The
1969 Chevrolet Corvette changed little from the preceding year, but
“Stingray” now became one word and was badged on the front fenders.
Thanks to a long selling season, the year was an outstanding sales
success for Corvette with the total jumping 30 percent to over 38,000
units.
The standard power train began life as a base 300bhp, 350
cubic-inch small-block. The L46 option upped the ante to 350hp.
Beyond small block territory there were four big blocks available. The
venerable 427 cubic inch power plants came in a variety of
flavors. Starting with the work horse 390 horse power with a
single four-barrel carburetor. The rest of the line up were
equipped with triple carburetor setups. These optional monsters
included the 400 horse L68, the 435 horse L71 and the 430 horse L88
which by the way is considered the "Holy Grail" of the C3 generation.
Ten
colors were available in 1969. They included: Riverside Gold,
Tuxedo black Polar Can-Am White, Monza Red, Le Mans Blue, Fathom
Green, Daytona Yellow, Cortez Silver,Burgundy, and Monaco Orange. The
price of entry for a base C3 was under five thousand dollars.
Several
four-speed gearboxes were available. These included the M20 wide-ratio,
the M21 close-ratio and the high performance close-ratio M22. A
slush box Turbo-Hydra-Matic was also available that year.
Popular
interior options available for the Sting Ray included a leather
interior, power windows, power steering , power brakes,
air-conditioning,and tilt-telescopic steering column.
This
bring us to a true survivor C3 that belongs to one of our readers. The
car in question is a 1969 C3 big block coupe. Its a two owner car that
has been fully restored and pampered for the past thirty years of its
existence. This gem is equipped with a numbers matching 427 390 hp L36 that has been NCRS certified. The
car is adorned in Riverside Gold, with an Ebony interior. A 4 speed
manual motivates the big block power.
Other desirable options
include; factory Air, Power Steering,Power. Brakes and Power windows. This outstanding outstanding condition classic also has all the full documentation and protecto plate.
