The third generation of “America’s Sports Car” – the Chevy Corvette – debuted in 1968 and was positively received. The 1969 encore edition was even more successful, selling 10,000 more units than the year before. This convertible was built with an L36 427 cubic inch V8, though the rebuilt one in the car today is not original to the vehicle. The rest of the ‘Vette is an unfinished project and the seller has invested a small fortune (or large, depending on your viewpoint) in getting it to where it is today. Let’s take a deeper dive.
Chevrolet’s bean counters had to be pleased with the sales results of 1969 – nearly 39,000 copies of which more than 16,600 were convertibles like this one. The L36, which produced 390 hp, was also popular, with 10,500 installations or more than 25% of the total. Perhaps the numbers were helped by labor issues that resulted in a production cycle that was extended by two months. This would be the car’s best performance in the dealer showrooms until being bested again in 1976. The C3 Corvettes were built in 1982.
We’re told this is a project that has consumed $40,000 in parts and services so far. The front clip has been replaced, perhaps due to an accident, and that alone set someone back $4,500. It’s fitted but not fully installed like other pieces on the automobile. This ‘Vette wore silver paint when new and much of that or an earlier repaint is present. The interior was a contrasting black and will need completion. The cost of acquiring the 427 and having it rebuilt resulted in a $7,500 invoice and we assume the seller has kept all of this paperwork.
We’re told “most” of the important parts needed to complete this restoration are there and will come with the sale. If you like the idea of having a 427 Stingray and don’t mind doing some heavy lifting, could this opportunity be one for you? Located in Edgewater, New Jersey, this Chevy is available here on eBay where the current bid of $3,650 is surely far below the reserve the seller has set.
l36 automatic? walk away Renee
Because only stick shifts are real cars, right? Anybody who can’t physically drive one, heck with them, huh?
Not worth restoring. Probably frame rot and cage rot. Owner got in too deep. As with almost all Corvette restos. You will NEVER get your money out of it. He rebuilt and installed the motor before touching the rest of the car.? He was a resto dreamer.
I guess you skimmed over the point the seller makes that it is a frame off restoration, and my comment that you can tell the body has been off the frame, and the underside photo showing recent suspension work..
Not every Corvette has a rotted frame / birdcage.
I am almost always in favor of a manual, especially when the choice is an old 3 speed auto transmission. However, if you’re building the car and have “40K” in it the modern GM/Ford 10 speed is an option. I drive one and have to admit when it’s in S it’s impressive.
Toss in another $40,000 and you will have a nice car worth $40,000.
A fool & his money……….lol
It would pe a parts car if there were any parts there.
Very describable car, even with an automatic trans, although a Tremec 5 speed would be an easy swap. $40k invested, I can’t figure out where all the money went, unless he paid to much for the car originally. I would like to see undercarriage photos, inspect for rust. This car could be a nice project once the important questions are answered.
Who knows the seller figures he got nothin’ to loose by trying get maybe even “some” of his money back. Keep in mind “Corvette owners” are a special breed.
The body has been off the frame, as the seller mentions. You can see a fresh frame bolt in the passenger footwell vent.
The seller would do themselves a huge favor by showing some of the 40K worth of work that has been done, especially if they redid the frame and chassis.
Made it to $15,400, Reserve Not Met.