I’ve always believed that the best angle from which to photograph a C3 Corvette is down low. That approach emphasizes the low and menacing stance of one of the American motor industry’s most iconic vehicles. This 1969 Corvette deserves that type of attention because it is simply stunning. That is unsurprising, since the seller has invested significant time and money in a meticulous restoration. They have decided to send the car to a new home, advertising it at a fraction of what it cost to build. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting this stunning classic listed here on Craigslist in San Jose, California. You could become its new owner by handing the seller $59,427.
Many people believe that the C3 Corvette was at its best during the first two production years. The body retained its styling purity, with the company making the first significant cosmetic changes in 1970. This ‘Vette rolled off the line in 1969, and describing it as stunning wouldn’t be an exaggeration. The seller completed a five-year restoration in 2016, and the car has clocked approximately 4,400 miles since the work ended. They stripped the Corvette to the last nut and bolt, following NCRS guidelines to achieve a faithful result. Its Monza Red paint has a mirror-like shine, cloaking the seemingly flawless fiberglass. The beauty is more than skin deep, with the seller confirming that the frame and birdcage are rock-solid. The trim is in as-new condition, and the glass is crystal clear. However, the side exhaust suggests this Corvette is more than a pretty face.
There’s no feeling like tipping forward the hood of a C3 Corvette to find a big-block occupying the engine bay. This car features the L36 version of the 427ci V8, producing a factory-quoted 390hp. The rest of the drivetrain is no less impressive, comprising a four-speed M21 close-ratio manual transmission, a 3.08 rear end, power steering, and power brakes. The seller handed the motor to Gromm Racing for a rebuild, telling them to fill this brute with the best parts to extract maximum performance. The roll call includes components from Mahle, Clevite, and Clay Smith. The seller states that while the big-block looks stock, it is a beast. They admit that the entire restoration cost them $80,000 in invoiced parts and a similar amount in labor. It appears that the money invested in the mechanical components was well spent, because this Corvette is a turnkey proposition providing exceptional performance.
Opening the Corvette’s doors reveals a seemingly perfect interior trimmed in Saddle vinyl. The seller left nothing to chance, completing a complete retrim following a faithful approach. The low odometer reading means that there hasn’t been time for the interior to look tired or worn, and its appearance will undoubtedly attract plenty of positive comments. The seller added air conditioning during the build, while the car also features a factory AM/FM radio.
The seller’s attention to detail is admirable, ensuring that this 1969 Corvette presents exactly as it would have the day it rolled off the showroom floor. Their price isn’t cheap and is above the market average, but given how much they invested in the restoration, it seems justified. This classic has been on the market for only a few days and will undoubtedly appeal to enthusiasts seeking a turnkey vehicle combining stunning looks, excellent presentation, and neck-snapping performance. I believe it will find a new home. Do you agree?
Very reasonable price considering the investment in parts and labor. This is why you buy one already restored, let the other guy spend the money. Beautiful car and nicely equipped.
“I’ve always believed that the best angle from which to photograph a C3 Corvette is down low.”
….funny, back when C3’s were the current body style and when I was a 3-4 ft tall kid, I thought the same thing looking up at them.
Hmmm, a close ratio trans with a 2:20 first gear and a 3:08 rear end is not ideal. Potentially excessive clutch slip
Absolutely gorgeous. I would give my eye teeth to put my fanny in the drivers seat and my name on the title. But the reality of this happening is nil. I can’t put a 60K bite in our retirement savings. And I just finished checking under the sofa cushions and came up way short. I truly envy the next lucky owner. GLWTS.
Have you wrestled your way into and out of an early C3 with t-top in place and non-tilt steering? But yes, the exercise IS worth it for the driving experience.
Absolutely beautiful Corvette.
But after spending $80k for parts, not counting labor cost, and with a Hagerty value of $72.8k, and in spite of downsizing, I’m surprised the seller is leaving at least $13k on the table.
This might be the bargain of the year and at that price, you could afford to drive it.
I think back to brother paying less than 6k for his new 70′ 454/390 hp/4-speed.
He should have kept it,but got married and traded it on a 74′ Monte Carlo.
I have always said that you should buy the best one that you can afford. If you can only afford one that needs a lot of work, you will end up spending MUCH more then you anticipated in both time and money……..and frustration. Best to hold off and save for a prime example. In this case, someone else has done all the leg work………and I doubt he’ll be able to recover all that he’s put into it.
Very nice car, very well optioned, BIG block and 3 pedals, great combination. I’ve seen lots of ads for cars that have been recently restored, and I have to ask; after waiting so many years, why sell? Is the car not what you wanted? Did the restoration produce some unwanted results? Is something not right with the car? If my math is correct, the seller is taking $100k hit on this car, big number. Wouldn’t a person want to drive this car more than 4000 miles? $59k sure seems like a great bargain though.
I believe that you’re 200% correct and I also wonder why the seller would take that kind of hit on a car that presents itself like this one? And yes why only put 4400 miles on it after recently investing just short of 200K on it? Maybe in 10 years they’ve outgrown the excitement of a beautiful car like that and maybe they aren’t happy with the results? Too many questions right now to voice my opinion.
God is good, beer is great, and people are crazy, maybe his natural high is the rebuild of something so iconic, this baby won’t be around for long
Great looking car, great price, but why only 9 photos when CL allows 24? This one may not need that many.
The seller does a good job with the description and I love that he actually uses the correct term of body off.
I sold my ’70 Vette convertible easily via CL with a very good description and 24 useful photos. A realistic selling price also helped.
GLWS, although this one really doesn’t need much luck.