With a major redesign under its belt the previous year, 1969 didn’t see a whole lot of substantial changes on the outside for the Corvette, and for the next few years, Chevrolet brought us some really fine C3 offerings with both small and big blocks. This 1969 Chevrolet Corvette here on Craigslist is equipped with the latter, and it’s claimed to still have the original engine and transmission. This one’s a beauty, but somebody here is going to have to help me out with that green color. The car is located near Merrimack, Massachusetts, with the asking price set just a hundred dollars shy of $40,000. Barn Finds reader Pat L. sent us the tip here, and we’d like to thank him for it!
In the appearance department, I’m really having a hard time finding much to fault with the body. The gaps are looking even and smooth, the chrome appears to be in excellent condition, the paint presents well all the way around with a good glossy finish, and the L88 hood is a nice touch. So here’s where I’m challenged- the seller mentions that the Corvette had a respray at some point in the original color. Am I missing something here? I thought the 1969 cars were offered in just 10 factory colors, with the only green hue being code #983, Fathom Green. Isn’t this what a Fathom-colored C3 is supposed to look like?
Under the hood is said to be the original number-matching L36, a 427 with 10.25:1 compression, making 390 horsepower as you were speeding away from your local Chevy dealer back in ’69. Things are looking tidy and in good order in the engine bay, but no word on whether or not the big block has ever had a rebuild. But the seller does say that plenty of major work has been performed through the years, along with a documented maintenance history to substantiate this claim, and he states that the car runs and drives great, with mileage listed as 77k. Some more good news in the drivetrain area is the transmission, an M21 4-Speed which is also the factory component.
There’s not much disappointing about the saddle interior either, which is looking overall well-preserved and mostly stock. The seller doesn’t mention anything about the frame or birdcage, or how long he’s owned the car, but with the ‘Vette currently being located north of Boston I’d probably at least inquire about them. Hopefully, there hasn’t been much winter driving wherever it’s been over the years, and for the most part, I’m really liking this one. How about you? Is $39,900 reasonable for what you’re getting here?
Mike, from what I can surmise this 69 appears to be an L88 tribute example.
I believe the semi-open element air cleaner design was only used on the RPO L88 427’s.
Furthermore, this really appears to be a respray in non-original Elkhart Green, a color which I am familiar with, as my brother has owned an Elkhart Green/Saddle spec 1973 for 40 years. I think that shade of green was only offered in 72 and 73…..
Nonetheless, a beautiful early C3!
👍🤓
Looks very similar to Rally green also which was available on Camaros & Chevelle’s in 69
L36 is a great street weekend fun strip engine,little bit of a lope at idle but very street friendly.Got the original one in front of a th400 in my heavy old ss427 68 z24 and it runs like a freight train.Cliffords rebuilt rebushed , and jetted qjet and a Davis GM HEI in mine makes a world of difference.This vette looks awesome,love the color but Fathom green was darker but who cares I like this shade even better .The only problem I have is my back and knees when it comes into getting in and out of a vette lol….GLWTS.
Looks nice on a computer screen, but that is Elkhart Green, available only in 1972 and 1973. Does appear to be an L88 tribute with that air cleaner set up.
Definitely Elkhart Green . Would have decode to what it was originally. A nice car regardless and a good deal. Paperwork would be a bonus .
I agree with Craig and Maggy. Not Fathom Green.
I think we’ll all agree, it’s tough to determine color on a pic these days, especially with the digital format….the color appears to me, to maybe be the Rally Green, which Chevrolet division offered on Camaros (and possibly Chevelles) in 68’ & 69’. Could also be the Elkhart green.
Holy cow, a 427/4 speed Corvette in what looks like excellent condition for under $40k? If I could convince my wife, I would sell my motorcycle and a few of my sporting goods and buy this glorious piece of American art this afternoon. The fact that it’s a non original color with a few L88 pieces added means nothing to me, I wouldn’t be able to wait until spring and nicer weather to drive it! But I would, if it were mine it’d never see even a sprinkle of rain. Absolutely gorgeous car at an amazing price.
What ? 1969 Corvette 427 4 speed? Is it Raturday? I never get over the Rat that got away 1971 LS5 454 , 4 speed, header side pipes & A/C for 24,000 dollars! That’s it I need a drink & my medication asap before I skip town & join the circus!
Oh man, that’s gonna haunt you forever, BA! Just wish I would’ve put my foot down and bought one of these when they were $20k and just told my wife to deal with it. I’ve passed on SO MANY awesome cars in my lifetime due to her money managing skills. But then we probably wouldn’t be in the position we’re in now if she acquiesced to my wants when it comes to cars. My life is great only because of her.
“My life is great only because of her.”
Picture how much greater life would be if she were sitting next to you in this Corvette.
EXACTLY my marital situation!! Too bad for the cars, but great life!
Owned a 69′ t-top, dark green- code 983, 350 -350 hp (first year for the 350 ). Never hear mention of the removable back window or the fiber optics that monitor the tail lites.
Substantial change being the 350 replacing the 327!!!!!!!
It would be very interesting to see paperwork on this car or at least the trim tag. Could it be a special order Ralley Green? Or a primer car? Very interesting. As the owner of a documented Warbonnet Yellow over dark green interior 71 LT1 Corvette, I am always on the lookout for documented unique color combinations. Looks like a nice piece at a very good price if everything checks out. I wish I had the room and wasn’t on the other side of the country.
actually the color is fine! I’d like to call it Granny Smith Apple Green.
Hey guy’s, I must be married to the greatest gal in the world! She just let me dump about $28,000 in a 86 c4. 1014hp 427bbc backed by a tko 5spd, coil overs from exotic muscle and 12×17 and 10×17 zo6 style wheels with 275 40 17 mts up front and 325s out back. Thanks Amy, you are the best wife a man could have. And no were not rich guys, she’s always made sure i got what I wanted. Yes, at times I do feel a bit spoiled………Bud Dite
Your wife have any sisters? Kidding but good for you. Mine told me as soon as my car is paid off, I can get ANY CAR I WANT. When she said that, I said “wait a minute- ANY CAR I want?” And she said “yup, any car you want.” I told her she’s going to regret saying that, because I have expensive tastes when it comes to cars. Just a little over a year from now, hope I don’t kick off from a heart attack or stroke!
Oh my god……a rat motor 4 speed that is priced at an affordable 40K!!! This piece of automotive history usually goes for much more. Probably the only car that looks good in green.Who cares if it is not the original shade of green. If you have never had the chance to drive a rat powered stick shift vette like this then you have no idea what you are missing. Yes the high horse 350 4 speed is awesome in 69, the extra torque of the rat motor is mind boggling. I had this 69 rat motor in my first real hot rod in 1974 in my 55 Chevy. Backed by a super T10 4 speed and 4:11 gears it was an absolute stump pulling sideways yanking monster of an engine. Still have my pictures of my car standing next to it at 18 years old. Only car I ever had with a personal plate on it. California plate said (1fast55). Wonder if it is still out there today sporting that plate. Ahhh being young and crazy street racing back in the 70’s. A time like no other. I am drooling over this vette for sale. Always has been my favorite looking car ever. Would recapture my youth for sure, one of the main reasons why someone like me would buy this American jewel. Really has my attention.
Hey Mustang Sally, how about posting that pic of the 55?