Only 23K Miles? 1969 Chevrolet Corvette
Of the 38,762 Chevrolet Corvettes built in 1969, I think we’ve covered every one of them. Maybe some even twice! Ok, so that’s probably an exaggeration but they’ve gotten deep coverage here on Barn Finds. One thing, however, that we’ve missed is finding an example with 23K miles that is claimed to have some documentation. No worries, just such an example has turned up here on eBay for a current bid of $25,100 with 43 bids tendered so far. It’s located in Lomita, California but let’s check it out here first before making any shipping arrangements.
Thanks to my time spent many years ago working for a Chevrolet dealership, I have driven countless C2 and C3 Corvettes. That said, I have never actually owned one though I’ve considered it more than once. Thinking about the C3s, I’d have to say that the ’69 and ’70 are probably my favorites – cars that in their day deserved and earned respect. As to the significant production volume, the ’69 model year was extended into what would have normally been the first part of the ’70 model year due to a labor strike.
The seller has only owned this Corvette for a year and he states, “Never in an accident very solid and rust free undercarriage all original body. Believed to have the original Daytona yellow paint…“. Further stated, is, “All original undamaged and unrepaired fiberglass body very smooth body lines and groove lines under fender walls. Solid rust free undercarriage“. Well, it definitely presents well, and based on the extensive images provided, nothing appears to be out of place other than some minor buckling in the header panel. The listing claims that the vacuum system works properly so there are no issues with either the headlights or the windshield wiper scuffle. And, speaking of that scuffle, the Daytona Yellow paint is peeling from its top edge stainless trim. There is a lengthy walkaround video included – it’s worth a review (the background’s a bit noisy because the video was shot along Vista Del Mar, right where flights depart from LAX and head out over the Pacific. There’s a bike path in the background and I pedaled it about a year ago – the planes can be a bit unnerving at first!).
Under the hood, we find engine option RPO L46 which is a 350 HP, 350 CI V8 connected to a close-ratio four-speed manual transmission. It is said to be driveable (which is open to interpretation) and used for car shows. In typical California outfitting, the engine is equipped with an A.I.R. pump. With low mileage claims, I like to check the engine compartment closely – it can frequently clue one in on mileage authenticity, but I can’t make a call in this case. A half-century of age can muck up the assessment. The engine compartment is complete and the air cleaner is included. With it removed, you can get a good look at the recently rebuilt Quadrajet carburetor. Also noted is the swap from a twenty to a twenty-four-gallon fuel tank.
The interior checks out well too, with no rips, tears, splits, or obvious wear. The seller mentions that the carpet is faded but that happens pretty quickly with the black nylon loop variety – it turns brown but the seller says that he’s going to dye it. The gauges are nice and clear and the original Delco radio is still in place. This ‘Vette is air conditioned but it sounds as if it needs some attention, it supposedly works but I guess it no longer cools.
Back to that mileage matter and the “some documentation“. None is revealed so that’s one that will require further inquiry. No doubt about it, this is a nice ’69 Corvette coupe, and a no-reserve auction makes it even more attractive. The seller suggests, “will not last long-“, I’d agree, how about you?
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Comments
Nice car. Don’t know what’s causing the raised rear end but it needs to be brought down to factory level for proper alignment. Tight corner in this one and you’re back to early Corvair days.
All ’69 Corvettes had the smog pump (A.I.R. system), regardless of engine, transmission, or dealer destination. Most C3 Corvettes were so equipped from ’68 onward, although some had the TCS system instead.
Relatively few remain still equipped with the original smog pump. Back in the day, most people quickly discarded them….even dealers. Many (falsely) perceived the smog pump was responsible for significant horsepower loss.
Original, dated smog systems are now somewhat valuable to owners wishing to earn NCRS awards. Some complete original systems are worth thousand$.
This appears to be a nice original, well-equipped (AC), unmolested car.
Are you certain of that? As I stated, I worked in an east coast Chevy shop from ’72 to ’74 and don’t recall seeing one on a 327 or 350 (non-LT-1) small block (by ’73 they all did have them, however). Anyway, they must have all been removed over the years. As mentioned, I have given consideration to a ’69 or ’70 and I’m yet to encounter one with a pump. I can’t even find evidence of exhaust manifolds that have been plugged with pipe fittings.
JO
I don’t know much (I can see all of the heads nodding in agreement), but I do know this- Had I owned this car, in Southern California, it would currently have 1,023,000 miles on it and I would be out on the PCH right now heading out for coffee. These cars are meant to be enjoyed. If you enjoy looking at your car sitting where you store it, that is your call. I will never understand that, but it is your call. As you read this, it is 10:00 AM on the East Coast- Corvette and Coffee time! I will be at Fair Pour Coffee on the Erie Canal in Fairport, NY. Join me and I’ll by you a coffee. Bonus- the baked goods are amazing. Look for the Arctic White over Torch Red 1995 with the NCRS sticker on the back glass.
Nice car. Daytona yellow is a fave. But no way this is a 23k mile car! Rusted brake booster, under hood wear and worn interior betray it a well used, over 100k mile car. Still, with these option probably worth $25k. It’d be at least twice that as a true low mileage car.
Very nice well preserved Corvette no matter how many miles, I think it may have a bit more than 23K miles on it. What struck me funny was the length of the stud on that quadrajet for the air cleaner hold down, I’m surprised it hasn’t put a hole in the hood , Those 350-350’s are very nice motors, good performance, I had a
‘ 70 convertible with one , it surprised me .
Bonus points for having that smog pump. Only early C-3 that I’ve seen an original one on was a ’72 LT-1.
Say you’ve covered every 1969 Corvette, huh? Then let me know the whereabouts of the one I owned from 1971-74, It was originally an L71 435 HP 427 and the requisite 4-speed. Attached is a link for a pic of it with me in it in 1973. I really would like to know if this old car is still alive. Its VIN is
194679S733159
https://apis.mail.yahoo.com/ws/v3/mailboxes/@.id==VjN-rk8XqqlWPXFLxi7Xd-YQB3ifZlht9rYrFtcbbZmEcQJFoiQLKbzFnWZ-YCn5dukd9gV7iJSFnePUxHwzXe1Zbg/messages/@.id==AG3HOkptL-HkYyKWxQT5cCP7owA/content/parts/@.id==2/thumbnail?appid=YMailNorrin
Ended:Sep 14, 2022 , 6:10PM
Winning bid:
US $33,800.00
[ 75 bids ]