This 1969 Chevrolet Corvette looks rough around the edges and would undoubtedly respond positively to restoration. It may seem overwhelming, but its freshly rebuilt big-block V8 makes it worth a closer look. It runs and drives, and the seller includes some additional parts to assist the next owner in returning the Convertible to its rightful place on our roads. They have listed this classic here on eBay in Felton, California. They have received no bids on their auction that opened at $18,000, although there is time for that situation to change. I suspect that will happen because of the extraordinary number of views it received during the past day.

Chevrolet continued its usual practice in 1969 by offering Corvette buyers a choice from ten paint shades. This car’s first owner selected Can-Am White, and there is evidence of that color emerging through the chips on the existing Black. The factory hardtop retains its original color, but whether the car features a soft-top is unclear. Achieving a high-end result requires commitment because while the fiberglass looks quite good, rust is lurking below the surface. The frame appears to have nothing beyond surface corrosion, but the seller admits there are issues with the radiator support and the lower birdcage on the driver’s side. The support isn’t as critical as the birdcage because this needs to be perfect to retain the car’s structural integrity. The seller confirms the problem is minor, providing hope for the new owner. Many trim pieces require restoration or replacement, although everything appears intact.

The first owner focused on outright performance with this Corvette, ordering it with the L36 version of the company’s 427ci V8. The big-block would have sent 390hp and 460 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a four-speed manual transmission, with the power steering and power brakes making light work of the driving experience. This Corvette would have been genuinely fast in its prime, demolishing the ¼-mile in 13.8 seconds. If a driver kept their foot to the floor, the 427 would run out of breath at 149mph. Those figures look pretty good in a modern context, but they commanded respect in 1969. There is plenty of good news for potential buyers because this car retains its numbers-matching engine. The transmission is from a ’68 model, but that is the only downer. The seller treated the big-block to a rebuild as they planned their restoration, and it wasn’t a case of throwing in new piston rings, bearings, and a few gaskets. They sent the engine block to a machine shop for a 0.030″ overbore. New Keith Black pistons were slotted into place, and an upgraded Competition Cam was added. They maintained the stock compression and have only clocked around fifty miles since bolting the big-block back into place. That isn’t the end of the story because the new parts list includes an exhaust, brake rotors, calipers, lines, a booster, and a master cylinder. Throw in a new fuel tank, fuel lines, a clutch, pressure plate, suspension bushes, and other components, and that leaves little for the new owner to do.

The seller confirms that almost every interior item, except for the speedometer and clock, works as it should. The latter is unsurprising, and several companies produce modern reproductions with more reliable internals for greater reliability. The interior condition matches the exterior because it is essentially complete but is rough around the edges. The door trims and dash look okay, but new Black vinyl seatcovers will join a carpet set on the shopping list. There is console wear and minor imperfections, but this interior is far from a lost cause.

This 1969 Corvette Convertible is begging for love, and it is surprising it hasn’t received a bid. However, that situation could change with 783 potential buyers viewing the listing in the past day. The birdcage rust is a concern but may not be a significant obstacle if it is relatively minor. I hope it finds a new home and someone returns it to its former glory. There are no bids, but what do you believe would be a realistic price for this classic?