Iconic Stingray C3 Corvette in its earlier guise with side-mounted exhausts
427ci L71 V8 engine, with a rare manual transmission
Attractive tan vinyl interior
Registered in France
The Appeal
In 1968, Automotive history was made when a Hot Wheels car was released with a very unique shape. As remarkable as it may be, that was how the world found out about the “Custom Corvette” - which would, that very same year, roll out of the St. Louis factory as a highly attractive sports car.
With sharp styling - inspired originally by a shark, rather than a stingray - the C3 was an impressive looker, with a long nose, notchback cabin and pop-up headlights all creating one of the era’s definitive vehicles. It was accented even further with ‘T-Top’ roof panels and packed with some of the very best in Chevrolet’s V8 powerplants.
This early example includes the rare optional side-mounted exhausts, the powerful 427ci L71 V8 powerplant, and a desirable manual transmission. It comes to us in beautiful light burgundy paintwork with chrome accents and matching numbers, making for an exclusive and complete survivor.
Nicely appointed ‘Saddle’ brown interior with reclining seats
Angled dashboard with deep-set instruments
Original period features throughout
Being a sports car from the era that really set the standard, the Corvette C3 is a short, squat piece of equipment that isn’t going to win an award for its inner capacity. To make the most of its limited proportions, the C3 leans the driver and their passenger back into a stance as sporty as it is streamlined. Brown tan seats, a steeply angled dashboard and that big steering wheel - it’s all as stylish and unique as the car’s outer shell.
The interior here is in rare order, presenting a very pleasant and distinctly seventies atmosphere, with the vinyl in very good order throughout. We can’t highlight any rips or tears, and there still appears to be plenty and shape and body in the bolsters.
The dashboard, with its distinct curves and deep-set dials, is in good order, with the centre console carrying extraneous dials, a period radio and the rarely-seen C3 manual gear enclosure. We can see some light marks and the odd chip to the black metalwork, but it’s proven to be an impressive survivor for a car of its vintage.
The door cards show some light marks and scuffs, with a light patina to the chrome door furniture. The carpets are in good order, with the shelf at the rear being in solid order.
It’s no secret that the C3 is up there with the very best from Chevrolet’s design department. The organic, but aggressive shapes of the car’s unique aesthetic are the only things that come close to its impressive performance, and the more they’re studied, the better they look. It’s a sublimely detailed motor.
This example comes with its original lightweight fibreglass body, which has developed some light blistering, and some minor hairline cracks that show no structural concern and are of no detriment to the overall appearance.
Originally finished in 988 Burgundy, it now carries a brighter metallic burgundy livery with chrome detailing. This seems to have been done some time ago, as it now carries a level of age-commensurate wear. The pop-up lights are working, but the vendor does note they appear to be somewhat sluggish.
The chromework is brightly presented, with the gentlest peppering of patina, and the side-mounted exhausts have been beautifully polished up to bring out their distinct pleated shape.
The car is sitting on its original set of Chevrolet Motor Division wheels, which are wrapped in BF Goodrich white-lettered tyres. Underneath, the car has a few spots of surface corrosion, but is largely in fine fettle, with nothing we can highlight as an area of concern.
Powered by the impressive 7.0L “Big Block” L71 V8 Engine
Optional 4-speed manual transmission
Impressive 435HP output
No reported mechanical faults, leaks, or excessive smoke
Underneath the distinctively shaped hood, the L71 V8 engine is still in excellent condition - burbling away into life first-time with no major faults. The engine bay is in excellent order, with the air filter head brightly polished.
Everything is clean and well-organised, and we can’t spot any signs of leaks or excessive corrosion - making for a highly presented and intensely solid-looking powerplant.
Ultimately, it’s rare we see such a finely specified C3 in such fine fettle.
Incredible aesthetics, an original interior and that beast of an engine. What more could you possibly hope for from a C3? This is simply one of the finest examples of a highly unique car that we’ve come across and should make for a shining jewel in any collector’s crown fleet.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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1969 Chevrolet Corvette C3
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