With Christmas done and dusted, many enthusiasts will turn their attention towards securing an appropriate project candidate to occupy their time in 2025. If your leanings are towards something from the General Motors back catalog, this 1969 Corvette Convertible could be worth a close look. Someone has commenced its restoration, but it requires a dedicated individual to finish the process. One aspect that makes it particularly attractive is its swooping body hides a 427ci V8 and a four-speed manual transmission. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Chuck F for spotting the ‘Vette listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Hayes, Virginia. You could park this classic in your workshop for $11,000.

Chevrolet introduced the C3 Corvette for the 1968 model year, and such was the public’s acceptance that it immediately set a new sales record of 28,566 vehicles. The situation was even better in 1969, with 38,462 buyers handing over the cash. That record would remain intact until 1975, with sales volumes continuing to climb during the second half of the 1970s. The first owner ordered this 1969 Convertible in Can Am White, and there is barely a hint of that shade visible in the listing images. Someone has covered it in Gray primer, but it is unclear whether they stripped away the original paint during that process. There are a few minor panel imperfections visible, but no fiberglass issues that would require specialist attention. The frame and birdcage are unknown quantities, although the limited underside shots don’t sound alarm bells. I can see plenty of dry surface corrosion, but no evidence of penetrating rust. A couple of trim pieces appear to be missing, but the glass is clear.

The first owner teamed this Corvette’s Can Am White exterior with Black vinyl interior trim which would have looked striking in its prime. They passed on options like power windows and a tilt/telescopic wheel but ticked the box beside air conditioning. The short story with this interior is that it requires total restoration. It is essentially complete, although a couple of plastic items undoubtedly started life in other cars. However, the foundations are there to return this aspect of the car to its factory form using readily available reproduction parts.

The 1969 Corvette was a potent car in almost any form, but this one rolled off the line powered by a 427ci V8. The first owner selected the L36, teaming it with a four-speed manual transmission, a 3.08 Posi rear end, and power steering. The big-block generated 390hp and 460 ft/lbs of torque. That is a recipe for brutal performance, and this Corvette delivered. The ¼-mile journey became a memory in 13.8 seconds while pressing firmly on the gas pedal rewarded the driver with a top speed of 149mph. The first thing for potential buyers to consider, especially if they are viewing this Convertible as a long-term investment that could maximize financial return, is that it isn’t numbers-matching. The existing V8 is date-coded 1969, but it is unclear whether the remaining drivetrain components are original. The car doesn’t run or drive, and it would probably be wise to factor a mechanical rebuild into the project budget.

This 1969 Corvette Convertible requires plenty of TLC to recapture its former glory, and I believe that a car of this caliber deserves a frame-off approach to achieve a high standard once the new owner hangs up the tools for the final time. Every aspect of this vehicle requires attention, but the finished product should provide an enjoyable ownership experience for many years. I hope that someone is willing to tackle this build because I feel that this Corvette is worthy of restoration.