Vehicle Description
427 Tri-power Corvette — Great Engine, Needs Cosmetic And Chassis Work
OVERALL CONDITION: The Rally Red paint is older and tired — significant oxidation on horizontal surfaces. The hood has a 4-inch stress crack near the left edge and there's a small blister (fiberglass delamination) on the driver's door. The body has the typical C2/C3 stress cracks at the door hinge area. Chrome bumpers have moderate pitting. The side pipes are older and have heat discoloration and surface rust at the collector. The knock-off wheels are original and have some pitting on the spinners. Tires are old — 10+ years and should be replaced. Interior is tired: black vinyl seats with cracking on both bottoms, the dash pad has a crack, and the door panels are faded. The headliner is a hardtop unit and is in decent shape. Carpet is worn at the driver's heel pad. The gauge cluster partially works — fuel gauge is dead, temp gauge works, clock does not. Radio is AM only and works.
ENGINE: 427 CI V8 with three two-barrel Rochester carburetors (Tri-Power) rated at 435 HP. The engine starts after a few cranks and idles at 900 RPM — the Tri-Power setup gives it a distinct, aggressive sound. It's loud and serious. Compression is 155-165 psi — lower than new but consistent, suggesting wear rather than damage. The center carb works fine for cruising; the end carbs are original and the linkages are functional — they kick in at wide throttle. There's a slight hesitation when the end carbs open — the enrichment circuit may need adjustment. No smoke from the exhaust. There's an oil leak from the timing chain cover — a slow drip. The cooling system uses an original-style radiator that's adequate — runs at 200°F, 210°F in traffic. Headers are stock manifolds into side pipes.
TRANSMISSION: Muncie M21 4-speed manual. Shifts are acceptable — 1st, 2nd, and 3rd are okay, but 4th gear occasionally grinds on a fast shift. The syncro for 4th is worn. Clutch is a replacement — grabs but has a heavy pedal and chatters slightly on engagement. No slippage. The shifter is original and has play.
BRAKES: Four-wheel power disc brakes. The system works but needs attention — the pedal is spongy, suggesting air in the lines or a failing master cylinder. Front pads are at 40%. Rear calipers are original and one is weeping. The power booster is weak. This brake system needs a rebuild for safe driving.
UNDERCARRIAGE: The birdcage has surface rust but no structural perforation — this is the good news. The bad news: the frame has scale and surface rust throughout, and there's a 2-inch area of pitting on the driver-side frame rail near the kick panel — needs monitoring. Floor pans are intact but have surface rust. The body-to-frame bond is intact. Front suspension bushings are original and cracked. Rear trailing arm bushings are worn — the rear end has some sideways movement at speed. Gas tank is original with surface rust. This car is structurally okay but needs chassis work.
Test Drive Experience
The 427 Tri-Power fires up after a few cranks — the three carbs give it a sound like no other Corvette. It's loud, raw, and serious. The idle is lumpy and the car vibrates — that's 435 cubic inches of big block.
First gear engages with a clunk — the clutch chatters on takeoff, which takes getting used to. The 427 pulls like a freight train — from 2,000 RPM in 2nd gear, the torque is relentless. When you floor it and the end carbs open, there's a brief hesitation then a surge of power that pushes you back hard — the Tri-Power is an experience.
But the handling is loose — the worn trailing arm bushings let the rear end wander at highway speed, and the steering has play. The spongy brake pedal is concerning — you push and the car takes a moment to respond. At 70 MPH, the engine is at 2,800 RPM and the side pipes are LOUD.
After 25 minutes, the temp crept to 210°F in traffic — it's fine but you're watching the gauge. This is a car with an amazing engine and a tired body — it needs work, but the heart is there.
| Engine Size | 427 CI V8 (435 HP) Tri-Power |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
| Transmission Detail | 4 Speed |
| Rear Axle Ratio | 3.36:1 |
| Est. Fuel Consumption | 8 city / 13 hwy MPG |
| Mileage | 59,483 mi (actual miles) |
| Exterior Body Color | Rally Red |
|---|---|
| Interior Color | Black |
| Stock Number | C6397 |
|---|---|
| Model Year | 1968 |
| Make | Chevrolet |
| Model | Corvette |
| Sub Model / Trim | 427 Tri-Power |
| Inventory Location | Woodinville, WA |
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