In 1969, only 252 Corvette models came equipped with a three-speed transmission, and this gem is one of them.
There are rare Corvettes from every generation, and virtually every model year, a fact that collectors are keen to uncover regardless of what makes them rare. It could be paint colors, various options or packages, or even something as silly or mundane as the size of its gas tank or other options we’d take for granted on modern vehicles, but these things make cars more valuable, nonetheless. Case in point – this 1969 Corvette up for grabs at Volo Auto Sales, which is one of just 252 produced for this particular model year with a three-speed transmission.
Aside from that unique feature, this 1969 Corvette has plenty going for it, starting on the outside with a glistening respray of its original Riverside Gold hue. The chrome is in fantastic condition as well, accented by the always-desirable side exhaust system and a set of 15-inch Rally wheels wrapped with Goodyear rubber.
Inside the cabin, you’ll find reupholstered seats, along with brand new carpet and flawless-looking door panels, updated quartz instrumentation, the factory AM/FM radio, a chrome ball shifter, and essentially no issues to report. It’s a fresh looking interior that perfectly accentuates the nearly flawless exterior, for certain.
Even with a 20-year-old frame-off restoration, this 1969 Corvette still shines under the hood and body as well, with the original 350 cubic-inch, 300 horsepower V8 looking good as new. Everything here is said to be correct, right down to the ignition shielding, valve covers, air cleaner, carb, fuel filter, and cooling system. One deviation from stock is the addition of a power steering conversion kit, but there’s nothing wrong with that in our book.
The same goes for the super sanitary undercarriage, which has been treated to new front steering and suspension components, new ball joints, four-wheel disc brakes, and a 3.36-geared rear end. Overall, this C3 is one heck of a nice car, in spite of its older restoration, as well as a pretty rare footnote in Corvette history, even if it isn’t for the most exciting reason we can think of.
Photos: Volo Auto Sales
Keyword: 1969 Corvette Is One of Just 252 Produced in This Configuration