While some classic enthusiasts will accept nothing short of total originality, others are less worried. For them, a high-end driver is their dream, and if it happens to offer mind-blowing performance, that’s a bonus. Therefore, they may find themselves irresistibly drawn to this 1969 Chevrolet Corvette. It presents beautifully, but the big-block under the hood is the star of the show. It produces power that Chevrolet only dreamed of, with the ability to pin occupants in their seats when the “loud” pedal is pressed. The seller has listed this Corvette here on eBay in Santa Cruz, California. Thirty bids have pushed the price to $19,000, which is below the reserve.

Chevrolet had a hit on its hand with the C3 Corvette when it was unveiled for the 1968 model year. The company’s latest offering set a new sales record of 28,566 vehicles, but it was eclipsed comprehensively in 1969 when the total rose to 38,462. It took until 1975 for that tally to be surpassed, although figures then continued climbing for the rest of the decade. The seller uses the word “restored” to describe this Corvette, but I see its recent work more in line with a refurbishment. The Tuxedo Black paint gracing its flawless fiberglass isn’t original, because the Trim Tag confirms that the original owner ordered this gem in Riverside Gold. However, as we will see, this is only the first of many changes performed to bring this Corvette to its current form. Faulting the presentation is virtually impossible. The paint shines intensely, the trim is excellent, and the underside shots confirm the frame is rock-solid. It appears the vehicle has spent its life in a dry climate, so I wouldn’t expect any problems with the birdcage. The glass is clear, and the Rally wheels are spotless. We must now delve under the hood to spot this classic’s most profound change.

Okay, let’s state one important fact about this Corvette that might instantly deter purists who are considering making a play for this classic. The seller states that this ‘Vette is no longer numbers-matching. That’s a shame because this is 1-of-2,722 cars ordered with the L71 version of the 427ci V8. This big-block was a monster motor, generating 435hp and 460 ft/lbs of torque. The first owner teamed that engine with a four-speed manual transmission, creating a car that could demolish the ¼-mile in 13.5 seconds. The seller describes the existing powerplant as a period-correct 427 that has been heavily breathed upon. It features aluminum cylinder heads, solid lifters, headers, and other upgrades. They stated that they aimed to squeeze over 600hp from this motor, and I would be unsurprised if they achieved that goal. Critically for potential buyers, this is a turnkey proposition, with the seller using the word “amazing” to describe how it drives. There are no obvious external signs of the potency of what occupies the engine bay, allowing the winning bidder to enjoy this classic as a genuine sleeper.

I’m quite surprised by how seemingly unmolested this Corvette’s interior is. It appears to sport a retro stereo, but that is the only obvious upgrade. It retains its correct Black vinyl trim, gauges, and other items. The presentation is excellent, and the only functional issue identified by the seller is inoperative wipers. Otherwise, it seems that everything works as it should. It isn’t loaded with factory options, although it is worth noting that Chevrolet didn’t offer air conditioning to buyers selecting the L71 big-block. Otherwise, this interior scores power windows and a tilt/telescopic wheel.

The relative rarity of a 1969 Corvette with an L71 under the hood makes it a shame that this classic is no longer numbers-matching. However, plenty of potential buyers have ignored that perceived shortcoming as they attempt to stake their claim on this beast. It won’t appeal to purists but is ideal for someone seeking a car that combines iconic looks with exceptional performance. The modifications make it impossible to accurately determine a potential sale price, but I won’t be shocked if it climbs toward $40,000 before the hammer falls. Do you agree, or do you have another figure in mind?