This 1968 Corvette Sports a Rare V8 Option and Rear Axle Controversy for Its Next Owner

In 1966, Chevrolet introduced the big-block V8 on the Corvette – the fabled 427 cubic-inch (7.0-liter) Turbo-Jet that produced a massive 425 horses (431 PS) and 460 lb-ft (624 Nm). Sales jumped 20% from the previous year, reaching almost 28,000 units, and expectations were high for 1967. However, something happened, and sportscar enthusiasts didn’t flock to the Chevrolet showrooms as the GM divisional executives predicted (and hoped).

Perhaps it was a recoil from delaying the new-generation Corvette debut (the premiere was initially planned for ‘67) that fended off buyers. In 1968, however, things took a steep turn for the better: the C3 came along, sporting the Mako Shark concept car looks and carrying over the powertrains from the previous years. However, one low-production add-on was on the options list under the ‘Power Team’ section.

The L89 engine was the good news for the inaugural year of the C3 Corvette. However, it didn’t carry any extra firepower compared to the previous year. But it shed some weight, thanks to the aluminum heads on top of the 427-cube big-block. While the power ratings were the same – 435 hp (441 PS), 460 lb-ft (624 Nm), the new car was more than happy to lose some of the weight hanging over the front axle.

To reach that impressive output, a trio of ‘deuces’ sat atop the big engine – the two-barre-triplets carburetion introduced in 1967. The Turbo-Jet had nothing ‘forced induction’ beside the copywriting wordplay that alluded to exhaust-gas-driven turbines. The top-rated engine was available only in combination with the close-ration four-speed manual gearbox (codename M21) and ditched the hydraulic lifters in favor of solid pushrods.

The L89 option code meant replacing the iron heads on the L71 motor with lightweight aluminum ones – for the not-so-modest sum of $368.65. The cylinder block itself was another $437.10 additional preference, so the $805 powerplant alone was around one-fifth of the base price of a 1968 Chevrolet Corvette convertible ($4,320).

While not as exciting as the L88 engine option – which wasn’t even advertised in official Chevrolet literature during its three-year production – the L89 is also quite a treat for Corvette collectors and enthusiasts. Only 624 were assembled with the lively powertrain in its inaugural year, and the number fell to 390 in the following year (also the motor’s final production year).

Naturally, a rare '68 Corvette L89 is a badge of high honor for current owners, especially when the car comes in impeccable shape 56 years after its birth. No, the math is not incorrect –look at the example featured in the video shot at the recent Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals in Rosemont, Illinois.

This car was assembled on November 11, 1967 (for the 1968 model year). It sports the one-year-only Corvette Bronze optional livery and the L89 powerplant. Naturally, it doesn’t have air conditioning – the Special Performance engine mandated the A/C delete option. No horse would gallop for the occupants’ chill-out comfort – not in the 435-hp sportscar. To quote the owner, ‘Absolutely gets your heart pumping! You fire these things up and listen to the rumble of the solid-lifter camshaft…. It is just nothing like it! It's even more fun when you get on the road, and you can let it loose.’

The splendid example has a record of concours-winning appearances, and the original L89 V8 only has 30,017 miles on it (some 48,300 km). To make things even more exciting, this convertible is for sale – a ‘call for price’ type of deal. The paint was refreshed a few years ago, which could bring the price down, but its recent awards might argue against this hypothesis.

This nice Corvette was righteously rewarded with the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals Gold Concourse in 2022. This year, it added the Bloomington Gold Certified, NCRS Top Flight North East Chapter, and NCRS Top Flight Ontario Canada (the last one just last month). As of now, the highest-priced L89-powered soft-top Corvette from 1968 was sold in January of 2022 for $308,000. However, that automobile is an American monument of automotive – its first owner was none other than Allan Shephard, the first American to fly in space and the oldest man to step on the moon.

For the rest of ’68 ‘Vette ‘verts with Earth-bound custodians, the high-water mark was recorded in 2019, when one restored L89 example changed hands for $209,000. The Corvette in our story is offered for public sale for the first time in its 56-year life, and there is one detail that could bring a question to the table. The window sticker - see it in the gallery - states a 4.11 Positive Traction rear axle option. However, the selling dealer notes the gearing is 3.70:1 while also claiming the car still has the original drivetrain (motor, gear, and differential).