Non-Running Project: 1969 Chevrolet Corvette

The C3 (third generation) Corvette rolled around in 1968, patterned after the Mako Shark concept car. It was a popular move with sales increasing by an additional 10,000 units in its second year, 1969, though the car was mostly the same. This ’69 ‘Vette has strayed from its beginnings as both the engine and paint color have been changed. It’s currently a non-running project awaiting someone to breathe life back into the machine. Located in Madison Heights, Michigan, this sports car is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $10,000. We appreciate Jim A for bringing this tip our way.

1969 was a record year for Corvette production, though part of it can be attributed to a UAW strike that delayed the introduction of the 1970 models by two months. Out of more than 38,000 Corvettes leaving the assembly line in 1969, nearly two-thirds were the sports coupe as opposed to the convertible body style which was a Corvette hallmark since its beginning in 1953.

When it was new, the seller’s Corvette was finished in Monza Red and had a 427 cubic inch V8 under the hood, the 390 hp version that saw more than 10,000 installations in 1969. A prior owner preferred yellow over red and that’s the color it wears now, though it’s due to be redone again. The tan interior may be original, and it looks to be well-used after 95,000 miles.

The 427 has been replaced by a small block, which might be a 350, a standard Corvette engine. It’s paired with a 4-speed manual transmission, but we don’t know if that’s been swapped, too. Whatever the case, the car looks to have been dormant for a while and doesn’t run. And the seller doesn’t speculate what it will take to get it going again. We’re told this is a “barn find” though we don’t know if it actually came out of a barn.