The first owner of this 1969 Chevrolet Corvette wanted the best of both worlds, ordering a car with serious performance and a range of options to improve comfort. It isn’t 100% original, but is ideal for someone seeking a high-end driver. Its excellent mechanical health would allow the winning bidder to fly in and drive it home. The closer you examine this classic, the more irresistible it might become.
Chevrolet released the C3 Corvette in 1968, and the new offering set an immediate sales record. However, the badge hit its stride in 1969, enjoying a 30% jump to make the previous year’s figure look lackluster. An impressive 38,462 buyers took a ‘Vette home, with this car’s first owner being one of them. They ordered the car in Monaco Orange, and the seller admits this classic features an older repaint in that shade. They confirm there are minor flaws and defects, but none justify a cosmetic restoration. The fiberglass is in good order, but the underside shots tell much about this car’s story. They reveal a rust-free frame, and the seller states it is the same story if we focus on the birdcage. The Black stripe on the hood is a vinyl decal the buyer could remove if they find it unappealing. The trim and glass look acceptable for a classic of this vintage, and there are no problems with the Rally wheels.
Let’s get the bad news out of the way because this Corvette isn’t numbers-matching. However, its drivetrain specifications guarantee a rapid but effortless driving experience. The 427ci V8 sends its 390hp and 460 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. The first owner added power assistance for the steering and brakes, while the seller fitted the cosmetic enhancements. They confirm that while the big-block isn’t original, it is date-correct for this car. If the driver successfully applies all those ponies to the tarmac, the ¼-mile journey would take 13.8 seconds. Keeping the foot to the floor will see the needle nudge 150mph. The cosmetic enhancements aren’t the only changes, with the V8 exhaling through ceramic-coated Hooker headers and a side exhaust. The seller recently replaced almost every suspension, brake, and steering component, returning it to a factory-fresh state. They state the buyer could drive it anywhere, confirming it is ready to provide immediate classic motoring fun.
The first owner wielded their pen with abandon when ordering this Corvette. They selected air conditioning, power windows, a tilt/telescopic wheel, and an AM/FM radio. Those features are viewed highly by enthusiasts, increasing this car’s potential value. However, purists will be disappointed to learn it isn’t totally original. The seats wear custom covers in Black leather with orange piping; there is a Hurst shifter and a retro-style stereo. Looking beyond those changes reveals an interior that presents superbly. I can’t spot any wear or signs of abuse, and nothing requires attention. It looks slick and comfortable, which are important considerations to increase enjoyment.
The fact it has already attracted twenty-three bids confirms that this 1969 Corvette has generated interest since the seller listed it here on eBay in Macomb, Michigan. It remains below the reserve at $20,700, but that figure is guaranteed to climb as the end draws near. It isn’t pristine but a tidy driver, which a new owner could enjoy immediately. Recent sales results suggest the price should climb close to $40,000. Anything less could be a bargain. This auction might be worth monitoring, even if you don’t intend to join the bidding war.
Wouldn’t you love to have this car sitting next to the El Camino in your garage? Wow! One thought about both machines, to me a truly original car is one that almost never gets time on the road and isn’t near as much fun as these two cars can be. If you can’t play with it and drive it it’s worthless as a car.
Not too sure how the writer found comparables to get his sale estimate, as this is a NOM, lightly customized Corvette.
Very nice driver. I’ll leave it at that. Sure as hell wouldn’t kick it out of bed for eating crackers.
As per usual, nice write-up Adam.
The 1972 Corvette in Bryer Blue that was featured in BF a few days ago sold for $20,100. It was a great bargain in my opinion. This Corvette is a nice driver and to me that’s what it’s all about. Drive it and have fun. The deviations from stock on this one are well executed. Not being a “matching numbers” will hold the value back. But if it’s a date correct big block it’ll have a way to go price wise from the current high bid. GLWTS.