Car Model History

Third generation · C3 "Stingray" · 1968–1982

1968Chevrolet Corvette

The Coke-bottle 'shark' body — the longest-running Corvette generation. Big-block muscle early, then detuned through the 1970s emissions era; the original ZR1 option appeared 1970–1972.

Third generation · C3 "Stingray"

1968 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, C3 third generation — blue convertible, front three-quarter view

Photo: Bull-Doser / Wikimedia Commons — Public domain. Cropped to 16:9.

The 1968 model year

Overview

The 1968 Chevrolet Corvette was the C3 Stingray model-year specification for the U.S. market. Its documented factory range comprised 327 cu in small-block V8, 427 cu in big-block V8 with 3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic or 3-speed manual or 4-speed manual.

Specifications

Engines
  • 327 cu in small-block V8
  • 427 cu in big-block V8
Transmissions
3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic, 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual
Body styles
Coupe with removable roof panels, Convertible

Year over year

What changed

  • An all-new C3 body introduced removable coupe roof panels while retaining C2-derived chassis hardware.

Worth knowing

Notable

  • This page records the U.S. 1968 factory powertrain and body-style range rather than borrowing a nearby model year's specification.

Living with it

Reliability & ownership notes

  • For a 1968 Corvette, verify the VIN, installed powertrain and service history against the exact-year GM document; age, modifications and deferred maintenance are more useful evidence than generation-wide reputation.
  • Check the NHTSA VIN lookup for unrepaired safety recalls before purchase or road use.

Maintenance & service parts

Keep your 1968 Corvette on the road

Start with the service interval, then match the engine or exact version you own. Order links appear only when a catalog-backed part number is available, and every listing still needs a fitment check.

Service desk

What this car needs & when

Use this as a service-planning checklist for 1968 Chevrolet Corvette. Start with the interval, confirm which engine or configuration you have, then use an exact ordering reference when one is verified.

Service topics
13
Scheduled topics
11
Applicability stated
13
Exact references
1

Before ordering Identify your engine, options and build date. Part numbers and sizes can change within one model year. Shopping links appear only for catalog-backed references; still verify the listing against your vehicle before ordering.

  • Engine oil and filter — changeView intervals, applicability and sources

    Engine oil and filter — change

    Sourced interval available

    Replace the oil filter at the first oil change and every second oil change thereafter.

    Applies to: 1968 · United States

    Source: Chevrolet — 1968 Chassis Service Manual licensed GM reproduction · Lubrication, pages 0-10 through 0-16; Corvette lubrication diagram, Figure 14 · checked

    Normal service

    Applies to: 1968 · United States

    Published interval: 6,000 mi / 4 months · Whichever occurs first.

    Source: Chevrolet — 1968 Chassis Service Manual licensed GM reproduction · Lubrication, pages 0-10 through 0-16; Corvette lubrication diagram, Figure 14 · checked

    Heavy-duty start-stop or prolonged-idling service

    Applies to: 1968 · United States · Continuous start-stop or prolonged idling.

    Published interval: 3,000 mi · The manual specifies after 2,500–3,000 miles; replace the filter after 5,000–6,000 miles.

    Source: Chevrolet — 1968 Chassis Service Manual licensed GM reproduction · Lubrication, pages 0-10 through 0-16; Corvette lubrication diagram, Figure 14 · checked

  • Crankcase-ventilation valve and Bow-Tie filter — serviceView intervals, applicability and sources

    Crankcase-ventilation valve and Bow-Tie filter — service

    Sourced interval available

    Test the ventilation system at every oil change; perform service more often in prolonged dusty use.

    Applies to: 1968 · United States

    Source: Chevrolet — 1968 Chassis Service Manual licensed GM reproduction · Lubrication, pages 0-10 through 0-16; Corvette lubrication diagram, Figure 14 · checked

    Crankcase-ventilation valve — replace; hoses, fittings, and flame arrestor — clean

    Applies to: 1968 · United States

    Published interval: 12,000 mi / 12 months · Whichever occurs first.

    Source: Chevrolet — 1968 Chassis Service Manual licensed GM reproduction · Lubrication, pages 0-10 through 0-16; Corvette lubrication diagram, Figure 14 · checked

    Air-cleaner Bow-Tie filter — replace

    Applies to: 1968 · United States

    Published interval: 24,000 mi

    Source: Chevrolet — 1968 Chassis Service Manual licensed GM reproduction · Lubrication, pages 0-10 through 0-16; Corvette lubrication diagram, Figure 14 · checked

  • Air-injection-reactor system — serviceView intervals, applicability and sources

    Air-injection-reactor system — service

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1968 · United States

    Source: Chevrolet — 1968 Chassis Service Manual licensed GM reproduction · Lubrication, pages 0-10 through 0-16; Corvette lubrication diagram, Figure 14 · checked

    Drive belt — inspect

    Applies to: 1968 · United States

    Published interval: 12,000 mi / 12 months · Whichever occurs first.

    Source: Chevrolet — 1968 Chassis Service Manual licensed GM reproduction · Lubrication, pages 0-10 through 0-16; Corvette lubrication diagram, Figure 14 · checked

    AIR pump filter — service

    Applies to: 1968 · United States

    Published interval: 12,000 mi / 12 months · Whichever occurs first.

    Source: Chevrolet — 1968 Chassis Service Manual licensed GM reproduction · Lubrication, pages 0-10 through 0-16; Corvette lubrication diagram, Figure 14 · checked

  • Carburetor-inlet fuel filter — replaceView intervals, applicability and sources

    Carburetor-inlet fuel filter — replace

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1968 · United States

    Published interval: 12,000 mi / 12 months · Whichever occurs first.

    Source: Chevrolet — 1968 Chassis Service Manual licensed GM reproduction · Lubrication, pages 0-10 through 0-16; Corvette lubrication diagram, Figure 14 · checked

  • V8 oil-wetted paper air-cleaner element — serviceView intervals, applicability and sources

    V8 oil-wetted paper air-cleaner element — service

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1968 · United States

    Source: Chevrolet — 1968 Chassis Service Manual licensed GM reproduction · Lubrication, pages 0-10 through 0-16; Corvette lubrication diagram, Figure 14 · checked

    Inspect for dust leaks, holes, or damage and rotate element

    Applies to: 1968 · United States

    Published interval: 12,000 mi

    Source: Chevrolet — 1968 Chassis Service Manual licensed GM reproduction · Lubrication, pages 0-10 through 0-16; Corvette lubrication diagram, Figure 14 · checked

    Replace element

    Applies to: 1968 · United States

    Published interval: 24,000 mi

    Source: Chevrolet — 1968 Chassis Service Manual licensed GM reproduction · Lubrication, pages 0-10 through 0-16; Corvette lubrication diagram, Figure 14 · checked

  • V8 distributor cam lubricator — serviceView intervals, applicability and sources

    V8 distributor cam lubricator — service

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1968 · United States

    Source: Chevrolet — 1968 Chassis Service Manual licensed GM reproduction · Lubrication, pages 0-10 through 0-16; Corvette lubrication diagram, Figure 14 · checked

    Turn cam lubricator end-for-end

    Applies to: 1968 · United States

    Published interval: 12,000 mi

    Source: Chevrolet — 1968 Chassis Service Manual licensed GM reproduction · Lubrication, pages 0-10 through 0-16; Corvette lubrication diagram, Figure 14 · checked

    Replace cam lubricator

    Applies to: 1968 · United States

    Published interval: 24,000 mi

    Source: Chevrolet — 1968 Chassis Service Manual licensed GM reproduction · Lubrication, pages 0-10 through 0-16; Corvette lubrication diagram, Figure 14 · checked

  • Transmission fluid and lubricant — serviceView intervals, applicability and sources

    Transmission fluid and lubricant — service

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1968 · United States

    Source: Chevrolet — 1968 Chassis Service Manual licensed GM reproduction · Lubrication, pages 0-10 through 0-16; Corvette lubrication diagram, Figure 14 · checked

    Manual transmission — check lubricant level

    Applies to: 1968 · Manual · United States

    Published interval: 6,000 mi

    Source: Chevrolet — 1968 Chassis Service Manual licensed GM reproduction · Lubrication, pages 0-10 through 0-16; Corvette lubrication diagram, Figure 14 · checked

    Powerglide or Turbo Hydra-Matic — check fluid level

    Applies to: 1968 · Automatic · United States

    Published interval: 6,000 mi

    Source: Chevrolet — 1968 Chassis Service Manual licensed GM reproduction · Lubrication, pages 0-10 through 0-16; Corvette lubrication diagram, Figure 14 · checked

    Powerglide or Turbo Hydra-Matic — change fluid

    Applies to: 1968 · Automatic · United States

    Published interval: 24,000 mi · More frequently for trailer pulling, full loads in high heat, mountain operation, or other severe conditions.

    Source: Chevrolet — 1968 Chassis Service Manual licensed GM reproduction · Lubrication, pages 0-10 through 0-16; Corvette lubrication diagram, Figure 14 · checked

    Turbo Hydra-Matic sump strainer — replace

    Applies to: 1968 · Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic · United States

    Published interval: 24,000 mi

    Source: Chevrolet — 1968 Chassis Service Manual licensed GM reproduction · Lubrication, pages 0-10 through 0-16; Corvette lubrication diagram, Figure 14 · checked

  • Rear-axle lubricant level — checkView intervals, applicability and sources

    Rear-axle lubricant level — check

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1968 · United States

    Published interval: 6,000 mi

    Source: Chevrolet — 1968 Chassis Service Manual licensed GM reproduction · Lubrication, pages 0-10 through 0-16; Corvette lubrication diagram, Figure 14 · checked

  • Chassis, clutch cross-shaft, parking-brake mechanism, and hood latch — lubricateView intervals, applicability and sources

    Chassis, clutch cross-shaft, parking-brake mechanism, and hood latch — lubricate

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1968 · United States

    Source: Chevrolet — 1968 Chassis Service Manual licensed GM reproduction · Lubrication, pages 0-10 through 0-16; Corvette lubrication diagram, Figure 14 · checked

    Chassis and parking-brake mechanism

    Applies to: 1968 · United States

    Published interval: 6,000 mi

    Source: Chevrolet — 1968 Chassis Service Manual licensed GM reproduction · Lubrication, pages 0-10 through 0-16; Corvette lubrication diagram, Figure 14 · checked

    Hood catch and lock plate

    Applies to: 1968 · United States

    Published interval: 12,000 mi / 12 months · Whichever occurs first.

    Source: Chevrolet — 1968 Chassis Service Manual licensed GM reproduction · Lubrication, pages 0-10 through 0-16; Corvette lubrication diagram, Figure 14 · checked

    Clutch cross-shaft

    Applies to: 1968 · Manual · United States

    Published interval: 36,000 mi · Or sooner if necessary.

    Source: Chevrolet — 1968 Chassis Service Manual licensed GM reproduction · Lubrication, pages 0-10 through 0-16; Corvette lubrication diagram, Figure 14 · checked

  • Front wheel bearings — clean and repackView intervals, applicability and sources

    Front wheel bearings — clean and repack

    Fitment must be confirmed

    Service whenever the wheel and hub are removed; the Corvette lubrication diagram identifies service whenever the brakes are serviced.

    Applies to: 1968 · United States

    Source: Chevrolet — 1968 Chassis Service Manual licensed GM reproduction · Lubrication, pages 0-10 through 0-16; Corvette lubrication diagram, Figure 14 · checked

  • Brake-master-cylinder fluid level — checkView intervals, applicability and sources

    Brake-master-cylinder fluid level — check

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1968 · United States

    Published interval: 6,000 mi

    Source: Chevrolet — 1968 Chassis Service Manual licensed GM reproduction · Lubrication, pages 0-10 through 0-16; Corvette lubrication diagram, Figure 14 · checked

  • Battery-terminal felt washers — oilView intervals, applicability and sources

    Battery-terminal felt washers — oil

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1968 · United States

    Published interval: 6,000 mi

    Source: Chevrolet — 1968 Chassis Service Manual licensed GM reproduction · Lubrication, pages 0-10 through 0-16; Corvette lubrication diagram, Figure 14 · checked

  • Engine oil filter — catalog fitmentView intervals, applicability and sources

    Engine oil filter — catalog fitment

    Exact reference available

    Baldwin B27

    This manufacturer application record establishes replacement-filter fitment only; the service interval comes from the separately cited Chevrolet schedule.

    Applies to: 1968 · United States · Baldwin's exact 1968 Corvette application rows assign B27 to every cataloged engine family; confirm the installed engine and filter before ordering.

    Source: Parker/Baldwin Filters — 2025 Automotive Applications catalog · PDF page 781, Chevrolet 1968 Corvette 327- and 427-cu-in V8 rows — Lube — B27 · checked

    Verified ordering references

Collect

Bring this model year home

Find a scale model using the exact year, make, and model—not a generic generation search.

Sources

  1. General Motors Heritage Archive — 1968 Chevrolet Corvette Vehicle Information Kit
  2. NHTSA — VIN recall lookup

Other Third generation years

Explore the C3 "Stingray" generation →All Third generation · C3 "Stingray" years →

Documented lineup

Find your exact 1968 Corvette

Start with a family, body style, or engine. Every card opens the facts and maintenance information for that factory version.

12factory configurations
Exact factory pairings documentedHow this lineup was verified

These source-backed records identify published body, engine, and transmission combinations. Exact pairings do not by themselves assert that every factory option or special edition is represented.

12versions shown
Browse 12 documented records — use the filters above to narrow the list
Coupe with removable roof panels

Corvette Stingray 327 Coupe with removable roof panels — 3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic

Body
Coupe with removable roof panels
Engine
327 cu in small-block V8
Gearbox
3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Coupe with removable roof panels

Corvette Stingray 327 Coupe with removable roof panels — 3-speed manual

Body
Coupe with removable roof panels
Engine
327 cu in small-block V8
Gearbox
3-speed manual
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Coupe with removable roof panels

Corvette Stingray 327 Coupe with removable roof panels — 4-speed manual

Body
Coupe with removable roof panels
Engine
327 cu in small-block V8
Gearbox
4-speed manual
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Convertible

Corvette Stingray 327 Convertible — 3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic

Body
Convertible
Engine
327 cu in small-block V8
Gearbox
3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Convertible

Corvette Stingray 327 Convertible — 3-speed manual

Body
Convertible
Engine
327 cu in small-block V8
Gearbox
3-speed manual
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Convertible

Corvette Stingray 327 Convertible — 4-speed manual

Body
Convertible
Engine
327 cu in small-block V8
Gearbox
4-speed manual
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Coupe with removable roof panels

Corvette Stingray 427 Coupe with removable roof panels — 3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic

Body
Coupe with removable roof panels
Engine
427 cu in big-block V8
Gearbox
3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Coupe with removable roof panels

Corvette Stingray 427 Coupe with removable roof panels — 3-speed manual

Body
Coupe with removable roof panels
Engine
427 cu in big-block V8
Gearbox
3-speed manual
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Coupe with removable roof panels

Corvette Stingray 427 Coupe with removable roof panels — 4-speed manual

Body
Coupe with removable roof panels
Engine
427 cu in big-block V8
Gearbox
4-speed manual
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Convertible

Corvette Stingray 427 Convertible — 3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic

Body
Convertible
Engine
427 cu in big-block V8
Gearbox
3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Convertible

Corvette Stingray 427 Convertible — 3-speed manual

Body
Convertible
Engine
427 cu in big-block V8
Gearbox
3-speed manual
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Convertible

Corvette Stingray 427 Convertible — 4-speed manual

Body
Convertible
Engine
427 cu in big-block V8
Gearbox
4-speed manual
Built
Regular production
Open exact version

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