Project candidates come in many forms, with some requiring deeper commitment than others. This 1969 Corvette is complete, but dismantling it to the last nut and bolts is the only way a new owner can recapture its lost youth. However, its big-block V8 ensures that it will offer impressive performance once the work is complete. The seller listed the Corvette here on eBay, and I believe it is located in Webster, New York. Bidding has passed the reserve to sit at $10,100.
The story of this Corvette is fascinating. The original owner apparently purchased it as a low-option vehicle with almost total focus on outright performance. It served as a race car until 1991, when it was retired and parked behind a shed. Time exposed to the elements has baked its Monza Red paint, although the fiberglass looks surprisingly good. There are no significant cracks or other issues, but the original owner removed many of the emblems and badges, filling the holes for a smoother appearance. Reversing the change will be straightforward because the winning bidder will undoubtedly strip away the peeling paint for a high-end result. The news below the surface is mixed. The underside shot reveals heavy surface corrosion on the frame. The seller assures us there are no holes or soft spots, but entirely dismantling the car is the only way to minimize potential future problems. A more significant challenge could be the visible rust in the birdcage near the VIN tag. It is unclear how extensive it is, but specialist attention may be required to guarantee the car is structurally sound when it returns to active service. The windshield is cracked, but the remaining glass looks acceptable for a driver-grade restoration.
The Corvette’s interior looks surprisingly good, especially considering it has been exposed to UV rays for over thirty years. The new owner will probably perform at least a partial retrim if they seek perfection, with items like the console’s rear section requiring replacement. The seller claims the ‘Vette has a genuine 50,000 miles showing on its odometer, citing the lack of interior wear as supporting evidence. That is hardly conclusive proof, but it makes the claim potentially plausible. The first owner’s focus on outright performance is reflected by the lack of factory options, with the AM/FM radio being the only creature comfort.
The seller admits the Corvette isn’t numbers-matching. They believe the original 427ci V8 probably succumbed to the rigors of racing, with the engine block and one cylinder head replaced at some point. The big-block would have sent 390hp and 460 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a four-speed M21 manual transmission. The ‘Vette would have clocked a 13.9-second ¼-mile ET off the showroom floor. Therefore, mild tuning and better tires would have made it a formidable weapon when the original owner took it to the local drag strip. This motor hasn’t run in years, and the seller hasn’t attempted to turn it. They say the oil is clean, and the green coolant suggests it was appropriately maintained in active service. However, factoring a rebuild into the restoration budget would be wise.
Returning this 1969 Corvette to its original form will be a significant undertaking, with much depending on the state of the birdcage. Dismantling the car to the last nut and bolt is the only option, but losing the original engine block will limit the car’s investment potential among purists. However, a value of around $50,000 is within reach if the new owner achieves perfection. It has only attracted two bids, suggesting that some enthusiasts find it an overwhelming prospect. Do you agree, or would you like to tackle this build?
Several years ago, I found a ’71 454, 4spd coupe project in a barn. It was an abandoned project, and came with dusty boxes of new and used parts. I paid $4K for it. The engine was also a CE, but was still in the car, and actually ran well. I had access to several parts cars, and spent the winter rebuilding the drivetrain, electrical, and interior. A friend even had a NOS radiator for it. By spring it was running & driving nicely. Well within budget. Then it was time for body and paint. While their work was great, it took over a year, and cost alot more than original estimates.Budget blown! That spoiled it for me, and I ended up trading it on a ’57 a year later.
The car for sale here would be really nice, properly restored. Trouble is it will cost way more to restore to NCRS standards. Although it is a big-block 4-spd, the 390HP is actually not that rare, and the CE engine is not “matching”. This car is also not equipped with desirable options like tilt, A/C etc. Point being, it just won’t be a high-value car when done.
If this car spent actual road time in Webster, NY during the winter, you best look at that undercarriage. It snows plenty up there. Nice color combo.
Just saying,if it was sitting outside in Arizona would be no problem ,but sitting outside in New York would beckon a closer look.
I defy anyone to show me a car who’s frame has rusted from sitting outside regardless of where it was sitting. The frame can’t rust from it sitting outside and getting snowed on, although the frame can rust if it was driven on Salted roads, OR if it was in a flood caused by high tide, (salt water) I don’t think the true story is being told here.
Mostly depends on where you live. .my father in law had a 78 ford ranger pickup truck that he parked on t by e grass constantly and the humidity and wetness destroyed it
If it has been sitting outside on dirt it can have extensive rust. Moisture gets trapped underneath and with no sun hitting it, it can destroy a car.
If the body birdcage is good this may make a good body donor for a restomod or vintage race car with new frame and everything else. Otherwise this is a money pit.
Agree with posters above. Lots of red flags if you want to return this back to stock form. If you have money to burn, restomod would be the way to go.
Ambition project for sure that is already priced more than it is worth.