1969 Chevrolet Corvette

Description

The first Stingray was born of the Mako Shark prototype, and this impressive 1969 Corvette borrows pretty heavily from that original design. A nicely finished custom that still shows off its Corvette DNA, it's a retro take on a favorite car that will never go out of style.

The fixed headlights were a popular conversion back in the '70s, and that's obviously what inspired the builder of this jaw-dropping 'Vette. It's definitely a period build, having been in storage for many years, but the workmanship has held up quite well, a testament to doing things right. It has the requisite cowl induction hood, but also includes neat grilles in the front bumper (which is molded into the nose) and that forever-deep candy paint job that was the calling card of top customizers back in the day. Astute viewers may also notice the very slight ghost flames in the paint, but you have to catch the light just right to see them (the best way to see it is to view the video). As an older resto, it shows a few signs of age, but the beautiful paint still looks so luscious that you want to touch it. The back half is largely stock, so nobody will mistake it for anything but a Corvette as you power away from a light, even retaining the slender chrome bumpers that highlight the early C3s. Smoked glass T-tops add another custom touch, but it retains other details like the stainless rocker moldings and side marker lights, so it'll take an expert to spot all the modifications. If you don't like how it looks, that's OK, but I bet there are plenty of guys who went to the Auto-Rama back in the '70s like I did who think this sucker's the coolest thing on four wheels.

The interior is considerably less radical, sporting factory-style black bucket seats with fresh seat covers, a restored dash pad, and new carpets. Keeping things as OEM as possible means this 'Vette is very user-friendly on the street and all of GM's engineering works in your favor as this one drives like a stocker. The controls will feel familiar to anyone who's owned a C3 in the past, and with a modern digital AM/FM/iPod-compatible stereo, it's a great summertime cruiser. New rubber floor mats with the Corvette logo add a bit of color to the otherwise monochromatic black interior, and with the T-tops off and the rear window removed, it's almost roadster-like in the way it tousles your hair at speed. This is a really fun car.

The engine is your familiar 350 cubic inch V8, but it's been dressed up with a mild custom look that seems just about right for this car. The block is color-matched to the bodywork, and while it shows some signs of heat-cycling, there's no doubt that this car was a stunner back in its day. A chrome air cleaner with reproduction decal, chrome Edelbrock valve covers, and a fairly OEM look overall help this car reinforce its position as a show-stopper you can actually drive without worries. A burbly dual exhaust system adds the right soundtrack, and as a Corvette, you know it still handles and brakes like a sports car. A TH400 3-speed automatic and the stock rear end make for a bulletproof powertrain, and flashy chrome Rallys with 225/70/15 white-letter radials enhance the already eye-grabbing look.

No, it's not for everyone, but if you watched "Corvette Summer" more than once, you know why you're looking at this 'Vette. It's just that cool, and it's priced under 20K! Call today!