Some classics have so many positive attributes that identifying one as their greatest is seemingly impossible. Such is the case with this 1969 Chevrolet Corvette. From its stunning Black paint to its having remained part of the same family since Day One, it initially ticks some pretty desirable boxes. However, the 427ci Tri-Power V8 and the odometer reading of 14,000 genuine miles help this brutal beast to stand apart from mere mortals. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting this fantastic classic listed here on eBay in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The seller set their price at $89,900 with the option to make an offer.
The C3 Corvette achieved a new sales record upon its release in 1968, but the story got even better in 1969. Chevrolet executives would have been smiling all the way to the bank as 38,462 buyers handed over their cash to take a ‘Vette home. This is one of those cars, ordered by its first owner in Tuxedo Black. It has remained part of the same family since leaving the showroom floor. When the original owner passed away, the car was inherited by his brother, and has remained in his possession ever since. The seller confirms that the vehicle received a repaint in its original shade many years ago, and the paint continues to shine beautifully. The fiberglass is free from cracks, and the comprehensive series of underside shots confirms that this garage-kept classic is rust-free. It is unclear when the original wheels gave way to aftermarket alloys, but reversing that change would be easy if the buyer prefers authenticity. It is a similar story with the side exhaust, with the set on the car replacing the original factory items. Reproductions to recapture the car’s original appearance are available, and although they aren’t cheap, they would probably be a worthwhile investment. Otherwise, the condition of the plated components is consistent with a survivor-grade vehicle of this vintage, and the glass is clear.
The various versions of the 427ci V8 proved a popular choice among Corvette buyers in 1969, accounting for almost 40% of total sales. This car’s first owner selected the L71 variant and, thanks in part to its Tri-Power setup, it placed 435hp and 460 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal. A four-speed manual transmission handles shifting duties, making this a genuinely fast car that demands as much respect today as it did in 1969. The seller confirms that this classic is numbers-matching. The aftermarket side exhaust also brought headers to the party, which is another item that those craving authenticity may elect to replace. The car has a genuine 14,000 miles on the clock, and with the history known, verifying that figure should be straightforward. Otherwise, the seller confirms that this Corvette is a turnkey proposition that runs and drives extremely well.
We haven’t reached the end of the line when discussing reversible changes. This Corvette’s interior has received a wheel change and a Hurst shifter. Once again, these items could be easily swapped, leaving the inside of this classic looking stunning. The Black leather seatcovers are free from wear, as is the carpet. The remaining upholstered surfaces are excellent, and there is no evidence of cracked or broken plastic. Buyers ordering these classics with the L71 big-block couldn’t specify air conditioning, although this ‘Vette scores power windows, a tilt/telescopic wheel, and an AM/FM radio.
We’ve seen some notable classics since our first article went live on Barn Finds in 2011, and this 1969 Corvette must sit well on any list of the most desirable we have had the privilege to feature. The seller’s price isn’t pocket change, but recent successful sales suggest that it is realistic at a time when values are climbing. Purists would probably reverse the few changes it has received, but I’m relatively sure that they would resist the urge to treat this potent beast to a complete restoration. Do you agree?
Wow what a stunner. Looks great in black paint, especially w that powertrain to back it up š
You took the words right out of my brain. ’69 was a good year for Corvette design.
I am particularly fond of the bundle of tubes that comes out from under the side of the car, before it turns into a single pipe. I think I’d prefer a set of rally rims, but that is a nit that doesn’t have to be picked. Priced utterly beyond anything I’ll ever afford.
Sheās a black beauty with plenty of ponies to gallop š when leaving the stableā¦
Good luck with sale ā¦
$89,000 ….š®š®š®
Stunning but the rims must go!
The slots look perfect..
So does that steering wheel and shift handle.
Good catch on the shift handle, the Hurst shifter might indicate that the 14k original miles were hard miles. The stock original steering wheel would look a lot better and the shift handle could have been replaced with a stock looking handle. Why wouldn’t this seller spend $25 for an oil breather tube and PCV? I wonder what else this car may need? If only this car could talk….
Ultimate street C3 in last year black was available until 1977. If you wanted to be king of the street in 69, this was what you bought.
Moparās A12 B bodies could certainly compete as well as the Hemi carsā¦..
don’t think so…not even close.
American Bad Ass. Period.Full Stop.
Cool looking car. Leave it as it sits, even though itās not highly modified the slot/dish mags and sidepipes give it an ominous persona. It would stand out if parked in a line of stock appearing early C3ās.
Steve R
I like the rims, and I like everything else on it, just the way it is.
I agree.The rims must go back to factory!
One day, the Sting ray will be bit by the Cobra.
Back in the day the first thing we did was put Ansen Sprints or Cragars on then upgraded the tires. Then headers and Thrush bolt on mufflers with removable exhaust. Then if you don’t wreck/ total them ( As I did with my 67 SS350 Camaro) you throw a rod or spin a bearing you rebuild and add your goodies. The wheels look good, the trick is to save the original parts same as the side pipes/ headers. My opinion…Side pipes look good on Corvettes, T and A rat rods, and similar rat rods. They look cheesy on anything else.
Back in the day the first thing we did was put Ansen Sprints or Cragars on then upgraded the tires. Then headers and Thrush bolt on mufflers with removable exhaust. Then if you don’t wreck/ total them ( As I did with my 67 SS350 Camaro) you throw a rod or spin a bearing you rebuild and add your goodies. The wheels look good, the trick is to save the original parts same as the side pipes/ headers. My opinion…Side pipes look good on Corvettes, T and A rat rods, and similar rat rods. They look cheesy on anything else.
BTW The Hooker chromes would burn you getting in or out back in the 70’s if you weren’t carefull the factory had a heat shield.
Awesome looking Vette. I’d most likely lose the side pipes and the Hurst shifter, but the rims add to the rugged look and are good with me.
Iām not big vette guy but a 427 tri power 4 speed with that low mileage sounds like a deal to me? Itās a no sale so I guess Iām wrong.
Good thing it’s out of my price range, This is like a holy grail car for me (I turned 16 and got my driver’s ; license in 1969). A 350/350 would be nice.
I think it is really sad that the owners never enjoyed driving this fantastic car and just let it sit. Life goes by, then some kid is doing burnouts with your baby.
With only 14k miles, this Vette belongs in the Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY, to define an era!
Great looking car but I don’t like black. Had a friend that had one, she washed it twice a week to keep it clean. If I owned this car I would put on the rally wheels I have in my garage for a 69 Vette. I would leave the Hurst shifter as the Muncie shifter was not as good as the Hurst and leave the side pipes alone. They look good on a Vette.
For $120 or so you can buy a shifter handle that looks just like the OEM unit but bolts onto the Hurst shifter body… best of both worlds. Needless to say, the reverse lockout is not functional.
I do wonder why a 14,000 mile garage kept car would need a repaint.
This is one nice example, love the color and period mags.
I had one of these in early 70’s, Orange Rag Top. No power steering (broke steering wheel in parking lot) keep your thumbs out of steering wheel in rain or they got cut. Had burned out side-pipes that burned your leg if you weren’t careful. Bad ass engine, would pull 6500 in every gear. One day out in eastern Oregon with my dad we took it to 6500 and 154MPH before I backed off. Don’t let it idle for very long as it would load up. Had to run it out to 6500 in first and second every day just to keep it running clean. Very hard to cruse the “gut” on Friday nights looking for a race as it would almost die idling along.
Some one gave themselves an early Christmas present. This has been sold. Iād love to find this underneath me tree Christmas Morning.
I donāt think itās sold yet. The eBay listing ended but doesnāt say sold. The dealer website still lists the car for sale but who really knows unless you contact them. Either way Iād still love to have it in my garage.
I generally prefer small blocks in Corvettes, however there is nothing to not like about this stunner. Happy Thanksgiving!
Beautiful car, pretty rare, very exciting to drive. Judging by the rear valance, this car was ordered with factory side pipes, great looking option. The factory side pipe covers will save you and your wife from burning your calves when you enter and exit the car. What an exceptional Barn Find!
I had this same Corvette, November 1968, only difference I ordered lemans blue poly. Paid $5400.00
Honestly never cared too much for the C3’s. I’d much rather have a beautiful C4 for a lot less money, or a 63′ split window but that I’d never be able to afford.
Something’s up here. If this is fully documented it should be trading for considerably more, unless it’s been mutilated somehow. A full appraisal required for one of the most beautiful Corvettes ever!
Those to me are my favorite years , my friend has a 70 LT1,
4 speed steel cities gray ,black gut all original 23k on it and no options . It screams has won Bloomington gold twice it’s so sweet but does not get driven as much as they are meant to.
I bought a 69 Vett with a 427 tripower with 4 speed convertible in 1977. I was 24, I bought it on a Saturday. Went to my Insurance Agent’s office on Monday. I took it back to the dealer on Tuesday and had to pay him a $150 to get out of the contract. Back then Insurance was a deal breaker. Still miss that car….
In ’69 I gave $4000 for a new Vette with both tops and 350-350 hp and 4-sp tranny. As mention insurance was expensive at $600 a year. Also mentioned was up grading the tires. Mine came with Goodyear polyglas and they were terrible on wet roads. Which caused me to total the car when it was 79 days old.
5-6 years ago I ran the vin number on Corvette registry and the car was live and well in Dallas. Hard to believe they could revive that car.