It is fair to say that Chevrolet’s Corvette underwhelmed potential buyers and motoring journalists upon its 1953 release. There was no questioning its looks, but its Powerglide transmission stifled performance, which wasn’t what people sought in a genuine sports car. Those thoughts were a distant memory when this Corvette Convertible rolled off the line in 1969. Its engine and transmission combination offers performance that was the stuff of fantasy in 1953. It presents well as a driver-grade classic, with no immediate needs beyond finding a new home. This drop-top is listed here on eBay in Marietta, Georgia. Bidding has raced beyond the reserve to sit at $49,700.
Chevrolet offered Corvette buyers the choice of ten paint shades in 1969, with this classic’s original owner selecting Tuxedo Black. It gives the car a menacing appearance, emphasizing the aggressive styling that was a hallmark of the early C3 models. The Corvette lost its edge when the chrome bumpers were replaced in later years, making the desirability of these earlier cars understandable. The paint isn’t perfect because swirls are visible from some angles. However, careful polishing should reduce the impact, lifting this stunning car’s presentation even higher. There are no fiberglass issues, and the single underside shot reveals everything as spotlessly clean and rust-free. The ‘Vette features a Black soft-top and a matching optional factory hardtop, although the condition of both is unclear. The trim and wheels look excellent, but the factory side exhaust hints that there might be more to this ‘Vette than meets the eye.
There was no such thing as a genuinely slow 1969 Corvette. It’s just that some were faster than others. Much faster. This gem features a 427ci V8, a four-speed close-ratio manual transmission, and a Posi rear end. That isn’t any old big-block because it is the fire-breathing L71 that churns out 435hp and 460 ft/lbs of torque. It allows this Convertible to storm the ¼-mile in 13.5 seconds on its way to 139mph. That figure deserves placing into perspective because the least potent 1969 Corvette, featuring the ZQ3 version of the 350ci small-block and three-speed Hydramatic, took 15 seconds to complete the same journey. The 1953 Corvette? The ET of a leisurely 18.1 seconds graphically demonstrates the enormous strides Chevrolet had made, giving these cars genuine performance credentials. Frustratingly, the seller provides no information about this Corvette beyond its mechanical specifications. They don’t indicate whether it is numbers-matching or how well it runs and drives. However, a spot of detective work unearthed a previous auction for this car, where it was passed in. That listing confirmed the drivetrain as original, which bodes well. Potential buyers should still pose those questions as their starting point, although the bidding history suggests some might be willing to roll the dice on this classic.
The original owner chose to pass on vinyl trim, outfitting this Corvette’s interior with seats upholstered in Saddle leather. That and the AM/FM radio appear to be the only factory options, suggesting they focused on outright performance. The leather sports the wrinkles that are a part of its aging character, but a couple of imperfections on the driver’s seat deserve close inspection. They may be no more than marks in the tanned surface that could be addressed by a specialist without breaking the bank. They might also be developing splits, meaning the buyer faces the expense of replacement in the future. Those are the only flaws worth mentioning. The dash and console are excellent, the wheel shows no wear, and the carpet has avoided the faded patches that often plague these classics. There are no aftermarket additions to an interior that most would find acceptable for a survivor-grade classic.
Chevrolet hit a home run with the C3 Corvette, and its styling makes it one of the most instantly recognized American classics globally. Early cars command attention when they hit the market, and this 1969 Convertible is no attention. The thirty-nine bids submitted confirm that people like what they see and are willing to put their money where their mouth is. If this car is all it seems, the price should climb comfortably beyond $60,000 before the hammer falls. I wouldn’t rule out $80,000 if the seller confirms its numbers-matching status. It could go higher, and it will be interesting to gauge your feedback on the subject. Over to you.
69 Tri-Power 427 with side pipes? Yes!
Sidepipes, primary purpose is to burn your leg and make the sellers of them grin that you actually paid them for the inconvenience and pain.
No. Not with the original Corvette Side pipes. What You see is the, Exhaust Pipe Cover. I have the exact Car. Only in White. I’ve owned it for 50 Years.Those covers do not Burn your Leg.
Corvettes are like Harley Davidsons John, some people are going to find a way to bash them regardless of how they are built. It still amazes me to this day…you don’t hear Germans ripping on BMW or the folks in Italy with Ferrari! This is a holy grail American beauty and every ounce of the craftmanship should be appreciated by all of us!
Absolutely correct, John. You can always tell when someone is repeating something they heard and have no personal knowledge of. Sorta like politics.
Most add on options like that came as a la carte. As opposed to say power steering. The original owner of my 69 Vette ordered it only with a convert. Hard Top, since she lived in Santa Barbara area and it seldom rained. She did order it with the factory alarm which was not common. One rare option which I have never seen is the convertible rear defogger for the hard top.
Retire early, or drive this to work? Tough choice.
Of all the childhood dream cars…
God Bless GM for making these.
Paul ,the factory side pipes are not going to burn your cute little legs the after market ones like hooker are a problem with out the shields
I have heard the chrome gill inserts came with a leather interior. They could also be optioned alone for $21.10. Does anyone know if they came with the leather?
My buddy bought one new in ‘69. Same setup, 427/435, 4 speed, tri power, posi-traction. Maroon paint. But black side pipes. He let me drive it a few times! What a beast!!!! I’ll never forget that experience.
A neighbor’s boyfriend had one when I was 15. He took me for a spirited ride. I knew then I would one day have to have a Corvette. One was a ‘69 L36 convertible.
When I was the Corvette Tech at a Chev dealer back in 1971, an Orange coupe came in on the hook with a rod hanging out the side of the block. It was a 435, 4 speed. The short block was on back order with no promise date. The service manager and I convinced the Chevy rep to OK putting in an L88 short block. With those heads and other pieces, there was one more 69 L88 created.
Nice piece of knowledge Allen and very interesting. It’s always amazed me how so many classic cars have below 30 to 40k original miles. It’s almost standard selling plus. The classic car market is big business and the end goal is profit. It’s the American way.
Well put there scooter!
Great post Cooter. You are 100% correct.
I had a RPO 69 4 speed convertible with a hard top, Fathom Green with saddle interior. I bought it from the original owner Santa Barbara, CA , and brought it back East to So. Florida. I couldn’t handle the humidity and heat. It took me awhile but I found 69 vette air conditioner parts including an AC wiring harness and the Max air door which is only accessible by removing the top surround. The rivets start to show just in front of the hood on the top surround. The 68 is worse, so I changed the top surround. I was going to write an article for Vette Magazine but the further I got into it I wouldn’t wish this on anybody. It’s a nightmare, don’t do it! The purpose in telling you all this is that during my endeavors on finding parts I ran into a guy in Boyton Beach, FL who was putting Tri-powers on a 67 and a 69 (L-89). They looked great but they were fakes. It is common knowledge that between 67-69 Corvettes, there are more Tri-Powers than were ever made. I saw it first hand!
So what is my point, before you go plucking down big bucks like this get the provenance. Not necessarily an easy thing to do with these cars. I suggest a standard big block with factory air, (although they tend to overheat in bumper to bumper traffic). My pick of you want low numbers, 1970 LT1. OK no AC then get a 72 LT1 with AC.