The Chevy Corvette received a full redesign to mark the debut of its third generation. Styling cues were taken from the Larry Shinoda-designed Mako Shark II. The new Corvette was a much more complicated vehicle with thirty percent more parts.
Coupes now featured removable T-Top roof panels and removable rear windows, and both coupes and convertibles had a fiber optic taillight monitoring system with indication lights located at the base of the center console. The battery migrated from the passenger side of the engine compartment to a storage compartment behind the driver’s seat. Exterior door handles were integrated into the lines of the car, with a scoop handle and pushbutton lock. Seatbacks had a 33-degree rearward slant due largely to the aggressive rake of the windshield. The cabin felt tighter, with less shoulder room compared to the previous generation. Headlights were vacuum operated, a feature that would cause consternation as the new generation aged and vacuum lines became compromised. The windshield wipers were concealed under a vacuum operated door that would open when the wipers were switched on.
Despite all the changes, the new generation Corvette rode on much the same frame and suspension as the previous Sting Ray.
The new Chevy Corvette offered 327 Small Blocks rated at 300 and 350 horsepower, and 427 Big Blocks with 390, 400, 430, and 435 horsepower. The 430-horsepower variant was the grossly underrated L88 that was intended for competition use. Available transmissions included the new-to-Corvette Turbo Hydramatic three-speed automatic, and three and four-speed manuals.
A handful of minor changes graced the Chevy Corvette for 1969. The pushbutton exterior door locks disappeared, as the lock cylinder became smooth mounted on the door, and the finger scoop served to actuate the opening mechanism. The dash on the passenger side had a map pocket added to it, and the ignition switch moved from the dash to the steering column. The Stingray moniker returned to the front fenders after being absent for 1968, albeit as a single word. Wheel width increased from seven to eight inches, and Small Block displacement increased from 327 cubes to 350. Small Block engine offerings included 300-, 350-, and 370-horsepower variants, the latter as part of the LT-1 package. 1969 Was the final year for the L88 engine package, and 427 Big Blocks as a whole.
Our feature 1969 Chevy Corvette is a rare factory color override car with a LeMans Blue exterior over a Red vinyl interior. It has been the subject of a full restoration to its original spec as evidenced by the trim tag, tank sticker, and NCRS validation. The Corvette is powered by the numbers-matching 300-horsepower 350 cubic-inch Small Block backed by a three-speed manual transmission. It is equipped with Rally wheels shod in Redline bias-ply tires, a Delco AM-FM radio, four-wheel disc brakes, and a 3.36 Positraction rear end. Included in the sale are the tank sticker, NCRS tank sticker validation, NCRS Shipping Report, and restoration documentation with photos.
This one-of-a-kind 1969 Chevy Corvette coupe will cross the Mecum Auctions block at their Kissimmee, Florida event in January 2025.
Comments
Rare and pretty don’t always go together.
Yes, sometimes that why they are rare.
Just because it’s rare doesn’t mean it’s worth more. Sometimes it’s just rare. Don’t worry, I realize someone will probably pay way too much for a ‘weird’ car. Forget the 3 speed manual and the 300 HP 350 but the red vinyl gut in the Lemans blue car is messed up. It’s just weird…
How do I unsee it?
There was a ’69 Camaro in my town that was Daytona yellow with a green interior! I was told it was ordered by a John Deere worker hence the color choices.