When an enthusiast embarks upon a project build, they can choose to follow a couple of paths. The first is a faithful restoration, while the other is a custom project that reflects their taste and desires. That is the path the owner of this 1969 has chosen to pursue, and the finished product offers paint and performance that is guaranteed to turn head. All good things must come to an end, so he has decided that the time is right for someone else to enjoy the fruits of his labor. Therefore, he has listed the ‘Vette for sale here on Barn Finds Classifieds. The vehicle is located in Alpine, California, and you could park it in your driveway for a very competitive $24,500.
It’s hard to know where to start with this Corvette because it has so much to offer its new owner. Candy Apple Red has long been a favorite shade used in custom builds, and it’s easy to see why. It is a color that looks stunning under direct light, but when the vehicle is placed under indirect or subdued lighting, it genuinely comes to life. It is then that the color displays a depth that makes you feel that you could simply walk into it. That is the shade that we find gracing the panels of this Corvette, and it appears to be faultless. It shines beautifully, and the owner has displayed a sense of style by adding flames in Candy Tangerine and Lemon. When you look beyond the paint and scrutinize the panels, you notice the substantial fender flares covering period-correct Cragar SS wheels. There’s no hiding from the hood scoop. It makes a bold statement, and as you will see, it is about more than mere looks. The owner has chosen to dispense with the front and rear bumpers to provide a cleaner appearance, but the remaining trim and the glass appear flawless.
I told you that the hood scoop was about more than appearance, and when we look into the engine bay, this becomes very apparent. It is filled by a 383ci small-block V8 that the owner has equipped with a pair of Holley 4-barrel carburetors. That combination should be churning out some impressive horsepower figures, but for those who want more, this car delivers. The owner has installed a Pro Shot Fogger Nitrous System, so hitting the happy gas should unleash still more power and a smile a mile wide on the driver’s face. All of that power needs to find its way to the road, and it does so via a Turbo 350 transmission and enormous 29X15.50-15 rear tires on those Cragar wheels. That’s quite a combination, and the owner says that this classic is ready for the track.
The owner has approached the interior with a view to function over form, but it looks pretty tidy. If this car is to see predominantly track work, weight has to be a consideration. In that case, a lack of carpet would not be seen as a bad thing. The buyer might choose to purchase and fit a carpet set if they intend to mix street and strip, but that will come down to a matter of personal choice. The seats are upholstered in a combination of black cloth and vinyl, and they present well. There are no flaws or problems and no signs of appreciable wear. The dash and pad are in good order, and the column-mounted tach will help monitor that small-block’s performance more accurately than the factory item. Poking out of the floor is a Hurst shifter to operate the Turbo 350. While the interior could be considered predominantly functional, the owner’s decision to retain the factory AM/FM radio does offer a nod to comfort.
When you examine this 1969 Corvette custom closely, there’s a lot to like. The panels and paint will undoubtedly turn heads, while its drivetrain combination offers the promise of mind-bending performance. It won’t be a car that will appeal to everyone, but I would be willing to guarantee that there will be plenty who will find it incredibly tempting. When you start to break it down to a matter of value for money, that may tip the scales for some of our readers. I doubt that it would be possible to source a clean ’69 Corvette and transform it into a copy of this car for much below twice the asking price of this vehicle. That has to make it worthy of a closer look because I believe that someone has the potential to score themselves one of the bargains of the year.
If you want a race car you’ve got one here. Buy the orange one above and you’ve got one for the road and one for the track.
That is one ugly looking car. To each his own.
I like it. It’s got raw good looks. Definitely a custom, but a bonafide track beast for sure. As long as you like a custom C3 with the subtlety of a sledgehammer, this car is a bargain. The hard works been done, so it’s a fun toy.
With that huge scoop I thought there would be a supercharger.
I want to hate it…but I love it! It’s like my old Hot Wheels car came to life
I especially like the fact the guy left the passenger seat in it so he could terrorize his dates.
Looks like it was built by “Son of Saum”.
Good start for someone instead of building from scratch.
Reminds me of “Corvette Summer”, and that is not a good thing.
It’s a dragster missing a few parts, like was said above if you want a drag car here it is. Generally not much good for much else!
I’d rather have the red goat in the background…
The original pretty lines get lost amidst all the over-the-top steroids “hulk” bulges. More of a caricature of a Stingray than anything, but I agree with the old expression “to each his own”. Some people like plastic tablecloths…
I’d hate to try driving this thing in traffic. That appendage on the hood would block out an oncoming freight train. I wonder if there is a solid axle underneath that rear end. Oh, well. Someone will love it.
the thing that bothers me about this is the mis-match of styles/eras
“period correct” Cragars and candy apple red paint, 👍
1980’s pro-street scoop, braided steel lines in the engine, and a “Moma” steering wheel… 🤮
I drove a ’69 for 25 years, this one makes me cringe. The paint looks good, but that hood scoop is hideous.
That massive scoop that blocks a good deal of your frontal view, also turns this once-upon-a-time elegant Stingray into a cyclops.