1968 L88 Resurrection??

[Rob]

1968 L88 Resurrection

What do you think?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2413957867&category=6168

It's for sale by Holland auto sales and the ad states:

RPO L-88 427-430HP
Special High Performance Engine
Aluminum Heads
TO404IT Code 18S419330 #s Match
4 Speed Transmission
Positraction Rear
CO7 Auxiliary Hard top
Convertible Top
F41 Suspension
J56 Heavy Duty Brakes
986 Silverstone Silver
Trim STD
J15 Build Code
1968 L-88 Convertible

In a barn for over 20 years. Never before offered.

Still has the real L-88 engine and associated hardware. not a restamp. Not a hoax. This car is real and will absolutely become a car you will see in magazines and say, "I could have bought on e-bay for $____ in 2003". Why not purchase a car worthy of an expensive restoration. Only 80 were built. How many were convertibles? How many are left? Still in the barn never restored, obviously put away for a rainy day. Get your umbrella and your wallet out it is about to rain.

I heard about this car some years ago through a friend and was invited by the older gentleman to come up for a visit if I wanted to see the car. At that time it was not for sale. He and his family have since decided at his age it wasn't likely that he would be able to find the time to do the car. I was contacted to help them avoid the unnecessary problems and stresses associated with selling the car.

This car was repainted after minor front end damage many years ago. The frame is in VERY NICE condition, only minor surface rust. The windshield frame is in very good condition as well. This is a very ORIGINAL CAR that deserves a total restoration. Upon close inspection you will find that the impossible and hard to find parts are there and intact. It is my belief that nobody will ever find another L-88 Convertible as original and unrestored.

I will Not reveal the reserve on this car to anyone. We believe the reserve is reasonable. However should the car not reach the reserve, the highest bit will revealed to the owner for consideration.

 

[Rob]

The interesting thing about this car is.....look at this picture and tell me what's wrong with it:

 

[page62]

Aside from the bad photography?

It almost looks like bondo on the fenders, but judging from the patterns I'd say it's losing its paint...

 

[Rob]

Aside from the bad photography?

It almost looks like bondo on the fenders, but judging from the patterns I'd say it's losing its paint...

Nope....look towards the rear of the car....

 

[JRMaroon]

How many L-88's had a luggage rack?

 

[Rob]

How many L-88's had a luggage rack?

And what else do you notice?

 

[luvmy73]

What I noticed is that the seller says it is a power-brake car, yet in the pictures I cannot see a power brake booster on the firewall, only the master cylinder in visible.

I also can't believe that the seller didn't pull the car out of that shed and clean it up. I mean it is an L88 that is already going for over $30,000. Presonally I would stay away from this one.

 

[Rob]

What I noticed is that the seller says it is a power-brake car, yet in the pictures I cannot see a power brake booster on the firewall, only the master cylinder in visible.

I also can't believe that the seller didn't pull the car out of that shed and clean it up. I mean it is an L88 that is already going for over $30,000. Presonally I would stay away from this one.

I hadn't noticed that. Good eye. Also, look next to the luggage rack. L88s did not have antennas because they did not have radios. Although the mast is missing, the base is still there. If I'm correct (correct me if I'm wrong), there was no provision made in the fiberglass of an L88 car for an antenna.

 

[luvmy73]

I hadn't noticed that. Good eye. Also, look next to the luggage rack. L88s did not have antennas because they did not have radios. Although the mast is missing, the base is still there. If I'm correct (correct me if I'm wrong), there was no provision made in the fiberglass of an L88 car for an antenna.

Hmmm good point... every L88 I have ever seen always has the radio delete on it. But I cannot verify forsure if the dealer would allow you to order one with it. Can anyone out there verfiy this?

 

[Rob]

It is of course, possible that this car is an authentic L88 and that there was a radio added by the owner at one time and a luggage rack, however, looking at the dash, the cover plate is there where the radio would have been installed and of course, the error with the missing power brake booster.

 

[Tom Bryant]

The luggage rack was a dealer installed accessory and wasn't available installed or as an included option from St. Louis. The radio blockoff plate being where it is supposed to be leads me to believe that the radio was added at some time and was mounted or just laying someplace other than the dash. I would also be more suprised to find a L88 with power brakes considering the camshaft overlap and absence of manifold vacuum. Can anyone tell from the pics if it has a heater?

This is an interesting car. If it's as discribed it would be a great buy. I wouldn't worry about a few owner mods. That stuff can be fixed. It's the real L88 stuff that is important.

Tom

 

[matchframe]

Were there any L-88 convertables? The top looks like one of those bolt on hardtops. Also, didn't the L-88s have more a flare over the wheel wells? It is definately a 68, according to the door release.

Bill

 

[Rob]

You can find more info on the L88s here:

http://corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/l88/l88prod.html

 

[Corey 68]

Were there any L-88 convertables? The top looks like one of those bolt on hardtops. Also, didn't the L-88s have more a flare over the wheel wells? It is definately a 68, according to the door release.

Bill

Yes, there was a convertible option on the L88 cars.

 

[69vettester]

I have a problem getting serious about this being the score of a lifetime either, he's beating a car salesmen tune for something that anyone serious will find out for themselves anyway. I doubt sales pitches like that for such a premium item..
My 2 centavos worth
Tom

 

[SBR]

The car may very well be the real thing but if it were my car I would have digital photograghs of the stamp pad as well as the stamping on the transmission. I would also show any documentation the car may have. Since the seller has not shown any of this I would be very cautious. BTW it goes without saying that a potential buyer should always inspect the car in person.

 

[a69vette]

I see it's in Longwood. About 1 1/2 from my house. I think I'll bookmark this one.

 

[Tom Bryant]

Bill,

Most L88s in the old race pics were convertibles with the hardtop. Probably hardtop only cars. The flares were an over the counter item that became available in '69. They are usually referred to as ZL1 flares.


Rick,
Nice signiture pic. I love your new car.

Tom

 

[MidShark]

Also incorrect for an L-88, the chrome fuel line going into the carb, and the rubber lines and filter connected to that. :eyerole

Hey Corey 68- Welcome to the CAC!

Dick

 

[Corey 68]

Hey Corey 68- Welcome to the CAC!

Dick

Thanks, I've been busy trying to get the BB ready for this Summer plus school is killer this semester.