Throughout decades of involvement in the classic scene and motorsports, I don’t remember ever hearing an owner say, “I wish my car had less power.” Everyone once extra under their right foot, which is invariably a case of the more, the better. This 1969 Corvette delivers on that front. It presents beautifully, but the original big-block drivetrain will make it irresistible to many. The seller recently liberated it from long-term storage, returning it to a roadworthy state. All it needs is a new owner willing to enjoy the power and performance it will undoubtedly deliver.
The chrome-bumper C3 Corvette has long been a star of the classic scene, with values climbing faster than the market average. The 1969 model is no exception, experiencing a 6% increase in the past year. This one is a gem, although the seller emphasizes it isn’t totally original. It underwent a repaint in its factory shade of Monaco Orange in the early 1980s, and the fact it still presents so beautifully confirms the work is of a high standard. There is no evidence of deterioration, with the paint holding a mirror shine across the entire vehicle. The fiberglass is in first-class order, with no sign of fatigue cracks or accident repairs. The seller doesn’t mention frame or birdcage rust. However, the dry location may have protected it from the worst Mother Nature can throw at it. The trim and glass are spotless, and the immaculate Rally wheels are wrapped in new Cooper Cobra tires.
Tipping this Corvette’s hood forward reveals the business end of proceedings. The first owner ordered this classic with a 427ci V8, and since it is the L36 version, it delivers 390hp and 460 ft/lbs of torque. The power feeds to the road via a four-speed manual transmission, allowing this ‘Vette to storm the ¼-mile in 13.8 seconds. However, brutal acceleration isn’t the only weapon in its armory because keeping the foot to the floor should see the needle hit 150mph. Those figures remain respectable today but were considered mighty impressive in 1969! The seller recently pulled this classic out of long-term hibernation. The revival process included a new master cylinder, brake calipers, and other items. The seller retained the original components for the new owner, and with the fluids changed and a new battery, this beauty was ready for the road. They confirm that the numbers-matching big-block has only clocked 4,000 miles since being rebuilt to factory specifications. They also say the Corvette runs and drives perfectly, a claim I find easily believable.
The first owner didn’t splash cash on creature comforts when ordering this Corvette. They focused exclusively on outright performance. Therefore, the lack of power windows and other luxury items is unsurprising. They selected the standard Black vinyl trim, although someone added a Hurst shifter and an aftermarket radio/cassette player. Both changes are reversible, and a car of this caliber deserves that approach. The seats show minor wear and deterioration, but the presentation is comfortably acceptable for a survivor-grade classic. It might be tempting to replace the seatcovers, but I’d consult a professional to stop the deterioration in its tracks. After all, they are only original once.
The seller listed this 1969 Corvette here on eBay in Warner Springs, California. While the bidding has been relatively spirited, the current figure of $19,601 falls short of the reserve. There is time for the situation to change, and I would be surprised if it doesn’t climb significantly before the hammer falls. If a high-performance classic has been on your radar, would you consider this Corvette a strong contender?
You can remove the top easily, but the luggage rack is permanent. But seriously, this is the Vette to own if you want a one.
Bud,
The top you are referring to is actually a “T” top. It consists of two separate sections of the coupe roof.
The luggage rack mounted on the rear deck was a dealership add-on item. Depending on who the detail guy was depended on where it was mounted. I’ve seen some that were more forward. Some were more toward the rear.
They are not permanent. You can remove them quite easily.
Personally, I think that they fit the car very well.
Note; I don’t recommend storing the t-tops on this rack while going through the gears on hwy 21 in Idaho. In fact, I would not ever store them on the “luggage” rack.
The rack is intended for girl friends overnight necessities.
Wow, what a beauty, one of the most shapely Vettes manufactured. Big block, 4-gear, split rear bumpers, flying buttresses off the back of the cabin, rallye rims. What a nice car.
This is an add on luggage rack. Placement to too far forward. What a shame.
All the luggage racks were dealer installed.
It all had to do with whether or not you bought your new car on a Monday or a Friday…or if you new the dealership owner.
Life was grand
Adam, if you were around during the Arab oil embargo of the 1970s, “I wish my car had less power” was heard often at the gas pumps as the prices went up. That’s when 454 A bodies were being traded in on Vegas.
These are fun cars. Those big blocks do throw alot of heat and would be at their best on a cool fall day. Sidepipes and convertible top would be my choice
Love chrome bumper C3’s. Larry Shinoda’s best. This is a nice one especially with the big block rat motor. Not a fan of the luggage rack though. Sometimes I’m sorry I sold my 1972 almost twenty years ago. Mine was the small block and a NOM with a four speed; zero accessories except for the radio. However it was arrest me red and fun to drive. Loved the torque of the 350. Unfortunately it had frame rot in the rear end and needed some serious repair. The bird cage was a bit shaky at the windshield. So I thought I did well to unload it for ten grand. Now I guess that the joke is on me, lol.
Nbsp…and nbsp then there’s nbsp and of course nbsp you should nbsp or nbsp could nbsp but be sure nbsp then nbsp and don’t blame me nbsp.
Whiskey man.
Ya know, I was hoping someone else commented upon that de-feugalty that I also wondered about.
..different fishing techniques.
New breed ya’no…
Beautiful Vette, sure hope it’s real.
Now that is a desirable combo. I hate it when there is a reserve price and there is no idea how much it is. I wish they would just come straight out and list the minimum ridiculous price you will take for it and then let everyone bid themselves into a frenzy.