There are few things in the classic world sadder than finding a project build that stalled due to ill health. However, it is almost heartbreaking when the owner succumbs to their illness and the family faces the prospect of parting with that car. That is the situation with this 1969 Corvette, and it needs a new owner who can fulfill the vision for this classic. Located in Scottsville, New York, you will find the Corvette listed for sale here on eBay. The bidding has surged to $7,600 in a No Reserve auction.
The Corvette is finished in Burgundy, although there’s evidence that it may have received a repaint at some point. The quality isn’t outstanding, and the buyer may face the prospect of stripping away the existing paint to start from scratch. That would provide the opportunity to address the flaws in the fiberglass, and there are a few that may require specialist attention. The Black soft-top looks like it might revive successfully, although the back window appears cloudy. The underside shots reveal a frame that wears surface corrosion in a few spots, although it seems to be structurally sound. The chrome and trim look very acceptable for a driver-grade project, while the Rally wheels and tires were new when this project stalled a decade ago.
The Corvette’s interior features upholstery in Saddle leather, and the seats look like they may respond well to a deep clean and the application of a high-quality conditioner. The dash and most plastic trim tell a similar story, although wear and physical damage could see the buyer replacing the carpet and door trims. Beyond that, I would clean everything before compiling a shopping list to ensure that I didn’t spend unnecessary money on this build. The interior isn’t loaded with luxury appointments, although an aftermarket radio/cassette player and a tilt/telescopic wheel are welcome features.
It isn’t clear what motor originally occupied the Corvette’s engine bay because the late owner replaced it with a 350ci GM Crate Motor producing 290hp. Bolted to the small-block is a Turbo 400 automatic transmission, while the Corvette also features power assistance for the steering and brakes. The drivetrain combination should allow the ‘Vette to cover the ¼ mile in around 15 seconds, and while that doesn’t make it the fastest ’69 Corvette on the planet, it would still satisfy most buyers. The seller indicates that the owner fitted the Crate Motor shortly before becoming ill. It wears aftermarket headers, but there is no exhaust. The owner never had the opportunity to coax the small-block into life, with that privilege now falling to the buyer. I would inspect it carefully before hitting the key, but some basic maintenance and fresh fuel may be all that is required before the 350 roars once again.
If I were the successful bidder on this 1969 Corvette, I would cherish the opportunity to discuss the car with the family to gain an insight into their loved one’s vision for this classic. If their dream and mine are the same, I would return the car to that state as a tribute to a passionate enthusiast. I would offer the family the chance to experience the finished product to see that someone values the car as much as its late owner did. That feels like the right path to follow. Do you agree?
Not a terrible car, but you will need to do all the brakes, replace gas tank and that’s just the start. That frame rail looks crusty. Too many nice 69s for sale at like $25,000 you can get in, turn key and drive. Life is short as this owner found out. I have recently finished restoring my C3 mechanically. The receipt pile is more than an inch thick not including my time.
Yes very much so.
Scottsville is 20 miles south of Rochester.
Someone must have wanted it. The ad has been taken down.
Well, its got potential. Might as well plan on a body off restoration at this point. Engine looks like it has already been done as its pretty clean. There is a composite leaf spring in the rear, so perhaps that’s been done. The body will need work in a few critical places that are very time consuming to and hard to access. All that paint needs to come off to see what is under it, and that is a long painstaking process. No mention of the hard top it may have. Interior is mostly there, but needs work. But if the frame and bird cage are okay, at that price, you won’t be too badly out of money. But decent paint and bodywork will set you back 10K+. Not trying to bash it, but want to see another early C3 back on the road. GLWS
sold!
looks like a good project I have restored a few for customers over the years with rear end damage pull the bumpers and the gas tank start glassing