1968 Corvette 427 Big Block Barn Find Rescue

A 1968 Corvette convertible 427, with a four-speed, hidden in a north Alabama garage since the late 1970s after a police chase? What kind of folklore is that? Urban legends have a way of surviving the years. In car guy circles, urban legends can take a somewhat true story and stretch it, until it becomes simply unbelievable. But, this story was true! The search for the truth ended, where the aforementioned police chase did, in a barn that had seen far better days. The doors on the ramshackle building opened for the first time ever, to anyone outside of a small, family circle. A red 1968 Corvette with an unbelievable story.
This story began in 1974, when our hero, Mike, aka "Big Block Mike," needed a car. Mike was a high school teen who lived north of Birmingham with Corvette fever, working at a part-time job at the S&H Green Stamp store. Lucky for Mike, a dealership that specialized in Corvette sales, service and restoration, was temptingly located close to his job. Stern negotiations and $2,900 later, the dealership pronounced him into a lifetime marriage to this 1968 Corvette.
The only options we could spot on the barn-banished Vette were the 427 ground-pounder and the removable hardtop. This muscle machine was made to run without a lot to worry about.
Big Block Mike used the car for transportation and fun. One night at the local cruise haunt, Mike was challenged by four guys in four cars. Usually, one hot rod would call him out then hand over his hat, but this time four were ready to run. They drove to a secluded area and Mike lined them up, one after the other, and took their ice cream money.
A brief monetary gain for the fun of racing. That “fun” cost him clutches and rear tires at rates greater than if he had bought any other car.
The only problem with everyone knowing you drive the fastest car in town - is that everyone knows you drive the fastest car in town. People talk and during the 1970s, the Citizen’s Band Radio craze was everywhere. CB’s were the latest, really cool thing. Then, the police got them. That is not good for a young hot rodder with a big block Vette.
After outrunning local law enforcement embarrassingly bad, south bound, Big Block Mike turned around and met them again, this time, north bound. This stunt angered the cops even more, as Mike’s friend listening on a newly acquired police scanner overheard.
Could we say it was another guy in a red Corvette convertible? No, that small town thing came back to haunt Mike very quickly. So, that left one option… Grow a beard, join Green Peace and have them ship Mike, and the Corvette to Alaska for whale watching duty.* Then again, there may be another option. Hide the car. So he did. And it is still there.
5 YEARS LATER
We went back to document the relocation of the Vette due to the threat of the now dilapidated building coming down on top of the Corvette. Junkyard Life was invited to witness the grand move. How could we turn that invitation down? A 427 Corvette? This is the ultimate in automotive excavation!
Now, extracting an automobile from where it has been sitting for three or four decades is not without its challenges. The Polyglass tires refused to hold air. Three 15-inch Rally wheels and one GM steely we had in the Junkyard Life stash served rolling stock duty for the relocation. The loading went surprisingly well after that, despite a few more expected problems. Nothing these guys couldn’t handle.
It isn’t everyday we get to take the spark plugs out of a Vette and spray a ton of anti-seize penetrating oil into the massive bores of the 427. So we took advantage of that opportunity as well. Is that Junkyard Life style or what? So stay tuned as we let this beast sit for a couple of days and let the magic oil do what it can, so maybe… just maybe, we can turn the motor by hand and see if it will budge. If it does, then a whole new line of fun begins!
We hope to see Mike driving the Big Block Corvette again. It's his dream to drive it one more time.
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#1968Corvette, #BarnFindCorvette, #BigBlockBarnFind, #JunkyardLife,

[@Schnellemeyer]

1968 Corvette - Nothing comes close to those lines and the clean look on the body! My dream car of all times.

[@JK-js2td]

Same here...that was my birth year

[@danlaur7973]

As a Corvette lover I can say that the reno on this car will not be for the faint of heart, at the low end it will be $50k+ minimum to get this car back to a nice driver quality....everything on this car needs attention from the frame/birdcage/mechanicals/paint/body panels/interior, etc

[@Junkyardlife]

The way things are going, $50k may not buy groceries for a year! 😆 But, yes, getting this Vette back in pristine shape is daunting. As my uncle Donny says, “there’s a butt for every seat.” Someday this Vette will find the hands or the wallet to get it back on the road. Time will tell.

[@warrenlewis3977]

Paint and body would be dead last. I would scrub it real good, make the care road worthy and enjoy it. I don't think everything needs a 50-100k restoration. Make the car safe and drive it Corvette or not.

[@warrenlewis3977]

@@Junkyardlife you don't have to make it "pristine", make it safe/road worthy and enjoy it.

[@TB_Production_aka_TB_76]

After pictures please 🙏🏻

[@deadshot4245]

yes but thats a first year red c3 with a 427 and 4 speed the desired setup all original that thing in mint is a gold mine. id love to have the money to renew it you are correct the frame and all underside would be my first step @@warrenlewis3977

[@TwoPair72]

All these years later, and we are still finding gems. My friends neighbor still has a ‘68 Chevelle 396 4spd in his barn/garage. Will not sell it.

[@Junkyardlife]

One thing is certain, someday that situation will change. Keep your eye on, it might be available when time changes the situation. Right place, right time - that's how good deals are made. Good luck!

[@davelowets]

Everything is for sale, for the right price...

[@Balnazzardi]

You never know one day he might need the money or his life situation otherwise changes. If nothing else these gems hidden away for years comes to light when previous owner has passed away

[@timh5072]

That's some good stuff boys I'm a 70-year-old and I definitely appreciate the old muscle cars I have a Chevelle and I love it happy trails

[@Junkyardlife]

What year Chevelle? Those are legendary!

[@timh5072]

@@Junkyardlife talk in 1972 not my favorite year but 383 stroker 425 horse ass going to keep watching you guys it's good stuff again happy trails

[@jonnyindianajd]

I'm watching this right now, because from graduating from High School in Saratoga California in 1982, June, I NEVER,.... I MEAN NEVER WOULD GAVE THOUGHT ID EVER IWN A 68 427 VETTE....!!!!! Well, I do, 73K, rough, but well worth bringing it back. From Saratoga, to Indiana, 3 kids and a wife. I'm ask thankful as can be. Bless God, and all those that read this.

[@johnbehneman1546]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! LIFE IS ABOUT FOLLOWING YOUR DREAMS WHEREEVER THEY MAY LEAD!!!!

[@papamike9866]

Just a little Info. Side pipes were NOT offered on the 68 model year. So if this had side pipes, they were after market additions. Looks like this has an L-36 390 hp 427. I had a 68 L-71 435hp 427. I love 68's. Most collectors prefer the 69. 68's are less sought after because some parts are hard to find due to the fact that they were 68 parts only. This is also an early production car which has different parts from the later production 68's. Which adds to the difficulty in finding correct parts. You can tell it's early production from the location of the side mirror. Later cars had the mirror farther from the door seam. Just wanted to share what I know about 68"s. Beautiful car. Art work.

[@adamhoffman3687]

You gotta keep tabs on the progress and encourage the owner to get her back on the road!!!!!. Please keep us posted.

[@Junkyardlife]

Will do! Corvettes have always been on our dream car bucket list. We’re gonna keep up with this one!

[@adamhoffman3687]

@@Junkyardlife awesome can't wait

[@bryandoll7948]

Awesome video! Awesome story! Thankyou so much for sharing. Please keep us updated on the progress. Im 55 years old, and just fulfilled a life-long dream a couple months ago, and purchased a 69 numbers matching 427 vette. Very, very cool cars.

[@VintageStereoCollector]

Beautiful Vintage car

[@patrickbledsoe2176]

Love these old cars and hearing the story with it...

[@raypowers3145]

I have a 71 … Bought it around 1982 . Still working on it …. Enjoyed for the first 5 years … Thank God I still have it … Hoping I’ll have it done some day …It’s been about over or close to 40 years , but I’m determined to get her done !!!!

[@Junkyardlife]

Having the car is half the battle. Make a list and keep working on it a little every day. You can do it!

[@michaellockard2561]

Me and my son have a 1969 with a 1980 or 81 front end on it at some point the guy we got it off of changed the front end so now we have to find a 69 front end for it because the guy sold the other one but we still drive it and it runs like a new one so it deserves it's original front end back on it or at least a 69 put back on it

[@cliffbrookshire6532]

Congratulations on your find having 4 C3 vettes myself, `69 Hardtop Convertible 350 - 4sp Numbers Matching, `78 Silver Anniversary 4sp, `82 383 stroker Auto, and yes a `69 Soft Top Convertible 427 4-sp. Numbers Matching that was also a barn find. Please keep progress posted. Cliff

[@markerdman4693]

Good he saved this car all those years,especialy good it was stored inside. good going!

[@Junkyardlife]

Yes! It’s rare that a Corvette stays with same owner that long. Most change hands 5 times before the original loan price is paid off 😂

[@willthetrill4849]

Can't wait to see a will it run video of this car

[@josephackeret7911]

Awesome find! It will take more than it’s worth to bring it back. I would do it and love it. Some one is going to get a real treasure 👍

[@motoman7445]

Car is in bad shape, but what a find.

[@deanhummel7946]

WOW what a amazing find !! I would love to find one like that !! 🖒

[@jasonhinds463]

I would love to see it when it is done! Great video👍🏻

[@Junkyardlife]

Thank you for watching!!

[@MustangsTrainsMowers]

Back in the early 1980’s one of my HS friends dad had a hardtop 1968 427 4 speed Corvette, and no he wouldn’t let us drive it.

[@Junkyardlife]

Smart guy but you were deprived of some great fun and stories to boot!

[@daniel.gilliss6030]

My chief Warrant officer drove a yellow 68 Corvette Roadster with a 427 4 speed as his daily driver in 1983 at FT Ord. Yeah he was the envy of every car loving Private.

[@Trobertsdsgmach1]

Awesome story/find!

[@Red-rl1xx]

Hope it gets the restoration it deserves!

[@hofthomecrap9534]

Beautiful car: tell Mike to keep that beauty as original & numbers-matching as possible! Also, pls post updates re: all “restoration” work . . .

[@diner3gmail]

What A great Story! Thanks for reminding Me "Life's Too Short you got to live A little"

[@vincentfisher4748]

After all it's been through it's a miracle it's still in one piece . There's some traces of the original color down on the lower rocker panels. Restore that vette to day one condition and will be worth a Fortune ! I have a friend who owns a 69 427 automatic convertible with full power and factory air conditioning in steel city gray he was offered over . $150.000 for it he declined the offer. And it's a one owner run and drive number match survivor.

[@warbonnet64]

I'm a Vette lover too and I hope Mike can get this rat motored beast back on the streets again!

[@troyblackburn4522]

Very cool car and amazing find. One small issue with the story behind it is the part about side pipes. Besides the fact that side pipes were not offered on the 1968 Corvette, a quick look at the rear lower valance reveals that it had factory rear exhaust. "Launching the wheel and tire 60 feet into the air" 🤔

[@aimonsnouslesunslesautres]

vraiment un beau bijou j ai hate de la voire restaurée ça doit etre agréable d etre a bord et de se promener sur la route

[@peterhodges6684]

Man, what a sad story !

[@Junkyardlife]

Hopefully the story is not over. The Vette will live to race again, we guarantee!

[@nancywhipple480]

My husband and I in our 54 years of marriage, have owned and sold 4 corvettes. C 3 , 2 C4’s C5, presently own a C6 2010 Grand Sport triple black convertible. This will be the last to have and love / enjoy. We thank god for this little piece of heaven on earth! Please help MIke repeat the magic of driving this Big Block🏁

[@Junkyardlife]

Gotta ask, which one is favorite? Yes, Mike needs another shot at banging through the gears, hearing the big block scream.

[@nancywhipple480]

@@Junkyardlife The Grand Sport because the newer the smoother the ride plus like the expanded fenders on the G.P. Like the ZO6👍🏻The C8 is gorgeous love the sound of all the Big Blocks in the Stringrays

[@Junkyardlife]

@@nancywhipple480 Nice pick! Flared body and the shark gills do look good on those! In another 10 or 20 years maybe we can work out a deal? 😉

[@nancywhipple480]

@@Junkyardlife Only has 12,000 miles. Our baby. Back when Mike bought his 68 that was a lot of money for a 2 seat car. None of us that were in that time zone had any idea what those stingrays and big block mustangs or hypo’s would be worth in 50 years. I hope the survivors are cared for and kept with the pride they deserve in this newer time. If they could talk what a story they would all have to tell😁

[@louismazza9966]

Bring her back to life fellers,🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@darroncheney637]

I love the 68 427 it’s my favorite.. I also found a 68 with 327 350hp. In a barn and have a KZbin channel barn finds of America…

[@scottkovacs7634]

Keep us posted on this vett.

[@Junkyardlife]

Will do!

[@thomasnichols3701]

Driving a big block corvette working a part time job... thats like a kid driving a newish Z06 on a part time job these days. "yOu kIdS DoNt KnoW HoW hArd We HaD iT"

[@SH-di8im]

Only my opinion but that is the most beautiful car ever built I remember the first time I seen one of those I was probably six years old back in 1988 😂

[@poppycock6572]

They will EARN this car when even a good driver resto is complete. I've looked back at cars I've had and I realized that I sold one to get the next and on and on. Had a 68 Roadrunner 383... sold to get a 69 Camaro... that sold to get a nicer 69 Camaro with bigger engine... that sold to get a 70 Mach 1 and that sold to get a 65 Sunbeam Tiger... that went to get the 74 Pantera and now??? Drive a 97 Expedition (barn find:) got it 6 months ago from original owner with 26,000 orig. miles and is spotless. I thought I was done but... there is a 62 Corvette with its nose sticking out from under a tarp that I drive past daily and well 😬...

[@TIMOTHYEET69420]

This exact car is my dream car lol kids my age always love jdm or supercars but the 68 corvette stingray is easily the coolest

[@marktemplin1159]

a 68 side pipe 427 vet,,, I'm jealous,,, I used to own a 71 RS split bumper camaro,, I'd love to in this 2022 find a beauty such as that vet🙏🙏🙏please save it, bring it back to life,,,,

[@asdasd-jl3ls]

Pump your brakes kid, that car is a national treasure.

[@chrisfegan3475]

My favorite model corvette. 68-81

[@Johnny53kgb-nsa]

In 1968 my brother bought a new Corvette 427 black, 4 speed, red interior. That thing was sharp.

[@Junkyardlife]

That's an awesome combo!

[@tonydeater3596]

Bought a 1967 Hardtop/Convertable 435HP Tri power 427 M22 4 speed in 1983 for $1900.00 Was a stupid kid and sold it a few years later because the Big Block needed a rebuild. Have always loved Corvettes.

[@Junkyardlife]

$100,000+ decision there. Life happens, not many kept them long.

[@Mister.Mister123.]

Great Car.

[@nunyabusiness2669]

Back in 95 when I was in high school I took auto shop and we had the same car come in that had been sitting since 80 or 81. We got it running and did a "test drive" in our back lot, that Vette would break loose and go sideways through every gear. I'm not a fan of corvettes but that was one wicked car

[@davelowets]

I had one of these... Bone stock, they certainly wouldn't blow the tires away in 3rd or 4th gear from a roll, but they were a fairly quick car from the factory. Now, my current Oldsmobile WILL smoke the tires from a 50mph roll, in high gear, with 18"×31" drag radials and a spool in the rear, but that took 547 cubic inches and 800h.p. to achieve.

[@danhayden6049]

I restored a 69 vette. This one looks like lots of work. Very ruff you have your work cut out for you.

[@torontocpl]

Times like this makes me wish I still had both of my 1970’s Gremlins one with a 390 and the other with a 401 police interceptor in them … living in Northern 🇨🇦 in the 1970’s gave me plenty of time during the winter to swap out the 232 straight 6 and unbolt the front K-frames and replace them with (k-frame from salvage yard 304 gremlins) My 390 & 401 dropped right in no welding or cutting 👍🏻 man those Gremlins were fast even by todays standards.. Cheers from HudsonBay Canada 🇨🇦

[@rclark945021]

Great video. Thank you. I was a small town kid and had a 69 427 convertible Corvette 4 speed. Also lost the front right wheel at highway speed. Lost my Corvette when the insurance cost became unaffordable. Not as exciting as a police chase!

[@Junkyardlife]

Thank you for the kind words. I know you must have dozens of stories and memories of your Big Block Corvette. That high insurance has gotta be the main reason why Corvettes change hands so often. BTW: I've lost a front wheel too!

[@brandons72vette]

Well I don’t have a 68, but I do have a 1972. It was my first car at age 15, and I’m now 30 and still have it. I drove it to high school in Hilo, Hawaii and Texas. I drove it to college and I don’t plan to ever sell it. Edit: We used to talk and I used to send you a lot of stuff I had found, I hope you’ve been well!

[@Junkyardlife]

I remember you! You got a good story too! Yes, all is well. My son has similar interests as you - airplanes and Corvettes. Keep that old '72 running and on the road every now and then.

[@brandons72vette]

@@Junkyardlife I am now a Captain on the Embraer 175. I have now flown for two airlines, 3 different Embraer’s: EMB-120,EMB-135/140/145, and now the EMB-170/175 (and technically licensed for the 190/195). How old is your son? I’m planning to do a frame off on the 72 in the near future, but for now it still runs and drives around the neighborhood. I haven’t been able to do anything more with my 1970 Mustang, but I still have that too. I’m married now, and I have a house with a 3 car garage. A long time ago, in about 1997 I pulled a 1954 Ford F100 out of a barn with my Dad on Ft. Worth, Tx. That barn belonged to a family member, who would buy a car/truck and drive it for a few years and park it to buy a newer vehicle. There was a ton of cars back then, and while the original owners have died, I just saw some family at a funeral; apparently the cars are still there and they want them gone. He had a ton of 1950’s Cadillacs, 50-60’s trucks, and who knows what else. The property was built in 1935 I believe, lake front at that. They’re gearing towards selling the property as they’ve been gone for a while now, and it just sits; but they have tons of cars. From what it sounds like, they just want the cars to go, although they like them, they’re in their 70’s and don’t have the resources to do anything with them. I’m thinking about going over and taking a look around to see what is still there and what’s would be worth scooping up. At free, it would almost be worth to take everyone of them. Lol.

[@Junkyardlife]

@@brandons72vette absolutely! Congrats on your successes!! Maybe I can tag along 😆 and bring my son, 19, who coincidentally has 19 flight hours. He signed with the USAF and committed for 8 years. He still has 2.5 years of college and AFROTC at Alabama. I’ll send you and email and follow up 👍

[@axxelhammer2596]

I had a 68 427 4 speed roadster. Red Corvette just like that one. I sold it in 2008 when the housing market crashed to help my son buy a house while they were cheep. I was right. That house is worth 3 times what we paid for it. I now have a red 73 corvette.

[@stevelong2107]

The 68 Vette...no...Chevrolet didn't have the fiberglass figured out on this,but it was still beautiful....those lines, the engine...legendary...and it's the year I was born...love this car

[@Junkyardlife]

Yes! Great new design in ‘68 that stood out and still turns heads. Maybe you should get one as a birthday present someday? 😆

[@davelowets]

It may not be the prettiest vette, but the factory 4-Speed, the 427 big-block, and light weight, make it plenty worthy... 👌

[@rodneystapler1213]

Mike was lucky, he did not die in it.

[@Junkyardlife]

Yes! Even with all the timing, luck, and skill involved with driving like a teenager, when you are a teenager, the odds are stacked against us when a V8 hot rod is involved.

[@chriscatarcio2983]

Some people just know how to drive. Then again some people only know how to play football. I like to drive.

[@howardbedford6075]

Great car story!

[@kennethestes6417]

Love the car

[@BillHawkins0318]

Big Mike left a bit of a legacy behind. It will be interesting to see what happens to Mike's car. I do hope nobody tried to turn it over before it was thoroughly inspected by a machine shop. Or someone from the family with those skills. Many problems should not be touched in this world except by the right hands guided by the right heart. Mike understood this which puts him ahead of 99% of the folks out there.

[@Junkyardlife]

The car is in storage and awaiting funds to restore. Thanks for the comment!

[@cappscustoms]

Ol Ron always knows what’s wrong😂

[@Junkyardlife]

Pure genius, I tell ya!

[@markmartin5765]

My dream car!

[@SuperOperator4]

I know where there is one in NH, 68 British green, 427, with original motor on the side, rag top. It's trapped in a large barn/breezeway behind a huge furnace. Also has a wall now built out front of it. Trapped, The owner will never be able to get it out. He's dis-abled and has one daughter who doesn't have a clue about it.

[@Junkyardlife]

That would make a heckuva good video! Shoot me a msg if you can share a photo of building or any other info. You have the inside line to rescue that one. Maybe, make the owner some kind of deal?

[@stevelong2107]

I hope she never figures it out.....too rare

[@tihspidtherekciltilc5469]

I'm in New Hampshire and have plenty of tools and 35 years as an auto tech.

[@refiii9499]

I’m three minutes from the NH border. I’d love to go look and talk to the guy. Lmk if that’s something you’d be interested in doing with me please.

[@davelowets]

Well, spill the beans... There's plenty of us willing to help. Me included..

[@barneymiller7894]

Thank God it's 2022, all I had to do was wrap my Foxbody 😂

[@simonsnaplick895]

I found my '68 big block vette in Ohio in the late '90s. It was black on black. Restoring it was my hobby for the next 3 years. I eventually let it go, but it was a sweet ride.

[@woecp]

They probably stopped looking for that thing the first month after it got away 🤣

[@Junkyardlife]

True! 😆

[@jarmominkkinen9409]

Me tou love Corvette have May first Corvette 1986 still have it.I have some fun in The Streets in 1990-1993 Csb Roller cam Brodix 11X Heads Dellorto Carborators 48mm litel Nos Run 10 sek on The 402m.I Build Twin Turbos 1995-1996 EFI Bad standing in The garage tou lång hoppyly comin on The Street 2023...Hope you gone fix yore Corvette and we can se The car hear more.I com from Sweden .....

[@discmotoslots]

who else had parents cool enough to let you buy a big block Corvette as a teenager? amazing! liked & sub'd

[@Junkyardlife]

My dad talked me out of anything cool when I was a teen. Of course it was all clapped out, hot rodded junk, that I probably woulda spent all my pennies fixing, all the time. As a dad now, I understand what he was doing and why.

[@davelowets]

When I was 17 I had a red 1978 Trans Am 455, 4-Speed....🤷🏻 $2000, and it was immaculate, in 1993. I KICK myself in the rear every time I think about for selling that car 2 years later after I lost my license for street racing. I should have just put it away until I grew up, got some sense in my head, and learned my lesson. Well harder lesson learned I guess..

[@Frontireadventures]

Love this story.

[@AffariSbullonati]

Super top super 🔝🔝 #affarisbullonati ❤

[@benwright6330]

.funny how time, slips away.🌌🍁🌾❄️

[@equisequis.55]

Its gonna take alot of money to get that car back together. Corvette parts aren't cheap. I should know. I have an 81. The 68 was the best of all corvettes, i even love the body style better than the rest of the C3s.

[@86mustanggt]

Heartbreaking to see a car like this in that kind of shape.

[@Junkyardlife]

It's cleaned up and in a safer place now.

[@billfunk3168]

Cool story !

[@automotiveaddiction428]

I wish I still had a least 1 of my old cars..I drove past my first car every other day for over 20 years..the guy used it as a parts car..I stopped all the time and told the guy I would buy it back no matter what condition it was in...last year he sent it to the crusher.the car he used it for parts for I also owed.that car was cursed.it would never run...and to this day it still will not stay running.

[@MustangsTrainsMowers]

You could spread Dawn soap where you need the tires to slide down the ramp.

[@Junkyardlife]

That’s a great pro tip! Thanks! We’ll use that idea in future :)

[@stephentaylor5337]

This Phoenix will rise again.

[@Wootangtw]

Awesome story…

[@jimyoung6499]

Looks like an L36 with that Quadrant carb 390 hp

[@Junkyardlife]

Yes, looks to be a 390 hp engine.

[@jamey4242]

Just vacuum it out and wash it real good. I wouldn't change anything except for the intake and carb. Maybe a new solid lift cam

[@craigcampbell5129]

Came across 66 Chevelle 396 4-speed in Greenville South Carolina back in 1994 we were on the paving crew doing driveways entrances ahead of Paving crew little old lady came out asked if we wanted to see a car took us to the garage car had less than 2,000 miles on it she told us her son bought it brand new was drafted to the Vietnam War and was killed in action car been sitting ever since

[@Junkyardlife]

That’s a heckuva story. Heard a few similar tales over the years. Our military sacrifices everything for our freedom. 🇺🇸 That car has to be a painful reminder but one that the mom cherishes.

[@daviddunn773]

I gave up on my 1972.LT-1 but the wife and two Daughters came first

[@Junkyardlife]

That’s right! Family first - no regrets. The old cars don’t have a good memory but wear their scars of neglect like old tattoos.

[@stevegold2784]

68 vetted looked cool but had a lot issues as well.

[@Junkyardlife]

I just crossed over into 50-year-old land and I guess anything this old has issues. 😂 Design-wise it’s hard to argue that some things could have been engineered better, but those curves were something to behold when new.

[@donziperk]

Issues can always be resolved.

[@dirttdude]

its pretty special, the chev 427 mark ll is a high nickel big block with a forged crank that was only built for two years, 67 and 68, they were developed for dump trucks, school busses and some fire trucks. The vette was too fast. i had one that lived in 5 different vegas , they were good for about 20 passes before the unibody failed but they were cheap and easy to tub. i came within an inch of breaking into the 10s about 25 times

[@twistit6307]

I would love to save that bike

[@Junkyardlife]

He's turned down considerable offers. But, yes it is cool that a fast bike and a fast car lived in that shed together for many years.

[@itseasiertotakeitsomewhere738]

Great car and great story to go with it. I doubt I'll ever see the car, but I hope I do.

[@ItsRobert1]

Is this a true L88 car? what a great find! Proud owner of a 1965!

[@Junkyardlife]

I believe this 427 was the L36 engine option with 390 hp. They made more of these, 7,717 vs the limited production 80 built as the L88 monster.

[@sidefx996]

Just look at the hood…

[@ItsRobert1]

@@sidefx996 Gotcha

[@michaelpeterson9479]

Not quite a year ago, I found a car i seen in a magazine when I was like 10 years old, it was in a motor trend book, The article was about corvette custom sportwagon, 35ish years later I found a 69 corvette sportwagon custom on an auction. 427 4spd, side pipes, I was lucky enough to actually be able to buy it off the online auction, It sat outside with no tops on it for 20 yrs, at a Plymouth/dodge dealership, since I got it, I found a post from a guy overseas that took a pic of it 10yrs prior, sitting at the same place. Then the day I picked it up, a guy video me loading it, and posted it on his channel, C3stingray, buying online auction corvettes, Im still working on getting it going, not alot of time to play. Only thing that has been destroyed on the car, I seen so far was both seats, I had to cut the bottoms in half to get to the bolts.

[@Junkyardlife]

Nice! I see that! Side pipes, 4-speed, 427 too! That car deserves a movie. Corvette Summer Part II. I need to go look through my old magazines now. Y'all can see it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ombSf4GDo5ebfqM

[@vernonwallace3059]

Would restore that car

[@marktemplin1159]

I let my 71 RS go to another that could take better care of it than I could,, sad day I let it go,, but it's alive again,,, in a better home,, same as my brothers 89 fox body,,, I get to see it run down the road every so often 👍 we were not in a place to keep safe so we sold to ones that could😎😎🤘

[@Junkyardlife]

Sometimes that’s best answer for all parties involved. Down the road you may find your way back to your old car and find it in better condition. Thanks for watching.

[@brandonknight7240]

I seen them go strait over interstate 65 i know that area, thats pretty close to me

[@hbhamilton3410]

It’s criminal to allow a big-block Corvette to get that dilapidated. Shame.

[@noelfuentes5537]

Big Block Mike 🚗

[@gt-37guy6]

Looks like factory cutout for exhaust pipes on that rear valance ? Unless those were added - there would not be rear cutouts if the car came with side pipes...or am I missing something?

[@middohio3875]

It's simple. The factory didn't offer side pipes as an option on the C-3 until the 1969 model year.

[@gt-37guy6]

@@middohio3875 Thanks for confirming...

[@stuartb9323]

@GT-37 Guy Yes, that's correct about being an option for 69 only. I own a 69 big block Vette and thought the same thing when he mentioned about the side pipes. I thought that maybe a set of aftermarket pipes were installed on her?! Those hooker style side pipes were killers on the legs 🦵 when exiting the low slung Vette! I have a couple of girlfriends back in the day that will always have a mark to remember me by 😁

[@Junkyardlife]

Mike added the side pipes after he bought it in 1974.

[@jimyoung6499]

Looks like an L36 with that Quadrajet carb 390 hp

[@Junkyardlife]

Yes! You are right on it

[@christianwuchatsch9510]

Stuff the trolls. I’m just happy it’s been found by Corvette fans.

[@kurtbrueske]

I think I actually feel sorry for these guys…I owned a driver-quality L71/435hp 68 and it was a POS, drove like a lumber truck, fit and finish was laughable. At least these guys had a fun day removing from the garage but that’s where the fun ends

[@brucemacintosh5592]

Did you see the fastback Norton commando in the corner? And the Corvette 427 tripower that's the stuff wet dreams are made of.

[@Junkyardlife]

I believe the orange bike is a Kawasaki H2 Mach IV. They were 750cc 3 cylinder 2-stroke made between 1971 and 1975. Mike loved to go fast and race anything, anywhere.

[@michaelfranklinwhibley2935]

Look like a Quadra bog to me and it looks like it's a rat motor solid lifters angled plugs

[@gerryricker7812]

Sweet 1968 Corvette 427 big block but I would paint it back to its original color " British Green " Well I would have pick Plan "B" first . 😀 😃 🤣 👍 before I would have destroyed my driveway I would love to have this in my garage

[@jeffshemanski8167]

I had a 69 427 tri power black on black with a auto trans only 2000 made that yr wish I would have kept it

[@Ed-lb2sm]

I have a 73 Big block 454 Vette All power 4 speed...

[@C5Ron7]

👍👍

[@Junkyardlife]

thx!

[@williambrindley2832]

427 with a Quadrajet?????,,,couldn,t have been that bad,,,,,,,,small town,,,fastest thing around must have been that Corvair!!

[@jimclarke1108]

As good as a barn find gets

[@jamey4242]

I had a engine out of a 69 vette, it was the L 88 . I put it in a 62 bubble top with a four speed. Ran it pretty hard for 3 years before I sold it.

[@Junkyardlife]

Only 116 L88 Corvettes built for 1969. I wonder how many of those 500+ hp engines found homes in other vehicles?

[@jamey4242]

@@Junkyardlife my uncle bought one new. And I had one.. I always thought they had more than that