Vehicle Description
The story on this 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray convertible is
one of those solid, honest cars that doesn't require cubic dollars
to purchase yet delivers a driver-quality pedigree that certainly
adds to the ownership experience. It offers a matching numbers 350
V8, a great color combination, and nice options like factory A/C
and T-Tops. Why should the high-dollar cars get all the perks?
Cortez Silver makes this sleek 'Vette look period correct and the
fiberglass underneath is in solid 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 an older paint and it's not perfect, but for a car
that's ready to be driven, it looks like a million bucks from just
a few feet away. 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 gray cloth and vinyl interior matches nicely with the Cortez
Silver 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 restored including the seat covers
and carpet, and even though it's showing some minor signs of use,
it's still very comfortable and presentable. Factory A/C is a very
desirable option and it's been upgraded to R134a refrigerant, which
is the most effective choice, and with a TH400 automatic
transmission, it's easy and comfortable, not aggressive and busy.
The original gauges are mostly 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 removable yet snug-fitting T-Tops stow behind
the seats and were color-matched to the bodywork so the car
practically looks like a slick top when they're in place.
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. The engine was rebuilt, and features
reconditioned heads, a new OEM Rochester 4-barrel carburetor, and a
performance cam for a little added lope. The block has been painted
Chevy orange to brighten the engine compartment, and there's also a
lot of original componentry that still works and looks great
coupled with a few, slick aftermarket upgrades. 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 solid, honest car, and a newer exhaust system gives it a
factory-correct sound. Shiny Rally wheels with period-style
255/60/15 Goodyear Eagle GTII radials mean the car rides and
handles well.
Documented with loads of build receipts and manuals and combined
with the matching-numbers drivetrain and desirable options, this is
an affordable Corvette with a great pedigree. Call today!