Affordable project candidates invariably attract attention when they hit the market, and this 1969 Corvette Convertible is no exception. It requires a total restoration but is complete, and the seller assures us that it is solid. With chrome-bumper C3 Corvettes continuing to enjoy popularity, this one is worth a close look. The seller has listed the Convertible here on eBay in Miami, Florida. Bidding sits at $6,700, and with No Reserve to hamper proceedings, it is only days away from finding a new home.
The seller indicates that this Corvette has been in storage for years, and although it requires plenty of TLC, it shows promise as a project candidate. The Fathom Green paint has deteriorated significantly, and any high-end restoration will probably entail stripping it away. The buyer would seem to be starting the cosmetic process from a sound base because the fiberglass is free from major cracks or other problems. The best news is that the seller states that the car is rock-solid. The underside shots show nothing worse on the frame than surface corrosion, with no evidence of penetrating rust. If it is a similar story with the birdcage, there would seem to be no major concerns for the winning bidder. The buyer won’t receive a soft-top in the deal, but the factory hardtop is a welcome bonus. The glass is free from visible problems, and the trim looks acceptable for a driver-grade build.
Grit your teeth, regular readers, because the seller states that this Corvette ran when parked. There is no information on when this was, but they don’t hide the fact that the timeframe is long. The specifications of the small-block occupying the engine bay are unknown beyond the fact that it sports aftermarket headers, but it is bolted to a four-speed manual transmission. This ‘Vette definitely features power brakes, and while I can’t confirm it beyond doubt, I believe that it also has power steering. The seller doesn’t enlighten us about the health of the drivetrain components, but the visible corrosion suggests that an engine rebuild may form part of this project build. The robust nature of Chevrolet’s V8 range means that it may not prove necessary. Still, it’s better to factor it in than to fall financially short in any restoration.
This Corvette is missing the factory radio, but its interior is, otherwise, complete. The first owner selected Black vinyl trim, and many of the soft items show deterioration. Therefore, a retrim will undoubtedly be on the buyer’s list since leaving the top down will allow everyone to assess the interior presentation. Kits to return this aspect of the ‘Vette to its former glory are easy to find. The first owner didn’t tick many boxes on their Order Form, with the radio the only factory option.
It is sometimes challenging to determine whether a classic is desirable, but our regular readers know that no such doubts hang over chrome-bumper C3 Corvettes. This 1969 Convertible has attracted thirty-two bids, and with 144 people adding it to their Watch List and 953 views in the past day, it is guaranteed that the action will intensify as the end draws near. If a C3 has been on your radar, would you consider joining the bidding war on this one?
If the original paint was indeed going south, looks to me like someone tried to compensate over time via a couple of rattle can coats.
Hopefully someone can turn this one around. GLWTS