1969 Chevrolet Corvette

Description

Like the cars themselves, the pedigrees come in all shapes, sizes, and price ranges. Blue-chip Corvettes cost big money because people are willing to pay for authenticity, but that same principle also applies to more affordable versions. This 1969 Corvette convertible, for example, carries a matching-numbers powertrain, a great color combination, and lots of documentation, all at a very reasonable price.

Finished in its original code 990 Monaco Orange, this is a flashy-looking Stingray. The paint was done recently and professionally, so it looks spectacular with very few flaws, and the intrinsic goodness of the Corvette shape makes this early C3 a special car. Fit and finish are akin to what you would have received from the factory when it was new, and in the Corvette world, that matters, because over-restored Corvettes are a no-no. The paint shines up nicely and the orange is exactly right: not too pale and not too bright. The early cars are popular with enthusiasts thanks to their chrome bumpers, which are in excellent shape on this roadster, along with the emblems and glass. It's really a good-looking car!

The black interior (code ZQ4) was neatly restored as well, using reproduction seat covers that match the originals, replacement door panels, and new carpets. The high-back buckets are comfortable enough for all-day drives yet supportive enough for spirited romps on your favorite twisty road. The gauges are unusually crisp and bright, suggesting that perhaps they've been restored, although with we believe to be just 73,729 original miles and given the condition of the rest of the car, it's quite possible they're well-preserved originals. The auxiliary instruments in the center stack are equally nice and the original radio has been replaced with a later AM/FM/cassette unit specifically built for this application. The stubby shift lever with a TH400 underneath means this 'Vette is quite entertaining on the street and it's especially fun to simply stomp the loud pedal and aim it at the horizon. The matching black convertible top is in excellent condition with a clear plastic rear window, and you'll quickly master the art of stowing it at a red light so you can enjoy the open-air experience that makes this Corvette so appealing.

The 350 replaced the venerable 327 in 1969, and this car's engine is the original, numbers-matching engine, which is rated at 300 horsepower, which is plenty for a lightweight like this. But it's far from high-strung, inhaling through a single 4-barrel carburetor and with a cam that's quite streetable. It's neatly dressed in proper Corvette regalia, from the plain valve covers to the bright Chevy Orange paint, and while it's no longer detailed for show, the engine bay is nicely done with no major modifications or alterations, which is important on a car with a pedigree. The TH400 3-speed automatic transmission links to the original rear end, which is full of 3.08 gears on a Posi-Traction limited slip, making this Corvette equally adept at zipping through traffic and cruising on the highway. The underside is beautifully finished, with correct satin black frame and suspension components, a new correct exhaust system, and bare floors, all of which suggest that a lot of money went into this car's restoration. It also wears factory Rally wheels and cool F70-15 redline tires to give it a correct factory look.

Documentation includes the original purchase order, MSO, Protect-O-Plate, and first title, which shows that the original owner kept the car until 2013! A bulletproof pedigree on a high-quality 'Vette, all at a very appealing price. Call today!