The L88 engine, derived from the “Heavy Duty 427” tested by Roger Penske at the 1966 Daytona 24 Hours, was Chevrolet’s answer to international competition. Introduced in 1967, it was officially rated at 430 horsepower but produced over 500 in reality. Though listed in dealer order sheets, Chevrolet discouraged non-racing customers from ordering it, referring to the L88 Corvette as an “off-road vehicle” in marketing materials.
Built for high-RPM performance, the L88 used a 4-bolt main block with forged internals and aluminum high-flow heads. It featured a Holley 4150 carburetor, 12.5:1 compression, and a cold-air induction system, all of which were concealed under a raised hood. A heavy-duty Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 automatic transmission was optional, along with several rear axle ratios. Comfort features like air conditioning, power steering, power windows, and a radio were deliberately omitted.
This 1968 Chevrolet Corvette is one of only three L88-equipped convertibles ordered through GM’s COPO system by James Garner’s American International Racing (AIR) team. Picked up in Missouri and driven to California by Dick Guldstrand and team, it was prepared for endurance racing at Guldstrand’s Culver City shop.
After engine tuning by Travers & Coons, it debuted at the 1968 24 Hours of Daytona, qualifying strongly and finishing 29th due to differential issues. Though intended for Sebring, it was sold and raced by a former fighter pilot at Riverside. It later passed to the head of Zollner Corporation and then to his son, who competed in SCCA events.
In 1973, a new owner refinished it in red and raced it in A-Production and IMSA with a replacement 454ci V8. After retirement in the late 1970s, it was restored to its original Le Mans Blue #44 AIR livery and appeared at the 1991 NCRS show, later racing at Laguna Seca with Guldstrand at the wheel. Now powered by a 454ci LS7 V8 and equipped with an M22 four-speed transmission, Koni shocks, side pipes, and period-correct hardware, the car is offered for sale on Bring a Trailer, complete with its original engine block and a bill of sale.
Source: Bring a Trailer
