, including a duplicate title issued in May 2018.

ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTATION

• Original factory tank sticker / Corvette Order Copy

• Chevrolet Owner Protection Plan and warranty booklet

• 1968 Corvette owner's manual

• Historical Indiana registration records

• Certified Indiana BMV title history

• Previous title and ownership paperwork

• Collector vehicle insurance records

• Service and repair invoices

• Original Rochester carburetor

• Assorted historical receipts and accessories

The documentation provides a detailed record of the Corvette's longstanding family ownership and mechanical upkeep.

SERVICE & MAINTENANCE HISTORY

Maintenance invoices document ongoing mechanical attention rather than a comprehensive restoration.

JUNE 2019 — 36,878 MILES

Oil and filter service, four replacement tires, heater hoses, transmission cooler hose repairs, cooling system inspection, and road test.

MAY–JUNE 2020 — 36,948–36,989 MILES

Starter and wiring repairs, front suspension work, alignment, brake master cylinder gasket, left front brake hose, and brake bleeding.

JUNE 2021 — 37,056 MILES

Oil pressure gauge line and fitting replacement, exhaust bracket adjustment, differential plug tightening, and road testing.

MAY 2023 — 37,143 MILES

Battery replacement, oil pressure and power steering leak repairs, cooling system hose repairs, engine adjustments, and road testing.

MAY 2024 — 37,199 MILES

Left upper control arm shaft and bushing replacement, suspension adjustments, alignment, steering wheel centering, and hardtop hardware attention.

The May 2024 service invoice notes that the Corvette steered properly following the completed repairs.

WHEELS & TIRES

The Corvette rides on factory-style steel wheels with chrome covers and BFGoodrich Radial T/A raised-white-letter tires.

FRONT TIRES

• BFGoodrich Radial T/A

• P225/70R15

• 2019 DOT manufacture date documented

• Approximately 11/32"+ tread

REAR TIRES

• BFGoodrich Radial T/A

• P225/70R15

• Replaced in 2019

• Approximately 11/32"+ tread

A photographed DOT code of 0919 indicates manufacture during the ninth week of 2019 on the inspected tire. Service records document replacement of all four tires in June 2019.

MILEAGE & CONDITION

The odometer currently displays 37,353 miles. Service invoices document a consistent progression from 36,878 miles in June 2019 to 37,199 miles in May 2024, supporting the family's account of limited use.

The Indiana title identifies mileage as exempt. Total mileage since new has not been independently verified.

The Corvette remains largely unrestored, displaying age-related cosmetic wear consistent with its history. It has been predominantly stored indoors, maintained periodically, and is reported to start, run, shift, and drive well.

VALUE & MARKET POSITION

The 1968 Corvette introduced Chevrolet's third-generation design, combining distinctive styling with a selection of high-performance engines. This L36 427/390 Convertible is distinguished by its numbers-matching drivetrain markings, nearly six decades of family ownership, original factory tank sticker, and substantial historical documentation.

Offered at $42,000, it represents an opportunity to acquire a largely unrestored, driver-quality big-block Corvette with an unusually well-documented history.

________________________

CONTACT MOTORVAULT

For additional information, photographs, videos, financing assistance, trade evaluations, or to schedule a private viewing, please contact:

Brian Henry
Managing Partner | Sales & Client Relations
(317) 522-8260
sales@motorvault.com

Ralph Haga
Sales & Client Relations
(309) 721-9725
sales@motorvault.com

MOTORVAULT
520 W. McCarty Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46225

________________________

TERMS, DISCLOSURE & BUYER INFORMATION

At MOTORVAULT, transparency and accurate representation are our priorities. Vehicle descriptions are prepared using owner-supplied information, service records, vehicle history reports, manufacturer documentation, and our own inspection. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, buyers are encouraged to independently verify any information they consider important.

As one of only two Bring a Trailer Local Area Partners (LAPs) in Indiana, MOTORVAULT applies the same attention to detail and documentation to every vehicle we represent, whether sold through Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, or directly through MOTORVAULT.

Unless otherwise stated, all vehicles are sold as-is, where-is, with no expressed or implied warranties. Mileage may vary slightly due to transport, detailing, photography, inspections, or test drives.

Independent pre-purchase inspections are welcomed, and we are happy to coordinate inspections with the buyer's preferred dealership or specialist. We also assist with financing, trade-ins, nationwide enclosed transportation, and international shipping.

Conveniently located just 20 minutes from Indianapolis International Airport (IND), MOTORVAULT welcomes buyers from across the country and can assist with airport transportation and enclosed vehicle delivery.

We appreciate the opportunity to earn your business and welcome any questions regarding this vehicle before purchase.