Chrome-bumper C3 Corvettes have been a staple of the classic scene for decades, and pristine examples with the right drivetrain combination can command respectable prices. This 1969 example is far from perfect, requiring a frame-off restoration to reach that standard. It features a big-block under the hood that would provide excellent performance once it returns to our roads, but it appears that the seller has had trouble moving this classic to a new home. They have listed the ‘Vette here on eBay in Lutz, Florida. Their auction is set to open at $1,000, although they have received no bids at the time of writing.

Chevrolet’s C3 Corvette hit a sweet spot with buyers, and with sales topping 30,000 cars for the first time in 1969, there was no arguing that it was a success. The information supplied by the seller of our feature car is vague, leaving us begging for more. The tired Monza Red paint might respond to polish, but I suspect that any potential buyers will choose a frame-off process if restoration is their aim. That allows the opportunity to strip away the existing paint to achieve a high-end result. The fiberglass looks to be in generally good condition, although the rear fenders now sport larger flares to prevent stone chips behind the back wheels. Whether they stay or go will depend on personal preferences. The biggest question hanging over this Corvette is the presence of rust. The supplied images reveal problems at the top of the windshield frame, making me wonder whether that might be the tip of the iceberg. The seller states that the frame is solid, but I still feel that an in-person inspection is justified to remove any lingering doubts.

The seller admits that this Corvette is no longer numbers-matching. They continue their trend of providing limited information about the car’s history. However, if the hood badges are an accurate guide, the first owner ordered this car with a 427ci V8 under the hood. The most popular big-block option in 1969 was the L36, producing 390hp and 460 ft/lbs of torque. It was selected by 27% of buyers, meaning that cars with that engine aren’t rare. This car’s 427 has made way for a 454, bolted to a three-speed automatic transmission. We are flying blind about the engine’s origins, specifications, and health. The seller confirms that it doesn’t run, but doesn’t indicate whether it turns. It looks pretty clean, and while that is encouraging, it isn’t proof that this big-block is healthy.

The “total restoration” theme continues inside this Corvette, with the Black vinyl trim and carpet well beyond their best. As with many classics of this vintage, everything required to achieve a factory-fresh look is available from a wide selection of suppliers, and the prices are generally pretty reasonable. The factory radio has left the building in favor of a radio/cassette player, which appears to be the only addition. The lack of factory features like power windows and a tilt/telescopic wheel suggests that the original owner focused on performance when ordering this classic.

The lack of auction action on this 1969 Corvette is unsurprising because the listing is only a few hours old. However, this isn’t the seller’s first attempt to send the car packing. Thirty-two bids pushed the price to $7,100 in their previous auction, which fell short of the reserve. Do you think they will taste success this time, or will a lower reserve be required?