1969 Chevrolet Corvette

Description

Brightly-colored Corvettes are always going to be popular, and you know we love them here at Streetside Classics. This 1969 Chevrolet Corvette coupe represents the opportunity to buy an early C3 with lots of charisma for not a lot of money, and if history is any indication, there are going to be a lot of guys out there trying to take advantage of this offer.

The swoopy styling of the C3 has actually aged rather well and today offers a retro look that's immensely popular. Painting that dramatic shape bright Lemans Blue only helps the cause, because if you're going to own a '60s icon, you may as well go all-in. For an early C3, the gaps are quite good and the fiberglass is in very good shape, and the guys in charge of making it shine did a pretty darned good job, although it was quite a few years ago. Revised side "gills" add some contrast that only enhances the Corvette's sporting look, and it still carries all its original badges, just in case you can't tell what kind of car it is. Chrome bumpers are a big part of the early C3's appeal, and these are nicely polished, along with the bright rocker panel trim and emblems that are almost too nice to be 48 years old.

The black leather interior is pure Corvette, which means it's both luxurious and sporty with enough creature comforts to make it a great long-distance cruiser. The original seats are in good condition and the carpet looks great, so you know someone has been looking after it properly. Nice door panels tie it together so it has a nice all-of-a-piece feel where everything just seems right. All the gauges appear to be original and it is equipped with somewhat rare air conditioning, which is a nice addition to any early 'Vette. FM radio was starting to come into its own in 1970, so the original buyer was wise to spec an AM/FM radio, which is still in the dash although now would be a good time for an upgrade. The cargo area is also in good shape, with enough space to stow the color-matched T-tops.

We don't know if that is the original 350 cubic inch V8 under the hood, but it's a strong runner. It's not detailed for show, but it's easy to get in and turn the key for just about anything, making this Corvette daily-driver-friendly. It does have a bit of chrome to dress things up and it's pretty stock save for a Holley carburetor on top. It has obviously been rebuilt at some point, since it's been decked, which wiped out the numbers, and it is ready to enjoy right away. The A/C has not been converted to R134a refrigerant, but you could do that when you service the system, making it easy to maintain in the future. The TH400 3-speed automatic is probably original to the car and the underside shows off a lifetime living someplace warm, because even a Corvette chassis can suffer in winter climates. A few new components on the suspension, a finned pan for the transmission, and a newer exhaust system gives it an appropriate V8 burble. Factory Rally wheels wrapped in Goodyear redline radials have the right look for a 1969 performance car.

Affordable, stylish, and nicely optioned, this is a Corvette that delivers big fun along with great road manners, so you can buy with confidence. Call today!