Summer might be drawing to a close, but that doesn’t mean it is the wrong time to park a classic Convertible in your garage. The weather soon won’t be conducive to drop-top motoring, but the new owner will be ready and raring to go behind the wheel of this 1969 Corvette the moment the sun shows its face. This gem presents beautifully and would be ideal for an enthusiast seeking a vehicle that could be considered a high-end driver. It features one easily reversed modification and promises effortless top-down motoring. The seller has listed this beauty here on eBay in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Bidding sits below the reserve at $20,100, but there is plenty of time for potential buyers to contemplate whether they should make a play for this survivor.
It is rare for a manufacturer to hit the mark immediately with the styling of a new model because evolution often produces the most attractive vehicles. There are notable exceptions to that rule, including the early First Generation Mustang and the E-Body Challenger and Barracuda released in 1970. The early C3 Corvettes fit that mold because they possess a purity that was lost when the styling was changed to accommodate evolving safety regulations. You may disagree on that subject, but differing opinions are one of the greatest strengths of the classic scene. This ’69 Corvette presents well in Riverside Gold, although it is unclear whether it has undergone any form of restoration. The paint shines nicely, with the seller describing its condition as 7/10. They confirm there are minor marks and blemishes. However, there are no glaring problems requiring attention. The fiberglass is in good order, but there is no information on the state of the frame or birdcage. The presentation suggests there shouldn’t be hidden nasty surprises, but an in-person inspection is advisable with any classic purchase. The pop-up headlights and wiper door can be known weaknesses with these cars, but the seller indicates that these items function perfectly. The White soft-top is acceptable for a driver, while the trim, glass, and Rally wheels look excellent for their age.
It is disappointing when a seller lists a car of this caliber but doesn’t supply engine shots. These can tell us a lot about the life a classic has lived, but we must rely on the seller’s information in this case. The 1969 model year saw Chevrolet increase the capacity of its small-block V8 from 327ci to 350ci, and it is the ZQ3 version that hides under the hood of this classic. It sends 300hp to the road via a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission. It is unclear whether the new owner will receive power assistance for the steering or brakes, but the self-shifter should provide a relaxed motoring experience. This might be the least potent version of the ’69 Corvette, but its ability to cover the ¼-mile in 15 seconds commanded respect when it rolled off the showroom floor. The odometer shows 95,700 miles, but the seller can’t confirm whether the reading is genuine. However, I would expect it is if this is an original survivor. They hold a significant collection of receipts and documentation tracing the maintenance history for a classic that runs and drives well. If you fancy flying in and driving home, that is an achievable aim with this Corvette.
Interiors can tell prospective buyers a lot about that car’s history and its life. Touching up damaged panels and paint can be straightforward and inexpensive, but refreshing a tired interior is generally pretty expensive. This Corvette has no such issues because its interior is super impressive. The Black vinyl upholstered surfaces are free from wear and abuse, with only a split on the driver’s headrest visible in the supplied photos. There are no signs of crumbling plastic or the typical carpet fading, and the dash is spotless. The seller installed a retro-style aftermarket stereo with box-mounted speakers behind the seats, but they include the factory radio for those preferring originality. They state everything inside this classic, including the often unreliable clock, works as it should.
We will have no shortage of readers who will look at this 1969 Corvette Convertible and will like what they see. That is understandable because it has no apparent needs or significant shortcomings. Its lack of perfection could be one of its greatest attributes because it would allow the new owner to enjoy the car as its creators intended, without the fear that an errant stone will destroy perfection. The only surprise with this classic is that it has received a mere two bids. I would expect more intense action on a vehicle of this caliber. However, it is early days. The action will probably become more frantic as the end draws near. Monitoring this auction could be worthwhile because it could be pretty entertaining.
My first thoughts when viewing this was get a set of BF Goodrich T/A’s and then it will be perfect. But with the top up shot, I now struggle with the idea of leaving the whitewalls. Same color as the Hot Wheel many of us had back in the day that Gas Monkey Garage did a replica for Mattel with a couple years ago. This is a beautiful unmolested vehicle the new owner will be proud to drive.
Is it me or have there been a lot of Corvettes on here lately
Not complaining, just saying !
I was just thinking the same thing while reading the full description.
My guess Big AL, it’s called take the money and run. Wouldn’t surprise me if we don’t start to see more of them appear on the market.
Oh well, he with the most marbles wins. Have a great weekend ya’all!
Billy Jack put one just like this in the lake.
These cars especially the C3 are literally a dime a dozen. Anything over like 10k is way too much. The last few I bought were 5k or less. And some were in really good shape.
I’ll give you $10k for every ’68-’72 Vette you buy for $5k ‘in really good shape’.
“literally a dime a dozen”, John?
No grammar cop here, but make some effort, hu?
Please tell me where you are finding tons of 69 C3 Vettes for 5k each
Summer coming to a close. No garage, put a For Sale sign on it. If I can get what I paid, it’s gone. Corvette prices on SOME C3s are rising.
Needs the black top & seats redone in leather
Few moderate engine upgrades better cam & lifter kit intake & carb decent set of headers & pipes & a good sound system.
Price is OK
These cars always need a birdcage and frame inspection, especially if from the midwest.
I answered an ad for a ’68 Convertible in Queen Creek, AZ, about 13 years ago.
One of the first things the seller asked me over the phone was if i was a dealer. (I am not, never have been).
Drove out to see the car, he said it would be parked in the golf course parking lot.
I got there and noticed an Illinois inspection sticker on the car, so first thing i did was crawl under the car. The seller drove up about that time and yelled at me: “You said you weren’t a dealer!” I said i am not, he then yelled asking me what was I doing under the car, then. I said I am not dumb, I always check the frame.
The frame in this case was nothing but rust flakes as thick as pine cone petals, the multi leaf rear spring had such massive coarse rust, you couldn’t tell how many leaves it had.
The only thing holding the rusty frame together was rust, it was bad enough that a good speed bump could have broken the frame under the seats. Birdcage was rotten, also.
The car also had bad body (bondo) repairs under newer paint. The bondo was cracked and lifting in one place on the front fender in front of the windshield, maybe from frame flex?
The seller wanted top dollar for this car. I passed. Unfortunately, some poor uninformed person probably paid way too much for it
Is checking/repairing the birdcage on a convertible lot easier to do/lot less expensive than on a coupe?
Most common body style Corvette. Early examples with chrome bumpers look better. But still so many to choose from.
I truly believe that there are some collectors out there that are “culling” their herds. Many of which are coming from the stables of people and or corporations with deeper pockets than any of us will never experience.
I look at this trend as a wake-up call for all of us. The dollar is loosing buying power daily. The whole world economy is in a metamorphic era.
I look at it as buyers beware.
Billy
A LOT of larger collections are being liquidated/downsized.
I think its multi faceted, some collectors are getting older and just want to get out while prices are up, others possibly foresee a down turn in prices on older cars due to people who want these cars are getting older and dying off, maybe fear of having ICE cars outlawed sometime in the future, etc.
Buy a classic car because you want it, not as an investment.
I been saying it over and over… The prices people are paying for basically a VIN in a lot of cases is insane. These are just USED CARS. Some are “special” but for the most part. They are just USED CARS. Especially these C3s… We see several a day just on here… So are they really that rare? NOPE
Imagine how many, especially metal body cars are actually Chinese aftermarket parts cars. The market is flooded with “rare” cars from what I have seen lately. The prices just are not justified in my book
Looks like a nice clean car. Minnesota plates? Take a good look for rust, especially on the frame and bird cage. I’m not sure why the car would have 15×7 wheels when 15×8 were standard for 1969, and yes, lose those whitewalls. I would like to see more pictures, undercarriage and engine compartment would be nice. I seeing like the documentation, this car may have been really cared for. All that said, not even a 4 speed, this car doesn’t do anything for me, I’ll pass.
Plenty of great comments here. I have owned a 71 big block coupe and now have a 73 small block stick car. Paid $10,000 for it eight years ago. It is in better shape and rides better than my 71 did in 1977. Hard to believe but true. The age group that like these cars are getting old, passing on and just can’t get in and out of these cars anymore. Yes, look at this site and BAT. Plenty for sale and many are not making reserve. I bought my car to drive, which I do every chance I get. If you buy a C3, or any car for that matter, for an investment, you are not good with money. I can afford a C2 or even a new C8, but I am retired and watching this crazy world and what is around the corner. By the way, Riverside Gold is my favorite 69 color. Nice car. Can drive it on today’s lousy pump gas.
I see alotta hate on Corvettes here, particularly the C3. If you’d never seen one you’d be blown away. It’s one of the most unique body styles of any vehicle…period. If they’re a dime a dozen, as one statement reads, then show me where? The reason there’s so many of them left is because when they were new they were worth saving and taking good care of. When new, they cost 3 times the amount of many of these big steel tanks every is going crazy over, so, generally speaking, they weren’t something people ragged out and then parked behind the shed or fence row.
Wow Cooter, I don’t know where to start. You just whacked a bee hive with a stick. I’ll have to re-read this 2morrow.
You’re right on Cooter, C3s are great cars, I’ve owned 5 of them. I was a little harsh in my assessment of this ’69 because it is an automatic. It is still a fine looking car and should make the new owner very happy. C3 prices are still climbing, I saw a 1970 454 4 speed roadster sell for $75,500 today in Anaheim, Ca. Not bad for a “dime-a-dozen” car.
Looks like a really nice unique car. I like it a lot. Definitely look for rust.
On a side note, ever watch Barrett Jackson and see the age of many of the buyers. Looks like they’re 80 years old. ( with a 40 year old wife). I’m always wondering if anyone that really wants to just drive these around even exists anymore.
I have always loved Corvettes, ever since I was a kid with a toy split window.
Bucket list item was to own one some day.
Four years ago I finally bought a C5.
I’m 68 years old now and enjoy every minute that I am behind the wheel, rowing through the gears.
I drive my pickup, or my wife’s SUV and feel like the enjoyment that I used to have for driving is gone.
When I take the Vette for a spin, the joy is back!
Too bad I live in a climate where the car is parked in the garage for 6 months!
I will drive it AND enjoy it until I no longer can!
Don’t get all this hating on the early C3. Stuff like there are so many, bad investment, overall not so special. In 69 alone didn’t they produce almost 300000 mustangs. Just the Mach 1 over 72000. That’s almost doubled the number of the vett of the same year. Never mind the numbers that came with the many other gm models. Most in the six figures.
Traded in my one year old Z28 for a friend’s1968 vette…loved both of them in 68…the vette definitely had more chick magnet…wish both were in my garage now next to a 53 MG and a 99 C5…74 years old an still rowing gears