Corvette Model Gallery

1968 Convertible

Press criticism of the new ‘68 was swift and savage. Road & Track Magazine wrote, "we feel the general direction of the changes is away from sports car and toward Image and Gadget Car. And since the Corvette is America’s only sports car, this direction is a disappointment to us." The most damning comments came from an editor at Car & Driver who was critical of almost everything in the new car and declared it "unfit to road test." Some of this criticism from the press and new owners was deserved. While the new car was seven inches long, luggage room was less and more difficult to access. The car was more difficult to get into and once in, shoulder room was at a premium. Ventilation from the new ‘Astro-Ventilation’ system, which did away with the side vent windows, was inadequate and excess heat from the engine compartment made life in the cockpit even more uncomfortable. Engine overheating, especially in slow city traffic, would remain the most frustrating problem for C3 owners and a problem that would never be fully solved. While some of these problems had been in the initial design and others were the common problems associated with nearly every first year design, some have suggested that many could be traced back to GM’s decision to treat the Corvette as just another GM product. The Vette was not, ‘just another GM car’ and its owners, willing to spend more on their car then any other GM product had higher expectations. While fault could be found with fit and finish no one could fault Corvette’s performance, especially when equipped with one of four 427 cu. in. engines. Even the super critical Car & Driver referred to a big block equipped coupe as "a 2-door rocket sled." Racers were also quick to recognize Corvette’s ability on the track, especially the 430 hp L88 of which 80 were factory built. Teams and individuals would quickly line up to purchase and modify their cars and Corvettes would go on to dominate SCCA racing events for several years to come. The buying public didn’t listen to the press, buying more than twenty-eight thousand, the most ever, with convertibles outselling coupes almost two to one, Even Car & Driver in its annual poll had to accept that the readers had chosen the Corvette as best all around car. The era of the C3 had begun.

The model

Mike built this Revell '68 L-88 convertible almost box stock.

The paint is Dupont Rally Red lacquer. Shabo redlines. Vinyl hardtop is the most unique feature.

Comments:

Mike.. "I use 3M masking tape to add vinyl roofs"

Nice trick. It makes a good looking model even better. Thanks for the tip... Ismael

If you would like to contact Mike on this model his e-mail address is: FREDEBASSETT@prodigy.net

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Page updated  09/16/99