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 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 fathom going through all this time, effort, and expense only to ignore the car completely! The Fathom Green paint looks beautiful, and it seems the body 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 has no liquid, 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 needed 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 that it received quality workmanship, and I’m guessing there are plenty of potential buyers who are 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.