To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Amelia Island event, 6 - 7
March 2020.
Estimate:
$250,000 - $325,000
- Highly desirable L89 option with aluminum heads, one of only
390 produced
- Powered by its original 427 cc, 435 hp engine
- Factory four-speed transmission and side exhaust
- Stunning award-winning restoration; NCRS award winner
- Documented by its original tank sticker and judging sheets
The most balanced engine for the 1969 Corvette was the L89
"big-block," factory rated at 435 horsepower. The engine featured a
four-bolt main block topped with a pair of high-flow, lightweight
aluminum heads. Resting between the heads was an aluminum tri-power
intake manifold with three Holley model 2300 carburetors. While the
L89 was rated at the same 435 horsepower as the iron-head L71, the
L89 was known to produce slightly more power thanks to its larger
exhaust valves (1.84 inches compared 1.72 inches). It also weighed
about 75 pounds less, thus reducing weight from the front end,
enhancing road performance. A transistorized distributor was
standard for all L71 and L89 engines. Only 390 examples rolled off
the St. Louis factory floor with the L89 option, and those that did
represent some of the fastest and most balanced C3s ever made.
This handsome Corvette was treated to a show-quality restoration to
exacting specifications in 2016. It achieved the much coveted NCRS
Duntov certification in 2017 with a score of 99.3. Having already
achieved Bloomington Gold certification and NCRS Top Flight
certification, it achieved "Triple Diamond" status at the Muscle
Car & Corvette Nationals in 2016. Triple Diamond Corvette
candidates are judged on a 1,000-point scale with deductions taken
for any deviations from how the vehicle left the assembly line. A
team of highly trained Corvette specialists go over every square
inch of the vehicle, inside, outside, and underneath. They check
date codes, part numbers, fit and finish techniques, and more, to
assure that any Corvette to make the cut is truly one of the
world's best.
Handsomely finished in Tuxedo Black with a Saddle interior, options
include power windows, side-mount exhaust, Soft-Ray tinted glass,
audio alarm, Posi-Traction 3:70 differential, and four-speed
close-ratio transmission. This exceptional '69 L89 presents a rare
chance to acquire one of the best of the best Corvettes
available.To view this car and others currently consigned to this
auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/am20.