After decades of being involved with classic cars, I sometimes feel that I’ve witnessed everything that the scene has to offer. Then vehicles like this 1969 Corvette appear, reminding me that I may have just scratched the surface. The seller purchased the car in 2013, and its restoration stalled before it could start. It is a structurally sound vehicle, but some of its panel damage is courtesy of the family dog having a bit of a chew! Located in Westcliffe, Colorado, the seller has listed this ‘Vette for sale here on eBay. Bidding has hit $8,500, but this figure remains short of the reserve.
Finished in LeMans Blue, this Corvette would have been a striking vehicle in its prime. The seller purchased the car in 2013 as a restoration project, but things stalled before they could start. While it looks rough around the edges, the Corvette comes with good news. The seller located it sitting exposed to the elements in Arizona. While that state’s harsh sunshine has taken a toll on some aspects of the ‘Vette, it has also effectively preserved the classic steel. The seller indicates that while the frame wears a coating of dry surface corrosion, it remains structurally sound. The exterior trim is present, and a bit of hard work with some polish should reveal which pieces are okay and which require a trip to the platers. The panel damage on the driver’s side front fender is a talking point and helps make this car slightly unusual. It is not the result of some fender bender but is where the family dog felt its jaws needed a workout. It has chewed away a substantial slice of fiberglass, although the seller includes a replacement. I admit that’s the first time I’ve seen damage from that source!
The 1969 model year was a significant one in the evolution of the Corvette as it marked the first where Chevrolet offered a 350ci V8 under the hood. Our feature car’s engine bay houses the entry-level version of the legendary small-block, which produced 300hp when the car was shiny and new. Bolted to the back of the V8 is a three-speed automatic transmission that feeds the power to a Posi rear end. Adding to the appeal, the original owner ordered this Chevy with power steering and power brakes. This combination represented the most conservative in the ’69 Corvette range, but that is a relative term. It would have been capable of storming the ¼ mile in 15 seconds flat, which was hardly shabby in that era. The first slice of positive news for purists is that the Corvette remains numbers-matching. That is an important consideration when assessing its potential value, as non-original components can negatively impact prices. The car isn’t roadworthy, but the motor roars to life with some fuel poured down the carburetor. It will undoubtedly require a thorough inspection and remedial work before it hits the road again, but it sounds like the buyer can work from a solid base.
The overall impression conveyed by this Corvette is that its original owner was more concerned about comfort than outright performance. The inclusion of an automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes suggests that they didn’t want to expend undue energy behind the wheel. That impression is complete when we delve inside the vehicle and spot air conditioning, power windows, and an AM/FM radio. It is also an aspect of the car that could consume considerable time and money during the restoration. Before I spent a dime, I’d clean everything thoroughly. New seat upholstery, a carpet set, and a replacement rear console section seem inevitable. Beyond that, the inspection and cleaning will reveal how extensive the shopping list will be.
I’ve seen plenty of classics over the years where the interior has fallen foul of dog damage, but I admit this 1969 Corvette is the first where the body has received the same treatment. Reversing the damage shouldn’t be hard, and with the Corvette complete and structurally sound, it could represent a rewarding project build. While the reserve is yet to be met, that moment may not be far away. Fully restored, it could command a value beyond $30,000. With the work required, I would be surprised if the bidding passed $15,000 before the hammer falls. Do you agree?
I have an 82 El Camino That my “Quad Dog” chewed on the front drivers side fender.
A “Quad Dog” is 1/4 Pit Bull, 1/4 Akita, 1/4 Chow and 1/4 Shar Pei.
The vet was afraid of him because all 4 quarters can be vicious, but he was a lover not a fighter, even though he liked to chew on things. Especially my El Camino after it came back from the paint shop.
They should jail that dog for human cruelty . Maybe even , put it down . And the same to the human for automobile cruelty . That dog didn’t cause all of this cars problems . It’s obvious this car has been thrashed and trashed .
Somewhere I still have half a remote control which was munched on by a roommate’s dog eons ago. I can absolutely believe a big young dog would chew up a Corvette.
Reminds me of something I saw (I think) on youtube once. Showed a squirrel sitting on the top of a tire chewing on the fender flare on a far.
It looks like a 62-67 Vet behind it sitting in the corner.
Redo the engine and interior, leave the exterior as is, and have the most dangerous looking Vette.
When I worked at a John Deere dealer years ago I picked up a 240 riding mower for repair. These had a plastic hood and steel rear desk. This one had part of the hood missing, the seat cover was missing, the pedal pads were missing and the footboard rubber pads were missing. I was wondering if what the hell happened to the poor thing when the owner came out. She laughed and said her goat ate it. “Your goat ate your tractor?” asks I “Yep” she says. I loaded it up and strapped it down. Something bumped my ass and there was her stupid goat. She had to come get her off the trailer so I could leave. People and their pets.
Had a friend that would bring his Staffordshire Terrier to my skate shop to hang out. To keep him occupied, his chew toys were Rollerblade brakes and wheels. Chewed em up like Skittles. The Corvette chewing doesn’t surprise me.
SOLD for $13,700.
“Good Luck” to the next owner.