Maybe it all boils down to the number of wheeled toys a man has to play with, but I just can’t imagine restoring a vintage C3 Corvette and letting it sit for more than 20 years without ever starting or driving it. However, that’s apparently what has happened here, according to the seller. It seems this 1969 Chevrolet Corvette here on eBay underwent an extensive frame-off restoration over two decades ago, but it’s been sitting ever since. Fortunately, the owner has finally decided the time has arrived to get this ‘Vette into the hands of someone who will enjoy it, and I doubt this one will have any problems finding a new home. It’s located in Belleview, Florida, with the opening bid of $50,000 still yet to be placed. Curvette, thanks for this very interesting tip!
The seller reports that this Corvette underwent a complete restoration, and several photos are included that show the body separated from the chassis. Apparently, at some point between the start and finish, the owner says he lost interest. That could have to do with two other vehicles visible in the photos, including a nice sixties Pontiac F-Body and another beautiful C3. Still, I can’t grasp going through all this time, effort, and expense only to ignore the car completely! The Fathom Green paint looks beautiful, and the fiberglass seems to have received every bit of attention it needed before the finish was applied.
Powering the Corvette is a 427, and while it’s not positively confirmed to be the original engine, the seller does mention that this one is indeed a factory 4-speed car, and says that the side pipes are also factory components. The big block contains oil, but it’s reported to have never been started since the restoration was finished, although the oil has been circulated via distributor rod and drill. The transmission and rear end also contain fluid, but the cooling system is dry, and the new gas tank has no fuel inside.
Little is noted about the interior, but it’s also green and appears to have received whatever attention was necessary during the restoration, based on the one photo we get to see. This is a situation that leaves me scratching my head a bit, but this car gives the impression it received quality workmanship, and I’m guessing there are plenty of potential buyers chomping at the bit to get behind the wheel of a yet-to-be-experienced 1969 Corvette with a 427 and a 4-speed. What are your thoughts on this one?
Looks like a nice restoration was done.
Sadly, my feeling is that much of the work — go through the fuel system, replace every hose, seal, gasket and belt, replace tires and all brake system soft parts, clean out every solid fluid line — will have to be done again. If the new owner can’t take that on, it’s going to cost. A LOT.
So essentially double the ask, and you’ll have one heckuva nice ride. I only hope the next owner uses it when all that’s done.
Can’t agree more Ray. It’s a crying shame he went through all that and left it to sit. I personally love the 60 thru 70’s cars and trucks. Seems all I did was build or rebuild or replace something on those vehicles after school with my dad. From 3rd grade to college I enjoyed all of it. Damn I miss it all. Maybe time to start up again??
No fuel to worry about according to the article.
Ray, generally you are correct, but this one has been stored with long term issues addressed.
I hope this was simply a loss of interest for 20 plus years and not some life altering event that caused nothing to be done after the restoration. A great year for a REAL Corvette, if $ was no object, it would be parked in my garage right now.
As Mike asks in this post, my thoughts are very suspicious of the owners story. Really, why he never ever drove it or even started it after the expense of complete off frame restoration over 20 years ago??? From pics here, it looks he kept it clean (yet never started or drive it???). I would think just sitting, even inside it would have got dusty in over 20yrs. I’d wonder how well mechanically, the electronics would work. Would things oxidize…rust. And now if the owner wants to sell it…why he not make effort to see if…or make sure car will run? Especially if he expects to make a hell of alot of money on his frame off restored Corvette. This car sounds very fishy!!!!
50 G and, quite frankly, it DOESN’T RUN. And too few pics. Sounds actually like someone doesn’t really want to sell it.
Running, it commands that price tag all day.
Belleview,FL is where Don Garlits museum is so, some connection?
Actually Don’s museum is just off I-75 in Ocala….Belleview is 10 miles southeast on hiway 301
I wish my life was exiting enough to lose interest in a restored C3 big block Corvette. I’m with everyone else here, this story needs a little more explanation. Maybe the owner was thinking it’s an unopened toy in the original box?
I think the car is probably beautiful but hard to tell, How about pushing it outside and getting some decent photos where we can see that gorgeous green.
Ok, there’s absolutely, 100%, without a doubt something screwy going on here. Someone spends the time and money to have a professional frame off restoration done on a big block, 4 speed Corvette and doesn’t even start it for 20 years??
I ain’t buyin’ it. I have absolutely no clue about what the truth is here, but the current story doesn’t even seem plausible.
I’m all for giving someone the benefit of a doubt, but in my opinion, there is no doubt that there is a lot more to the story.
Metal S hooks must be the cause of all those gouges in the paint, I seriously doubt we’ll see the opening bid with so little information.
The pictures show a high quality, home grown “Body Off”. There are lots of reasons that people restore cars and never drive them. It would help if the seller was honest with the answers. The car has all the right stuff, although the green exterior is a turn off. This car has a lot of value, but it comes with a lot of risks.
Never driven is one thing, never started is another thing entirely, and the ad clearly states that it has never been started.
I agree, without a plausible story, this is a good looking car with enough question marks to fill an owners manual. And I must have been asleep for the last 5 years or so. (I was building a house so I have been out of touch I guess) but when did C3s become really valuable? I know, this is a big block 4 speed car. But $50K for a non-running, no bugs worked out C3? I don’t get it. Please tell me that this is an anomaly and the market hasn’t turned this far left!
I agree, without a plausible story, this is a good looking car with enough question marks to fill an owners manual. And I must have been asleep for the last 5 years or so. (I was building a house so I have been out of touch I guess) but when did C3s be one really valuable? I know, this is a big block 4 speed car. But $50K for a non-running, no bugs worked out C3? I don’t get it. Please tell me that this is an anomaly and the market hasn’t turned this far left!
To answer all neh-sayers. This is the car that you call ahead for a motel room close by.
Call and talk to the owner directly. Or, I suspect someone who’s either executing a will or representing the owner who probably has a life changing health issue.
Guys, I can’t see anything wrong with the honesty of this opportunity.
Wish I was closer.
So you think it is entirely plausible that a car was restored 20 years ago and has never been started? Think about that for a second. What is the very first thing that an engine builder does when he completes an engine? He (or she) freaking starts it! I don’t care how good or how confident an engine builder is, they start the thing.
This car was in my childhood dreams. Would look absolutely gorgeous in my garage.
Started with a gas can after rebuild and turn key engine driving a car are not the same.
For a museum exhibit this is probably how it should be done.
No, this is not the way any car that has been freshly rebuilt should be treated.
First, the ad said that it was never started. And why would any reputable engine rebuilding/ automotive restoration shop start a fresh car on a gas can?
You can believe whatever you want, I happen to think that something does not add up.
It says in the ad that the car never had gas in the tank and the engine has oil.
If the engine was rebuilt then why not run it on an engine stand (or a gas can) before a dry install.
Not too hard to believe.
Kinda my thunking on this also.
This is the perfect example of “gotta see it to believe it” cars.
I’ve earlier expressed my feelings for solving this the easy way.
If I wasn’t in Idaho I’d be all over it. Truck, trailer and tool box in tow!
Sure hope whoever sees the glory in meeting the owner, having 2+ hours of conversation and touch, feel and squeeze, will somehow let us all know the outcome. That would be Kool!
Not the first time that I heard of a restorer afraid to drive the car and get the fist rock chip in the paint or similar blemish. I’ve bought several non running cars with freshly “rebuilt” engines that I had to properly rebuild to be able to drive the car.