I went to a local car show over the weekend and saw this car for sale. It was actually a lovely little car, with a stonking engine, in a shade of blue that you don’t see on modern cars. I think the asking price is a tad high, but to find out what it is, and if the price is justified, you will have to make the jump….
This Marina Blue 1969 Chevrolet Corvette was well presented, and while not exactly a beater, it seems to get driven. I forgot to ask about the mileage, and it looks like the base convertible, with a 350, 4 Speed, no A/C, and no power windows. The only thing I didn’t like about the interior was the aftermarket radio.
So is $17,250 asking too much, or is it just right?
V.I.S.I.T: What Do You Think a 1969 car with a 350 is Worth?
By Jim Brennan
Jun 14, 2010
Jeff Glucker
You just can't take things for granted in an old 'Vette. There's too much skilled cloning and fakery going on, though that mostly applies to special editions and big-blocks. Assuming this good-looking car checks out and is mechanically sound, it's a realistic price.
Price seems about right. It has a lot going for it.
1) 1969, probably the most desirable year for C3s with nice chrome bumpers. (40+ years later some people are still scared of the build quality of the 68s)
2) Convertible
3) 4-speed
4) Pretty color
5) Appears to be properly sorted and mostly unmolested, no aftermaket wheels, no weird interior mods (other than the radio and t-handle shifter), no tacked on racing stripes, no unnecessary hood bulges, no odd exhaust tips.
It might not be up to the standards to win a NCRS show, but so what, looks like a nice driver.
The car looks clean and cared for. I'd like to see the engine and hear it run. if it's as clean as the rest of the car, the price is probably right. Of course, with it parked, you have no idea as to the condition of the transmission and suspension, but my guess is that it's as well cared for as the rest of this nice 'Vette. I'm not a Corvette expert, but I think the price is reasonable. I'd love to have this car.
That price is completely unrealistic. By that, I mean it's unrealistic that I'll ever own a sweet ride like that. For someone with the extra cash, the price sounds pretty good.
I'd give an extra hundred if they put the cue ball shifter handle back on it. T-handles suck.
My best friend’s dad has a Green ’69 Corvette roadster that he bought brand new. It’s got a 350 and a four-speed, like this car, plus A/C and Ansen slot mags that he bought for it in 1971.
I got to drive it once. The seats aren’t particularly supportive, the clutch is stiff, the shifter is pretty terrible, and there are plenty of cars out there that are faster than it. I don’t care– it’s friggin’ awesome. If I had $17,250 burning a hole in my pocket, I’d pick this old beast up in a heartbeat.
C3s are sexy
Brakes and handling be damned
Four speed for the win
If it was born with all that equipment and doesn't have any horrors hiding underneath, $17,250 is a great deal. A stock radio and shift knob should be easy (though perhaps relatively pricey) to source.
Knock the zero off the end, and it might be worth it. Probably not even then. These are just awful cars in every way.
I never cease to be amazed that people not only like these, but like them enough to pay actual MONEY for them. If I was given one, I'd sell it, I dislike them that much.
Quiet you, and make me some syrup and "bacon", now.
That's about the going price of a '69 Camaro with those powertrain options. Well worth it, IMO. C3 Corvettes have always struck me as analagous to old Chris-Craft woodies, meant to be used and enjoyed in approximately the same way–not so much as a sports car as a highway-going powerboat.
What I don't understand is how the friggin' WHITEWALLS manage to look so good on it.
I’m glad to see there is still a little fantastic content on the internet. I’ve gotten so tired of google sending me garbage.