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427/4-Speed Survivor: 1969 Chevrolet Corvette

If this Corvette looks a bit familiar, that’s because we featured it back in November of 2019. It turns out that Reader Gary C purchased it and he’s already done all the needed work to make it a pristine example. The paint was buffed out, new Redline tires were installed, and the interior was pulled out and cleaned. It’s all back together now and is one sweet machine. We just want to congratulate Gary and thank him for giving us an update on his find!

FROM 11/21/2019 – The longer I am in the car hobby the more I appreciate survivor cars. This 1969 LeMans Blue Corvette is truly a survivor and has been owned by the same owner for the past 46 years. It was purchased by a US Army service member back in 1973 and is located today in Portland, Oregon. You can see the car here on eBay for a Buy It Now price of $32,500 with 29 days remaining on the listing. Besides being a survivor, this car has all the right options including a 427 cubic inch V8 and 4-speed transmission.

The 1969 Corvette is considered part of the third generation of Corvettes that were produced from 1968 to 1982.  In 1969, a buyer had the option of two versions of the new 350 cubic inch small block V8 or could go with a big block 427 cubic inch V8 that came in a couple of different horsepower levels including the ZL1. Production in 1969 reached 38,762 Corvettes. This was also the first year that the Stingray moniker was combined as one word and the steering wheel was changed from a 16 inch wood steering wheel to a 15-inch black vinyl steering wheel.

The seller states that he is selling this car for his cousin who is not a computer guy. The engine and transmission were professionally rebuilt and the radiator was re-cored at the same time. The LeMans blue paint is original and is striking with the blue interior. The car has been garaged and the interior shows no rips or cracks. The seller claims that the engine runs great and that there are no leaks. After getting under my 1979 Corvette last night to search for a power steering and coolant leak, I appreciate the “no leak” comment even more!

This car seems reasonably priced and well cared for. The car does sport aftermarket wheels and the seller notes that the radio and oil gauge do not work. Correct me if I am wrong but, if everything checks out, this looks like a really good deal for a 427 cubic inch, 4-speed Corvette.

Comments

  1. Avatar Bing

    Car is complete with a documented history. Price is fair for this car. The big block and four speed add to the value. In buying any type of collector car ones with the most options and clear history will increase in value at a higher rate than a non optioned, base car. Buy it, love on it, and drive an appreciating asset.

    Like 11
  2. Avatar Ike Onick

    Bing- BINGO!

    Like 4
  3. Avatar MFerrell

    This car looks fantastic!

    Like 4
  4. Avatar Kenn

    Put a test gauge on the oil line. ie: does the gauge not work, or is the pump bad (which would make me question the condition of the engine.)

    Like 5
    • Avatar ruxvette

      “Paul added a manual gauge recently to show the next owner that it has excellent pressure”

      Like 7
  5. Avatar 71FXSuperGlide

    Wows, lots of documentation. The order copy indicates this to be an early 1969 build date, based on the VIN. Would be nice if a picture of the trim tag and block stamp pad were included. The L36/M21 is a nice combo.

    The ’69 oil gauges are mechanical, so it might simply be clogged from sitting, but worth checking as suggested.

    Like 6
    • Avatar JoeNYWF64

      Is the optional oil press gage on ’67-? camaro & ’68-? nova mechanical too?
      How bout the temp gage?

      Like 0
  6. Avatar Troy G Hyatt

    What a homerun of a C3. I had a 68 with the same engine and color. It’s the only car I regret to this day that I sold. Love my 67 still to this day but wow what a mistake for selling that 68 blue beast.

    Like 4
    • Avatar PatrickM

      Love the looks of this car!! Especially the color. Wow! One of my favorites. If I just had some spare cash lying around… yeah, Baby. Just can’t get to ebay right now. Sumpin’ ain’t right.

      Like 0
  7. Avatar A.J.

    I live in Chicago and while reading this and the ebay post I found myself wanting to buy this and drive it home from Portland! Couldn’t care less about the gas mileage. Sure would be a run ride!

    Like 11
  8. Avatar Ralph

    Seller mentions it doesn’t leak power steering fluid, which is a impressive since it doesn’t look like it has power steering, or power brakes, she’s a real beast.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Steve P

    Beautiful!

    Like 2
  10. Avatar DayDreamBeliever

    One of the friends I grew up with had the convertible version of this. He let me drive it for an afternoon…. What a great ride!

    Like 3
  11. Avatar John Oliveri

    Now for 32 grand, you got a big block, makes more sense than the orange small block, a few pages back, this is the car to buy

    Like 3
  12. Avatar JoeNYWF64

    No a/c, yet i don’t see a knob under the dash for driver & passenger LOWER fresh air vents – camaro & f/b have it – 1st & 2nd gens.
    I guess the vettes do not – they should, considering the heat that can come through with that engine. I only see upper vents, which the other cars also have.
    Carpet up front does not match the blue in back, unless it’s the lighting.
    Ethanol gas is not an issue if you drive the car at least once every month & replenish tank with say $10-$12 gas every other month.
    Friend’s nova has 50 year old original tank!! & its been outside for 45 years! Been usin ethanol gas since it came out. No issues. Just change the tiny $1.50 gas filter say every 6k miles.
    & do the $10 or 12 gas thing consistently. Original 30 yr old parts store monojet carb has no issues!! Original gas gage & sender still works too!!
    Car less likely to ping with the ethanol(even 87 octane) & no more frozen gas lines or carb icing either.

    Like 1
    • Avatar Frank Sumatra

      Air conditioning is a total waste on early C3’s. You are sitting 10 inches from the engine, you are right on top of the transmission, and you are 10 inches from the differential. “You want cabin heat?” “We got yer cabin heat right here buddy”

      Like 6
      • Avatar Tom Member

        Frank that is why they make Chocolate AND Vanilla. Everything you said IS correct except for the AC being a TOTAL waste.

        I have owned both C3 versions with and without AC. AC is better in a BB C3 especially with your gal in the car with you! Or on a hot night where you get caught in the rain, kick it on at a stop light or when you wait for a train to pass. When you have to sit and idle during a hot temperature time you WILL bake in there. Speeding along it is not really needed unless you have the car closed up due to weather or your gals hair not getting blown around IF she does not want that to happen. Just sayin.

        I prefer coupes to convertibles in all cars because I think the body lines are better in most cases. C3’s, I prefer the coupe’s with the T tops off and the rear window out. You get the convertible feel with the sexy lines of the coupe.

        Truth to the saying “If the top goes down, the price goes up”. Very true. Cars, especially BB corvettes, with working AC are also more valuable TO THOSE who know OR to those who find out & learn the hard way.

        Like 3
    • Avatar Ralph

      The 2 sliders on the console on each side of the heater controls and ashtrays are vent controls on non a/c cars.

      Like 2
    • Avatar Dave

      There is a website devoted to stations that sell alcohol free gasoline, but you’ll need an octane booster and lead replacement for the long run. Myself, I’d just run premium fuel.

      Like 0
  13. Avatar dogwater

    Yes they are a little warm on the floor, that can be fixed installing fatmat on the floors I have used it many times works great .or installing side exhaust.

    Like 1
    • Avatar Frank Sumatra

      Great point! I forgot about the exhaust pipes keeping your tootsies toasty!

      Like 1
    • Avatar Dave

      Try to find a sheet or two of Kaowool. It’s used in industrial applications to keep furnace heat from frying things.

      Like 0
  14. Avatar Steve P

    Great idea!

    Like 1
  15. Avatar Gary

    I bought it!
    Great car! I put the original rally wheels back on it with Bias Ply F70-15 Redlines just like the original window sticker reads. Also put a copy of the original window sticker back on the window! Original unused spare tire still under the car!

    Like 6
  16. Avatar Gary

    Also had the paint cut and buffed, looks great! I would post a photo update but no option here to do so.

    Like 3
  17. Avatar Bing

    Good for you!
    Keep it safe, drive it sparingly, refresh it every few years, and you will make money when you send it to the next owner. Like buying a CD, only you get to drive and love on it.

    Like 3
  18. Avatar Gary

    I would post an updated photo but there’s no option to do that here.

    Like 1
    • Avatar PRA4SNW

      You can’t post a photo directly, but you could upload one to a cloud service (Google Drive is free) and then post a link to the photo.

      Would love to see the car. I miss my ’70.

      Like 3
      • Avatar Jesse Mortensen Staff

        Members can post photos in the comments or you can just send it to us and we can add it to the story: mail@barnfinds.com

        Like 1
  19. Avatar DayDreamBeliever

    This is cool news, congratulations, Gary!

    BF Editors, can he send a photo or two directly to you for posting?

    I’d consider this to be a Barn Finds SUCCESS STORY!

    Like 5
  20. Avatar 86_Vette_Convertible

    Looks incredible, enjoy driving it.

    Like 5
  21. Avatar George Mattar

    You do not need any additive for valve seat wear. None really work anyway and my 65 Impala 283 is living proof. I drove that car hard 75 miles a day on PA Turnpike for 10 years from 1991 to 2001. Yes at 159,000 miles it was burning oil by the gallon but car ran 80 all day. Upon tear down the shop found a broken ring, but virtually no valve seat wear. Your biggest problem for the last 35 years and still is octane. 93 is the highest. Sunoco dropped 94 Ultra long ago. If you need REAL octane buy VP 100 octane with no ethanol. Car will run perfect. That’s why I drive a low compression 73 Corvette. 89 octane ethanol free mixed with about 5 gallons of Shell V Power. Timing dead on factory specs. Never a ping even on 90 degree days. Beautiful car. LeMans Blue and Bright Blue interior. Super beautiful. Enjoy.

    Like 1

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