Some enthusiasts won’t consider purchasing an unfinished project, fearing what nasty surprises might be hidden from view. However, that doesn’t appear to be the case with this 1969 Chevrolet Corvette. The seller adopted a frame-off approach, but everything is laid bare to reveal the scope of the task awaiting the new owner. Its optional 350ci V8 is freshly rebuilt and hasn’t fired a shot. The included parts add to the appeal, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting this promising project listed here on eBay in Ramsey, New Jersey. The seller set their BIN at $15,000 with the option to make an offer.
Chevrolet’s C3 Corvette set a new sales benchmark upon its 1968 release, and with 38,462 cars finding homes in 1969, it is fair to say that the badge had cemented its place in the market by the time this car rolled off the line that year. Ordered by its first owner in Code 988 Burgundy, it is unclear when the seller stripped the car to commence their restoration. However, they indicate they followed a nut-and-bolt approach, restoring the frame and addressing most of its fiberglass shortcomings. There is further work awaiting the buyer, but the foundations look promising. The great unknown is this car’s completeness. The body panels are all intact, but there is no evidence or mention of the trim and glass. Therefore, contacting the seller would be worthwhile, because replacing those items will add considerably to the project costs.
Purists contemplating a faithful approach will welcome the news that this Corvette is numbers-matching. It features a 350ci V8, a four-speed manual transmission, and power steering. The small-block is the L46 version, which delivered 350hp and 380 ft/lbs of torque off the showroom floor. The positive news extends beyond this car’s numbers-matching status. The drivetrain is intact, and the motor hasn’t fired a shot since the seller performed a rebuild. Therefore, it requires breaking in, but should match the factory output figures once it has settled.
I would typically describe this interior as a blank canvas, but it isn’t. The deal includes new Red leather seats and other parts needed to restore the interior of this classic to its former glory. The seller doesn’t indicate which factory options the first owner selected, but the images confirm that it features a tilt/telescopic wheel. Beyond that, we’re essentially flying blind. That might be another question for interested parties to pose if they contact the seller regarding the exterior trim and the glass.
At first glance, this 1969 Corvette looks like a major project build requiring a significant capital injection before it is ready for action. If the deal doesn’t include glass or the missing exterior trim, that could potentially be the case. However, someone with DIY leanings may find it irresistible, because with the rebuilt engine, no major panel issues, and a fresh interior awaiting installation, the remaining tasks are relatively straightforward. The buyer won’t complete the build in a weekend, but if they are hands-on with as many tasks as possible, returning this classic to its former glory need not cost a fortune. Do you agree, or do you think there’s a fair chance that someone could be biting off more than they can chew?
The little missing bits, and pieces start to add up quick on a Vette, ask me how I know… Not to mention countless hours to finish everything. I think he’d be lucky to get 10k.
Doesn’t even look like a decent parts car, let alone a $15,000 project.
Steve R
This thing (it’s no longer a car) fits into one of the three “fantasy price” categories as far as sellers are concerned:
1) Any Mopar muscle car in any condition
2) Anything remotely Pontiac GTO (Tempests can become one)
3) Any Corvette
Fantasy pricing isn’t new or limited to your list. There are examples, often several featured on this site every day, featuring orphan makes and cars with dubious claims of low mileage.
Steve R
Agree, but those particular makes and models seem to attract the “I know what I have” seller attitude rather consistently.
Maybe there is a cult that support these pieces, or maybe it’s just dreaming. I’ll go with the latter in most cases.
When the bare bones of a truly rare matching VIN number piece shows up, then all bets are off with things like hemis and pre-gen 3 ‘vettes. Then a whole different set of buyer’s step in. Like that 63 ‘vette carcass recently.
Bluesman, you must not pay much attention to prices of C3 and C4 Corvettes, they typically sell for prices considerably lower than the average muscle car and have for years.
Steve R
Steve, I guess. Other than the ’57s, Corvettes don’t interest me much. I guess there’s a wide gap between the top-tier pieces and the rest of it. The old, dry, cracked fiberglass probably makes them all rather suspect.
pass on this basket case. seller reviews are not very encouraging either
It’s barely a parts car,and who knows how the engine/trans were refurbished. May have been a rattle can rebuild.
This car also has a rebuilt title that makes it more so a parts car. To get this Vette back on the road again you will be way under water with little chance of ever getting your money back.
Easy pass. You best be very skilled to finish this pile. As mentioned you can buy a very good C3 driver turn key for less than 15K. I have done two C3 restos, 71 and 73. The receipt pile is thicker than 80s New York City phone book. You get the idea.
If this car has all of the work done to it that the seller claims – completely rebuilt frame and engine restoration – where are the photos of all of this work that would be the beginning of the asking price justification.
These pics make it look like nothing but a pile of parts – and only half of what is needed to make it a Corvette again.
I have a nicer one in the front yard I paid $500. for it.