Garage Find: 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

There is a fear among enthusiasts that the day will arrive when the supply of desirable classic cars squirreled away in barns, garages, or sheds, will trickle to a halt. However, I don’t believe that will happen. As the current generation of passionate individuals reaches an age where remaining in the family home is no longer viable, or when physically getting in and out of that car is no longer possible, they will need to part with their beloved classic. That is part of the story behind this 1969 Corvette Convertible, which recently emerged after more than two decades in hibernation. The seller revived this beauty, but deteriorating health means he must part with it. There is work remaining, but he includes parts to help the new owner on their quest for perfection. The seller listed the Convertible here on eBay in Berkeley, California. Frantic bidding has pushed the price beyond the reserve to $22,950.

This Corvette has a known ownership history, with its second owner purchasing it in 1972. He drove the car regularly into the 1980s before parking it in his garage. It ventured out occasionally, the last time being in the 1990s, to head to a car show. It then remained in storage until recently purchased by the seller. He planned to return the car to its former glory, but health issues have left him with no alternative but to part with a classic he genuinely loves. The second owner treated the Convertible to a repaint in its original Tuxedo Black in 1982, and while it now sports a few flaws, the seller describes it as a good ten-footer. It would benefit from another paint job, but its presentation is acceptable for those contemplating the survivor route. The White soft-top has some marks that a deep clean may address, but with replacements being affordable, the buyer might splash the cash to improve the presentation. The original owner ordered this beauty with the optional side-mounted exhaust, which is confirmed on the original Tank Sticker. The ‘Vette isn’t a rust bucket, with problems limited to a small hole in the lower radiator support and a small, non-structural area on the driver’s side pillar. There are some spots of crusty corrosion on the frame, but nothing that should cause sleepless nights.

Dropping the top on this Corvette reveals an interior that generally presents well for its age. There is damage on the console, which may be beyond repair, meaning the buyer may need to brace for the cost of replacement. Otherwise, there are no issues or problems. The new carpet is spotless, and the upholstered surfaces are free from wear and damage, with the driver’s seat sporting a new cover. The dash is excellent, and there are no aftermarket additions. This Convertible retains its factory AM/FM radio, while power windows are a welcome inclusion.

The Tank Sticker confirms the original owner set their sights on affordable performance when ordering this Corvette. They elected to spend $131.65 on the L46 version of Chevrolet’s legendary 350ci V8. They added the close-ratio M21 four-speed manual transmission, a Posi rear end, and power steering. With 350hp at their disposal, this Convertible would have stormed the ¼-mile in 14.2 seconds. The seller indicates they have worked through the revival process by replacing the brake calipers, fuel tank, fuel hoses, tires, battery, and other components. There is work remaining, but they include most of the parts to ensure that this numbers-matching classic will provide the buyer with years of reliable service. These include new hoses, belts, a fuel pump, plug wires, a master cylinder, a water pump, and a timing chain. The car runs and drives, but fitting the components and thoroughly inspecting this classic could be a wise first move before attempting long journeys.

Considering this 1969 Corvette Convertible’s history and all it seems to offer its next owner, I’m unsurprised it has already attracted an impressive fifty-eight bids. I would expect that figure to climb significantly as this auction heads to its conclusion. Recent sales results suggest that the hammer should fall at around $30,000, although the figure could be marginally higher. Regardless of the price, someone will drive away in a classic that can’t help but turn heads. Could that person be you?