The 2009 Corvette ZR-1 is the most powerful Corvette ever produced, coming in officially at 620 horsepower from its 6.2 liter supercharged V8. But before this incarnation of the ZR-1, the title of most powerful production Corvette ever had stood unchallenged for 40 years. Yes, despite the widespread adoption of fuel injection, engine management, and fancy doodads that criss-cross today's engine bays, the 1967-69 L88 Corvette stood for four decades as not only as the most powerful Corvette, but likely the most powerful muscle car of its era. On top of that, only about 200 of these cars were ordered since GM kept the true horsepower numbers under wraps to discourage the public from buying the purpose built race car.
Alas, some people caught on, and while only 20 L88's were produced in 1967, over 100 were ordered two years later in 1969, meaning more than a handful of these cars found their way into the hands of private citizens and not just racing teams. This car, found by the guys of
Proteam Corvettes in North Florida, is a one owner 1968 L88 Convertible, one of only two produced with a red interior and exterior. Judging by the egregious graphics and one-owner status, I imagine this was a purpose bought street racer whose owner understood the rarity and held on to it as long as he could. Unfortunately, the original L88 427 engine is missing, as the car came with a GM crate engine, but the heavy duty suspension, rear end, and radio delete are all still there. But when it still had its 427, this Corvette was capable of 170 mph and produced between 550 and 570 horsepower.
Get the whole story over at
Corvette Blogger.
Linear Mode
