Blank canvas barn finds are always a fascinating prospect because they leave potential buyers with plenty to consider regarding how they might tackle the project. This 1969 Corvette is a perfect example because it has undergone plenty of changes during its lifetime. The owner found it hidden away in a New Mexico barn. The buyer will need to decide whether to return it to its original chrome-bumpered glory or transform it into something eye-catching and different. The owner has decided to part with the ‘Vette, so he has listed it for sale here on Craigslist. It is located in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, and the owner has set the asking price at $5,700.

Before we tackle the subject of this Corvette’s appearance, we probably need to consider the question of rust. The owner provides no information on this subject, so we are flying blind on that one. However, it is worth noting that the vehicle is located in an area conducive to the preservation of classic steel. If it has spent its life in New Mexico, there’s a reasonable chance that the frame and birdcage would be structurally sound. Now to the panels, and it appears that a previous owner has had a field day here. He had added L88 style fender flares, along with an L88 hood and a nose that dumps the original chrome bumper in preference to something that looks more like an integrated version of the later urethane unit. There is also a molded rear spoiler, and all of these items combine to give this classic a distinctive appearance. Reversing all of these changes will be a mammoth undertaking, and depending on what has been cut to accommodate these changes, it could be time-consuming and costly. However, it is worth noting that this Corvette started its life as a chrome bumper car, and these have done nothing but increase in value in recent times. That might make it worth the time and effort. The fiberglass doesn’t exhibit any significant flaws under that faded red paint, while the glass appears to be in decent condition.

The Corvette’s interior is pretty dirty, and someone will be in for some hard work with the cleaning products to determine what is hiding under all of that gunk. Aftermarket changes include a radio/cassette player, while the door trims have been cut to house speakers to suit this unit. The dash pad is badly cracked, and there is no carpet. The buyer will need to place those items on their shopping list, and there will probably be more items to add if this interior is to be returned to its best. The original owner liked their splashes of comfort, ordering the Corvette with air conditioning, power windows, and a tilt/telescoping wheel.

The owner supplies no engine photos for a very sound reason; there is no engine. The original owner ordered the car equipped with an L48 350ci V8, a 3-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. Both the engine and transmission have disappeared, leaving a gaping hole for the buyer to fill. That makes the vehicle a blank canvas and opens the door to numerous options. The buyer could locate a date-correct engine and transmission and then tackle the build as a faithful refurbishment. Slotting a big-block under the hood is another option to consider, but some might find an LS swap to be the most cost-effective and most straightforward path to follow. Plenty of owners have done that in the past, and it is possible to buy everything needed off the shelf without the need to fabricate anything. These can be the automotive equivalent of a “plug and play” setup, which is why they are a popular choice. The world will be the buyer’s oyster on this one. While the motor and transmission might be gone, all of the ancillary components like the power steering pump, radiator, and aftermarket headers remain intact.

If this Corvette were a numbers-matching classic and restored to its original splendor, it would be capable of achieving a sale price of $30,000 any day of the week. If the restoration was perfect, that figure could jump to $40,000 in the blink of an eye. Chrome-bumper Corvettes have done nothing but increase in value in recent times, and that is something for potential buyers to consider. However, it can never be a numbers-matching classic, which will impact its potential value, regardless of any restoration work. If the panels were left as-is, and the buyer chose the right combination of paint color and wheels, this could be a Corvette that grabs attention wherever it goes. With the right engine and transmission, it could be a total package of looks and performance. Do we have any readers willing to tackle this project?