Owning a beautifully preserved or meticulously restored classic is a fantastic experience, but sometimes a driver-quality vehicle is a better option. Its lack of perfection can be its strongest attribute, allowing its owner to enjoy their toy safe in the knowledge that the occasional stone chip will not destroy automotive perfection. That is the experience awaiting the next owner of this 1969 Corvette Stingray, and its freshly rebuilt big-block V8 adds to its appeal. You will find the ‘Vette listed for sale here on eBay in Clearfield, Pennsylvania. Bidding sits at $27,299 but is yet to meet the reserve.

The seller indicates that most of this Corvette’s Cortez Silver paint is original, with only some minor touch-ups. It continues to hold a winning shine, and the next owner could hit the streets behind the wheel of this Stingray with their head held high. The fiberglass is generally good, although the owner admits there are a few small cracks that are common for these earlier C3 Corvettes. They don’t detract from its overall presentation, and addressing them would not be a complicated undertaking if the buyer craves a perfect presentation. The bumpers would benefit from a trip to the platers, but the lack of physical damage means they remain acceptable for a survivor-grade car. The remaining trim and glass look excellent, and I can’t spot any glaring issues with the Rally wheels, trim rings, or center caps.

One aspect of this Stingray that appears to remain original and unmolested is its interior. The original owner ordered this classic trimmed in Saddle leather, and the seat upholstery remains in excellent condition. The lack of wear and physical damage leaves them looking supple and inviting, while the remaining upholstered surfaces and plastic show no signs of abuse or breakage. The seller recently installed a new carpet set and door seals, but there are no further additions. Desirable optional extras include an AM/FM radio and a tilt/telescopic wheel that should provide a comfortable driving experience.

The seller indicates this Corvette is a genuine big-block classic, although it is no longer numbers-matching. The L36 version of the 427ci V8 is period-correct and should generate an impressive 390hp. The rest of the drivetrain includes a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. This classic would have commanded respect on the streets in its prime, and its performance remains impressive if the owner pitted it against some modern offerings. It would storm the ¼ mile in 14 seconds before winding its way to 147mph. That big-block is recently refreshed, with the seller dropping a cool $6,000 on a rebuild. They added headers, a new dual exhaust, a new fuel tank, and renewed the fuel lines. They hold receipts for the work and are willing to supply copies to genuine potential buyers. The seller provides no concrete information on how the Corvette runs or drives, but their approachable nature suggests they may be happy to answer questions on that subject.

This 1969 Corvette Stingray isn’t 100% original and isn’t perfect. However, its presentation remains impressive for a vehicle of this age, it features some desirable factory options, and that fantastic V8 should provide neck-snapping performance. Its lack of perfection and originality could negatively impact its potential value, but those factors haven’t prevented nine people from submitting thirty-one bids at the time of writing. I think it will easily surpass $30,000 before the hammer falls, and I wouldn’t rule out $35,000 if two or more people want it badly enough. With values continuing to climb, it could also represent a solid long-term investment proposition. For me, that final thought would be a secondary consideration. It is a desirable classic that would offer an enjoyable motoring experience. If I had the available funds, that would be all the motivation I’d require to join the bidding frenzy. Do you agree?