Original 427: Restored 1969 Chevrolet Corvette

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Some classics seem to tick every box enthusiasts might want as they seek something desirable to add to their garage. Such is the case with this 1969 Chevrolet Corvette. It is a recently restored vehicle featuring its original big-block V8 under the hood. It presents superbly, but the original owner’s decision to load it with factory options combines performance, comfort, and an effortless driving experience. It deserves a closer look, especially for an enthusiast seeking a turnkey classic.

Chevrolet released the C3 Corvette for the 1968 model year, and it hit the ground running by establishing a new sales record. Better was to come in 1969, with 38,462 buyers taking one home. That represented an impressive 25% sales jump in one year, although it would take until 1975 for the record to be eclipsed. The seller indicates this ‘Vette underwent a frame-one restoration around fifteen to twenty years ago, with a fresh coat of Cortez Silver cloaking its panels. It retains a healthy shine, and there is no evidence of patchiness or fiberglass problems. However, the car’s underside could be a highlight because it is as clean and solid as the day this classic rolled off the showroom floor. The chrome and tinted glass are as immaculate as you would rightly expect from a classic of this caliber, but the included documentation confirms the Rally wheels are a later addition.

The first owner ordered this Corvette with one eye on performance and the other firmly focused on an effortless driving experience. They combined a 427ci V8 with a three-speed automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The big-block is the L36 version, placing 390hp and 460 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal. Maneuvering this classic would be a fingertip operation, but burying the right foot will allow it to blitz the ¼-mile in 14 seconds. The seller confirms this beast is numbers-matching, although the engine and transmission required no work during the restoration. The seller confirms it recently received an extensive list of new parts to ensure it is in excellent health. The Corvette runs and drives perfectly, with this YouTube video showing it in action. The big-block sounds fantastic, the transmission shifts crisply, and the car sounds as tight as a drum.

The previous owner’s restoration of this Corvette left the dash and console untouched, but virtually every remaining item was replaced, making its presentation unsurprising. The Black vinyl trim is flawless, as are the carpet and wheel. The console has no typical cracks or scratches, although I am not a fan of the aftermarket stereo. The included documentation reveals the first owner wanted to be comfortable because they ordered it with power windows, a tilt/telescopic wheel, a speed warning indicator, and an alarm system.

Chrome-bumper C3 Corvettes remain one of the classic world’s favorites, and spotless big-block examples command a premium. The seller listed this 1969 model here on eBay in Bay Shore, New York. Bidding sits below the reserve at $25,100, and recent sales results suggest it might climb above $35,000 before the hammer falls. This classic needs nothing and could be an appreciating asset. Hmm, a solid investment and an exhilarating driving experience. I can’t think of a downside to that scenario.

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Comments

  1. William F Hager

    Always wonder if these pre-pollution control engines would need some supplementation in the gas tank every fill-up to run on today’s gasoline.

    Like 1
    • PRA4SNW PRA4SNWMember

      Yes, if the engine was never rebuilt to a more modern standard, then you are adding a lead substitute and an octane booster.

      Like 0
  2. John Klassen

    A beautiful car, but it really needs a 4 spd Muncie.

    Like 9
    • Charles M JenkinsMember

      I could not agree more! I don’t know where all these automatic Corvettes are coming from on this site, but I for one am of the firm belief that a Corvette should be a manual.

      Like 9
      • TimS

        Respectfully disagree. Those who physically can’t drive a manual shouldn’t be kept from enjoying fun classics.

        Like 5
      • chuck

        Probably more automatics survived because they weren’t thrashed on as much as 4 speeds.

        Like 3
      • PRA4SNW PRA4SNWMember

        The real numbers are unknown. but based on observation, there looks to be more automatic BB Corvettes then manual. That is probably because most were ordered by people who could afford to load them up, so they did – auto, A/C,PW PB, etc.

        Like 0
  3. JC

    Beautiful car but a lot of blue smoke coming out the exhaust at the end of the video.

    Like 2
  4. Old man

    I for 1 don’t fault the car for having a automatic. I had a ’72 Chevelle SS w/ a 402 and an automatic. I raced a olds 442 almost daily block to block with a manual and he never beat me. I have had many manuals but a good hydramatic will beat a manual every time. I presently have a 2008 corvette C6 with a paddle shift automatic and I will beat any 6 speed manual hands down. why do they put a 2 speed power glide in dragsters? A manual is fun to shift but it gets tiresome when you get as old as me.

    Like 3
  5. Ed

    Curious as to where the L88 hood came from? I have the same set up on my 68. Stunning car, but what motor did it end up with? Good luck with the sale.

    Like 0
  6. Shuttle Guy Shuttle GuyMember

    Not a 4 speed? That’s sacrilege!

    Like 0
  7. Oldscool

    If I wasn’t married, I would ABSOLUTELY be bidding on this beauty !

    Like 0

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