Barn Finds readers are among the most knowledgeable individuals on the planet. I am not saying that to curry favor. You have demonstrated this from the moment the site’s first article went live in 2011. You have an encyclopedic knowledge of the classic world, as evidenced by your comments and feedback. Therefore, you are also free to laugh when someone is trying to convince you that all classics are equal. Quite simply, they aren’t. This 1969 Chevrolet Corvette graphically demonstrates that. It is inherently desirable, but its first owner’s decision to equip it with the L71 version of Chevrolet’s big-block means it delivers eye-watering performance. Add a few other options to the mix, and it is easy to see why this classic has generated significant interest. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting this muscular beast listed here on eBay in Kaiser, Missouri. The seller set their price at $89,995 OBO and currently has one active offer to consider.
Some classics have only a few attributes making them genuinely special, but this Corvette has many. The 1969 model year was a banner one for the badge, and with 38,462 cars rolling off the lot, it created a sales record that remained unsurpassed until 1975. Our feature ‘Vette left the factory that year, and the first owner’s decision to order it in Tuxedo Black guarantees that it makes a bold visual statement. The listing suggests it is a survivor, making the presence of a few chips and marks unsurprising. Although some may view it as a perfect candidate for a light cosmetic restoration, I would leave it as-is if the paint is original. The fiberglass isn’t cracked or crazed, and the image gallery confirms that the frame and birdcage are rock solid. The seller states that while most of the tinted glass is in good condition, the windshield is cracked. The trim and Rally wheels are free from significant problems, and this classic is 1-of-11,962 ordered with the front fender louver trim. The side exhaust made its appearance in 1969, and this is 1-of-4,355 cars so equipped. It adds to the car’s visual appeal, suggesting it could be more than a pretty face.
Tilting this car’s hood forward demonstrates why all classics aren’t created equal. Even in its mildest form, the ’69 Corvette provided pretty impressive performance. However, this car’s first owner had a wonderful time with their pen on the Order Form, specifying a 427ci V8, a four-speed close-ratio manual transmission, a Posi rear end, the F41 suspension package, and power steering. The motor isn’t your basic big-block; it is the L71 variant, generating 435hp and 460 ft/lbs of torque. Give this baby enough grip, and it could rotate the planet on its axis. The L71 was chosen by 2,722 buyers that year, representing a take-up rate of 7%. Purists will revel in the news that this classic is numbers-matching. It is also in excellent mechanical condition, running and driving perfectly. If documentation is your thing, you will be happy to learn that the buyer will receive the original Owner’s Manual, Jack Instructions, Radio Card, Protect-O-Plate, the Warranty Book, and the Dealer Order Form. This Corvette keeps getting better and better.
The first owner didn’t restrict their spending to this Corvette’s mechanical components, splashing $79.00 on Black leather trim, $17.95 on headrests, and $84.30 on the tilt/telescopic wheel. The interior presentation is consistent with that of a cherished survivor. There is carpet wear on the passenger side, but the leather shows nothing beyond the creases of elegant aging. It appears someone has installed a retro-style stereo, but that seems to be the only aftermarket addition. The dash and console are in good condition, and even the prone area around the ashtray is surprisingly free from major scratches.
It is difficult not to be overwhelmed by this 1969 Corvette, because it offers so much to potential buyers. People will admire its Tuxedo Black paint and the long list of factory options. However, tipping the hood to reveal the big-block will see many change their feelings from admiration to deep respect. The listing indicates that the seller has already dropped their price from $93,500, and the fact that they are currently fielding an offer suggests they might be motivated to negotiate. If you’ve long harbored a desire to park a C3 Corvette in your garage, are you tempted to reach out to the seller to make the dream a reality? I will understand if you do.
Never, and I mean NEVER, saw a black C3 Corvette. In fact, just seeing one looks odd to me. Corvettes illustrated a wild, flamboyant lifestyle, and Corvette had some of the nicest colors,,,just not BLAAAAAACK. Why? Well folks, before every nook and cranny had A/C, a black car was foolish, and HOT! I actually want to paint my Jeep hardtop white, to help. Looks like dreamers in Missourah too.
Must have been priced right, the listing is already gone. BTW, I had a 1977 Corvette black with black interior. Waxed it every week. Got plenty of compliments on the colour.
Black 1969 big block Corvettes are the holy Grail of C3 lovers. No black Corvettes were produced from 1970 through 1976.
Nice write up. Just missed one about a year ago. Guy working on my 53 Indian Brave sold it to his neighbor for 14,000……
I went to school with a girl whose father purchased a brand new black L82-4 speed Corvette with front and rear spoilers in 77. Every kid in school admired that car. She lost control and flipped it one night, suffering significant injuries as she was ejected from the vehicle. She mostly recovered minus a slight limp and eventually started a family. Just a couple of years ago she passed away from an aneurysm caused from the injuries. Although many people love them, the cool design offered very little protection in a crash.
Actually the birdcage design prevented a lot of serious injuries. I investigated a crash were a 1970 skid sideways into a tree with its left side at high-ish speed and the driver only suffered minor injuries. Of course, get one upside down and it’s a different ballgame.
Luckily their head must have went straight left and not toward that big chrome sun visor mount that’s parked just inside the windshield frame. I stare at that often when driving mine. That design contributed to many head injuries and fatalities.
I had one of these 69 435 HP Vettes in 73. It was an Orange roadster with no power steering, I broke the steering wheel in a parking lot one night. It was a brutal car that didn’t like to idle for any time and you had to run it up through the gears to clear the plugs, but the power it had from about 3000 rpm until the 6500 red line was crazy fast and would easily burn the rear tires in first two gears. I burned a new set of tires off in less then 2500 miles. It pushed bad in the corners but touch the throttle and instant oversteer like a sprint car. Driving it in the rain the first time was a scary thing one night on old hwy 99 south of Salem, OR. Top leaking down on my leg and The Doors “Rider’s on the storm on radio hitting water puddles would jerk the steering wheel and cut my thumb, tach and speedo would jump as rear tires lost traction. A night to remember! Would love to have this one!
A perfect description of driving one like this. The car was built for straight line acceleration. If you wanted good handling, you got a high horsepower small block. A much better balanced car.
L71 was the 3×2 barrel carbed version 435 hp and next would have been the L89 with the alluminium heads then the L88
L71 was the 3×2 barrel carbed version 435 hp and next would have been the L89 with the alluminium heads then the L88 just making a clarification
“This listing was ended by the seller on Sat, Mar 21 at 8:12 AM because the item is no longer available.”
Probably sold was just commenting about what the L71 showed in pictures but nobody commented about that was under the air filter cover or what kind of a engine it really was supposed to be
Crazy dangerous car. I wish I could afford one!