If you ever doubted the desirability of chrome-bumper C3 Corvettes, you need to look no further than the bidding history on this 1969 model. It looks tired and requires total restoration. However, its auction has attracted twenty-two bids with plenty of time before the hammer falls. The current bidders may be tempted by the potential locked within, or it could be the big-block under the hood. However, the seller’s decision to list it with No Reserve might have prompted such keen interest. If it attracts your attention, it is listed here on eBay in Miami, Florida. Bidding sits at $4,650, and with plenty of time remaining on the auction, there’s a chance for you to stake your claim on this beauty.
The history of this Corvette is unclear, but the photos reveal the buyer faces a significant undertaking if it is to turn heads when it returns to the street. The LeMans Blue paint is shabby and tired so a repaint will form part of the project build. However, that may be the tip of the iceberg. The fiberglass has a few flaws, but I don’t think any are bad enough to justify the attention of a specialist. Most of the trim looks good, although the bumpers might require a trip to the platers if the new owner desires a faultless build. The glass seems fine, but the aftermarket wheels show enough deterioration to warrant replacement. I’ve left the subject of rust until last because I harbor misgivings on that front. The seller provides no information on the frame or birdcage, but there is enough accumulated corrosion across most aspects of the vehicle to cause concern. You can’t see much in the exterior shots, but, as you will see, those of the engine bay reveal what is some significant surface corrosion. That would motivate me to perform an in-person inspection to confirm this potential project is viable.
I said every aspect of this Corvette requires attention, and the interior shots help reveal the extent of the required work. The upholstered surfaces are trashed beyond help, and some plastic components are no better. The basic dash structure and pad are salvageable, but the center cluster looks pretty horrible. On the positive side, the parts required to return the interior to a factory fresh state are readily available. Unfortunately, such an undertaking in a C3 Corvette won’t be cheap. The buyer needs to budget at least $2,500 on this aspect alone. Someone has changed the shifter, but there are no other aftermarket additions. It may not be highly equipped, but the factory AM/FM radio would be welcome on long journeys.
If anything about this Corvette genuinely disappoints me, it is that it is no longer numbers-matching. That is a significant consideration because this ‘Vette originally housed one of the most desirable and potent drivetrain combinations available in 1969. The original owner handed over the extra $437.10 to slot the firebreathing L71 version of the 427ci V8 under the hood, backed by a four-speed close-ratio manual transmission. With 435hp under their right foot, it would have scorched through the ¼ mile in 13.5 seconds. The seller admits the original motor is long gone, and we find a 454ci big-block from a 1970 Corvette occupying its place. It is unclear which version of the 454 this is, but it should have produced at least 390hp in its prime. The ¼-mile ET would have increased to 13.7 seconds, which still isn’t exactly slow! The seller states the car doesn’t run, and it is unclear whether the engine turns. If it is free, reviving it may be possible without spending a fortune. This shot also reveals the corrosion mentioned earlier and is my motivation for suggesting an in-person inspection.
The new owner of this 1969 Corvette faces an automotive Mt Everest in their quest to return it to its stunning best. It will take deep commitment to achieve their goal, and there remains a question mark over the potential presence of rust. No part of the car will escape their attention, and it will cost a pretty penny if it is to return to its former glory. However, some people must see the potential it possesses. Otherwise, it would not have attracted twenty-two bids. Would you be willing to accept the challenge, or is it more than you are prepared to tackle?
With that kind of rust and corrosion in the engine compartment and interior you are talking flood car.
EZ pass, put ‘er back in the barn.
This guy in Miami pulls these Vettes out one after another.
What body of water does he pull them out of?
I wish I knew because I would grabbing my scuba gear.
Expert inspection needed on it, it’s a deal at the current price if it isn’t rotten.
It might be a $1,000 car.
It sits funny in the rear. Shocks, spring, fiberglass spring or no gas tank.
FrankD,,,,,,,,,When the rear is jacked up with both wheels off the ground and you lower them back down the wheels tilt in at the bottom . Roll it a few feet in either direction and they return to a normal straight up & down position,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, providing of course there is nothing hinky in the rear suspension. This Corvette would be a good one for a do it your selfer Corvette lover with skills & a bank account.
I knew that Moosie! But I figure that was too obvious. I figured it was just sitting in the same place for some time.
I love the old Scorpion intake manifold, but not much of a street intake at all, they need high RPM (4500 and up) to make them work. At any kind of RPM that little carb would starve a 454, it was probably installed to make it drivable. I also like the wheels, they appear to be a Minilite style wheel, and they could be easily restored. These wheels are a period-correct modification for this car.
Yep, another from our Miami COrvette friend. He’s good for a couple of posts here per week. As a Corvette fan, I don’t mind since he finds Vettes of all types and all conditions.
I can’t tell if the front end above the headlights is showing the indents where the rivets start to rust and sink into the fiberglass. But if it is, that’s a great indicator of the horrible condition of everything metal underneath that fiberglass skin. Actually, the top end condition is also telling of the horrors that lie beneath.