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This is undoubtedly the favorite of my collection. It's sexy lines, "Coke bottle" center pinch and sweeping fenders are timeless. The early models of the third generation Corvette (C3) have always been my favorite of the Corvette line - and perhaps of any affordable classic. The later model C3s had that awful greenhouse rear window that destroyed the looks. The "flying buttress" look of the earlier models is definitly much better.

The 1969 is probably the most desirable of the C3 models. There were many functional improvements over the '68 model - some cosmetic, but most would be considered "bug" fixes and feature enhancements. The '68 and '69 were the only years of the C3s that had the "gills" on the sides - calling back to the "Mako Shark" prototype. 1969 also marked the return of the "Stingray" moniker - which was missing in 1968. Actually, on the C2 models, it was separated into two words (Sting Ray). This particular car came with the standard suspension package - which is actually quite comfortable. It's actually the most comfortable-driving car I have - so much so that it is my preferred commuter. It's also very rugged. I once drove home 70 miles with a leaking heater hose on a hot day in stop-and-go traffic and never saw the coolant temperature reach the danger point. Probably the biggest complaint I have with it is that the driver's side footwell gets extremely hot. I've heard that this was a common problem with all C3 Vettes even when new. The solution is to use the A/C with the bulk of the airflow directed into the footwells. I purchased this beauty in October of 2001 from the original owner in Santa Ana CA where it had been stored since 1995. Despite its original appearance, I quickly discovered that prior maintenance that had been performed on the car was substandard and several systems needed components replaced and serious adjustments. Worst of all was the realization that oversized wheels and tires had caused significant damage to the fiberglass fenders - which required replacement of the entire right front fender. After being driven for a month to evaluate its condition, the car was parked for repairs and an interior renovation. Actually, what started as a stereo replacement became a major job because I (as usual) couldn't bring himself to put anything back together without it being just right. The interior was completely gutted and scrubbed clean. While the interior was out, all weather stripping and stainless steel trim was removed. The trim pieces were reconditioned. All weather stripping was replaced. Interior trim panels were cleaned and refinished. The door jambs were stripped and repainted. The carpeting was replaced after laying down full insulating high-tech underlayment. All console components were replaced with new units. Fortunately, the original seats were in good shape and only required a good cleaning. The original AM/FM/8-Track stereo was replaced with a 100-watt USA-5 AM/FM stereo with integral CD controller head and a 6-disk CD changer. Notice that the stereo has a period-correct analog dial. Behind this dial is a digital display. Output is boosted by a 240-watt 4-channel amplifier and played through two 80-watt Pioneer pod speakers in the rear and two 4X6 front speakers. Front and rear bumpers have been replaced with new units as were all grill pieces. The suspension required new shocks and replacement of the steering gear box. Handling is firm and stable, but not all that sporty by today's standards. The powertrain is in solid shape after some serious tuning and the engine pulls strong. However, the engine is a warranty replacement from 1979 and is due for replacement with a slightly built motor with the correct-date block and heads..

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION:

• Model: 350 V8
• Serial #:
• Type: V8, OHV, Hydraulic Lifter
• Horsepower: 300
• Carburetor: Rochestor Quadrajet
• Overhauled/Rebuilt:
• Block Casting #:
• Block Casting Date:
• Heads Casting #:
• Heads Casting Date:
• Pistons: Hypereutectic .040" Overbore
• Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
• Camshaft:
• Transmission: 3-Speed Turbo 350 Automatic

CHASSIS:

• Manufacture Date: November 29, 1969
• Body Code:
• Body Number:
• Paint Color: Monaco Orange
• Condition: Excellent
• Front Suspension: Independent A-Arms, Coil Springs
• Rear Suspension: Independent Trailing Link, Transverse Spring
• Wheels: 15" x 8" Rallys
• Tires: BF Goodrich Radial T/A - 225/70R15

INTERIOR:

• Option Code:
• Color: Black
• Material: Vinyl
• Features:
• Center Console
• Fiberoptic Indicators of Exterior Lighting
• Door Ajar Warning Indicator
• Seat Belt Reminder
• Headlights In-Transit Warning Indicator
• Full Instrumentation
• 160 MPH Speedometer
• Tachometer
• Oil Pressure
• Coolant Temperature
• Ammeter
• Fuel Level
• Clock

STANDARD FEATURES:

• Pop-Up Hidden Headlights
• Hidden Windshield Wipers with Vacuum Operated Door
• 4-Wheel Independent Suspension
• Power Assisted 4-Wheel Disc Brakes
• Teak Stearing Wheel

OPTIONAL FACTORY EQUIPMENT:

• "Astro Vent" Air Conditioning
• Removable T-Top
• Pop-Out Rear Window
• Alarm System
• Power Windows
• Power Steering
• 15"x8" Rally Wheels
• Shoulder Harnesses
• Chrome/Black "Gill" Trim
• Head Rests
• Tilt and Telescoping Steering Wheel

OPTIONAL AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT:

• Passenger Side Rear View Mirror
• Leather Console Armrest
• USA-5 AM/FM Stereo w/6-Disc CD-Changer
• Panasonic Pod Speakers (rear)
• 240 Watt 4-Channel Amplifier
• Power Antenna
• Finned Aluminum Valve Covers

CUSTOM-MADE OPTIONS/FEATURES:

• Removable Dome Light (no holes drilled)

WORK DONE SINCE PURCHASE:

• New Front and Rear Bumpers
• Replace Grills
• Replace Front Spoiler
• New Front and Rear "Crossed Flags" Emblems
• New Front and Rear Shocks
• New Radiator
• Install Finned Aluminum Valve Covers
• Rebuild Carburetor
• New Alternator
• New Water Pump
• New Ignition Wire Set
• New (rebuilt) Steering Box
• New Brake Master Cylinger
• Replace All Flexible Brake Lines
• Interior Restoration
• New Upper Console
• New Center Console
• New Rear Console
• New Carpeting and High-Tech Insulating Underlayment
• New Quartz Clock Movement
• Replaced Center A/C Vents
• ALL Weatherstripping Replaced
• Refinish T-Top Interior Liner
• Refinish All Plastic Interior Panels
• Replace Sun Visors and Mounts
• Replaced Glove Compartment Housing
• Replaced Jack, Glove Compartment and Battery Cover Doors
• Seats are Original and Untouched!
• Repair Heat/Air Conditioning System
• Replace A/C Expansion Valve
• Replace Phlenum Chamber Valve Vacuum Actuator
• Replace Fan Switch
• Replace Fan Relay
• Replace Heater Control Valve
• Rebuild Climate Control Selector Mechanism
• Evacuate and Charge System
• Repair Windshield Wiper System
• Replace Wiper Actuator Vacuum Switch
• Replace Wiper Door Limit Vacuum Switch
• Replace Wiper Override Switch
• Fabricated New Washer Spray Tubes
• Replace Washer Pump Assembly
• Replace Aluminum Slotted Mags with Rally Wheels
• Replace Headlight Vacuum Actuator
• Replace Driver's Side Power Window Motor
• Replace Door Ajar Switches
• Replace Replace Courtesy Lamp Switches
• Replace Rear Courtesy Lamp
• Replace Low-Beam Headlights
• Repair Headlight Washer System
• Replace/Repaint Right-Front Fender
• Stripped and Repainted Door Jambs
• Stripped and Repainted Rocker Panels
• Installed New Stereo System
• Installed Power Antenna

WORK REMAINING:

• Parking Brake Inoperative

MAINTENANCE LOG:

• Last Oil and FilterChange: 110,326
• Last Coolant Change: 105,000
• Last Air Filter Replacement: 100,200
• Last Tire Rotation: 108,000