While a meticulously restored classic is guaranteed to attract attention wherever it goes, it is the same story with unmolested survivors. You only have to watch crowds gathering at a Cars & Coffee to appreciate the impact those cars make. People recognize that they haven’t been primped and preened into trailer queens, but boldly carry their survivor badge with pride. Opportunities to own such a classic are rare, particularly if the vehicle is an early C3 Corvette. However, you could make the dream a reality with this 1969 Corvette Convertible listed exclusively at Barn Finds Auctions.
While it may have made a stunning visual statement when new, this Corvette has lost none of that ability after fifty-four years. Its Monza Red paint retains an impressive shine for its age, although it carries the chips and marks proclaiming it is an unrestored survivor. Performing a cosmetic restoration would be easy, and some bidders may consider that future path for this classic. For those who subscribe to the belief “they are only original once,” leaving the Corvette untouched still guarantees it would turn heads. The fiberglass is in good order, with no cracks or problems to cause the buyer sleepless nights, while the frame and birdcage are structurally sound. The White soft-top has seen better days and would be one of the few things I might choose to change externally. Some may disagree, but I fear it would offer little protection to the interior and occupants if the weather turned nasty. Doing so would cost around $400, which I consider a wise investment for long-term preservation. The chrome and trim are in better-than-average condition for a vehicle of this type. It is a similar story with the original Rally wheels, trim rings, and center caps.
The 1969 Corvette was essentially an evolution of the previous year’s model. However, as the owner rightly notes, it was the first where the company’s iconic small-block appeared with a displacement of 350ci. This Convertible features its numbers-matching entry-level ZQ3 version, which sends 300hp to the road via a four-speed manual transmission. Although there were more potent weapons in the Corvette armory, this car’s ability to scorch the ¼-mile in 14.7 seconds on the way to 123mph commanded respect in 1969. The engine bay presents as you might expect from any unmolested classic with over five decades under its belt. There is no ignition shielding, but high-quality reproductions are easy to find. Otherwise, everything that should be there is, and nobody has tried to disguise its age by applying any of those detailing sprays that make every surface look soaking wet. The ‘Vette recently received a new master cylinder, and the car is in good mechanical health. This classic delivers if the winning bidder wishes to slip behind the wheel for immediate enjoyment.
When buyers ordered a new ’69 Corvette, most adopted the standard Black vinyl interior trim. That is the case with this car, and its condition is surprising for a vehicle of this age. The upholstered surfaces are free from significant wear and physical damage, while the dash and wheel are excellent. There is some minor damage on the console, but considering the car’s age, the overall impression is positive. If I were to suggest one task for the winning bidder to tackle, they could spend a few days in their garage with some high-quality cleaning and detailing products. They don’t cost the earth, and cleaning the interior surfaces with careful attention to detail could lift the appearance to a significantly higher level. Otherwise, the interior needs nothing.
This 1969 Corvette Convertible isn’t perfect, but that is one reason it is so attractive. Imperfect classics offer an ownership experience entirely different from slipping behind the wheel of an equivalent pristine vehicle. If the new owner preserves this Convertible and indulges in some classic automotive pleasure, the occasional stone chip won’t cause the anguish the same stone might cause if it mars perfection. The winning bidder could treat the car to a restoration that would return it to showroom condition. However, preserving it as a proud survivor, proclaiming it has been enjoyed as its creators intended, should not be underestimated. Which path would you choose? Are you prepared to turn the dream into a reality by submitting a bid on this fantastic Corvette?
- Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Mileage: 12,667
- Engine: 350 ZQ3 V8
- Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
- VIN:194679S720895
- Title Status: Clean
- Dealer Processing Fee: $395
Bid On This Auction
Erik bid $18,000.00 2023-03-18 12:48:58
2manyvettes bid $16,775.00 2023-03-17 07:36:24
TomB bid $16,525.00 2023-03-16 17:01:59- 2manyvettes bid $16,275.00 2023-03-16 14:07:01
- TomB bid $16,000.00 2023-03-15 09:20:43
Russ bid $15,500.00 2023-03-15 04:05:15- TomB bid $15,250.00 2023-03-10 18:36:35
DR.lewC bid $15,000.00 2023-03-10 09:34:09- Russ bid $12,000.00 2023-03-08 14:18:25
peter t bid $10,000.00 2023-03-08 13:55:42- Russ bid $8,000.00 2023-03-08 13:39:56
machboat bid $7,750.00 2023-03-08 12:21:17
Kevin813 bid $7,500.00 2023-03-08 11:59:04- peter t bid $3,500.00 2023-03-08 11:41:50
- TomB bid $2,500.00 2023-03-08 10:45:11
chieftbird bid $2,000.00 2023-03-08 10:32:02
Pro Design bid $1,100.00 2023-03-08 10:02:04
Tommyrocks bid $800.00 2023-03-08 09:14:05
Very tempting. I was born in 1953 and got my license in 1969.
Same here, and I got my first Corvette in 1989 and I am still driving one today. Happy (Late or Early) Birthday!
Similar here. Born on Easter Sunday, 1953. Got my first Corvette in 1975.
Bought my 71 in 88 and still have it to this day, as well as a few others.
It would look great next to my 02 C5 yellow convertible
It is a nice Vette for sure.
I would put a new white top, white seats and door panels, new black rug set, have the Engine detailed and have a ball with it, that number is gonna climb
The number might go higher without white seats and door panels. Each to his/her own.
Nice to see A.I.R. still intact. Belt is missing likely because the pump seized. The vanes in the pump go bad. Nice 69 and one of my favorite years. I had a 71 in the mid 70s now have a 73 coupe 4 speed. Best driving C3 I have ever been in.
I would love to see photos of the undercarriage to check for rust. This is a very simple classic car. Red roadster, small block, no A/C, I didn’t see a P/S pump so driving a small block with manual steering is great and no P/S fluid to leak. This would be a great driver, with a little love it would be a great looker too. All this and 3 pedals, lots of fun.
Is anyone wondering why 100 % of the photos are taken in the shade? I really want to love this car and immediately after reading the BF article was ready to bid. But… the lack of images in good lighting and the horrible out-of-focus photos make wonder what is being hidden. Not so much a pessimist, just cautious from seasoned experience. The occasional rock chips in front of the rear wheel openings doesn’t bother me, but the paint seems blurry or fuzzy in some photos like a $99 Earl Scheib repaint. It appeared to be a fairly clear day, but all taken in the shade. Can’t really determine the exact color hue from these either. If it were closer I’d do a personal inspection as even if paint were the only flaw this would be a great Vette to own of there are no other serious issues. I also wish there were undercarriage images and more focused close-up photos of the interior. Thru living and experiencing life I’ve learned if something seems really good be careful when your 6th sense alarm comes on.
You are dead on….WHY all the pics in the shade AND FAR AWAY?🤔 YES, they are hiding something AND would definitely want to see frame etc for rot, etc. Buyer BEWARE!
I owned a 69 rag top Vette with the matching hard top and It was painted a Cadillac gold paint in which I had it painted back black. It also had black interior and a 350/370 LTI and 4 speed tranny and I think 373 Posi hog head . I had owned several vetted and bought and sold them for about five years. Made a lot of money, spent a lot of time into loving on them. Eventually, I had the engine bored .30 over, ported and balanced. The only thing that wasn’t replaced in the engine was the original GM pink rods. She dynode at 473 hp @ 4800 rpm. Barely steerable.Sometimes you have to give up your first love to save your marriage. One thing I have been noticing on this sight is no mention of the distributor gear drive tach and dual point distributors . A lot of the older Vettes had them. A missing ignition shield used to be the first indicator of an engine swap which went on quite a bit back in the day.Obviously not the motorized shoebox on the road today. We lived in the day of real American made “iron”.
Born in 1954
Got my first corvette 1976 new
4kids later now have 1992 corvette convertible. It’s in my blood
Differently not worth more then ten grand needs a lot of work to make like new
It’s a beautiful Corvette and it’s the right color but it’s not going to get $38K