Photos courtesy of: Barrett-Jackson

Since most of us in the car world only get to dream of going to a big car auction such as Barrett-Jackson and actually bidding, we have to be content with watching on TV and deciding whether that last car was worth its selling price.

It’s still fun to pretend, and when this beautiful little red on red Corvette hits the block in Las Vegas, Nevada, during Barrett-Jackson’s auction September 24-26, bidding both actual and the home-spun variety should be fierce.

Available as lot #738, this 1968 first year C3 Chevrolet Corvette L88 Coupe is being sold at no reserve, but there’s not much doubt it will go for big money, especially when its provenance and originality are so obvious.

First, it’s a two-owner car, and the last owner kept it safely garaged for the last 38 years. This classic Vette has never been in an accident, and the original spare tire has never even touched the ground, according to the consignor. Heck, the original factory Build Sheet is still glued to the gas tank!

With only 24, 760 actual miles, this car has been faithfully pampered and meticulously maintained. There has been some restoration, as the bright red paint has been professionally redone with period-correct lacquer, and the factory 427 ci, 430 hp L88 motor has been rebuilt, but it still has the original red leather interior, factory radio delete, and removable back window. It also has a period-correct drivetrain, featuring a M22 Rock Crusher four-speed and a tall 4.11:1 rearend gear ratio.

It’s hard to believe, but this gorgeous L88 Corvette Coupe has only ever been in one car show. In 1978, it won second place at the Indianapolis World of Wheels. Whatever won first must have been very nice indeed to beat this example of originality and provenance.

So settle into your easy chair and get ready to bid. You just might win, and if nothing else, you’ll have some fun seeing what this beauty of a “little red Corvette” goes for. This might not be the car Prince was singing about, but it should be. Fast, light, like new, sleek, beautiful, and bright resale red: what more could someone want in a classic Corvette?