“Low-mileage” isn’t an uncommon description when it comes to Corvettes, but when you tack on some other descriptors like “all-original”, “1-owner”, and “survivor” and take into account this is a 51-year old example, some ears start to perk. This one was sent to us my an anonymous Barn Finds reader who found it here on eBay in Bedford, Pennsylvania. After 38 bids the current bid price is $30,100, but the reserve has not been met.
The sophomore edition of the C3 Corvette saw little change from it’s 1968 predecessor. That 1968 formula must have piqued interest among Corvette fans, as production boomed in 1969 with nearly 36% more Corvettes being built that year. Of those 38,762 Corvettes built in 1969, only 16,633 of them were convertibles. That was the start of a downward trend that would continue for the Corvette convertible until it was discontinued after the 1975 model year.
I consider this a timeless color combination – Fathom Green with Saddle top. While some argue darker exterior colors hide some of the subtleties of body lines, I think it works here, because when the light hits it those subtleties are no longer subtle. The seller tells us the exterior is all-original, including paint and chrome. The paint is showing some minor cracking, but still looks good.
In my opinion the C3 Corvette interiors are among the most welcoming of 1960s and 1970s cars. The two huge center gauges, simply a tachometer and speedometer, evoke that need for speed feel. Supporting gauges are arranged neatly in the center stack and everything – especially that simple, straight shifter – appears perfectly within reach. The saddle interior looks to be in great survivor shape. Seats don’t look overly worn and carpet looks clean. There is some wear on the hard surfaces, but nothing to be unexpected in a 51-year old car.
Between the fenders in the 300 horsepower 350 cubic-inch V8. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 4-speed manual transmission. As does this rest of the car, this Corvette appears to have been well cared for in its sparing use.
This Corvette has covered just 34k miles since new. That low odometer reading is documented but also shows in the overall condition of the car. While Corvettes tend to be used sparingly, this one appears to have been caringly used sparingly. Is this the survivor you’ve been looking for?
Nothing not to like here! Nice colors, near-perfect original equipment specification, decent price (so far).
I do wish the seller had clued potential buyers in on its running condition, but that’s what a personal inspection is for. If I had the money to pay the tab, a quick trip to PA wouldn’t be much of a problem, I guess.
Still prefer C2s, but this ‘Vette would be a nice consolation prize. And it doesn’t even have Too Many Doors©!
Years ago I had a shot at a 69 Convertible with the hardtop, 350-350 4 speed and had been gone through. Sucker ran like a scalded do and I wanted it. Turned out the seller sold it to someone else that from what I was told offered him the same $$ I had. I was very perturbed on that one, but then again had I gotten it the Ex likely would have gotten it in the divorce.
This one looks interesting but no more Vettes at this time.
I’ve said this before, but it is worth repeating this time…I am not a fan of Corvettes in general (although I decided I kinda like the third gen ‘vettes), and I have never been a fan of green cars, or the color green in general, but this car is gorgeous! I wish I could own it.
Good lookin Vette!
I’m BETTING that we are nowhere even close to the final price.
Gotta say, I know a lot of women (& men too) who started their lives in 1969 who WISH they still looked half this good! :-P
My ’98 Mustang was this color combination (roughly) and I used to go out in the garage at night and stare at it. Needless to say that one was a favorite. This color is close to Pontiac’s Verdoro Green which was the classic color for the ’68 GTO. While I loved the ‘Stang this car is miles above it.
I started my life in 1950 so this car came out when I was 19. It most assuredly looks better than I do. While looking for my first Corvette I found a C4 convertible in this color combo and almost bought it but I didn’t necessarily want to repeat the Mustang colors. If I had gotten the green car I would probably still have it. This one is the kind of car you find yourself aching for.
Unlike most of the cars listed on Barnfinds as “survivors”, this car truly does appear to be a survivor. Looking over the pictures, I don’t see anything to indicate that it’s been repainted, or restored in any way, other than maybe some under hood detailing. About the only unoriginal thing I noticed was the master cylinder. The only thing that concerns me about this car is the seller. It’s a dealer that often has cars that aren’t quite what they appear to be.
Production wasn’t up in 69 because of any extra interest in Corvettes created by the 68’s. 69 production was up because they were built for 15 months, compared to 11 months in 68. GM was closed by a strike in May, that delayed introduction of the 70 Corvette (and Camaro too), and extended 69 production through December 69.
Drop the top and cruise into fall
The radio in these cars is not perfectly within reach. Trust me. Still, beautiful car.
WHY do I feel like this car has been on BF before?
The 4 openings behind the front wheels on the lower fender, 1969, aren’t there supposed to be chrome inserts? That, if I am right, was one of the only differences (cosmetically) from a 68 to a 69 and maybe the door handle/button?
There were over 100 other changes from 68 to 69 as the 68 was (I think) rushed to production and had a LOT of short-comings (nice way to say problems!)
The chrome inserts were an option in 69. This is a nice car, still has the smog pump on it! The only 2 things that would make it nicer in my opinion would be side pipes and AC. The seller has sold quite a few Corvettes over the years, so it is likely a good car. The other 68 only item you missed are the separate back-up lamps. There are other things of course, but a dead give-away from the rear.
Thanks for the clarification. I have owned 2 1972’s and a 73 & 76 but I don’t know the nuances of the 68 & 69.
The 68 wasn’t rushed into production, it was actually late going into production. The 68 “shark” design was supposed to be introduced in 67, but strikes, work stoppages and other issues delayed it until 68. In spite of the fact that it’s introduction was delayed a year, the 68 was still plagued with all kinds of teething problems, that resulted in multiple changes throughout the year, and a lot of one year only parts.
Yep, and that’s how Mattel got their Hot Wheels Custom Corvette on store shelves before GM got them in the showrooms. GM wasn’t very happy, IIRC.
gbvete 62 thanks for the info. I should have better said what I meant in that the 68 production year had issues on, as you explained, many levels.
I never heard it was intended to be introduced in 67. Was the 66 corvette just continued production into 67 due to the “delays/strikes/etc” or was the “shark” 68 intended to be “1968” just rolled out at the end of 67 like model years are done today where the 2021’s will be out in September of 2020?
All I have ever heard is the 68 got put together “too quickly” (regardless of the reasons) and GM worked all the bugs out in the 69 run.
The chrome fender vents were an option in 69
The chrome fender vents were an option in 69
They have been selling this for a while. Wish the 60s and 70s never introduced rust proofing. Looks like it is pealing off and would need a full media blasting…
Sorry this is a base engine Corvette. 30 grand is a decent price but no higher. Even BB cars are not selling above 40 grand for the most part and needing nothing.
That’s a beautiful car, nice color combo, convertible, stick, I’m not big into green, but on this car yes, wish I had the money, I’d buy it
The 300 horse may be considered the ”base” engine, but this is one of the best all around small blocks ever, in my opinion. Extremely dependable, and a very hard cat to clean after on the street. (That means they run VERY well.) This ”base”engine has nothing to be ashamed of and takes nothing from the value of this car. Just my expert, 64 year old opinion.