Unfinished Restoration: 1969 Chevrolet Corvette

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The third generation of Chevy’s Corvette (C3) debuted in 1968, inspired by the Mako Shark concept car. Its design worked so well that this version of the sports car would be carried over through 1982. The cars were minimally changed going into 1969, the model year of the seller’s ‘Vette, and the production run was extended by a few weeks due to a labor dispute. This car is a work-in-progress, which wears beautiful new paint, but is missing key items like the engine and transmission. Located in California, Missouri, this coupe is available here on eBay where the reserve is unmet at $14,100.

Production of the 1969 Corvette approached 39,000 copies with more than 22,000 being coupes, starting a trend where they would outsell the convertibles. The 327 cubic-inch V8 was replaced by a 350 as standard equipment, which may or may not have been the motor in the seller’s car. When he/she acquired it, the Corvette did not have a drivetrain or interior. 1969 was the first year for white-lettered tires and the last for ones bearing red stripes. The car’s co-name, Sting Ray was adjusted to read out Stingray.

Not much information is offered about this Chevrolet, perhaps because it wasn’t known. Much of the restoration work has been completed, either by the seller or a prior party. The car is on the chopping block as the seller no longer has any time to deal with it. You’ll have to source another V8, a 4-speed manual transmission (what was in the car originally), and most of the interior pieces.

The silver paint it now wears looks beautiful, replacing Riverside Gold, the factory color. This was an A/C car, but the status of that hardware isn’t mentioned. We’re also told the suspension has been rebuilt. If you don’t mind finishing someone else’s work, this C3 Corvette looks to be off to a great start.

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Comments

  1. bobhess bobhessMember

    Nice car, but putting more than the present bid into it as a rolling chassis doesn’t compute. Also, is that rust or primer on the steering column support? Good project if all the questions are answered.

    Like 3
  2. leiniedude leiniedudeMember

    Jeez, 18K now with 8 hours to go. I just offered my nice 1972 Stingray to a buddy for 15K. Now I hope he does not buy it. LOL.

    Like 5
    • PRA4SNW

      Hey Mike,
      Sad to hear you are letting the Vette go, but if you are no longer driving it, time to pass it on and it’s nice if you have a friend who will enjoy it.

      Like 1
      • leiniedude leiniedudeMember

        Thanks Dennis. After selling yours, you know the feeling. They are not going to buy it, to hard for them to get out of. I do have another friend coming over today to buy one of my Harleys. Sad to see things go but it is time. At least I will get to see that again now and then. Take care Buddy!

        Like 0
      • PRA4SNW

        Bummer that they can’t buy it, Mike. But you will find someone that will be excited to own it.

        It does suck to get old.

        Like 1
  3. leiniedude leiniedudeMember

    Ended:Jul 21, 2022 , 8:23PM
    Current bid:
    US $18,000.00
    Reserve not met
    [ 48 bids ]

    Like 0
  4. PRA4SNW

    What a greedy seller! They might have put a 10K paintjob on it, so that may explain why they won’t sell it for cheap, but man, you don’t get much more than a nice looking body. No way that is worth 18K.

    Like 0

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