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No Reserve: 1969 Chevrolet Corvette

Few things are more frustrating than listing a classic for sale, only to be confronted with a non-paying buyer after the hammer falls. That appears to be the case with this 1969 Corvette and may help explain why it seemed familiar when it landed on my desk. We sometimes have cars that sell quickly, meaning we don’t get a chance to write about them before they disappear. I suspect that might be the case here. This Corvette presents nicely, and the seller’s decision to list it here on eBay with No Reserve increases the temptation. The ‘Vette is located in Miami, Florida, and solid bidding has pushed the price to $13,000.

This isn’t the first Corvette we’ve seen from this seller, and they have the ability to uncover some tidy vehicles. This LeMans Blue 1969 model is no exception because its exterior presentation is above-average for a car of this vintage. It’s unclear whether it received any prior restoration work, but the lack of paint and fiberglass flaws suggests it is possible. The paint shines beautifully and is complemented by sparkling chrome. The seller provides no information on the state of the frame or birdcage, but a general lack of corrosion across other aspects of the car suggests the news should be positive. The glass looks flawless, while the Rally wheels, center caps, and trim rings show no evidence of stains or physical damage.

The theme of this Corvette is undoubtedly Blue, with the interior trimmed in vinyl of that shade. As with the exterior, it is hard to find anything of which to be critical. The impression is that this classic has either been treated respectfully or recently underwent some restoration work. The upholstered surfaces are free from wear, and it’s the same with the carpet and plastic. The only potential shortcomings are a tatty shifter boot and some marks on the black plastic on the console. A replacement leather boot would lighten the buyer’s wallet by under $50, while the plastic marking is a common and acceptable issue with survivor-grade cars. The original owner didn’t load the interior with optional extras, but someone has slotted an aftermarket radio/cassette player in the spot usually reserved for the factory radio.

The only genuine mystery with this Corvette revolves around its engine specifications. It is a 350ci V8, with the company offering the entry-level ZQ3 and the more powerful L46 in this model year. The law of averages favors this being the ZQ3, meaning the driver would have 300hp under their right foot. Those horses feed to the back wheels via a four-speed manual transmission, allowing the car to cover the ¼-mile in 14.6 seconds. If this is the L46, that figure drops to 14.1 seconds. A visual inspection reveals an aftermarket air cleaner and missing ignition shielding, but the overall presentation is reasonably tidy. A complete reproduction shield kit retails for around $630, and while that’s a significant sum, it would make a marked difference to the engine bay presentation. The seller states they recently replaced the brake calipers, master cylinder, exhaust, and radiator. They rebuilt the carburetor and treated the car to a tune-up. It runs and drives well, but as the seller rightly states, it is a fifty-three-year-old classic. Therefore, minor faults are always possible.

A search of the seller’s history reveals this 1969 Corvette sold around three weeks ago for $20,097. That figure sounds low for a chrome-bumper ‘Vette of this caliber because I wouldn’t rule $25,000 out of the equation. This car has no apparent needs, helping explain why it has already received twenty-three bids. The seller has shown admirable patience in listing it again. The No Reserve aspect means a successful sale is guaranteed. Let’s hope the winning bidder follows through by handing over the cash.

Comments

  1. Avatar Melton Mooney

    6K redline on the tach indicates an L-46 car.

    Like 10
  2. Avatar Frank Sumatra

    Another clue to the engine is found on the console below the shifter as the car does not appear to be air-conditioned. The engine hp and torque specs are listed.

    Like 8
    • Avatar Tracy

      Or the clue in the engine bay, no a/c compressor!

      Like 0
  3. Avatar gaspumpchas

    The gorilla in the room is the frame and birdcage. Shore presents pretty but being from Fla might be trouble. No mention about it. Better looker over good, said it sat in a collection. Good luck and happy motoring.
    Cheer
    GPC

    Like 1
  4. Avatar BA

    Isn’t that a big block hood ? That could be why the gorilla left the room

    Like 5
  5. Avatar Fran

    Flee-bay is where the deadbeat bidders live only to be protected by eBay. The best they can do is require a verified method of payment and at the close in a form of a 2500$ non refundable Down payment. If you are too cheap to get a ppi then that is your problem.

    Like 1
  6. Avatar George Mattar

    Best color combo for 69. If a true 350 hp then best of both worlds. No solid lifters to adjust, but high compression and good heads. Seems cheap for a 69 Corvette. But birdcage rot a concern. They rot just sitting outside.

    Like 1
  7. Avatar PRA4SNW

    Here’s our (BF’s) favorite Corvette flipper again.

    Like 1
  8. Avatar dogwater

    Well a gorilla isn’t going to driving it Nice car by the condition of the outside looks like it was garaged, birdcage and frame would be good drive it and have fun

    Like 1
  9. Avatar John Guthrie

    I feel dumb but wanted one since I first saw them when I was 5 I just paid 25 for a 70 convertible frame excellent top needs replacing as do trans and rear end putting a tremec 5 speed get lil more mileage outta 4:11’s getting block rebuilt as well $$$$ it will be happy motoring soon lol

    Like 0
  10. Avatar Robert Baird

    Nice looker but details don’t add up .

    Like 0

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