1968 Chevrolet Corvette L88 Convertible
- Engine
- 427 cu in (approximately 7.0L) big-block V8, forged internals, aluminum heads, estimated ~550 bhp
- Colour
- British Green over Saddle Tan interior
A 1968 Chevrolet Corvette L88 Convertible, one of only 20 such open-top examples built that year, assembled on 12 February 1968 in British Green over Saddle Tan. Powered by the race-derived 427 big-block with aluminium cylinder heads and requiring 103-octane fuel, the L88 was Chevrolet's most extreme factory homologation special of the C3 era. This example passed through several Connecticut and Florida owners, underwent a full restoration in 1990, received corrective concours preparation later that decade, and was subsequently returned to its original colour scheme. It has been documented in two L88 registries and displayed at LeMay—America's Car Museum in 2023–24.
Ownership
- —Auction saleEstimate US$300,000 – US$375,000
- 1968 →Factory deliveryJames Bakerpartial documentation
Original retail purchaser, based in Yonkers, New York; took delivery via Harte Chevrolet of Meriden, Connecticut, approximately eighteen months before the next sale.
- → 1972-05-01Private saleEdward Weatherspartial documentation
Acquired through Harte Chevrolet; registered the car in Connecticut at a business address very near the originating dealership.
- 1972-05-01 → 1973-03-01Private saleDavid Markspartial documentation
Neighbor of Weathers; the original L88 engine failed during his brief tenure.
- 1973-03-01 → 1987-08-01Private saleLeonard Fazzinopartial documentation
Colleague of Marks; repainted the body maroon and re-dyed the interior black at some point before selling.
- 1987-08-01 → 1988-06-01Private saleWilliam Giarellipartial documentation
Listed the car in June 1988 highlighting its rare factory options; sale was brokered to the next owner by a group of Connecticut Corvette specialists.
- 1988 → 1996Private saleGlen Kalil (Exotic Cars International)partial documentation
Florida-based collector who commissioned a full restoration in 1990, with a color change to LeMans Blue with blue upholstery.
- 1996 →Acquisition unknownFloridian owner post-Kalilpartial documentation
Had the car inspected by L88 specialist Dave Walters, who carried out over $7,000 in corrective work and concours preparation.
- Date unknownAuctionGary Hallpartial documentation
Purchased the car from Dana Mecum and returned it to the factory-correct color pairing of British Green over Saddle Tan.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownJim Mangionepartial documentation
Noted Corvette collector who kept the car for approximately fifteen years; it was subsequently acquired from the Mangione family by the consignor.
- Date unknownPrivate saleCurrent consignorpartial documentation
Acquired from the Mangione family; had the car judged at a 2022 NCRS regional event and placed it on display at a museum exhibit in 2023–2024.
Competition
- 1996Bloomington Gold 1996
Car made its concours debut following corrective restoration work by L88 specialist Dave Walters; no placement result recorded in the prose.
- 2022NCRSNCRS Northwest 2022 Regional MeetSecond Flight
Judged under current ownership; awarded Second Flight status by NCRS judges.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1990Restoration
Comprehensive restoration undertaken, including a change of exterior colour to LeMans Blue and replacement of the interior with bright blue vinyl upholstery.
Commissioned by Glen Kalil during his ownership.
- 1996Inspection
Detailed inspection performed by L88 specialist Dave Walters, identifying numerous details inconsistent with correct L88 specification.
Walters produced extensive written notes documenting the discrepancies; these remain on file with the car.
- 1996Mechanical
Corrective work valued at over $7,000 carried out to bring multiple components closer to authentic L88 specification, combined with concours-level preparation ahead of the Bloomington Gold show.
Work completed by Dave Walters following his inspection.
- —Bodywork
Exterior repainted in maroon and original interior re-dyed black by a prior owner prior to the August 1987 sale.
Carried out during Leonard Fazzino's ownership; exact date unknown.
- —Bodywork
Exterior returned to the factory-original British Green finish and upholstery changed back to Saddle Tan to match the original specification.
Undertaken during or after Gary Hall's ownership following his purchase at the Mecum auction.
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