This 1969 Chevrolet Corvette has been taken apart for restoration, but the work is left unfinished on this claimed highly original example with lots of factory options and a numbers-matching drivetrain. The seller notes that the Corvette comes with records of a complete engine rebuild in 2004 by a well-known Corvette/hot rod shop, but the car still has plenty of work left to be done before it’s on the road again. The interior has been removed, along with the fuel system, and both areas will need further work before re-assembly. Paint is believed to be original, and mileage is just 53K. The Corvette is listed here on eBay for $12,500 with the option to make a best offer.
In this photo, it looks like the Corvette’s interior was still reasonably intact, so I’m guessing it’s a before picture. If I’m reading between the lines correctly, the seller acquired this Corvette as an unfinished project but with the engine rebuild completed. Still, they didn’t finish some of the typical must-dos when rejuvenating an old car, such as cleaning out the gas tank and replacing the fuel lines. They have been removed for cleaning, but the work isn’t yet done. The Corvette left the factory with more than a few options boxes checked, including air conditioning, tilt/telescoping wheel, power steering, and power windows.
The engine is a matching numbers 350 paired to a 4-speed manual transmission. Here’s whats surprising to me: the engine, despite being rebuilt in 2004, looks positively filthy. How does that happen? One of the side benefits of an engine rebuild is everything looks showroom clean afterwards, but this engine bay has the appearance of a mill that’s never been removed. The seller says not to let that bother you, simply noting that it “…needs detailing from sitting.” Regardless, the seller has taken the necessary steps to protect the rebuilt engine in its extended period of dormancy by filling it with fogging oil and starting it up in the last year.
The interior looks to be in nicely preserved condition, and the color combo is one of the best there is. The seller notes that the factory red carpeting will definitely need to be replaced, but we’re left to assume other parts like the console and door panels are in decent shape. Several boxes of new parts are included with the sale, featuring useful components like brake lines, fuel lines, a complete exhaust system, rebuilt original radiator, and A/C pump and lines. The pictures aren’t the best, but if the seller’s claim that the frame is in good shape holds up, it seems like there’s a solid foundation here for a restoration. My only question is whether the asking price is in the ballpark.
350/4 speed car isn’t to bad if the underside isn’t rusted out!!
The question shouldn’t be how did the engine get so “filthy”….it ought to be how did the engine top end get so rusty? Looks like it sat outside in the elements for some time.
Or under a lake somewhere….
has that engine compartment been underwater?
It’s a good car for someone that knows how to do things and has the time, patience and determination to make it into THEIR WORLD CLASS sports car! You mention highly optioned–how about all those factory go fast options that grow it from a boulevard cruiser to a real sports car?
It is very hard to believe that engine was out of the car in 2004, unless its sat underwater since then.
The air cleaner isn’t bolted on and the brake fluid reservoir has lost its clips.
If my on-board computer is working OK, 2004 was 16 years ago. There is no reason why that engine could not look like that after that period of time.
Sorry Ike, can’t agree. I have a 2002 Porsche 911 who’s engine has never been pulled for a rebuild – the compartment isn’t shiny, but it sure looks clean, tidy, no leaks, no rust. My wife had a 1985 Mercedes 280SL that we just sold – engine compartment was clean – aged, but clean. Methinks this engine has been submerged.
At best 5000 dollars.
153 000
Lots of talk about a “rebuild in 2004” but on a restoral or even a restomod you’d be a nut to trust someone else’s engine build. This is at the minimum an engine pull and heads off. I see someone said $5000 but most I could see going is $4k max, cash on the barrel head.
I owned a 69 427 390 hp. that had a problem with the starter never engaged the flywheel right. No amount if shimming fixed it. The engine here has to be pulled. Bet the windows, ac, and most of the other options don’t work. White enamel paint will buff out well though, on the bright side. And ot us numbers matching.