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Bargain or Basketcase? 1969 Corvette Convertible

1969 Corvette Convertible

The Corvette is one of America’s most loved cars and current prices reflect that fact.  The phrase “cheap Corvette” seems to be an oxymoron these days and although not really cheap, one of our readers thinks this 1969 Corvette Convertible might qualify for the title. It obviously needs some work, but with Hagerty valuing a #4 at $14k, this project might be worth a look. Find it here on craigslist in Santa Clara, California for $7,000. Thanks for the tip Robert J!

custom-upholstry

The seller does not give many details so an inspection will be needed. They do mention that a 350 V8 is fitted, but do not specify if it is the 300 horsepower L48 or 350 horsepower L46. That would affect the value a bit, but not much. I sure would like to have that extra power though. A whole slew of 427 options were available that year so you would always be wishing for a little more grunt if all you had was the base 350. Note the custom upholstery job on driver’s seat. Hmm, interesting… So, what do you guys think – bargain or basketcase?

Comments

  1. Avatar Barry Thomas

    Obviously we are missing something, Jesse, as this must be a very desirable automobile. The reason? Check out that huge block of wood at the end of the driveway preventing this Vette from being stolen. Surely this car must be worth something to somebody, but maybe closer to $4-$5000.
    Barry Thomas’ “Wheel to Wheel” blog

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  2. Avatar Stephen

    Am a Ford fan but this could be a bargain. 350 of either HP would be a more realistic choice for a semi-daily driver. 427’s are thirsty beasts.

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  3. Avatar stanleystalvey

    There’s no way in hell that this vette is worth 14 grand… Basket case…

    Like 1
  4. Avatar Dutch 1960

    The convertible version really sets off the styling in a way that the coupe never did, IMHO. The convertible top hides below the trick flip-up panel behind the seats, which makes for a clean car, without the cumbersome and clunky soft cover that snaps over the folded top, like most older convertibles.

    Needs factory wheels.

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  5. Avatar rancho bella

    Laddies, before you get to carried away…..don’t. As I have mentioned before and will again, I know these cars……….and I wish I had never met them.

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  6. Avatar jim s

    add has few photos and fewer words. if close might be worth a PI, then make a offer. might be a nice find for someone.

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  7. Avatar rancho bella

    I wouldn’t give 4K……………I know them………..more than I should admit

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  8. Avatar Wayne Thomas

    This car cries out for an LS swap and a Corvette Central catalog. Oh, and a realistic price cut.

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  9. Avatar Don Barzini

    There should be a template that sellers have to complete to post an ad so that it provides basic information. Ads like this annoy me.

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  10. Avatar stanleystalvey

    The money he wants would pay for a pristine, low-mileage 69 vette… The seller is just being a smart-ass.. Stupidity always follows greed…

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  11. Avatar Josh V

    C3’s are jumping in value, especially the chrome bumper years. Unless there is something significant about this specific car (Besides it being a roadster), that is not worth the money. Interiors for these cars, though easy to find, are very expensive to replace and Jesus Jones look at those seats, they look like they’re from the Victorian era. You should be able to get a good project for $7000 (at least where I live)

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  12. Avatar waynard

    Hagerty is notoriously high on valuations. Don’t depend on them.

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    • Avatar staplehead

      You are dead on. Hagerty is no way even close to being realistic. Buyer beware

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  13. Avatar John

    The custom exhaust was obviously done by the same craftsman who did the upholstery. And the “shaved” nose (missing the Corvette flags) and missing rearview mirror shows an understanding of aerodynamics rivaled by none. While the pictures don’t show it, there has been some subtle weight reduction by removal of the heavy rear bumper. And the missing panel where a license plate usually lives clearly shows that a high tech undertray/extractor has been added. Perhaps it will someday be a candidate for a drop into a sinkhole. After someone puts some air in the rear tire that is.

    This will be a bargain for some unsuspecting soul who will then let it rot for another year or two and then try to unload it for $10K.

    I’ll have to pass. My efforts are currently directed at replacing the carburetor on my lawn tractor (side-draft, single choke).

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  14. Avatar David

    Pure basket case,again people looking for totally unrealistic prices.3.5k max

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  15. Avatar dj

    3k is the Max on this car. He lives in another world which revolves around the rest of us.

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  16. Avatar gunningbar

    2 things.1..some people call this style a Stingray…I thought the previous style was a stingray….2…this style/model has never been my favorite but after almost 50 years the roadsters are getting better looking (and alot of other things too as my eyes weaken!). So..is this ALSO A STINGRAY? Thanks.

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    • Avatar dj

      In 68 they didn’t have Stingray on them but went back to it in 1969. Stingray stayed on the fenders until the end of 1976.

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  17. Avatar Joe Howell

    Sad sight….

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  18. Avatar PRA4SNW

    Junk muscle Mopars are worth this money. Junk C3s are not. I have owned a chrome bumper vert since ’85 in way way better shape than this and pray that it would be worth what a same year muscle car is.

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