The concept of wagon-izing a car that was decidedly anti-wagon in its original form is a trend that hasn’t exactly taken off in the sports car realm. The famous Ferrari 250 “bread van” conversion is perhaps the most desirable, with the Corvette Sportwagon concept being the one we see a few times each year. They are certainly novel creations, but not necessarily one that collectors covet. We’ve seen a few varieties of conversion kits emerge over the years, which all seemingly had an exclusive agreement with the C3 chassis cars. This 1969 Chevrolet Corvette here on eBay is claimed to be one of the earlier examples of the Chuck Miller creation, and quite unique given its lack of side glass. Bidding is at $10,000 with the reserve unmet. Thanks go to Larry D for the tip!
Personally, I have always dug the Sportwagon conversions as it seems like one of the few times where an aftermarket kit fits the factory lines perfectly. Sure, if you’re not a wagon person, this won’t appeal to you no matter how flawless the execution; however, if you’re like me and love the idea of a sports or muscle car with additional utility, it’s hard not to love this Corvette wagon. The closest thing I can think of from the last 50 years is the one-off creation to add a wagon rear end onto a Porsche 944, which I suspect resides in the Porsche museum and is a true one-of-one. The seller’s Sportwagon may not be a one-of-one, but it could be pretty darn close considering it doesn’t have the side glass that most of the wagon sections incorporate.
The seller believes there are just 24 Sportwagons in existence, which would certainly place you in esteemed company in one shot if you’re in the market for a custom muscle car like this. There are numerous other custom touches beyond the wagon body, with the listing noting that the headlights were relocated inside the grill and the header panel is now completely smooth. Overall, these are subtle touches that seem to suggest the owner that converted this Corvette was a detail-oriented individual, which has hopefully translated to high-quality construction involving the hindquarters. Online sources suggest the Sportwagon was born out of a musician’s need for a usable and secure trunk space to keep his drums; do you know anyone who owned a true Sportwagon?
The drivetrain consists of a 350 crate engine paired to a Hydramatic three-speed automatic transmission. The Corvette is also equipped with a limited-slip differential, HEI distributor, Edelbrock intake and carburetor, and a custom side exhaust with high-performance headers. The Corvette also features numerous factory options, including air conditioning, power disc brakes, power windows, and power steering. If the above photo of the interior seems too good to be true, don’t panic: the interior was “….completely restored with all new Al Knoch upholstery.” While the reserve remains unmet, this is likely one of the best Sportwagons still in existence and sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next cruise night.
Hey, isn’t that one of those Ferrari FF’s?
I think Ferrari stole the idea.
To each there own ,but not for me
Looks like that rear window is fixed in place? Too bad. I proper lift back would give it nice utility.
I thought the same thing, if it had an opening hatch…genius.
‘This listing was ended by the seller because the item is no longer available.’ Thanks for the heads up on the drummer Jeff, that story is coming back to me now. This looks like a nice rig. I would add a camera or two to help with the blind spot issue.
The word sport and wagon should not be used in the same sentence, waste of a good car
One word:
Horrible.
GM/Chevrolet had the good sense never to make a car like this.
One of the “custom touches” on this car was the addition of the “egg crates” over the front wheel vents. 69’s did not have them. The last of the open vents.
You mean the side lower fender vents on ’73-’82 vettes are all not functional?!
One heck of a blind spot when changing lanes to the right – side windows in the custom rear would help a lot.
The blind spot is an understatement. I’ve owned a bunch of classic sedan deliveries and it is truly a driving relearning expereince
Never got the hots for a Corvette..til I saw this. I think it’s extremely cool. I would try to put in an opening hatch window and maybe some “High Speed Delivery” signage on the rear panels . Slide your surfboard in through the back and head up PCH humming Neil Young..”Maybe the Beach Boys have got you now with their wave singing tunes..rolling down that empty road..get into the surf on time..”
Oh I don’t know, the 53′ Vette/Nomad were very cool.
There’s a lot wrong with this car. It says 69 but everything screams 70-72. Seats, door panelfender flares and inserts, grille, and the list goes on and on.
What, you mean it’s not original?
Strangely enough I like it the $25k buy it now seamed kinda low but the listing says its gone so on to the next
Wanted a certain Italian car nicknamed the “breadvan” but, could only afford a Chevy…What a waste of money and an insult to the original!
This car was a no-sale on BAT with bidding at $15000. Lots of comments there, mostly disparaging.
I liked it because I had a model one as a kid. There’s a lot of corvettes in the world, at least this thing is somewhat unique.
I recall seeing one of these “in the wild”. Not only did it just look strange; it was finished in shag carpetin!
After market AC, wrong steering wheel, wrong front clip, long style after market hood. wrong motor. Nice paint and the mods don’t look too bad though. As a 68 Vette owner, not a fan.
There were a few of these made with a Vega roof, which was a relatively easy match up. And if I’m not mistaken, Chuck Miller actually used a Vega roof as part of the plug to create his initial mold.
It’s a Sedan Delivery style conversion. Would make a great business marketing vehicle. Love it or hate it, you’d get lots of attention and that’s the purpose behind the SD from when Studebaker started building delivery wagons in the 1800s. I would toss the side pipes, put it on gray American rollers, lower it, black with flames, striping, and my company logo on the sides. It would make money and a tax write off
The Ford Pinto wagon had a Port domed window. Maybe that would help.
These wagon conversion kits were big in the mid 70’s. Usually done to repair a rear end collision. There were alway one or two each year at Toronto’s Speed Sport Custom car show. Most of them were like this without the side glass but with bubble tail light lenses.
To: Larry D
“Tip Approved – 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Sportwagon Conversion 350 Auto A/c”
???
@Larry D – Jeff must have forgotten to include the credit. It’s nothing personal. I’ve updated the post and, as always, thanks for sharing!
Saw a Vette pick up once, a 70’s show car. Very nice craftsmanship but overall not a good use of a Vette.
Just one question. WHY??
@Jeff Lavery
Thank you, Jeff.
First thing I thought of was the E-type Jaguar hearse from Harold & Maude.
Here was the BaT listing.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1969-chevrolet-corvette-134/
I quite liked it.