1969 Chevrolet Corvette

Description

The story on this 1969 Corvette Stingray convertible is one of those clean, honest cars that doesn't require cubic dollars to purchase yet delivers a high-quality pedigree that certainly adds to the ownership experience. It offers matching numbers, a great color combination, and nice options like factory A/C and a removable hardtop. Why should the high-dollar cars get all the perks?

Riverside Gold makes this sleek 'Vette look period perfect, and given that it's had just a single repaint, it should be no surprise that the fiberglass underneath is in great condition. The finish has just the right amount of metallic in it to make it glow without looking too modern, and even after 45 years, that shape remains one of the most attractive in the entire automotive kingdom. There are no gaudy stripes or styling add-ons, which speaks volumes about the integrity of the design, and for many the earliest C3s are the best of the bunch with their chrome bumpers and hidden windshield wipers. It's not perfect and probably wasn't intended to be, but for a car that's ready to drive anywhere, anytime, it looks like a million bucks. Those aforementioned chrome bumpers look great and you'll note that the Stingray badges above the side vents are now one word, not two as with the earlier C2 cars.

The black interior contrasts perfectly with the Riverside Gold paint and with a few well-chosen options, this Corvette becomes a great grand-touring machine rather than a hardcore sports car. The interior is completely original including the seat covers and carpets, which adds quite a bit of credence to the low-mileage claims. Factory A/C is a very desirable option and it's still powered by R12 refrigerant, which is still the most effective choice, and with an automatic transmission, it's easy and comfortable, not aggressive and busy. The original gauges are remarkably clear and bright and you can't argue with how well the interior works from a driver's standpoint, with everything within easy reach. A factory AM/FM radio still delivers decent sound and the cool fiber-optic lamp monitors are always fascinating for first-time Corvette owners. The folding convertible top stows under the rear deck and a removable hardtop that's been color-matched to the bodywork seals it up as tightly as a coupe and gives it a unique look.

The 350 cubic inch V8 is this car's original, matching-numbers engine and makes a nice, round 300 horsepower. The 327 was gone, so this was the base engine, and quite honestly, with 300 horsepower on tap, it's a blast to drive. With so few miles, there's been no need for rebuilds or major repairs and even carries its original smog equipment, which is a very rare find. The block has been recently painted to brighten the engine compartment, but there's also a lot of original componentry that still works and looks great. Automatic Corvettes got a rugged TH400 3-speed, even behind a small block, and with a limited slip in the rear end, it feels punchy around town and cruises nicely on the highway. The underside offers more proof that this is a clean, low-mileage car, and a new exhaust system gives it a factory-correct sound. Shiny Rally wheels with relatively recent 215/70/15 radials mean the car rides and handles well.

We strongly believe that the 36,178 miles shown on the odometer are correct simply because of how clean and tight this car is; high-mile Corvettes just don't feel like this. Combined with the matching-numbers drivetrain and desirable options, this is an affordable Corvette with a great pedigree. Call today!