Chrome-bumper C3 Corvettes remain among the more desirable vehicles in the classic scene, and spotless examples can command impressive prices. This 1969 Convertible is far from pristine but runs and drives extremely well. It is begging for love and a new owner willing to treat it to the care it deserves. The seller has listed the ‘Vette here on Craigslist in Springfield, Virginia. They set their price at $20,000, and it will be interesting to see if they secure a sale at that price.

This Corvette sends potential buyers mixed signals, which would prompt me to perform an in-person inspection. The seller admits its Cortez Silver paint requires a refresh and that the Black soft-top has a rip that would prompt repair or replacement. However, the significant rust on the front and back bumpers concerns me. It could be an anomaly with this car because areas like the engine bay appear free from substantial corrosion. The Convertible looks like it may spend its downtime parked in the open, meaning the frame and birdcage deserve a thorough inspection to confirm they are structurally sound. The fiberglass is free from major defects, and the glass looks good. Someone added an aftermarket side exhaust, and a lack of heat shielding could produce scorched flesh for those entering and exiting the vehicle. Its V8 might sound tough exhaling through the system, but I would probably substitute a reproduction factory side exhaust or swap in the same type of system the car featured when it rolled off the line. If the new owner feels a side exhaust is essential, high-quality reproduction kits with the correct covers and insulation retail for around $1,100. It will come down to a matter of personal preference and to whether the expense is justified.

This Corvette is consistent because its interior requires as much love as its exterior. The original owner ordered it trimmed in Red leather, which would have contrasted beautifully with the Cortez Silver exterior. It is missing the carpet and factory radio but is otherwise complete. The dash and most plastic pieces should respond well to thorough cleaning, but there will be a long shopping list of parts required to regain this classic’s former glory. It will include a carpet set, a driver’s door trim, and replacement parts for the missing console plastic. I thought the seatcovers might be salvageable with a deep clean, but they have started splitting. The seller emphasizes the rarity of the optional air conditioning, but that is slightly deceptive. Production figures show that 11,859 buyers selected that option, equating to a take-up rate of 30%. If we want to consider rare and desirable options, power windows only found their way into 9,816 cars. The seller probably misses a golden opportunity because this Convertible’s leather trim is even rarer, having only been chosen by 3,729 buyers.

The biggest news for the Corvette range in 1969 occurred under the hood. The mighty small-block had served nobly in 327ci form since 1962, but Chevrolet introduced an upgraded 350ci version for the new model year. The Corvette lagged behind other models within the Chevrolet range because the 350 first saw service in the Camaro in 1967. The increased capacity didn’t produce power gains, but the 350 served in various forms for many years and remains a firm favorite among enthusiasts. This car’s drivetrain is numbers-matching, and its V8 would have sent 300hp to the road via a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission. Although this was the most conservative configuration in the ’69 Corvette range, it would have comfortably covered the ¼-mile in 15 seconds. I’ve used the past tense when quoting performance figures because this car may be able to improve on those numbers. It inhales deeply through what appears to be a new carburetor, with spent gases exiting via headers and non-original side exhaust. The power gains won’t be dramatic, but you can never have too many ponies under your right foot. The vehicle may look tired, but it is in excellent mechanical health. It runs and drives perfectly, and if an in-person inspection confirms it is structurally sound, the new owner could enjoy some immediate top-down touring before the weather turns savage.

This 1969 Corvette Convertible leaves me torn because it sends mixed signals. That makes it challenging to confidently assess its overall condition, suggesting an in-person inspection is warranted. If this reveals the car is structurally sound, that could make the restoration process relatively straightforward. It could be a stunning car once complete, but is it a project you would consider tackling?