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?
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