Before Chevy wrapped the Z06 Corvette 2022 Corvette, all C8 Vettes used the same 6.2-liter V8, with the exception of a 5-hp increase to 495 horsepower for cars that were ordered with Z51 Performance Packages. This package includes a performance exhaust.
In 1960, buyers could choose from an enormous range of engines for the C3 Corvette. These included a vanilla 300-hp V8 (5.4-liter), to a powerful 427 (7.4-liter) L88 code big block that has almost double the power. And one of those mythical L88s is getting ready to cross Barrett Jackson’s auction block in Scottsdale this January.
Offered with no reserve, the Polar White ’68 coupe is one of just 80 cars equipped with the L88 motor that were made that year. An aluminum-head L88 motor cost $948, which is more than the base Corvette’s $4,663 purchase. It was only rated at just 430 horsepower, 5 HP less than the L71 427, which costs $437. You also couldn’t have it with a radio, or even a heater, meaning it was for committed racers only. GM attempted to stop anyone from buying the car for street use.
But the 80 lucky Corvette buyers who did tick that L88 box knew Chevy was underrating the big-block mill’s true output by as much as 130 hp. Featuring a stratospheric 12.5:1 compression ratio, lumpy solid-lifter cam and a forged bottom end, it was only available in conjunction with goodies like the Muncie M22 “rock crusher” four-speed manual transmission, heavy-duty four-wheel disc brakes and uprated suspension.
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According to the minimal info on Barrett-Jackson’s page, the 25,000-mile car has been professionally repainted, has received an engine rebuild and even still has its original unused spare tire. Original build sheet showing the L88 option. This has apparently been removed and presumably replaced with a duplicate.
What is the cost of next-owner? A 1969 L88 was sold on Bring-a-Trailer for $610,000 earlier this year. This gives you an idea of the price range. And if you think that’s expensive, you should take a look at prices for the 20 examples of the L88-equipped Corvettes built in 1967, which mated the crazy engine with the very last of the C2 Stingray bodies. Another one was sold for $2.45million earlier in the year.
