Chevrolet L88’s

November 8, 2019 Off By Mike Vietro

Although all Corvettes are dear to me, L88’s hold a special place in my heart and mind. Consider the tale of a 1968 black L88. Key to my business–and keeping my passion for Corvettes alive–has been staying current with my client base, which continues to be my most valuable resource. Knowing precisely where each L88 is at any given time makes possible deals that otherwise would not have transacted.

I recall a few years back getting a phone call from a friend looking for a particular black L88. Because I had sold the car years previously, all it took in this instance was a simple phone call to touch base with the owner. Would he consider cutting it loose? No pressure, just plant the idea in his head. He entertained the thought for a while and soon enough invited me to visit him. I always have a bag packed for such occasions so I quickly jumped on a plane. In a rental, after a brief drive I was standing in his driveway. Warmly greeted, we talked about many things before I was led into his garage, a shrine to four-wheeled Americana, full of rare and desirable Corvettes and muscle cars. But I was on a mission to buy back my old convertible L88. After careful inspection–since I hadn’t seen it in many years–and browsing through a binder full of documentation, we negotiated the deal.

Parked alongside this rare ’68 L88 Corvette (one of 80 built for that model year, the L88’s engine option cost $947.90) was a gem even more unusual: one of the original 16 1967 L89’s. Predictably, for more than 30 years, every ’67 L89 example I had inspected had issues that prevented me from acquiring any of them. However, this particular ‘67 was real indeed and the car’s binder also sitting on the same desk contained paperwork that I had never seen before. To say the least, I was speechless, emotionally overwrought at having ‘discovered’ an authentic L89 from the prime year of C2 generation production. The car was ostensibly not for sale, which of course made it even more desirable, and a challenge to my skills as a Corvette dealmaker. I proposed an acquisition scenario that included providing the owner with a timeframe in which to decide if he seriously would part with it. But the timing was sketchy for me as I had a real estate deal closing in about 30 to 45 days. But if that went down, I would have the additional cash to secure the L89.

The story doesn’t stop there because sitting next to that car was one of the original ‘69 ZL1 Camaros, one of 69 produced with a monster 427 cubic inch aluminum block V8. It too had a great owner history, documentation and a factory four-speed. I tabled the thought of buying it until I knew the cash was going to be in hand. We are now talking three exceptionally rare, all documented, all great colors, all four speeds and all rising steadily in a market that was trending up strongly.

To be continued….. read more later about the amazing 1967 L89 purchase and all of its original documentation, what a story!

Just in
2020 Corvette Production Start Dates

Chevrolet first started accepting orders in September for the 2020 Corvette Stingray Coupe and said the convertible would roll out late in the 1st quarter.

But then GM had a nearly 6-week long UAW strike shutting everything down. We are now seeing news that retail production of the C8 coupe will most likely start on February 3rd. Other news points to the convertibles starting production in mid-to-late April, and maybe as late as early May.

Inbound NOW!

1966 Beautiful & rare color combo L36

1966 black corvette l36 convertible coming

This very sharp example came to us from a client who’s owned it for over 20 years. It’s been frame-on restored and features along with it’s very rare and sought after factory color combination, a matching #’s 390HP engine!

Priced today at $114,900 $105,900

Trades accepted. Excellent financing.

Featured Car of the Week

2015 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet

What Mike likes about this car:
“I’ve had the pleasure of driving this C4 S Cab and it is a blast to drive. Total different driving experience than a Corvette, now I see why they have always been such rivals! The car belonged to a customer of ours who recently passed away and we are selling it for the estate. It is in excellent condition and everything works as it should. The color combination is striking and very rich looking.

This is a perfect daily driver or a weekend cruiser on beautiful open highways.

Check out our great financing options.

Happy Throttling!

Apex • Exit • Accelerate!!

CM V8tro”

2015 porsche 911 carrera 4s cabriolet interior

This very sharp 4S Cabriolet came to us from a collector client of ours. It’s in showroom condition throughout and has been driven only 18,950 miles.

2015 porsche 911 carrera 4s cabriolet engine

Options include: Black LED Headlights w/PDLS Plus, Natural Leather interior, 20” 911 Turbo wheels, BOSE Audio Pkg, Prem Pkg. Plus w/Power Seats, Power Sport Seats w/Mem Pkg.

This is also a Porsche Certified Pre-Owned Car.

Priced at: $99,900 $89,500*
*for immediate sale through 5pm PST Nov 11th

Trades maybe?
Financing yes!!!
Thrill rides no!!!

Upcoming events:

Vettes for Veterans
November 9th
The Shoppes at Carlsbad Mall
2525 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA

The Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals
November 23 & 24, 2019
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
5555 N. River Rd, Rosemont, IL. 60018

Have a special event coming up? Let us know and we will let others know.

Corvette From The Inside
Signed by Author
Dave McLellan
Corvette Chief Engineer 1975-1992
Price: $25!
Other books and artwork available.

Real Kelsey Hayes Knock offs and Bolt-Ons for sale.
Tires, repro wheels and caps.
Call for pricing.

Discounted Parts Table Items

Pictures Available Upon Request.

1956-1962 Corvette Hardtops – Priced from $4,888.
1963-1967 Corvette Hardtops – Priced from $2,000.
1968-1975 Used convertible top assembly. Good condition.
1957 Corvette Fuel Injection Unit – taken off of a ’57 Corvette engine, completely rebuilt and is ready to use. Part #7014520. Price $5,500 OBO (make us an offer).