Don’t be fooled by the photo because this 1969 Corvette Convertible is a pretty special car. It has been a labor of love by the seller to transform a tired classic into a vehicle that will draw crowds and admiring looks wherever it goes. It has something for everyone, from its sparkling paint to its fire-breathing big-block. The time has come for this ‘Vette to make a journey to a new home, with the seller listing it here on eBay in Jensen Beach, Florida. Bidding sits below the reserve at $31,200, but I suspect that figure will climb significantly as the auction heads toward its conclusion.

It is easy to throw expressions like “wow factor” at almost any classic, and some don’t deserve that accolade. However, this Corvette is in a different league, and it appears there is nothing about this classic justifying genuine criticism. The seller took no half-measures with their build, adopting a frame-off approach. They commenced the project by bead-blasting and powdercoating the frame, while the birdcage received similar attention to ensure the car was rust-free and structurally sound. Their attention shifted to the body, with every panel stripped to bare fiberglass and returned to a pristine state. That meant it was time to lay on the paint, and they followed the faithful path by applying the car’s original Riverside Gold. Reassembly was a meticulous process utilizing new seals and gaskets, including those for the Black soft-top and color-matched factory hardtop. The bumpers made a trip to the platers, and the remaining trim is pristine. The Rally wheels are in as-new condition, and the side exhaust suggests there is more to this Convertible than meets the eye.

The early C1 Corvettes failed to meet the expectations of many, courtesy of a drivetrain configuration that was relatively conservative. This 1969 Corvette suffers no such problems because it should have more than enough power to satisfy most enthusiasts. The first owner ticked some desirable boxes on the Order Form, equipping the Convertible with a 427ci V8, a four-speed M20 transmission, and power assistance for the steering and brakes. It is unclear which version of the big-block we are dealing with, but it would have churned out at least 390hp and 460 ft/lbs of torque. The seller states they believe the engine block is original, although it was previously decked and has lost the critical numbers confirming this. It is probably a moot point because the project build included a refresh that will have unlocked extra power. The list of new parts includes forged aluminum pistons, a Competition roller camshaft, and Edelbrock aluminum cylinder heads. The big-block inhales through the rebuilt original Rochester carburetor and intake, with the spent gases feeding to the stainless side exhaust via Corvette headers. The seller rebuilt the original transmission, replaced every brake component, and a seemingly endless list of suspension and other parts to return the car to an as-new state. They didn’t spare the pennies, holding invoices totaling over $50,000. If that isn’t enough documentation to satisfy potential buyers, they include paperwork tracing the car’s history to 1982. The seller doesn’t specifically state how this classic runs or drives, but I suspect those with high expectations won’t be disappointed.

Some classics leave potential buyers waiting for the first shoe to drop as part of the car is substandard. This Corvette seems to miss the boat on that front because its interior is as impressive as every other aspect. Every component, including the seatcovers, carpet, console, and gauges, is new or refurbished. The Black vinyl trim is spotless, suggesting the car hasn’t seen much action since the build ended. There are a couple of changes for potential buyers to consider, but they are reversible for those preferring a more stock appearance. The factory radio has made way for a retro-style stereo that the installer fitted without changing or cutting anything. The factory shifter was shown the door, and a Hurst unit occupies its spot. That is one modification that leaves me torn. I know a Hurst shifter is more positive than the factory item, but they always seem to look out of place in a Corvette. I would probably swap it, but others might leave it untouched. It is a matter of personal taste, and I wouldn’t criticize that approach. Otherwise, this interior needs nothing.

I described this 1969 Corvette Convertible as stunning, and I hope that most of our readers agree with that assessment. I struggle to find anything deserving even mild criticism beyond a couple of reversible interior modifications. It may not appeal to purists who prefer unmolested vehicles, but I’m sure we have readers who would happily park it in their garage. However, they may need to fight for it because the auction has attracted forty-seven bids. Will you join the frenzy or sit back as an interested observer?