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1969 Corvette Stingray L68 – 427 “Triple 2-Barrell”

By 1969, Chevrolet’s Corvette occupied a unique place in America’s automotive ecosystem. A powerful two-seat car with “look at me” styling and minimal room for luggage appears in the dreams of many, but the driveways of few. This largely-original “L68” 400 HP 427 cid V8 (not even the most powerful option) had plenty of thrust to scare passengers and drivers alike, not to mention drivers of most other performance cars of its day (thanks to www.nationalcorvetteowners.com for some details). This engine, and the mostly-original 1969 Corvette it came with, awaits the high bidder here on eBay. Located in Kemmerer, Wyoming, this classic ‘Vette has enticed bidding to nearly $15,000.

The seller describes this as original Cortez silver paint. After a one-year hiatus, the second-generation Corvette’s “Sting Ray” moniker returned in ’69, now as a single word, “Stingray.” Considering this car’s last inspection sticker dates from 1975 (!!), the seller states it will need a complete restoration. The frame shows surface rust but remains solid. Check out the sales brochures here at myclassicgarage.com including descriptions of the “Triple 2-barrell” carburetors and “a special engine (L-88) that we don’t recommend for street use.”

With a brilliant marketing coup, Chevrolet made Corvette the somewhat-official car of American Astronauts, and this cockpit has nearly as many gauges, dials, and levers as Apollo XII. “America’s Sports Car” had no direct competition, and rewarded its owners with a unique experience… then as today. While novices may think the Corvette’s fiberglass body eliminates rust repair, rest assured that maddening structural repairs can frustrate their restoration.

A rear-end collision took its toll on this former beauty, but the seller claims the structure is straight. Tip your hat to the seller, who knows these cars and included many details to answers a buyer’s questions. Without a doubt this car should be put right. If it’s truly been parked for 42 years, that’s a crime; someone has robbed one or more owners of the opportunity to restore, buy, sell, and most importantly drive this relatively low-production high-performance Corvette. If you don’t have the budget and time to get this Corvette in the wind under its own power within three years, do the world a favor and don’t bid. What are your thoughts this iconic American sports car?

Comments

  1. Avatar Three Pete

    Great car and great first two sentences! Not having the time, I won’t bid.

    Like 0
  2. Avatar Mike

    A breath of fresh air. The owner/seller appears open regarding the state of affairs of this vette, even to state that it had rear collision. Parked for 42 years, it would be interesting to know the original miles. If restored and not modified, keeping the tri-carb set up allows many joyous turns of the screwdriver (tinkering) to keep properly tuned…I wouldn’t complain.

    Like 1
  3. Avatar Adam T45 Staff

    All those gauges! Working on the theory of “what you can’t see won’t hurt you,” I figure that the tree that you hit while you’re busy scanning the gauges won’t hurt one bit.

    Like 0
    • Avatar leiniedude Member

      Not really a lot of gauges. The main two to focus on in this rig are large, round and right in front of you. Not saying to disregard the rest.

      Like 1
      • Avatar Adam T45 Staff

        I agree with you mate. That’s what I did when I used to race.

        Like 0
  4. Avatar JW

    The gauges are no worse than the mess we deal with in the new cars except now all you do is tap a screen or look at little minions on the main dashboard and wonder what the heck is that lighting up for.

    Like 1
    • Avatar Adam T45 Staff

      That’s ok JW. I wasn’t knocking the Corvette. It’s really more a case of me not being able to multi-task.

      Like 1
  5. Avatar Mike

    My dad , a Corvette enthusiasts for decades , had one optioned as the one for sale here . Thou a total brute to operate and more than a little obnoxious sounding , a real testosterone dripping beast , he said it was the most impractical Corvette he had ever owned , including an early fuelie .
    I am currently looking for an early C3 , but have ruled out any that are priced due to optional horse power .
    I have a late model Jeep Grand Cherokee with a six cylinder that will smoke any early LT1 , so why spend 10k more than a 270 horse equipped Corvette .

    Like 1
    • Avatar Ste

      …because a new Jeep Cherokee will never be as cool as a C3 vette… Apples to apples…

      Like 3
  6. Avatar RicK

    I spy a pair of T-Tops in the pile of parts behind it, owner is obviously a Corvette guy, wonder where the car is that those belong to?

    Like 2
  7. Avatar gaspumpchas

    Would love to see this beast brought back. Good luck!!!

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Classic Steels

    Corvettes also have metal under some piece of glsss.
    I once had to switch the metal under the front panel between the headlights because the metal rusted out. The part was cheap but getting the old to separated from the glass with heat carefully was a bear!
    Just saying glass can be work

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Joel S

    My Cortez Silver / black 69 came off the road in the early 80s also, exact date unknown. 2nd owner worked at KSC and mine looks similar paint coming off, manual but a straight, no hit 350/300 AC car. I have planned to restore her for years, just need to make some more time in life. Only minor surface rust under the hood, welcome to living in FL but the frame and birdcage are great.

    Like 0
  10. Avatar 1st Gear

    Mentioned in this write-up is the holy grail word “L 88” . . .IMHO,as I’ve actually seen a real L 88,the motor shown in this write up is not. And to prove my point, the decimal point is in the wrong place pertaining to the price. Good luck.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Gérard Planche Member

      I think it’s L88 is a “wishful thinking” typo: L68 in title, 400HP…

      Like 0

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