The person who buys this 1969 Corvette might not find themselves owning a totally original classic but will have a car that should possess enough power to satisfy almost anyone. No aspect of this vehicle has remained untouched, and it is ready to be driven and enjoyed. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder rex m for spotting this fantastic car for us. Located in Corona, California, you will find the Corvette listed for sale here on Craigslist. You can park this slice of automotive magnificence in your driveway for $44,000.
There’s a lot to unpack with this Corvette because there is virtually nothing that has remained untouched. The car started its life wearing Code 988 Burgundy, but it has recently been repainted in a shade of Burgundy Metallic. The paint is so fresh that it hasn’t even been wet-sanded and polished yet. That is probably the only criticism that I have of the Corvette because if it were me, I would have performed that task before I reattached all of the chrome and trim. After this process, cleaning up is far easier if you don’t have to work around or under trim pieces. That’s a minor complaint because even in its current state, this is a classic that still presents exceptionally well. The trim is just as impressive as the rest of the exterior, while the side pipes add a touch of menace to what is a potent vehicle. There are no problems with the glass, while the wheels and trim rings appear to be perfect.
This is the sole photo that the owner supplies of this beast’s engine, which is a disappointment given that it is one of the highlights of the car. The Corvette isn’t numbers-matching, with a factory replacement big-block having been fitted in 1972. This is a mighty L68 427ci Tri-Power, which would have been pumping out 400hp when the car was new. Backing this is an M22 “Rock Crusher” 4-speed close-ratio manual transmission, and in standard form, this combination would have sent the Corvette down the ¼ mile in 13.9 seconds. However, this 427 is far from standard. The owner sent it out to a reputable shop to be rebuilt and given some tweaks, and there is now 600hp available to the lucky buyer. The M22 was treated to a rebuild, and the seller holds receipts for all of the work performed. The Corvette has also been fitted to a new twin-plate clutch, the front suspension has been fully rebuilt with new bushes, ball joints, and steering arms, and the rear suspension has come in for similar treatment. Throw in new brake calipers and new brake hoses, and it seems that the buyer won’t need to spend a single penny on this classic’s drivetrain. All of this work has paid dividends because the Corvette is said to run and drive extremely well. The seller says that it is very fast, and with so much power available, that doesn’t surprise me.
When I was looking through the supplied photos, I admit that I was waiting for one aspect of the Corvette that would require attention. With the body and drivetrain being so spectacular, I thought that I might strike gold with the interior. Nope! The seats have recently received new foam and covers, while Dynamat has been installed under the new carpet set. The remaining trim and plastic are in excellent order, while the same is true of the dash and pad. Once again, there is nothing that the buyer will need to do here. The original radio has made way for an aftermarket stereo, but I think that this is appropriate in a car that has received some comprehensive updates elsewhere.
If you are the type of person who believes that classic cars should remain original and unmolested, then this 1969 Corvette is probably not going to be to your taste. However, if you don’t mind some tasteful modifications, and if you crave copious engine power at your disposal, this would seem to meet those criteria. In its original form, this Corvette would have been a potent piece of equipment. Now, it takes that performance to a whole new level. If that sounds good to you, I can fully understand it. I have always leaned towards classics that wear the blue-oval badge, but I would happily park this Corvette in my garage. What about you?
From the guy who loves “tasteful modifications” I say this is one beautiful Vette.
This is a nice car, however, when a seller/owner throws out high horsepower numbers they are often just a number picked at random to impress and are not based on any documented proof, such as a dyno or on track performance. The seller says the clutch is dual friction, not twin disc.
Steve R
it says twin disc, not duel friction
The ad says dual friction, which isn’t a multi disc clutch, as the write up says is installed in the car.
Steve R
Pimp my ride.
Great colors. Real 400 hp cars are rare. And unlike the high maintenance 435s, make almost as much power without the headaches of valve adjustment and 100 octane fuel, which is like $9 a gallon if you buy VP. This car will run fine on 93. Not a fan of those awful side exhausts. I prefer under chassis off road mufflers, option N11. I believe 69 is the last year GM made them available as an option. Could be 68. Love the coupe body. I have owned 2 and still have one in my garage. I live in northeastern PA, so we have a ton of snow and it is still coming down. I pulled the Corvette out yesterday and let it run 30 minutes or so just to keep things lubricated. Wanted to got a drive, but not til spring.
Interesting take on running the car. I have my 4th Corvette in winter storage in the Rochester area (We lucked out on the latest snow) and I have never started any of them. Five months never seemed like a long enough time to worry about it to me. Had two with Rochester carbs and two C4s and they all started right up and ran fine in the Spring. Maybe GM wasn’t so bad after all and each to his/her own.
With older cars, battery tenders aren’t needed like they would be on a newer car. Agreed that five or six months isn’t a big deal. I’d just change the oil before parking it, and then push it to storage. Starting the engine on fresh oil introduces the contaminates that you would have changed the oil for in the first place. Running an engine for thirty minutes is not a good idea for ANY car. The combustion process introduces other contaminates and water in to the oil that it won’t get anywhere near hot enough to boil off.
If the horsepower numbers are accurate, the only way to get that much of a horsepower increase is with an overbore and big up cam modification. If he actually went to all that expense, then he probably should have installed a serpentine system while he was at it. I made the same modifications to the 454 in my 70 Monte and I’ve spun the belts off a couple of times when I was really pouring the coal to it. With a 342 posi, I also don’t drive far before I start looking for a gas station. I’d be surprised if the owner of this Vette hasn’t made the same discovery and is looking for more fuel efficient fun.
For the asking price, I hope the seller plans on finishing the painting process.
Seems weird to slap on fresh paint and then sell the car – smells like something is being hidden.
Nice or not, that’s a big ask for a non-numbers matching Vette. They just don’t bring the numbers like a same year BB Chevelle.