The most major news for the 1969 Chevrolet Corvette regarding engine availability was actually in the small-block department, as this was the year the 327 grew to 350 cubic inches.  However, the more coveted excitement remained with the big blocks, especially when a buyer chose to pair it with a 4-speed manual transmission.  This 1969 Corvette still retains both its original 427 and stick-shift components, and while it needs a total restoration, the seller believes this one is well worth saving.  The C3 is located in Hesperia, California, and can be found here on Craigslist, where the owner has set his asking price at $15,000.  We’d like to thank Barn Finds reader numskal for his excellent tip here!

The seller doesn’t mention which variety of the 427 can be found under the hood, but he does include a photo from inside showing the plate under the lights-out indicator, which tells us it’s the more-timid of the big blocks available for 1969.  However, the L36 was a far cry from weak, as even the most minimal 427 provided 390 horsepower in bone-stock 4-barrel form.  Other than mentioning a numbers-matching engine with the original heads and intake manifold, the only other info we get regarding the powerplant is that it’s not running.  Having been out of the DMV system since the late eighties, I’m guessing a thorough rebuild is in the next owner’s future.  Although the 4-speed transmission is also stated as the factory component, there’s no word given on its present condition.

The seller provides a shot of the trim tag, which shows the paint number as 983, a code that the Chevy’s factory color was Fathom Green.  There’s no information provided on exactly when this one got a respray, but having been off the road since 1988, it certainly wasn’t recently.  The finish shows plenty of paint chips in numerous areas and a dull finish, with the most significant body damage I’m spotting being up front, which may also account for the hood gaps appearing a bit off.

The Corvette’s interior has the standard vinyl seats, and I’m speculating that most of the inside components would benefit from a good refreshing.  It’s also worth noting that the seller does not have the car’s title, and the Corvette will come with a bill-of-sale only.  A lot of work will be needed to get this one back on the pavement, but with a numbers-matching 427 and 4-speed, it seems like an endeavor that could be worth pursuing if you’ve got the skills.  What are your thoughts here?