Project candidates come in all shapes and sizes, with some posing greater challenges than others. This 1969 Chevrolet Corvette is one such vehicle, and it could be one of the most affordable early C3 driving projects currently on the market. It needs plenty of work and could be a strong contender for a DIY enthusiast with well-developed skills. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting this ’69 listed here on eBay in Roca, Nebraska. The seller set their BIN at $12,900 with the option to make an offer.

After a successful introduction in 1968, Chevrolet made only cosmetic changes to the C3 Corvette for 1969. It included a few badge updates, different door handles, and the integration of reversing lights into the inner pair of taillights. Otherwise, it was business as usual for a car that set a new sales record of 38,462 vehicles in 1969. This Coupe rolled off the line during 1969, and to say that it has undergone a few changes is an understatement. The original Lemans Blue paint is hidden beneath a layer of Red, although it is unclear when this occurred. The paint shows significant deterioration, and we can only speculate whether this extends beyond the surface to the original paint hiding beneath. Therefore, this restoration may involve stripping everything and starting from scratch. However, that is only the beginning of the story, because this Corvette has frame rust forward of the rear wheels. It isn’t at the point of snapping, but it requires attention to ensure the car retains its structural integrity. This is a genuine concern because occupant safety must be of paramount importance. I believe that anyone tackling this restoration faces the prospect of dismantling the entire vehicle to ensure that repairs are of a high standard. The seller indicates that the birdcage is okay, although they don’t sound convincing. The fiberglass looks okay, and the trim is restorable. The seller provides no clear interior shots, but the car’s original Blue vinyl trim is gone. It now features Saddle vinyl, and the few close-up images suggest that a retrim is required. That adds to the costs, though kits are readily available to restore the interior to its factory form.

Changes to this Corvette aren’t limited to its cosmetics. The seller states that the engine bay houses a 327ci V8. This motor must have come from another source if that is the case, because the Corvette’s small-block was increased to 350ci as part of the 1969 model year upgrades. The car also features a close-ratio four-speed manual transmission to maximize engine performance. The engine specifications are unknown. Therefore, we can only speculate on the potential power output. Reassuringly, the 327 is said to be strong, with the Corvette running and driving acceptably for the buyer to fly in and drive it home. I probably wouldn’t choose that option before performing an in-person inspection to ensure that the frame is up to the task. However, it sounds like this build won’t involve major mechanical work, which is welcome news when we assess the car’s other requirements.

This 1969 Corvette requires a lot of work to recapture its former glory, and some enthusiasts will scrutinize the photos and decide it is beyond what they are willing or able to tackle. The frame rust is a concern, suggesting a nut-and-bolt approach is the best way to ensure the car remains structurally sound and safe for many decades to come. The listing statistics indicate that this ‘Vette has generated considerable interest since hitting the market. However, it begs the question of whether this is from serious buyers or from sheer curiosity. What do you think?