Auction Pick of the Week: 1969 Corvette Stingray Convertible

Perhaps the most recognizable Chevrolet Corvette, the third-generation (C3) model dates back to the early 1960s and the first of the “Mako Shark” concept cars. While no production car ever truly recreated the magic of these designs, it is easy to see designer Larry Shinoda’s original Mako Shark II in the C3’s DNA. People loved them, too. During its 14-year run, the C3 became the most widely produced Corvette generation with over 540,000 cars built.

The C3 Corvette experienced a litany of changes throughout its production run from 1968–82. Early cars wore chrome bumpers and could be had with serious muscle, from hot small-blocks to barely streetable big-blocks. By the end of the series came a sharper focus on styling and better interior appointments, as well as electronic fuel injection. Among collectors, the early chrome bumper cars from 1968–72 are most prized, as they are considered excellent-looking and carry the most desirable performance engines. Smog and impact regulations forced big changes in styling and performance beginning in 1973.

The C3 featured here, and currently up for auction on Hagerty Marketplace, is available for bidding through February 22. Refinished in Can-Am white, the car boasts a white top and Saddle interior. It is a charming older restoration, kept in the loving care of the current owner since 2015 and showing just 33,636 miles at the time of listing. The restoration was completed prior to the current owner’s acquisition, and the listing photos indicate some spidering on the hood—something any C3 owner will tell you is unavoidable on older finishes.

Sitting under that hood is GM’s venerable 350-cubic-inch small-block. This was the standard engine for 1969, rated for a respectable 300 horsepower. Coupled with the M40 automatic transmission, this configuration is perfect for cruising or the occasional spirited back road drive. The Corvette is also factory-equipped with air conditioning and a luggage rack, as well as seat belts, which were added by the current owner. Not a miles-long option list, true, but this car is fairly representative of the average Corvette on the road in 1969.

If you’re looking for an early C3 on which you can rack up satisfying miles without guilt, look no further. For my money, it’s more fun to own a Corvette you can drive without worrying about affecting your NCRS judging score.

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