Sometimes there’s more to life than snaring an immaculate and original classic car to park in your garage. There are times when a lack of originality can be a benefit, especially if the goal is to hit the road most weekends for a spot of relaxed motoring. That makes this 1969 Corvette a vehicle that deserves a closer look. It is a chrome-bumper ‘Vette, which makes it automatically desirable. However, it has undergone plenty of changes, and they should make this an entertaining vehicle when the right pedal is depressed. It has been in the custody of its current owner for 30-years, but he has decided that the time is right for someone new to savor the beast he has created. Located in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, you will find the Corvette listed for sale here on eBay. The bidding has sailed well past the reserve and currently sits at $18,600. That means that a new home is on the horizon for this beauty.
The owner is very candid about this Corvette’s lack of originality. It seems that it received a repaint before he bought it, and the paint has remained largely untouched for more than three decades. There are chips and marks and also a couple of spots of color inconsistency. However, the overall impression that the car makes is positive. The chrome is in good order, while the bigger wheels and the side exhaust indicate that this is anything but your average Corvette. One issue needs to be addressed, and it isn’t clear whether or not this is likely to be critical. It seems that there is rust in both the frame and birdcage. The owner doesn’t hide this fact, nor does he shy away from the fact that he isn’t an expert on this. It isn’t clear how extensive it is or whether it might compromise the car’s structural integrity. The good news is that not only does the owner admit to the problem, but he is willing to supply photos of the trouble spots to interested individuals. That will leave those people to decide whether they will join the bidding war. For me, I say “hats off” to this guy for being open and honest.
Lifting the hood reveals a 427ci V8 and a Super T10 4-speed manual transmission. The Corvette is not a numbers-matching classic, but it does hold the promise as a potent package. The big-block started its life as an L36 that would have produced 390hp. When coupled with a 4-speed transmission, the ‘Vette would have stormed the ¼ mile in 13.9 seconds. However, the owner treated the 427 to a rebuild, and it has clocked around 10,000 miles since then. As part of the process, the motor received a more aggressive camshaft and upgraded Holley carburetor. These changes should see the monster pumping out more than 390hp, making this a potential jet in a straight line. The owner has also installed heavier and lower front springs, a fiberglass rear mono-spring, braided stainless brake hoses, adjustable rear camber rods, and cross-drilled brake discs. There are other changes to consider, but you could nearly fill a small book if you were to cover them in detail. It seems that the owner was trying to create a total package with this classic. He describes it as a street rod and that it is loud and obnoxious. I think that this might be the first time that I’ve seen that word used in a description! He doesn’t indicate how well the vehicle runs and drives, but with its specifications and the fact that it has been meticulously serviced over the past 30-years, you would have to believe that the news is pretty positive.
Okay, this is the moment where we might lose a few die-hard Corvette enthusiasts. The interior is nowhere near original, with custom upholstery on the seats and door trims. It is an interesting combination of deep red cloth and black leather, and it is nothing if not distinctive. Other changes include a later-model wheel, a Hurst Competition Plus shifter, and an Alpine radio/cassette player. It all looks pretty tidy for a vehicle of this age and is within character for a driver-quality car. The owner admits that the windows are stubborn and that there is a question mark over whether the radio does or doesn’t work, but the rest of it seems fine. If those items require some tinkering, it shouldn’t be difficult for the buyer to tackle.
Taken purely on face value, this 1969 Corvette seems to have a lot to offer its next owner. Purists won’t agree with some of the owner’s changes, but the bidding history suggests that there are people who do. My only reservation revolves around the vexing question of rust. The owner has admitted that there is some, but he is unsure of how critical it is. However, he appears to be approachable and willing to supply additional photos, giving potential buyers the chance to assess the situation for themselves. It might not be a numbers-matching classic, but that wouldn’t make it any less enjoyable to own and drive. Enjoyment is what classic car ownership is supposed to be about, so if the ‘Vette is structurally sound, somebody could be onto a winner here.
Great write up Adam, but not sure if I would choose this rig for ‘relaxed motoring.’ Cool ride.
I almost bought this one’s twin then went with a 75 coupe w/350 4spd. The guy that owned them had those two, a 66 big block coupe, a 57 without the hardtop, a 425hp 64 409 Impala and a 69 Z28 He and I were test driving the convertible when he told me to stop. He looked at me and said how was this car meant to be driven, I said “Hard” and he said then get to it. I had that thing sideways in third and he was laughing his ass off. Great 70 year old guy, i ended up buying the coupe due to it being more fuel efficient as I know my right foot would have been to the floor every shift.
I had a ’69 L-36 4-speed convertible with after-market side pipes that had less than a Brillo pad in them for sound deadening. Loud and obnoxious is a proper description. It could vibrate stuff of the shelves in the garage. It was a blast to send copious amounts of hot air through those pipes. When my son was very young and someone would drive by in a 4-cylinder with a fat muffler, he’d laugh and say, “And he thinks that’s loud!”
No expert on frame rust he states yet no pictures of frame and the birdcage
That’s a problem.
You can ask for the photos he has as stated in the listing…”Rust on frame and birdcage – I have a few pictures I can send, just ask.”
How much would it cost to get new interior, steering wheel and a less look-at-me hood. Could you sell those side pipes or would you have to pay someone to make them go away.
Besides that….one of my dream cars
First “upgrade” to get rid of – that hideous Vega wheel.
Typical mods of the late 70s and 80s. Those hideous seat covers and 76 Corvette steering wheel to the dumpster NOW. Surprised to see negative comments about side exhaust. I had a 71 454 coupe more than 40 years ago and when I was in my 20s, yeah, the sound was coo with chrome Hooker sidemounts. Now, at age 65, I enjoy my quiet 73 coupe with the big fat round factory mufflers. I have enough idiots on Harleys blasting around to make up for any lost noise. Any potential buyer can rest assured that County Corvette does great work and have been in business more than 30 years near Philly. I know the owners Jim Jordan and Jim Steumple personally. Passionate about Corvettes.