1968 Corvette L88 427/430 HP, 4-Speed




From the Bloomington Gold Corvette Auction, June 26-27, 2009:

The dominant force of its time in SCCA and FIA competition, the L88 Corvette is still one of the wildest of any generation. With over 560 horsepower on tap at 5600rpm, the L88's thumping powerplant far exceeded its factory-rated 430. Add its requisite F41 suspension, heavy duty disc brakes and indestructible Positraction rear end and the L88 was without peer.

Formerly a prominent piece of the Steve Hendrickson collection, this fabulous 1968 coupe embodies all the qualities dedicated collectors are searching for in their quest for the Holy Grail of Corvettes. In 1991 it collected an amazing NCRS judging score of 95.5 out of 100, and today it counts Bloomington Gold Silver and Survivor Certification awards in its well-documented history.

The car's all-conquering L88 427 engine is complemented with the best from the 1968 equipment list, incorporating transistorized ignition, an M22 "Rock Crusher" 4-speed, J50/J56 heavy-duty power disc brakes, N36 telescopic steering and N11 off-road exhaust. It all comes together wrapped in sparkling International Blue with a Dark Blue interior, both in extraordinary condition, and completed with Rally wheels with correct Red Stripe tires.

Climb into the Dark Blue cockpit, depress the clutch pedal and turn the key, and the L88 barkss instantly to life, idling crisply and rewarding the driver with instantaneous throttle response. When everything is up to the right operating temperature, the car answers every command with immediacy only possible in a big block Corvette built specifically for competition.

Documentation includes the Bloomington Gold Survivor Certificate, NCRS judging sheet, chain of ownership, window sticker and Protect-O-Plate.

The L88 legend is still very much alive, and it absolutely thrives in this shining example of the King of Corvettes.

Highlights:

  • Rare 1968 L88 427 4-speed
  • International Blue with Dark Blue vinyl interior
  • All correct original codes and numbers
  • M22 "Rock Crusher" manual transmission
  • F41 suspension
  • J56 heavy duty brakes
  • N11 off-road exhaust
  • A01 Soft Ray tinted glass
  • Telescopic steering column
  • Red Stripe tires

At the $300,000 Hammer Price, this 1968 Corvette L88 was the top sale at the auction.

1968 Corvette L88 427/430 HP, 4-Speed 1968 Corvette L88 427/430 HP, 4-Speed 1968 Corvette L88 427/430 HP, 4-Speed 1968 Corvette L88 427/430 HP, 4-Speed
1968 Corvette L88 427/430 HP, 4-Speed 1968 Corvette L88 427/430 HP, 4-Speed 1968 Corvette L88 427/430 HP, 4-Speed 1968 Corvette L88 427/430 HP, 4-Speed

Photos, descriptions and other information for the lot depicted on this page are provided by the consigner to Mecum Auction and have not been verified by Mecum Auction.

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