Vehicle Description
This 1969 Chevrolet Corvette hits all the high notes: a powerful
big block V8 built for battle, a quick-shifting 4-speed gearbox
that can handle all those horses, and a gorgeous Silver-on-Black
color combination. While the early 'Vettes get a lot of attention,
chrome bumpers like this '69 are gaining a foothold in the Corvette
market - with a timeless 'Coke Bottle' design and off-the-charts
good looks that excite fans from every generation.
Originally born with Code 983 Fathom Green paint, at some point in
the not-too-distant past, this '69 coupe was comprehensively
repainted in the electric Silver shade you see today. Although
green certainly has its virtues, vibrant color like silver is the
perfect dance partner for the early C3 design, and this particular
1969 Corvette makes quite an entrance everywhere it goes. Few cars
will attract more attention than a vintage Corvette with a sculpted
big block hood, especially when it's badged with custom 'stingrays'
on either side that can scare children away. 1969 was the second
year of the brand new Zora Duntov-designed C3, which was engineered
to improve the aerodynamics of the C2 (which Zora himself decried
as having "the aerodynamics of a bad airplane") via its 'Coke
Bottle' shape and upward arched fenders that all work together to
create one of the most dynamic cars ever made in America. Of
course, it doesn't hurt that the panels are very straight, with
good prep over well-preserved original fiberglass with no signs of
past damage or abuse. Thanks to that conscientious preservation and
great prep work, the silver paint laid down very nicely when
applied a few years back. Although it's not a perfect showroom
finish, it looks relatively fresh, very bright and shiny, and
impresses everyone who passes by. Sure, there are some minor
imperfections here and there, but nothing would scare anyone away,
and the majority could be easily remedied with a comprehensive
buff-and-wax. Gaps are about par for the course on a C3, although
these ornate aftermarket hoods can always be slightly inconsistent.
The rest of the panels line up very straight, and almost everyone
prefers the chrome bumper end caps found on the early C3 models.
Paint-matched T-Tops are highly desirable options that quickly
transform this coupe into an open-air cruiser, and they fit nicely
and snug whenever you need shelter from the storm. When removed,
you can elevate the wind-in-your-hair experience by popping out
that rear window. Yup, that window comes out in this model! 1969
was the first year the 'Stingray' moniker became one word on the
Corvette. The fender badges accurately reflect that compound
change, and they shine brightly with the door hardware, side
mirrors, trim around the lower front grilles, and brightwork
encircling the taillights.
The interior is just as dialed-in as the exterior, starting with
the beautiful, factory-optioned black standard vinyl bucket seats
that were faithfully reupholstered and are every bit as comfortable
as they look. Crisp, black door panels, a matching crack-free dash,
and plush carpets give it a highly polished look that's been
lightly broken in, and the 3-spoke steering wheel, dash, center
console accents, and bright chrome shifter add just a touch of
contrast to the otherwise all-black driver's compartment. Like many
big block muscle cars, options are sparse, but you get seatbelts, a
center console, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM/Cassette radio installed
in the factory slot. Clear gauges show crisp markings and bright
needles, both ahead of the driver and in the center stack, and the
middle console and dash pad are matching black and show only slight
wear, likely from someone holding on for dear life, while the
monster under the hood terrorized the neighborhood.
This C3 will also eat lesser machines on the road for breakfast,
thanks to the powerful 454 V8 big block under the hood that's been
built up and punched out to 468 cubes. With a stout horsepower
registering on the dyno at 383, and torque topping out at 437
lb-ft, it's the smart choice for the guy or gal who likes to drive
his Corvette. Built with Brodix aluminum heads, a big 4-barrel
carburetor, Edelbrock aluminum intake, long-tube headers, and a
giant aluminum radiator, it's an extremely powerful engine with
plenty of pop-up-and-down throttle. It's also very reliable - with
continued regular maintenance - and can easily be serviced just
about anywhere GM vehicles are accepted, with decent service access
thanks to a wide engine bay. Beautifully presented with Chevy
Orange paint on the block, chrome valve covers, and a chrome air
cleaner up top, the engine bay is not overly detailed but certainly
nice enough to show off with great pride. Those headers, as
mentioned earlier, feed into a throaty X-pipe dual exhaust system
that sounds downright erotic when at full bore. However, it's not
so overbearing that you're deafened inside the cabin at idle. The
numbers-matching Muncie M22 4-speed manual transmission is still in
place as the big block's perfect dance partner, and it spins what
is likely the original rear end filled with street-friendly gears
that can easily handle the big block's mountainous torque curve to
make acceleration entertaining at any speed. Factory Rallye wheels
give the 'Vette a traditional performance look, and they're wrapped
in beefy 225/70/15 BFGoodrich Silvertown redlines with plenty of
tread left.
Offered with loads of build receipts and maintenance records, an
original service manual, and a Dyno sheet, this dialed-in big block
C3 has the looks and performance to satiate any car lover. Looking
good and ready to rock, this beauty won't last long. Call
today!
