Representing a classic as something it isn’t is the ideal way to leave a trail of disgruntled buyers and develop a bad reputation. This 1969 Corvette’s owner doesn’t suffer from those issues because they provide plenty of photos and a “warts and all” assessment of its condition and needs. This approach reveals a car featuring its original big-block drivetrain and the potential to become a rewarding restoration project. Returning it to its former glory will take time and patience, but it is the type of restoration where many tasks could occur in a home workshop. The Corvette is listed here on eBay in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Bidding has raced past the reserve to sit at $21,000.
This Corvette is far from perfect, but neither is it a lost cause. The seller indicates it received an older repaint in its original Cortez Silver, but the visible deterioration means a repeat performance is on the horizon. The fiberglass is generally in good condition, serving as a sound foundation for cosmetic restoration. It has minor imperfections, the worst being holes in the rear deck from a dealer-installed luggage rack. Repairing the holes should be easy, or the buyer could take the easy way out by fitting a replacement rack. It is a practical addition, and I would be unsurprised if that is the path they follow. The windshield frame and birdcage are solid, although the underside shots reveal heavy surface corrosion on the frame. This requires attention before it graduates into full-blown structural rust. This classic isn’t totally rust-free, with the seller stating that replacing the door shells would be wise due to rust. The chrome has a dull appearance, meaning replacement or a trip to the platers is needed to achieve perfection. The windshield is cracked, the remaining glass looks good, and the Corvette is 1-of-8,073 ordered with the Deluxe Wheel Covers.
Chevrolet offered 1969 Corvette buyers a selection of engine and transmission options to power their 1969 Corvette, and this car’s numbers-matching drivetrain will delight many readers. The engine bay houses the L36 version of the 427ci V8. This wasn’t the most potent big-block in the range, but it sent 390hp and 460 ft/lbs of torque through a four-speed manual transmission to a 3.08 Posi rear end. It may have muscle credentials, but the driver doesn’t need to share the same characteristic courtesy of the power assistance for the steering and brakes. This combination should launch the ‘Vette through the ¼-mile in 13.8 seconds, while the 3.08 rear end should give it legs long enough to hit 150mph. The seller indicates the car isn’t roadworthy, but they performed significant recent work to head it towards that goal. The brakes received a new master cylinder and calipers. There’s a shiny new exhaust, a new water pump, and a new battery, and the car was treated to a recent tune-up. It can be cold-blooded, with the seller recommending a carburetor rebuild. There will be other tasks to tackle, but this beauty runs and drives.
The buyer faces breaking out the wallet when they reach the Corvette’s interior because a retrim is on the cards. It features its original trim and upholstery, but there is a selection of damaged or worn parts. The dash and pad look respectable, as do some console components. Others are cracked or broken, the seatcovers have rips and splits, and there is no carpet. The parts are available, but whipping this area into shape probably won’t leave much change from $2,000. However, the original owner craved comfort to match the car’s performance. They ordered it with air conditioning, a tilt/telescopic wheel, and an AM/FM radio. The column adjustment is stiff, but there may be nothing that can’t be fixed with lubrication.
Chrome-bumper C3 Corvettes, especially those with an original big-block under the hood, are coveted in the current market. That has been the case for many years, and the twenty-one submitted bids confirm it is still true. The winning bidder can choose between a total restoration or leaving the car untouched as a survivor. I’d give it the facelift it deserves, but would you do the same?
In regard to that birdcage they say is in good condition? Trust but verify.
A good start for a potential high dollar restoration. Leave as is for a survivor? No, rust being an issue. Steve Thomas, a long time member of the Birmingham Corvette Club had a ‘69 big block with 3 deuces as I recall. His was showroom floor pristine. He traveled the show circuit back in the ‘80’s. Shout out to Steve!
390 horse motor is just the same as a 350 horse 396..same heads and cam as the 396 motor and a quadrajet.carb on
The motor..still plenty of motor but definitely not the 430 horse l88 427 motor. Not the cam or the heads as 430 motor…more of a driver dogger.motor so it wont.value as a 430 horse corvette car..much less.in value..
Lots of work needed on a nicely equipped big block Corvette. Lots of corrosion on inside and outside. Looks saveable, but will take much effort. Cortez silver is a beautiful color on these Corvettes when done right. Labor of love versus buying a much better start or very nice driver.
1969, numbers matching big block, 4 speed, A/C, this one has most of the right ingredients. The photos of the frame look a bit crispy, I’d like to see more frame photos and what may be hiding in the kick panels. As an “at home” garage project this could be a great investment, as well as pride in a job well done. I really like this one.
If it was mine I’d do a frame off.That frame needs a dip and por 15 but looks solid just a little crusty like the author said.Definetly worth being matching #’s.Lot of work and $ ahead for the new owner but worth it and it’s a 4 speed. 25k car in the condition it’s in imo.Always liked those hubcaps.
It’s a 69, 4 speed, and in my backyard! However, at my age I don’t think I have the need to take on a big project. All the easy stuff is done. I also don’t have a trailer; if it was roadworthy ( I could drive it home) I would be more interested. Still might wander over and check it out.
This brings back memories of my youth. My late best friend from high school day’s had purchased a ’69 Vette. It too had the 427 and a 4 speed. It was orange originally but had lots of crazy graphics on it.
We stripped that Vette all the way down to its base coat.
You have to be extremely careful not to sand too far down to remove the protective barrier, Gel coat.
Once we were done doing this at my buddy’s friends fathers auto body shop in Danbury Connecticut we painted it primer and then wet sanding between coats to eliminate orange peel. Painted it Steel City Grey.
Then, without plates and an expired temp tag were stopped by Danbury’s finest right in from if the police station.
Thank goodness it was an easy walk home.
Ah what it was to be young
Not sure what happened to the Vette. He managed to get it towed home and then it sat, n sat n sat.
Eventually it was popped by the bank.
I hope they held onto the luggage rack.
They took off the stupid luggage rack because nobody wants or uses them. Dumbest thing ever to drill holes in a car and add that useless item. Anyway, seller says he is getting bombarded with questions about the birdcage and frame rust. Yeah, because people who know these cars know these rot even just sitting outside for years. When I bought my 73 coupe eight years ago, I asked the seller if I could remove the kick panels. He said yes. Still had the slimy green primer GM used in those days and almost zero crud on both sides. I took an old screwdriver along with me to poke the frame. Same result. Do your homework. When done properly, this will be a beautiful 69 with options.
Ad says it was stored inside for a long time, and needs some attention. Looks to me this attention is more a result of it being stored outside a long time, like near the ocean. The floor pans look like they were replaced, and corrosion damage permeates the vehicle.
Something about that car,,,not sure what the bidders are seeing but I sure don’t. It looks like a flood car to me.
Buyer beware. Nuff said.