C3 - 1968 Corvette 3 Speed Transmission

[Steven B.]

1. How many 1968 Corvettes actually contained a 3 Speed Transmission off of the assembly line?
2. Is the Back-up Light Switch for a 1968 3 Speed Transmission used in any other vehicle?
3. What is the GM Part Number?

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 - 1968 Corvette 3 Speed Transmission

Steve------

1) 326 3 speed manual transmission Corvettes were built for 1968. The 3 speed was available only with the 300 hp/327 cid engine;

2) The 3 speed back-up lamp switch was not used in any other Chevrolet vehicle or other GM vehicle as far as I can ascertain;

3) The part number for the 3 speed switch was GM #1993429. It was discontinued 25 years ago;

I think that the 4 speed switch, GM #1993430, can be adapted to SERVICE a 3 speed-equipped Corvette. This switch is also discontinued, but is available in reproduction

[Steven B.]

Re: C3 - 1968 Corvette 3 Speed Transmission

Joe,
Thanks for the quick response. On a side note, I have noticed that some Corvette Owners document that their particular Corvette is 1 of XX, based on models, options, and color combinations. Since my vehicle is a Silver Convertible, Black Vinyl Interior and Top, Manual 3-Speed, Non-Posi Rear End, PS, PB, AM-FM Radio, Redline Tires, Telesocipic Steering Wheel, with Shoulder Harnesses, what would the percentage of Corvettes with the same specs as mine be?

Is this really possible to determine, or are people just pulling a "SWAG."

Thanks,
Steve

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 - 1968 Corvette 3 Speed Transmission

Steve-----

There is no way of knowing how many Corvettes were equipped with a certain combination of options. When folks do this, they are only offering an estimate. That's all. Period.

Also, and as I have pointed out previously, when you consider all of the available options, body types, interior and exterior colors, etc., there is an absolutely HUGE number of combinations possible. For a 1968, the possible combinations, by my ROUGH calculation, are well into the 100's of millions. So, just about every car is unique with respect to its exact combination of options, colors, etc. That's what makes this whole exercise by folks to determine how "rare" their particular car is so ridiculous. With respect to COMBINATIONS for a particular car, they are ALL rare and the majority are absolutely UNIQUE.

Now, if one were to ask, simply, how rare is a 1968 Corvette with 3 speed manual transmission, then the answer is simple. It is quite rare and represents about 1% of the Corvettes built that year.

[Steven B.]

Re: C3 - 1968 Corvette 3 Speed Transmission

Joe,
Thanks for the true FACTS. I do appreciate the honesty of your comments. Like you, I hate the hype that certain individuals claim as true and unique.
Thanks again,
Steve